Howick Baptist Church News

STAND for the Gospel 2010 Conference Report

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:17:46 +0100

The following report was printed in the June Edition of The Baptist Magazine.

'African Spurgeon' inspires believers at STAND 2010

Hearts, minds, and lives were powerfully impacted by the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ when nearly 200 attendees from across Australia and New Zealand attended the inaugural STAND for the Gospel bible conference. Hosted by Howick Baptist Church in Auckland from 16–18 April, keynote speaker Conrad Mbewe (Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia) -- often referred to as the “African Spurgeon” -- provided a feast of preaching over five sessions that was Spirit-empowered, Gospel-saturated and Christ-magnifying. Workshop speakers Joe Fleener (Riverbend Bible), Paul Davison (Hastings) and Peter Somervell (Howick) brought further practical applications of the Gospel to various life situations over an enriching weekend.
There were numerous highlights from Conrad’s sermons at STAND 2010. He relayed the need to stand firm in the sufficiency of Scripture using a number of memorable illustrations. Many were convicted by his challenge to make God's glory the ultimate motivation in evangelism efforts (John 12:20–33). In addition, his powerful exposition of Psalm 50 helped to correct a number of false assumptions about worship. Conrad also exhorted attendees to stand firm in the centrality of the Gospel, and be motivated to lead a disciplined life in light of it.
Beyond the preaching, attendees were able to hear about what God has done and is doing through Conrad’s ministry in Zambia. Over the past 15 years, the Lord has been pleased to use the men there to plant some 40 new churches, establish a pastor training school, and develop plans to start a Christian University by 2012. It was exciting to hear of the great work the Lord is doing in this part of the Baptist world.

Other Conference highlights included:

• meeting brothers- and sisters-in-Christ from all parts of the country faithfully serving in their corner of His vineyard;
• ministry presentations from Gospel for Asia, Adopt-a-Child, and Grace Books New Zealand;
• the Christ-exalting music ministry, as William Chong marshalled an inter-church music team to lead attendees in corporate worship
The conference deliberately honed in on the primacy of the Gospel -- the joyous declaration that God is redeeming the world through Christ (Matt 1:21; Luke 1:68; Eph 1:7; Col 1:20), and that he calls everyone everywhere to repent from sin and trust Jesus Christ for salvation (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:38; 17:30). Conference coordinator Calvyn Jonker shared: “A major inspiration for establishing this conference came from evangelist George Müller’s seven reasons for his preaching ministry: to preach the Gospel in its simplicity, to lead believers to know their saved state, to bring believers back to the Scriptures, to promote among all true believers brotherly love, to strengthen the faith of believers, to promote separation from the world, and to fix the hope of disciples on the blessed coming of our Lord Jesus.”
STAND 2010 was an immensely edifying weekend, and reminded every person there that a great, sovereign and faithful God is accomplishing His purposes for His glory and the good of His children right here in New Zealand. Conrad Mbewe is tentatively scheduled to return in 2012 and plans are underway now for the next STAND for the Gospel conference (15–17 April 2011).

HBC Library

Tue, 18 May 2010 16:48:25 +0100

Our Resources tab now has a new Catergory "HBC Library"

Here you will be able to see what new resources have been added to the church library.

HBC to host first Bible conference featuring Conrad Mbewe

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:21 +0100

Howick Baptist Church is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its inaugural "STAND 4 The Gospel" Bible conference, from April 16-18 2010. The conference will feature keynote speaker Conrad Mbewe from Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia.

Widely regarded as “the African Spurgeon”, Conrad is also the Principal of the Reformed Baptist Preachers College in Zambia, and together with KBC is presently overseeing the establishment of ten new Reformed churches in Zambia and Botswana.

In our culture today, the centrality of the Gospel as outlined in the Bible is gradually being undermined and phased out. HBC Associate Pastor and conference organiser Calvyn Jonker explains: "At this conference, we will be exposed to a timely reminder of why the centrality of the Gospel and Scripture itself is so important, as we seek to be relevant, credible and effective witnesses for Christ in New Zealand."

The weekend conference will feature gospel-saturated plenary sessions by Conrad, as well as breakout workshops on topics relevant to daily Christian living: applying the gospel to our vocation, marriage & parenting and singleness. Workshop speakers include HBC Senior Pastor Peter Somervell, Pastor Paul Davison (Hastings baptist Church) and TSBC Lecturer Joe Fleener.

Check back to this website regularly, or sign up on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/howickbaptist) for the latest updates.

What you need to know:

STAND4TG 2010 - Standing Firm!

16-18 April 2010

Guest Speaker: Conrad Mbewe
Conference Fee: $55/person
Venue: Howick Baptist Church
corner Picton & Wellington Streets
Howick
Registration enquiries: calvyn.jonker@gmail.com

HBC Home Groups

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:19:43 +0100

Do you want to grow in your Christian faith? Home groups provide the encouragement, correction, and accountability that keep us from drifting. If you have a passion for personal change - and every Christian should - then you will be glad when others challenge you to grow and support you in the process (See Hebrews 10:24-25).

Current home groups are listed here - Get involved! (Calvyn 021 663587)

Competition and community at 2009 HBC Family Camp

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:30 +0100

MATAMATA, New Zealand – Team Galatia secured a comprehensive Shield Challenge victory during the 2009 Howick Baptist Church Family Camp. Held at Totara Springs Christian Centre over the 18–20th September, over 150 church family members from all walks of life enjoyed healthy competition mixed with convicting preaching, refreshing fellowship and lots of exciting activities and events. Galatia finished the weekend with a comfortable 100-point gap over runners-up Colossae and teams Philippi and Ephesus.

Pastor Joe Fleener from Riverbend Bible Church in Hastings brought his family along, and preached on God’s sovereignty and grace as found in the book of Ruth. HBC members soaked up the teaching and learnt of virtuous and God-honouring characters, and how they were used in God’s ultimate plan of salvation for the world.

In between the teaching from God’s Word, folks young and old took part in the wide range of activities offered at Totara Springs. There was something for everyone, with activities including: archery, rock-climbing, hot pools and hydroslide, crate climbing and lots more! Competition points were at stake during some of these activities: it was fiercely contested out on the go-kart track, with Jayby Graham and Janka Wade emerging as the fastest racers!

Another highlight of the camp was “HBC’s Got Talent”, the variety show that showcased the wide range of talents and gifts in the church body. Notable acts included: the “Blues Brethren” bringing down the house with some sanctified blues numbers; youth intern Jono Macfarlane folding up frying pans and practising his spelling; a concert band piece featuring a number of instrumentalists guest-conducted by Dion Scrivener; Psalm 27 as a smooth R&B number by Mana Napara and her crew; a comedic vignette written by Luke Somervell; and William Chong’s moving rendition of “It Is Well With My Soul” to close.

Many thanks must go to the HBC camp organising committee: (Ray Scrivener, Geoffrey Downing, Simon Newbould & Calvyn Jonker), for making the event so memorable. Those that went were blessed to grow in the Lord and build each other up in Christian fellowship and unity.

Check out the video slideshow of the camp:

HBC now on Youtube

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:19:22 +0100

Howick Baptist Church now has a Youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/howickbaptist). On it you’ll find a growing collection of videos featuring excerpts of some of our pastors’ faithful preaching ministry. The HBC Youtube channel will also have highlights from church family events such as camps, trips and baptism testimonies. We hope that this will make it easier for you to share the many God-given blessings we have at church with your friends and family. If you have any queries or suggestions for future content, please send them to: studio@howickbaptist.org.nz.

In the meantime, don’t forget to add the HBC website to your bookmarks, or subscribe to our RSS feed to keep up with all the latest news, notices and information. In addition, Pastor Tony Nunez posts thought-provoking and challenging Youtube videos on the 180 Youth page.

We serve a risen Saviour!

Impact 2009 brings cold weather, warm fellowship

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:49:11 +0100

HASTINGS, New Zealand - A 30-strong Howick Baptist contingent joined over 500 people from NZ, Australia and the US at the 2009 Impact Bible Conference, held in Hastings from the 29th May to the 2nd of June. US preachers and speakers combined with lecturers and pastors at the Riverbend Bible Church to present a gospel-saturated conference on “The Gospel and Evangelism in a Postmodern World”.

Notable speakers included Rick Holland, College Pastor at Grace Community Church in California; Jerry Wragg from the Immanuel Bible Church in Florida; and Martha Peace, speaker and author of “The Excellent Wife”. Everyone from HBC benefitted from sound teaching and the rich fellowship with like-minded Christians in the Body of Christ. The Hawkes Bay region was also treated to the first sea-level snowfall in over 30 years.

Seminar sessions were also fruitful, with Shepherd’s Bible College lecturer Joe Fleener leading some interesting sessions on theistic evolution and intelligent design. The HBC women were particularly grateful for Martha’s practical sessions, while Pastor Peter presented a lively talk and Q&A on “The Five Solas” and their importance for today.

-------------------------

See photos from Impact: click here
Read daily summaries from the Impact Conference: click here
Read Jono's sermon notes: click here
Listen to free audio recordings: click here

CampnFish Weekend - Higham's Beach (Kaipara)

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:00:35 +0100

5th - 8th February 09

Watch this video to get a taste of the CampnFish Fun!

HBC welcomes new pastor Tony Nuñez

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:07:04 +0100

(AUCKLAND, NZ) February 1, 2009 – Elders, church staff and members at Howick Baptist Church celebrated the commissioning of new Assistant Pastor of Youth Ministries Tony Nuñez.

Joined by his wife, Chantelle, and their children, the HBC elders led the congregation in praying for the family and officially welcoming them into their new ministry role at the East Auckland church.

HBC Senior Pastor Peter Somervell expressed confidence in this appointment, saying: “We are delighted that the Lord has led Tony and Chantelle to minister among us. Tony’s gifting and leadership ability will be of great value in the role he will be serving. We look forward with anticipation as to what is going to do through this couple.”

As part of his role at HBC, Tony will be responsible for pastoring the flock of young people within the church family. He has already been diligently laying the groundwork for the revamped youth ministry, which will be called ‘180’.

“The name ‘180’ communicates the kind of change that only the gospel has the power to do and continue to do”, said Tony in explaining the biblical purpose of 180. The official kick-off for 180 is on the 6 March 2008, with all teens in the area encouraged to come check it out.

An honours graduate from both the Master’s College (B.A. Biblical Exposition) and The Master’s Seminary (M.Div), Tony has over 10 years of experience in youth ministry and has led two church plants in New Zealand.

Tony is married to Chantelle Nuñez. They have three children: Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Keziah.

Goat Island Reserve Getaway Monday 26th January

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:25:32 +0100

Auckland Anniversary Day dawned bright and beautiful and about 50 of us headed off to the Goat Island Reserve near Leigh. After admiring the new toll road and tunnel and saving about 30 minutes on our trip, we hit the reserve in full force! Beautiful, sapphire-blue water greeted us - what a spectacular credit to God's greatness as the Creator! It didn't take long to get the goggles and fins out and to make closer acquaintance with the snapper and sting rays! A great time was had by all - kayaking, swimming, chatting, making new friends, eating, tanning and relaxing in the hammock! Christian family is the greatest family in this world!

Mangemangeroa Walk Sunday 25th January 2009

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:07:18 +0100

Blue skies and warm sun! After a great time of worshiping God at the morning service (see download: 'Children of Obedience' - Calvyn Jonker), about 20 adults and children walked the Mangemangeroa walkway in Howick. What an opportunity to catch up with those we don't know too well yet and to discuss God's goodness in our lives. With the children in the lead - the rest of us puffed to keep up but it turned out to be a great occasion! The next one? Watch this space!

Howick Baptist has a Merry Christmas

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:29:02 +0100

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Nearly 200 people enjoyed an evening of carol-singing, performance items and joyous fellowship during the inaugural "HBC has Christmas" celebration. Held on 14th December in a packed Clarkson Hall, church members showcased their God-given talents and gifts to an appreciative audience of HBC family and friends.

From the sounds of The Tokens’ "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" wafting through the Howick Village air to drama presentations highlighting the real meaning of Christmas, a wide variety of items were presented to the church body. Singing lyrically-rich Christmas carols also helped to redirect the focus onto Jesus Christ, the real reason for the season.

Pam Crooks brought the house down with her performance of "Silent Night, Holy Night" and "O Holy Night" – the ethereal and haunting sound of the musical saw reverberated through the hall, sending shudders down many a spine! The evening also featured a guest performance by keyboard teacher Craig Myers, who played the 3rd movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 17, Op. 31.

Other notable acts included: the 2014’s faultless singing of "Light of the World"; Luke Somervell playing What Child is This” on the trumpet, Joshua Choe and Nnedima Umeano’s tuneful violin playing; a set of carols from the “Bold as Brass” group; and Mark Somervell playing "We Three Kings" on the piano.

Jon Scanlan reprised his "Scarfunkel" performance from Church Camp with a heartfelt rendition of Steven Curtis Chapman’s "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" to close the night.

Many thanks must go to the decorating and hosting team led by Shirley Borlase and Nathalie de Wet, who transformed the Clarkson Hall into a yuletide wonderland; the musicians who led the carol-singing, and all those who helped with preparing the supper and make it a memorable and blessed night!

Happy times at Howick Baptist 2008 Camp

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:10:47 +0100

MATAMATA, New Zealand - Team Philippi were crowned champions of the inaugural Shield Challenge during the 2008 Howick Baptist Church Family Camp. Held during 12–14th September at Totara Springs Christian Centre in Matamata, Philippi (Blue Team) edged out runners-up Galatia (Orange Team) by just 5 points after a weekend packed with powerful teaching, precious fellowship and lots of exciting activities and events.

The 2008 HBC camp saw over 100 people of all ages and backgrounds come together for a refreshing weekend building one another up in Christ. Pastor Craig Lloyd from Grace Bible Church in Brisbane, Australia crossed the ditch to share a 3-part series on God's grace as evidenced in the life of Jacob (Gen 27-28). Members of HBC gained useful insights into this Old Testament character, learning lessons from his life still relevant today.

Outside of being invigorated by God's Word, both kids and adults took part in the wide range of activities offered at Totara Springs. There was something for everyone, with activities including: go-carting, archery, rock-climbing, en-masse soccer and volleyball games, watching the All Blacks clinch the Bledisloe Cup, taking turns on the massive hydroslide and relaxing in the hot pools before bedtime! In addition, the team Shield Challenge gave HBC camp-goers the opportunity to show their "competitive" side, while still providing numerous opportunities to get to know one another better.

A highlight of the camp was “HBC’s Got Talent” – a variety show performance starring HBC members themselves, showcasing the wide range of talents and gifts in the church body. Notable acts included: Kelvin Lomberg’s rendition of Brooke Fraser’s “Hosanna” (with added finger percussion); a strongman challenge from youth pastoral intern Jono MacFarlane; comedy acts and parable re-enactments from the HBC kids; and our very own Psalm-singing duo, "Simon and Scarfunkel"!

Make sure you check out the Camp Photo Gallery for some extra camp memorabilia. Also... A wonderful slideshow of the camp:

New Website Launched

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:51:58 +0100

Welcome to the new church website. We hope that apart from just looking a bit slicker, this website will provide the church and others with useful resources and information. For those who often get Sunday sermons on CD, you now also have the option to download Sunday sermons from the website in the Audio Sermons section.

We hope to continue updating the website with church news, events and notices on the home page, so you can always check back here if you're not sure what's going on in the life of the church. We will also be adding some more church information on the site as time goes on, and refine existing information. If you think there's incorrect or missing info on the website, please do contact us with what you think needs to be changed. We will be most happy to consider it.

I really hope and pray that this website is found useful for the glory of God. May it serve the church well