Innovative leadership keeping with the times

Our generally old churches have a fresh and somewhat unusual approach in meeting the challenge of declining and ageing attendance most Sundays. 

Instead of the more conventional sole vicar or minister, the Paparoa Parish encompassing six widely scattered and picturesque churches and their settings, now has three co-priests!

This is only possible because of the dedication and commitment of those involved – husband and wife Richard and Colleen Binns, whose roots are firmly in the north and Kaipara district at Pahi; and Dianne Hawken, commuting to the Mangawhai and Hakaru district from Snells Beach, fully supported by her husband Kevin.

This is a rich combination of personalities and talents who are giving of themselves for little or no financial gain; again unusual in a generally rather materialistic and secular age. They have already, in the short time available, visited many folk and are keen to be very proactive in pastoral care.

There are many in our communities who feel isolated and lonely and it is the heart (and prayerful) concern of this rather unique and special ministry team to make a real and meaningful difference. To this end they are actively encouraging and empowering those already involved in the churches to ‘roll up their sleeves’ and pitch in more.

Let us wish them the very best; our churches are still relevant if only at Christmas, marriage time, birth and death – they are part of who we are as humans.

- From a Paparoa parishioner