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Engaged Ministry in Avondale Union and Manurewa Methodist parishes 2006-2014 By ‘Alifeleti Vaitu’ulala Ngahe Half Price Special $9, saving you $9
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An inspiring reflection on multicultural, community-focused ministry, drawing on practical experience and rich Tongan metaphors to encourage transformative church leadership.
This book will help you:
discover effective strategies for multicultural ministry in diverse communities
engage with your local community through networking and partnership building
integrate deep theological reflection with practical ministry initiatives
find inspiration from real-life stories of church revitalisation and community transformation
apply Tongan metaphors and cultural insights to enrich your ministry practice
foster inclusive, participatory leadership within congregations
revitalise parish life by bridging the gap between church and wider community Features
Personal reflections from nine years of ministry in two multicultural New Zealand parishes
Practical examples of successful community engagement projects
Rich metaphors of weaving, networking, and flight to illustrate ministry concepts
Thoughtful theological reflections on transformation and community
Inspiring case studies, including church restoration and community mural initiatives
Soft cover 68pp
22.86 cm H x 15.24 cm L x 0.4 cm W (0.14 kg)
ISBN 9781501004476
Philip Garside Publishing Ltd (2014)
24 in stock 23 March 2025
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In Weaving, Networking & Taking Flight, Rev. ‘Alifeleti Vaitu’ulala Ngahe reflects on nine years of ministry at Avondale Union and Manurewa Methodist parishes in Auckland, New Zealand. This concise and inspiring book offers church leaders and laypeople practical insights for engaging effectively with today’s diverse, multicultural communities.
Drawing on his Tongan heritage, Rev. Ngahe uses the powerful metaphors of weaving a mat, spinning a web, and taking flight to describe his approach to ministry. The mat represents the church’s history, always open to new stories; the web symbolises the network of relationships built between the church and the local community; and the bird in flight illustrates the energy and joy that come when a community works together towards shared goals.
Throughout the book, Ngahe demonstrates how intentional networking and collaboration can revitalise churches and empower communities. Two key projects highlight this vision: the transformation of the Rosebank Peninsula Church building into a busy community centre and the creation of a vibrant mural at Manurewa Methodist Church, painted by church and community members alike. These projects show the church’s role as a dynamic, inclusive "Corner of Hope."
Rev. Ngahe’s deeply thoughtful yet practical approach offers a compelling model for community-facing ministry. His experience will inspire church leaders, both lay and ordained, to reflect on their ministry practice and consider new ways to engage meaningfully with the communities they serve. About the Author
Rev. ‘Alifeleti Vaitu’ulala Ngahe is a Tongan Methodist minister with two decades of full-time, ordained ministry experience at the time of writing. His ministry in New Zealand’s Avondale Union and Manurewa Methodist parishes focused on fostering inclusive, multicultural community engagement. Ngahe’s leadership is characterised by deep theological reflection, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to collaboration. He encourages churches to move beyond their walls and embrace a vision of transformation that includes the whole community. Contents
Preface
Introduction
Weaving: The Mat as a Metaphor for Church and Community
Networking: Building Community Like a Spider’s Web
Taking Flight: Energising Ministry for Transformation
Case Studies: Rosebank Peninsula Church Centre and Manurewa Mural Project
Reflections on Multicultural Ministry
Theology of Transformation
Conclusion • • • Praise for this book
“Church leaders and lay alike will find humble but passionate vision and wisdom here." Review by Rosemary Dewerse of Weaving, Networking and Taking Flight.
To be published in the December 2015 issue of the Australian Journal of Mission Studies.
“…extremely well written