About St Albans
St Albans Presbyterian Church, founded in 1959. It has a distinctive heritage of charismatic renewal, honouring our Jewish roots, evangelistic focus, missionary awareness, all age ministry and community involvement.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make disciples for Jesus from all nations
Our Vision
Our vision is to see people passionate for Jesus, growing in community and mission, through experiencing God’s love and Word, being led by the Holy Spirit in all of life.
Our Purposes
Going Deeper with God
Growing Closer with one another
Going Further into the community
Our Values
Our character is shaped by the following convictions:
We honour the ministry of the Holy Spirit and seek to experience the Spirit’s presence and power as a living reality in our worship, life and mission.
We encourage baptism or reaffirmation, as an expression of personal faith in Jesus Christ as both Saviour (Forgiver of our sins)
and Lord (the Leader of all aspects of our lives).
We accept the Bible as the Word of God and are committed to living out its teaching personally and in community.
We believe that Jesus Christ has given gifts to all members of His body, expressed locally as the Church, and encourage everyone to use these gifts in His service.
We regard service and outreach into our local community, and mission throughout New Zealand and overseas, as integral parts of our response to Jesus’ Great Commission.
We recognise the Jewish roots of our Christian faith and affirm the continued role of Israel and the Jewish people in God’s prophetic purposes, and look forward to the return of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our History
In 1953, St David’s Presbyterian Parish began an outreach into the new suburb of Hokowhitu. Bible Study groups and Sunday School classes met in private homes and garages until a new church hall was opened in 1955. St Albans became a separate parish of the Wanganui Presbytery in 1959. Since then there have been a number of ministers: Rev Ernie Johnston, Rev Rymall Roxburgh, Rev John Niven, Very Rev Rob Yule, and Rev Steve Jourdain.
In July 2004 the current building was opened and is now used extensively by community groups and to host major conferences and seminars.
St Albans has a strong tradition of people going on into ministry and mission service, both at home and overseas. In its 65-year history, 22 have become ordained ministers and 47 have served as overseas mission workers for more than a year. St Albans has a fine record of exporting gifted members all around the world!
Leadership
St Albans is led by a Church Council of elders, a team of staff, and many gifted volunteer leaders. Elders have a calling from God, demonstrate Christ-like character and leadership gifts, and are elected by the congregation to serve a three-year term, which can be extended subject to congregational election.
Pastoral Staff
Brendan O’Hagan
Senior Pastor
brendan@stalbans.org.nz
Brendan was inducted as Senior Pastor in August 2022 but he has a long association with St Albans, having previously been employed as Youth & Student Pastor (1999-2006) and attending as a member whilst serving as a Chaplain at PN Hospital. Brendan is married to Ingrid and they have five children.
He has been serving in pastoral ministry since 1992 as a Youth Pastor, Ministry Intern, Chaplain and Presbyterian Minister (previously at Wairau Parish, Blenheim).
Brendan’s mission is to love God and love people. His passions include pastoral care, worship leading, outreach, teaching, encouragement and team building. His interests include sport, music, chess, puzzles, movies, anything Irish and family.
Annita & Gavin Mardon
Young Families Pastors
annita@stalbans.org.nz
Annita and Gavin are the Young Families Pastors at St. Albans. They joined St. Albans as students in 1995. Annita & Gavin are both teachers. Their family have all been part of St Albans. They love helping children learn about Jesus. They are committed to strengthening our young families, helping them have strong Biblical foundations and keeping their eyes on Christ through all that life holds.