On Sunday, 9 August 2020, The Well Church (Christchurch) celebrated the induction of David Graham as their new Assistant Pastor. After a prolonged hiring process (extended due to Covid-19), David started into this new role at the beginning of August. It has been very encouraging to see the many ways God has actively been guiding this process with David from the very outset. There is a clear sense of call, a strong sense of ‘fit,’ and an answer to prayer.

Please read on (below) for a bio of David, Sydney, and Norah Graham.

It was an encouraging time of forward progress for The Well amidst the challenges and setbacks Covid-19 has brought in 2020. Rev. Brett Jones travelled to Christchurch to celebrate the induction but also to receive David as a licensed minister in the WMCNZ (transfer from Baptist Churches of NZ). There were several other guests joining from Christchurch and around New Zealand, including the Graham’s whānau and friends.

A delegation from the Graham’s previous church, South West Baptist Church, were present to ‘gift’ them to their new faith family, The Well Church. It was a powerful moment! And, of course, the celebrations continued with a special cake for morning tea.

KIA ORA, WE ARE THE GRAHAMS
David, Sydney and Norah.

I (David) was born in Taranaki and raised in the Philippines and Christchurch. Sydney was born in Maryland, USA and lived in California moving due to her father’s work in the military before immigrating 10 years ago to New Zealand with her family. Norah is 3 months old and was born in Christchurch Women’s Hospital. Norah is our delight and a gift from God! We are thankful to be her parents and we are excited for her to grow up in church and for the family of God to be involved in her life.

I (David) was formed as a child in a mission organisation shaped around serving Asia’s urban poor. Upon returning to New Zealand I grew up in a Pentecostal church where I encountered Christ and felt a sense of call into ministry. As a young adult I have been a part of South West Baptist Church where I have grown a passion to see God’s kingdom break into the local neighbourhoods that we have been in. During this time, I studied History at the University of Canterbury and Theology at Laidlaw College. I have spent the last three years as a Youth Pastor at South West Baptist Church where my role has been focussed around the young people of Halswell and Hillmorton High School.

Sydney loves working with young people too. When she isn’t on maternity leave, she works at Waipuna St John of God as a youth counsellor with 10-24-year-olds. Sydney has a heart for creating worship spaces for people to encounter God. She has sung and led in worship teams in various contexts.

Drawing from my time in the Philippines and Sydney’s experiences in different missional contexts we want ourselves and others to increasingly become aware of and connected to what God is doing around the world. And, in this next season, we’re excited to partner with God in all He is doing in and through the ministry of The Well.