Our church is made up of the people who find life and hope in Jesus Christ. They find meaning in the story of Jesus - his birth and life, his teaching and healing, his suffering, death and resurrection.
Because their experience of Jesus Christ has shaped their lives, they want to offer that experience to others. The church lives to share with people the life that can be lived when they choose to enjoy God and to invite them to share the satisfaction to be found following the way of Jesus.
Our Church is one run by the minister, the elders and the board of managers in partnership. 'Presbyterianism' means everybody is involved in decision-making at all levels. Our structure includes groups representing members of the Church. Presbyterians believe in the 'priesthood of all believers'; the value of each individual. We are committed to a style of leadership that is accountable to and serves the people. Each person's contribution is valued.
The Church at the local level is organised into congregations and parishes. Parishes are governed by a Session of Elders who are elected by the congregation. Elders are responsible for the spiritual oversight of parish life and may be young or old.
St Paul's SessionMalcolm Gordon (Minister/Pastor)
Jan Purcell (Clerk of Session)
Allan Knight
Brian Thompson
Brian Wilks
Ann Burton
John Gilmore
Alison Parish
The Board of Managers carries the responsibility for finances, properties and buildings and are also elected by the congregation.
St Paul's Board of ManagersMalcolm Gordon (Minister/Pastor)
Bruce Duske (Chair)
Bruce Warden (Treasurer)
David Walters (Finances)
Graeme Wallis (Vice Chairman)
Paul Parish (Buildings)
George Wilks (Grounds)
Ron Greenwood
Valda Beach (Minute Taker )
Jean Thompson
Gayle Alvins
David Croft
Absent: Isabella Stewart
Each parish is represented on the Presbytery by their minister and another elder. The Presbytery has responsibility for all the parishes and other ministries in its area. Its job is to coordinate mission, look after personnel matters and make sure parishes are functioning well. St Paul's belongs to the Bay of Plenty Presbytery.
Presbyteries are accountable to the General Assembly, the highest court. The General Assembly sets the policy and the direction of the church as a whole, as well as approving the various regulations that help the church to operate as an effective organisation. The General Assembly normally meets once every two years.
Our structure provides for roles in leadership, management, ministry, evangelism, worship and administration.
St Paul's is a member of NAPEC (National Association of Presbyterian Evangelical Churches)
For more information about St Pauls Katikati please contact us:
For more information about the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand, follow this link:
