SENIOR PASTOR, Neil Baker
Neil says that what inspires him about GEBC is that it is made up of authentic people who seek to "Love God, Love others and Serve the world in Jesus' name." His favourite Bible verse at the moment is Phil 3:12 "...take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."After growing up in a family of four boys in Taihape (the gumboot capital of the world!) he attended Massey University, before studying at the Assemblies of God National Bible College and Lifeway College. He is well known around GEBC for his 'interesting' object lessons, experiments and daring feats that are often part of his preaching!
Neil and Jennifer are the proud parents of Jonno and Zoe and enjoy spending their time hanging out together as a family, mountain bike riding, going to the movies and reading.
ASSOCIATE PASTOR, Andrew Sangster
Andrew is a Carey Baptist College graduate who says he is inspired by the fact that "people have so much value and potential, yet are often so frail. The beauty is that God wants GEBC to partner with him in the lives of people in our community and in our sphere of influence." His favourite Bible verse is Phil 2:5-8, because "its powerful stuff - sounds like God wrote it!"Andrew and wife Naomi are parents to two very busy and active boys, Aaron and Ezra and in his spare time Andrew enjoys LOTS of sporting activities - tennis, mountain biking, running and "anything that involves sweat and effort!"
ASSOCIATE PASTOR, Marjorie Blaiklock
Marjorie and her husband David have been married for 50 years and have three adult children and eight grandchildren. Marjorie has a background in nursing (in fact she met David whilst she was doing Nursing in Dunedin and he was at Medical School!), Counselling and Pastoral Care.Marjorie has a passion for seeing people walk their healing journey supported and well equipped and was the driving force behind setting up Focus Counselling Service. What she loves about GEBC is "being out West, being 'in the community for the community', being part of a great team and doing life in an awesome authentic intergenerational community."
She enjoys spending her spare time in and around her home in Titirangi, walking in the bush (she completed the Milford Track with her grandsons to celebrate her 70th birthday!), reading and spending time with her grandchildren.
YOUTH PASTOR, Nathan Hughes
Nathan began his role as GEBC Youth Pastor in January 2009. He quickly settled himself into the role and managed to inspire and surprise the GEBC Youth in only a matter of months! Nathan and his wife Rosey met whilst at Laidlaw College together and now share their world with their very cute daughters Ruby and Eva.
CHILDREN'S CHURCH COORDINATOR, Suzy Aislabie
Suzy oversees GEBC's Kidz programme - PowerZone. She says what makes her passionate about her job at GEBC is seeing children develop a potential life-long relationship with Jesus.She and husband Steve have a blended family of six children and she loves horse riding, walking, reading and spending time with friends and family. Her favourite Bible verse at the moment is 1Cor 15:58, "Stand firm, then, my beloved brethren, immovable in your resolve, doing your full share continually in the task the Lord has given you, since you know that your labour in the Lord's service cannot be spent in vain."
ADMINISTRATOR, Graeme Berry
Graeme is a graduate of Zion Bible Training Centre and is charged with making sure that GEBC keeps ticking along each day. He says what inspires him about working at GEBC is the authentic community of believers who really believe that people matter.It is a blessing to be working on a Campus where so much ministry is happening every day.
When not making sure the accounts, property and numerous other things are working as they should, Graeme and his wife Lynda enjoy listening to music, travelling, watching a good doco and 'cyber-connecting' with their adult children and grandchildren who are based overseas. His favourite Bible verse is John 3:16 simply because of its portrayal of "amazing, undeserved love".
RECEPTIONIST, Sherree Dayal
Sherree is GEBC's 'Frontline Executive' and the friendly voice you will hear at the end of the phone or meet at reception when you visit. This Hawkes Bay native says the best thing about working at GEBC is the constant hub of activity around the campus. "With so many different ministries and groups operating on site, I get to meet such a vast range of people from different backgrounds and beliefs; To be able to play a small part in helping these groups operate and function keeps me inspired".Sherree and husband Arvind have been attending GEBC for 12 years and together with sons, Caleb and Joshua, love spending time at the beach and relaxing together. Chocolate lover Sherree also likes nothing better than finding time to catch up on various craft projects or hangout with friends.
VISIONWEST COMMUNITY TRUST CEO, Lisa Woolley
Lisa says that she enjoys working with such a great team of people at the Friendship Centre Trust who are all so passionate about the work they do and about impacting lives in their community. "I love the way our church reaches out to people in our community, touching the lives of thousands of people every year. I love the way people's lives are touched and transformed as they come into contact with the community of God's people. I love the way our church can be an influence in our community."Lisa has grown up and spent most of her life (apart from a couple of stints overseas) living in and around Titirangi. She loves to spend time with her husband Mark and their "awesome" young adult children, not to mention reading and going to cafes with friends.
