June Newsletter
Kia ora,
It’s easy to pull a line or two out of the Bible and make it sound powerful, comforting, or even motivational. A single verse can look like a complete thought on its own. But the Bible wasn’t written as a collection of isolated quotes—it’s a collection of books, letters, and histories written in specific situations, to particular people, for particular reasons. When we ignore that and just pick the parts we like, we risk misunderstanding what God is actually saying.
Reading the Bible in context means asking a few simple questions. Who is speaking? Who are they speaking to? What’s happening around this moment? And how does this fit into the bigger story? Without that, a verse can end up meaning almost anything we want it to mean.
Take the well-known line from Joshua:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
It’s often used as a kind of personal declaration—something you might put on a wall or say as a statement about your own family’s faith. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting that for your household. But when we read the full context, we see something deeper.
Joshua isn’t just making a private decision about his home. He’s addressing the whole nation of Israel at a critical moment. He’s reminding them of what God has already done—how He brought them out of slavery, gave them land, and remained faithful. Then Joshua challenges them: choose who you will serve. The statement about his own house isn’t just personal—it’s part of a public call for the entire community to commit to God. It carries weight, urgency, and a covenant context that you miss if you only focus on that one sentence.
Another example people often quote is Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
It’s commonly used to talk about success—achieving goals, pushing through challenges, even winning in sport or reaching personal milestones. But when you zoom out and read the surrounding passage, Paul is actually talking about something quite different.
He’s not talking about limitless achievement. He’s talking about contentment. Paul explains that he has learned how to live with plenty and with nothing, in comfort and in hardship. The “all things” he refers to is about enduring every kind of circumstance, not conquering every ambition. When you read it in context, the verse becomes less about personal success and more about quiet resilience and trust in God no matter the situation.
When we cherry-pick verses, we often turn the Bible into something it was never meant to be—a collection of slogans rather than a story. We can unintentionally take words meant for a specific time and apply them in ways that lose their original meaning. Sometimes we even end up reinforcing our own opinions instead of allowing the text to shape us.
On the other hand, when we read in context, everything becomes richer. The Bible starts to make more sense. Themes connect. Passages that once seemed confusing become clearer. And instead of just finding verses we agree with, we start to see the bigger picture of God’s character and His relationship with people.
Reading in context also keeps us honest. It stops us from bending Scripture to fit our lives and instead invites us to shape our lives around Scripture. It reminds us that the Bible isn’t about us first—it’s about God, and about what He has done and is doing in the world.
In the end, context doesn’t take away from the power of individual verses—it strengthens them. When we understand where a verse sits in the wider story, its meaning becomes more solid, more grounded, and more transformative. It’s no longer just a nice phrase. It becomes part of something much bigger.
So rather than pulling out a line here and there, it’s worth slowing down and reading a little more. Look at the chapter. Consider the audience. Notice what comes before and after. Because when we read the Bible as it was meant to be read, we don’t just collect good quotes—we encounter truth.
Grace and peace,
Simon Cayley, Wilberforce Foundation
Connect 2026: Grounded Hope
Leading a Christian organisation in Aotearoa takes courage, wisdom, and connection. Join the Wilberforce team and Board for Connect 2026: Grounded Hope, a one-day workshop roadshow coming to Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington.
Designed for leaders to pause and reflect, this interactive workshop moves past traditional conferences to explore our cultural landscape, see where God is at work, and discern faithful leadership.
We are excited to feature guest speakers Philip Fountain and Archbishop Justin Duckworth. Come ready for deep conversation and meaningful connection.
Tickets are free but places are limited. Please register to secure your seat.
Christchurch: 23 July | Auckland: 30 July | Wellington: 6 August
KIWA Māori and Pacific Governance Network
Nei rā te mihi ki a koutou katoa! 2026 is looking incredibly exciting when it comes to Māori and Pacific leadership development with regards to Te Rongopai (The Gospel message flourishing in the cultural context of Aotearoa).
