How pausing to study at Bishopdale College informed Sophie's faith, work and parenting for years to come.

"We live in a fast-paced world where lots of things are changing. It’s easy for people to feel bewildered and alone. As a result of isolation, our seniors are yearning for a sense of belonging."

A number of people asked how I was feeling about getting ordained, but the honest answer was I wasn’t too sure. But what I did know is how it felt in the two months leading up to the ordination.

Anglican leaders gathered for Nelson Waimea's first Emmaus day – a new, affordable leadership gathering format trialled, with two more to come in Greymouth and Blenheim next month.

"I just want everyone to meet Jesus because it’s all real. There are so many lost and broken people out there, and he just makes life better."

"Looking after older people is not only essential in ensuring their health, dignity and independence, it also honours their contributions to both family and society."

I’m always aware that Jesus was never particularly impressed by those who knew lots – the Pharisees, Sadduccees and scribes were often on the sharp end of his social commentary.

Nigel Irwin was commissioned on Sunday as minister-in-charge of St Christopher’s in Redwoodtown, Blenheim. I caught up with him to ask about his journey.

"I think the library can be missional in fostering spiritual growth and equipping people to better serve God. To be part of God’s mission is very satisfying for me."

I struggle to listen well. Yet over the last decade of being an Anglican priest, listening has become a critical part of living out my vocation.

Ordination at 70, parish scandals and church at a lighthouse – four retired clergy share stories of calling and ministries as varied as the communities they served.

Bishop Steve running 100km to raise money for Bishopdale College earlier this month reminded me of another bishop in our diocese who took up a huge journey nearly two decades ago...

Carol is one of the founders of Winning with Words – an affordable after-school literacy programme taught by volunteer teachers, held every week in the parish centre at St Thomas, Motueka.

In the steepled house, down town on Commercial street, we congregate, lost sheep with no shepherd, waiting expectantly for the promise to come.

At the Epiphany morning service on Sunday in Tākaka, vicar Mark Johnson declared that Pentecost is the birthday of the “messed-up blessed-up” global Church itself.

If I had been told even three years ago that I would want nothing more than to live my life in a small New Zealand town, serving a small church community, and sharing the hope found in Jesus until the day I died, I would not have believed it.

I remember when my radio cohost told me about this new form of sound: "Podcasting! Trust me, it’s going to change everything." Sure enough, it took off. I spoke with three NZ Anglican podcasters to find out more.

It all changed for me as we entered the town of Kumara. I had a pain in my side and was feeling dizzy. My heart rate started to go up and I felt like I had to work extra hard to keep moving.

As we stood outside the Greymouth Railway Station, ready to hit the West Coast Wilderness Trail, I knew the day of reckoning had come. I thought about the training I had done – wondering whether it was enough – and realised there was no turning back.

I’m inviting young adults on a trip to the place where the gospel was preached for the first time in Aotearoa New Zealand. But before I give you the details, I’d like to tell you a story for context. 

Rev Dr Clint Ussher, an ordained Wesleyan Methodist minister, is our guest speaker at this year's leadership training gatherings. I met with Clint to ask him about himself, his church, and what his heart burns for.

When cross-cultural missionaries move to a new place, they carry an unusual advantage. They don’t know the language, don’t understand the customs, and don’t yet know how things work. And that ignorance carries an unexpected gift.

With just two days to go, Bishop Steve and Rev Matt are making their final preparations for the 100km ultramarathon this weekend. And what better way to prepare than for the bishop to run 5km in his collar?

"Sometimes a Japanese person will come to our church, and it’s so obvious they are touched and want to make a commitment to Christ. Of course I invite them to receive Jesus, and the answer I often get is, 'But what if my family found out about it?'"

"We want seafarers to know that there are people here who see them, who appreciate the fact that they are keeping the world economy afloat, and that we genuinely care for them."