Live in Community
Jesus shared his life with a group of people
who went with him on his journey.
It should be the same for us as followers of Jesus. We need others on this journey; we can’t go alone. We need people who sharpen and encourage us, and most of all, people to do life with. We think the best place for this is in community – it’s the relational heart of our church.
We’d love you to join us. Get in touch, let’s chat!
A Presence Based Church
God is at work restoring all things – all people, all places, everything in the whole world – and we want to be part of that. Our church is on a journey to join Jesus in the places where we live. We’re on our way to becoming more of a presence based church.
We know from Jesus’ life and teaching that place and proximity to others are important, and we’re learning how to do this in our neighbourhoods. Just like Jesus was present on earth, we want to be present in our neighbourhoods.
“The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.” John 1:14
Neighbourhood Communities
At South West Baptist Church we have a number of established ‘Neighbourhood Communities’. These are groups of people who live in the same neighbourhood and who are committed to sharing life together, figuring out what it means to follow Jesus in their neighbourhood. They are committed to a people and a place; they are South West Baptist Church in that place. Through their local Neighbourhood Community leader, each community has a relationship with the church leadership team that is both empowering and accountable.
Our Neighbourhood Communities reflect the people who make them up, the places they are in, and the neighbours they know. Because of this, each community looks different, is frequently changing, and is involved with their local people and place in different ways.
There are a few ways you can be part of the journey in your area. No matter what your age, life stage, or current life circumstances, everyone is welcome to become part of these communities of faith. We all have something to offer in growing vibrant neighbourhoods!
Groups
As well as our Neighbourhood Communities, groups are another place to connect with each other during the week. It’s easy to get lost in the crowd and feel disconnected in a big place. Joining a group is a great way to find a place of belonging.
There are all sorts of groups – groups that meet in homes to read the Bible, groups that meet to do book studies, groups that meet onsite to pray. These groups play a vital role serving together and are part of the relational fabric of our church. Sometimes it’s a process to find the group that fits best, so please get in touch if we can help you in any way.
Welcoming Refugees
As part of the Government-run Community Sponsorship Pilot Programme, South West Baptist Church has welcomed 6 former refugee families into our Otautahi Christchurch communities. The pilot programme ended in mid 2024 and it is unclear whether the Government will continue the programme.
South West is unable to welcome further refugees under this programme. Neighbourhood groups in Ōpāwaho, Addington and Oaklands are continuing to help the families to settle and will continue to support them until 2026.
Please continue to pray for the volunteers and sponsored refugee families. Pray that our sponsoring teams will continue to build trust and understanding as they work together. The former refugee families are facing life-changing adjustments and will do so for many years to come. Please pray for a smooth transition to New Zealand life and their ongoing wellbeing.
Please also pray that the government will extend the programme and make it a permanent part of New Zealand. It has been very successful and brings together our own communities as well as providing a safe welcome for refugees who are some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
