About Napier Baptist
Napier Baptist Church was established over 120 years ago as a local expression here in Napier of the worldwide church of Jesus Christ. Today, we seek to continue to live as a group of people making known the reality of new life found in relationship with God through Jesus. We are a member of the Baptist Union of New Zealand – but welcome people from all backgrounds to join us – and are a registered charity with the Charities Commission.
The church undertakes a number of activities to help fulfil its mission of being Christ’s representative here on earth. These include:
Worship service
We meet every Sunday at 10am to encourage one another in our relationship with Jesus and share together in learning about God and encountering him in worship. After the formal part of our time together we share a cup of tea or coffee, usually out on the deck if the weather is nice, to continue getting to know each other better. During term time there is a separate programme for children during the service (see below).
Children's ministry
Sonbeams (creche – under 3s), Kidzone (3 – 11)
Children are an important part of our life together at Napier Baptist Church. On a Sunday morning children start off in the main service before heading out to their own programme if they want to. The under three year-olds are cared for in a designated crèche area. Children from three years to the end of primary school take part in a fun programme where they get to know God and each other better. Contact Kaz at the office to learn more about the children’s programmes.
Youth ministry
Those in their high school years get together at numerous times during the week to hang out and talk about what it means to be a follower of Jesus in today’s world. Contact Mike at the office to find out more.
Church community
People from the church get together at various times during the week to talk about what’s going on in their lives and how they are growing in their relationship with God. Some of these are regular groups while others meet on an occasional basis. Some cater for particular groups within the church, such as women, men and seniors, and others are open to everyone. For more information about these groups and to find out if there’s one that’s right for you, please contact the church office.
Community activities
As a church we want to be involved in what God is doing in our neighbourhood and wider community.
As part of this we run a Mainly Music programme for pre-schoolers and their carers on a Wednesday morning from 10am during the school term.
We have a community morning tea every Thursday from 10am to 12pm. This is open to anyone who wants to pop in and share a chat and a cup of tea or coffee. At this time we also distribute food parcels to those who request them.
There is also a craft group that meets every Thursday morning from 10am. Whether you’re an expert or just keen to learn you are welcome to attend.
Overseas mission
As a church, we are also a part of God’s world-wide mission. We partner with Tranzsend (the mission agency of the New Zealand Baptists) and others to financially and prayerfully support New Zealanders involved in global mission. If you’d like to find out more about serving overseas check out the Mission World website.