June Newsletter
E ngā maunga whakahī o te motu, tēnā rā tātou katoa,
As we approach Pentecost Sunday, we’re reminded of one of the most profound truths of Christian faith: God is not distant. God is present, here and now, establishing his rule and reign through people like us.
From the beginning, God’s desire has been to dwell with his people. In Eden, heaven and earth overlapped. In the wilderness, God’s glory filled the tabernacle. In Jerusalem, it filled the temple. And in Jesus, God’s presence walked among us.
At Pentecost, that presence was poured out. Not into buildings, but into people. Ordinary people, filled with the Spirit, commissioned to reflect God’s glory and invite the world to do the same.
This is what we are made for. This is our vocation.
This is what makes the work we support so significant. Whether in leadership development, community transformation, or evangelism, each initiative is a Spirit-empowered expression of God’s kingdom coming, on earth as it is in heaven.
Our prayer for this season is that we, as a Wilberforce community, would be the kind of people who reflect God’s character into every context and lead others into lives of worship not just with our words, but through our work.
So as we anticipate the fullness of what God is restoring, may we be Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, and committed to creating pockets of renewal in every corner of our communities.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou,
James Beck and the Wilberforce Foundation Team
Lunch and Learn: Legal Ask Me Anything
Join us this June for an interactive “Ask Me Anything” session with Steven Moe, Partner at Parry Field Lawyers and expert in “for purpose” organisations.
We will cover any legal topics you bring; feel free to send your questions in advance
Steven also hosts the Seeds podcast (426 episodes and counting) and Board Matters for the Institute of Directors. Don’t miss this chance to tap into his expertise.
Date: Friday 27th June from 12pm - 1pm
Lunch and Learn
Good News: Sowing Seeds of the Gospel in Your Context
Want to equip your team to confidently and appropriately share the good news of Jesus? We've got you; join this must-attend webinar to explore different evangelism training opportunities the Wilberforce Foundation would like to make available to you.
Discover the right approach for your unique context and empower your team to share the reason for the hope they have.
Date: Monday, 28th July
Time: 12:00–1:00pm
Format: Panel Discussion
Host: Aimee Mai
Wilberforce Foundation CEO Networking Event!
Join us for conversation and connection with local leaders in the Christian for-purpose sector over lunch.
This in-person event will take place
At Tandem Ministries, North Shore, Auckland
On Wednesday, June 18th 2025
From 12pm - 1:30pm
We’d love to support you in your role and we hope you’ll find encouragement in the company of like-minded people.
Boardcraft – Governing for Impact
A 2-day governance programme for faith-based board leaders
The Wilberforce Foundation invites Chairs, Board Members, and CEOs to Boardcraft – Governing for Impact, a hands-on programme designed specifically for faith-based organisations.
Led by Dr. Peter Crow, an internationally respected governance expert, this course covers the fundamentals of effective board leadership. You’ll explore practical case studies, receive a detailed workbook, and join an ongoing Community of Practice.
See petercrow.com for more about Peter.
Event Details
Location: Lighthouse Hub, 51 Hugo Johnston Drive, Auckland
Dates:
Day 1: Monday 7 July
Day 2: Monday 11 August
Cost: $575 (includes materials and catering)
Numbers are limited so please register your expression of interest below before Friday 27 June if you would like to attend.
Mentoring Programme Off to a Great Start!
We are thrilled that the 2025 Wilberforce Leadership Mentoring Programme has officially begun! This marks our fourth cohort, and we are once again partnering with The Mentoring Foundation to support our participants.
This year, we have an exceptional group of Christian leaders from various organisations and roles. It's truly inspiring to see them come together to offer mutual support and encouragement.
The programme kicked off with an orientation day, providing a fantastic opportunity for everyone to connect and establish relationships. Networking is a key component of our programme. The variety of speakers brought a wealth of knowledge to the group.
Running from May to November, the mentoring programme is designed to positively impact leaders at any stage of their journey. We at Wilberforce are excited to be part of the process of nurturing and growing faithful Christian leaders.
If you are interested in joining the 2026 programme, please fill out the expression of interest form by clicking the button below.
We look forward to another successful year of mentoring and growth!
Lunch and Learn: Matariki Ideas and Resources for Your Organisation
We were thrilled to have Jody O’Sullivan, Jade Hohaia Te Uri Karaka and Zacchaeus Te Uri Karaka share their Māori Christian perspectives on Matariki.
Jody offered three powerful guiding principles to help us reflect on the season in a uniquely Aotearoa way:
🌌 Look Up – what’s it all about? Remembering, being present and focusing on the future.
🤝 Show Up – How can you join in? Get involved and get engaged with your own community
💡 Shine On – Where to from here? Let you light shine (as Ambassadors of Christ), get resourced and get out there
A number of helpful resources were shared during the session—perfect for celebrating Matariki with your whānau or in your workplace while deepening your understanding of its significance:
🔗 The Salvation Army Matariki Pack
Discover Waimarama House: Your Ideal Retreat Venue
Need to get away? Look no further than Waimarama House on beautiful Waiheke Island.
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!
In this section of our newsletter, we invite a leader within our network or team to share what they've been reading lately.
This month, Anglican priest Scottie Reeve shares his must-read books for Christian leaders. Here are a few of his top recommendations — but first, a little about Scottie.
About Scottie Reeve
Scottie is an ordained Anglican Priest, pioneer, and social entrepreneur in Wellington. As the national director of the Catch Network, Scottie has a passion for supporting small groups of people with a desire to renew the local church. Scottie is the author of 21 Elephants, co-host of the 21 Elephants Podcast, and contributes regularly to national print media with columns on faith.
Currently, he is re-planting the Anglican Parish of Brooklyn alongside his wife Cilla. He is also involved in the upcoming Little Revolutions Conference.
Book Recommendations:
📖 Vocatio by Rev. Spanky Moore
I’ve recently helped Rev. Spanky Moore publish his first book, Vocatio—a powerful account of leading an intentional community of 60 young adults who had walked away from church. The book shares both the breakthroughs and challenges of that journey, exploring discipleship habits, spiritual formation, and the cultural shifts confronting the church today. A must-read for Christian leaders navigating ministry in a changing world. Pre-sales now open:
📖 Mom & Me & Mom, Maya Angelou
Over recent summers, I’ve read the seven autobiographies of African-American poet Maya Angelou. Her life was extraordinary. She worked as a singer, activist, academic, cook, and even a pimp throughout her extraordinary life, crossing paths with figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Her writing is rich with wisdom and grace. The final book, Mom & Me & Mom, reflects on her complex relationship with her mother, Vivian Baxter, who once visited our shores. Start with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and follow her incredible journey.
📖 The Holy Longing, Ronald Rolheiser
Ronald Rolheiser has become one of my favourites over the past few years. A Catholic priest based in San Antonio, Texas, Rolheiser offers reflections on Christian formation that are deeply helpful and practical—while dropping pearls of profound theological insight along the way. The Holy Longing is a great place to begin.
Wilberforce Community Newsletter
If you have any announcements, stories, or events you’d like to share with our community, please send them to us.
All articles should be sent to news@wilberforce.org.nz
Deadline for article submissions: The 9th of every month.
The newsletter will be distributed on the 16th of every month.
Thank you for your continued engagement, and we look forward to hearing from you.