Last year KIWA was launched (our Māori and Pacific Governance Network, awards and peer mentorship training programme). The kaupapa was held inTimaru/Oamaru, Otautahi, Tāmaki Makaurau, Tokoroa/Putāruru and Whakatū (Nelson). These were leaders involved on community trust boards with governance responsibilities at church, marae or with local organisations. The feedback was awesome, “having safe and inspiring spaces for leaders to gather like this is so needed.” - Emeline Afeaki-Mafile’o
Our next Kiwa will be held in Porirua (Wellington), 19th June. Spaces are limited with this one. If you know any indigenous leaders who might benefit from being involved in this kaupapa and or you can make it along to this event,
Event details:
Date: 19 June
Time: 10:30am –1:30 pm
Venue: 2 Mentor Lane, Cannons Creek, Porirua - Taeaomanino Trust Community Centre.
Encouragement for Business Leaders: Highlights from The Well Events
Wilberforce was delighted to partner with The Well in supporting three recent gatherings across Auckland, Tauranga, and Hamilton, which together welcomed over 300 businesspeople. These events created a meaningful space for connection, encouragement, and faith-filled conversation at a time when many in the business community are facing significant challenges.
A strong and consistent theme throughout the gatherings was the call to surrender—particularly in seasons of stress and uncertainty. Participants reflected deeply on trusting God in the midst of pressure, with conversations marked by honesty, hope, and a shared desire to place Christ at the centre of their work and leadership. It was evident that God was present in every discussion.
With approximately 150 attendees in Auckland, 85 in Tauranga, and 80 in Hamilton, the momentum and appetite for ongoing connection is clear. In the coming weeks, The Well will begin forming local communities to continue this journey of faith and support among business leaders.
We are grateful to have partnered in this initiative and look forward, with prayerful anticipation, to the fruit that will grow in the months and years ahead.
Te Tiriti, Te Rongopai, and Henry Williams: Reflections 200 years on
In the wake of the 200-year commemoration of Henry Williams (Karuwhā) and his arrival into Tauranga-Moana, this webinar will create space for honest reflection and meaningful kōrero - exploring the relationship between Māori, Missionaries and the Gospel—te Rongopai—considering both the life-giving impact of faith and the deep complexities tied to colonisation and cultural change.
Jade will be joined by Dr Alistair Reese for this important discussion.
Date: Friday
26th June
Time: 12 - 1pm
Missed our webinar? Watch the replay now!
Rethinking Evangelism for a Post-Christian World
Many Christians believe evangelism is only for extroverts, street preachers, or trained specialists. But in today’s post-Christian context, effective evangelism often happens through everyday relationships.
If you missed our live session with Wee-Yeong Eyou, the full recording is now available. This webinar was designed especially for staff and leaders working in Christian for-purpose organisations who are seeking to equip the people they serve to share their faith naturally and confidently.
In this session, we covered:
Challenging common myths about evangelism.
Key frameworks explaining how people move toward faith today, including the Five Thresholds of Conversion and bounded and centred set models of belonging and belief.
A practical HOPE framework for everyday evangelism.
Watch the replay to gain valuable insights to help shape cultures of evangelism within your ministry and better empower the Christians you lead to engage their communities with the gospel.
Waimarama House, your ideal retreat venue
Need to get away? Look no further than Waimarama House on beautiful Waiheke Island.
Dates now available in June!
We’re excited to announce that bookings are now open through to mid-September, exclusively for for-purpose organisations. Waimarama House offers comfortable accommodation for up to 17 people, with room-sharing options that foster team bonding.
This venue is designed to support productive and enjoyable retreats. Spacious living areas and large dining tables encourage group discussions and shared meals, helping your team collaborate effectively and unwind together.
For more details on costs and availability, please contact Melanie at melanie@wilberforce.org.nz.
Don't miss the chance to experience the unique charm of Waimarama House for your next organisational event!
As we hit the mid-winter blues and need an escape from the cold, Wilberforce team member James Beck has some fantastic fiction recommendations to help you escape the chill.
About James Beck
James Beck is a pastor at The River Ōpāwaho in Ōtautahi Christchurch, a key member of A Rocha’s Eco Church team, and the producer and host of Ngā Here – The Many Connections, a podcast exploring how Christians can care for creation. He also leads the environmental strategy at Wilberforce. A man of many hats!
One of the main things to know about James is that he has a deep passion for helping Christians and the Church engage with ecological challenges. He encourages people to look into the biblical mandate to care for creation as a vital part of Christian discipleship, and his reading list reflects this.
What I’ve been reading
I love learning. But sometimes I need a break from the learning that happens through reading theological books, articles, and research. Sometimes I need those ideas to be reconnected to narratives, to people, and to life. When non-fiction becomes a bit dry, I love to throw myself into another imaginative world, and I find those worlds in novels.
Gilead series by Marilynne Robinson
I have just finished reading the Gilead series by Marilynne Robinson, and it has been like water in a barren land. She masterfully explores life, stories, faith, theology, brokenness, restoration, and hope, which are all of the things that I experience daily in Christian leadership.
Gilead, the first book, spoke to me about a father's love, legacy, faith, whakapapa, grief, and hope. It is so beautifully human, and it perfectly introduces the reader to the quiet town of Gilead.
Home by Marilynne Robinson (Second book)
Home, the second book in the series, is set in the same small town and tells the same story, but through the eyes of another character. It reveals the depths of the human heart, unfulfilled aspirations, returning, ageing, gratitude, and lament.
Lila, by Marilynne Robinson (Third book)
Lila, the third novel, is almost like being inside the head of someone who has experienced incredible trauma, and who is learning to be vulnerable, to trust, to hope, and to have faith. It is an incredible portrait of the brokenness and the beauty of the human heart.
Jack, by Marilynne Robinson (Fourth book)
And finally, Jack, which is a Job-like novel. It explores identity, love, addiction, community, loss, and the bonds of family.
These books have developed a new empathy in me for people, including both their brokenness and their beauty. They have also given me a deeper insight into my own soul, bringing a gratitude for the healing that God has brought about, and yet highlighting the areas that I am still working out how to hold honestly before the Father.
The Calendar Corner
Stay up to date with these upcoming events and important dates from our previous newsletters and announcements.
Connect 2026: Grounded Hope
Leading a Christian organisation in Aotearoa takes courage, wisdom, and connection. Join us for Connect 2026: Grounded Hope, a one-day workshop roadshow coming to Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington.
Designed for leaders to pause and reflect, this interactive workshop moves past traditional conferences to explore our cultural landscape, see where God is at work, and discern faithful leadership.
We are excited to feature guest speakers Philip Fountain and Archbishop Justin Duckworth. Come ready for deep conversation and meaningful connection.
Christchurch: 23 July | Auckland: 30 July | Wellington: 6 August
Good News for Aotearoa Conference:
(Oct 2026)
Save the date for the next Good News for Aotearoa Conference:
On Friday 16th & Saturday 17th October 2026, Journey Church, Auckland
With Dan Paterson - an evangelist, apologist, pastor and snake catcher as our keynote speaker.
Christian Savings Governance Conference 2026: Lifting the Veil
Gain practical insights from industry leaders like Chris Clarke and Kirsten Patterson on navigating the complex traps and opportunities of modern governance.
Register now to sharpen your focus and strengthen your leadership.
Christchurch (22 July), Auckland (29 July), and Wellington (5 August).
Join our Mentoring Programme 2026
Emerging leaders are vital to the future of Christian not-for-profits. To sustain our shared mission, the Wilberforce Foundation is launching its 2026 Mentoring Programme, specifically designed to develop, equip, and encourage up-and-coming, second-tier leaders.
We are actively seeking both mentors and mentees from within the Wilberforce community. Participants must hold a leadership role and commit to six mentoring sessions, starting with an orientation day in Auckland on 2 June.
Ready to take the next step? Register your interest today!
Wilberforce Community Newsletter
Our Community Newsletter is a place for you, our community, to promote and share any announcements, stories, job opportunities or events. Please send them to us.
All articles should be sent to news@wilberforce.org.nz
The newsletter will be distributed on the third Wednesday of every month.
Thank you for your continued engagement, and we look forward to hearing from you..
