Windsor Park Baptist Church in Mairangi Bay North Shore City New Zealand bought a pub. They are a relevant growing church and were struggling for room and visibility. A pub was up for sale and so they bought it. Interestingly enough one of the ‘competing’ buyers was another church.
They have now transformed the facilities and rent them out as conference facilties.
Their auditorium seats 650 people, and they run multi services, including Afrikan ones.
Their Senior Pastor is Brian Winslade who is the speaker at the upcoming 2 Inspire Conference.
I have read their story and it is exciting to see how God led. They were looking for a building for about two years until one became available. But even then they had to bid for it, and their tender was not the largest one. But for whatever reason the people accepted it. Also it looked at one stage as thought the church was going to have allow the pub to keep operating for a while in the changeover period. Luckily (?) the leasee defaulted on his lease and moved out. The Church managed to sell its property quickly and moved on in.
Here is their vision statement:
To be a respected and highprofile Christian communityon Auckland’s North Shorerenowned for…
…effective presentation of the Gospel to the people of our city, and the call to Christian discipleship…
…representing the Word of God and a Christian perspective in the various structures of New Zealand Society…
…active participation in God’s redemptive mission in other parts of the world…
…mobilising Christians in the exercise of ministry gifts given to them by God.
God is doing some good things in New Zealand, but there’s one thing I wonder about their mission statement. I’m not sure Jesus would put a high priority on his Church being respected, at least this side of his coming. I seem to remember something about persecution, rejection, being hated by all men, in his call. It’s not that we go looking for that stuff, but if we are going to preach the gospel in a biblically authentic way, I don’t think we’re going to be very popular (except maybe with the poor).
Why couldn’t they be a church that is a pub that is a church?
Why not keep the pub going and have the church run alongside it?
Thats a good point Gareth.
I have read further info from their church, and many of their people were struggling with the pub maintaining its lease for another 6 months, while they sorted out their old properties. In other words, they were uncomfortable with owing a ongoing pub. So the idea of their church operating the pub would be an anathema to many of them.
But I like your idea, especially if there is a staff discount involved! Be a great place to hold men’s ministries too.
“I’m not sure Jesus would put a high priority on his Church being respected”
Would you prefer we aimed for a bad reputation in the community??
Cant agree with that Alex! Having a good reputation in the community is a good aim, in my considered opinion.
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”
also Paul alludes to the elders of the church needing a good reputation.
“He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap”
I hear what you are saying about the gospel offending. But we should not try and cause offence, which often churches do for unneccessary reasons.
I believe if a Church is helping people, including the poor, then it will get a good reputation amongst many people, and thus have credibility to share the gospel.
“They will know you are Christians by the love you have for each other”.