Wesleyans In New Roles
As Wesleyan Methodists, it’s in our DNA to be involved in the wider community and ecumenical scene. We’re celebrating recent opportunities for 3 of our number.
Brett Jones – Secretary, National Church Leaders of Aotearoa-New Zealand (NCLANZ)
Rev Brett Jones was recently elected as Secretary to the National Church Leaders of Aotearoa-New Zealand for a 2 year term. In recent years the NCLANZ membership has
grown to 22 churches and encompasses most of the Churches in New Zealand, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Wesleyan Methodist and the wider Evangelical and Pentecostal family of churches. Rev Dr Richard Waugh previously served as Chairperson until 2020. National Church Leaders meet twice a year in Wellington and are the appointed/elected National Church Leaders of their denomination/movement. NCLANZ is a forum for the discussion of current theological and social issues and also offers an opportunity for the development of closer working relationships between the Churches of New Zealand and to facilitate friendship and mutual support among National Church leaders who share similar responsibilities. The group is also a catalyst for identifying key projects and causes where the Churches might serve the people of New Zealand and functions as a liaison with the Government. Brett will work with new Chairperson, Pastor Brent Liebezeit and the NCLANZ Executive to further the work of unity and influence across the churches.
Atu Lagi – Chaplain, Pacific Media
Rev Atu Lagi recently joined the Media Chaplaincy New Zealand team (part of the Christian Broadcasting Association) as a Media Chaplain. Rev Atu who has experience as a radio announcer as well as with his pastoral ministry, will work as a chaplain alongside the Pacific Media Network. The Pacific Media Network’s Mission is to operate as a Public Interest Broadcaster targeting Pacific peoples to empower, encourage and nurture Pacific Cultural identity and economic prosperity in Aotearoa (https://www.pmn.co.nz/). Rev Atu will work in this role 10 hours per month. He recently launched a Prayer for Fiji initiative on 531 PI radio https://fb.watch/v/
Clint Ussher, Church Leadership Fellow, Laidlaw College
Rev Dr Clint Ussher has accepted a part time role as a Church Leadership Fellow at Laidlaw College. Clint will be responsible for growing Laidlaw’s reputation and trustworthiness as a College for the formation of Christian leaders, within Aotearoa but focused in Christchurch. This will involve facilitating engagement between Laidlaw College and churches, contributing to the Pastoral Leadership Specialisation Supervisory Team and engaging with students in this stream. He will also contribute to the teaching of courses in the Practical Theology suite, particularly in the areas of leadership and formation. Please pray for Rev Clint in this new role and the wider ministry of Laidlaw College.
https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz/