Regional Focus: Taupō
Pastor Pete Slaney has been a pastor for just over 3 years, having spent the bulk of his working life in the Christian education sector as a teacher and then as a principal. Shepherding Taupō Baptist Church, located on the pleasant shores of the jewel of the North Island, is both a privilege and an enormous responsibility. Serving the church and the people of Taupō’s wider community brings profound joys and also significant challenges. But nothing worthwhile is easy, particularly when it comes to spiritual leadership.
Taupō is a town of extremes, meteorologically, socially and spiritually. Many homes lie empty, their huge decks spilling onto stunning lake and mountain vistas, yet occupied by the elite for only a few weekends a year. Meanwhile, haggard hungry misfits shuffle into our churches with the image of our glorious God disguised by shabby clothes, looking for a bed, or a meal, or a coffee. Their social etiquette distorted by addictions, they appreciate a breakfast, or a dinner, or just a friendly chat, but their homelessness is beyond our scope. 30% of our town is Māori and that rises to 50% if we consider the rural hinterland. There is some racial tension. Economically Taupō is quite resilient, moderated from recessions by the continual influx of tourist dollars, but that wealth seldom trickles down to the poor who need it most. There is significant rent/mortgage stress, with the cost of owning or occupying a modest home being a stretch for family on one income.
Spiritually, there is a drawing together of God’s people, who are beginning to stray intentionally beyond traditional denominational and ecclesial boundaries and explore the lushness of Psalm 133 and the blessing that is derived from God’s people dwelling together as one church in unity. This is an exciting development. There is a degree of spiritual hunger within the town, with people meeting Jesus, getting saved, becoming disciples. There is also a significant apathetic resistance among many and a considerable fascination with new age and occultic expressions that promote spirituality without any accompanying accountability. Demonic entities have significant influence over people’s lives and prayer to break strongholds is a must. Islam is on the rise in Taupō, with a mosque being planned for construction.
Taupō is ripe for revival, but revival tarries while God’s people respond to God’s summons to pray. So pray we must.
Prayer points
- Express gratitude that local churches willingly work together in genuine unity as per Psalm 133. Pray this continues and that God protects the unity that exists.
- Pray for our ‘Easterfest’ (combined church) initiatives this Easter, that the people of our town would recognise and seek after Jesus.
- Pray for Taupō Christian School to be a beacon of hope for unbelieving families of this town.
- Ask for God’s protection over the pastors and leaders who spearhead outreach initiatives, head churches and speak God’s Word of truth, from witchcraft and curses, from criticism and accusation, from discouragement and fatigue.
- Pray against the fascination with eastern and occult type religions that promise freedom but lead swiftly to bondage.
- Pray for God’s people involved in local government, business and education, that they will be genuine salt and light.