Golden Bay’s Christian Church ordains two new women pastors
New pastors Teresa Brough, left, and Carole Baker. Photo: Ina Holst.
After a long-standing relationship with the Christian Church, twin sisters Teresa Brough and Carol Baker were ordained together as pastors at Easter.
The celebration of their new roles was held at the Pohara Hall, used by the Christian Church in Golden Bay for gatherings and church services.
“The ordination itself, being combined with Easter, was quite a celebration and we had a good crowd,” said Teresa.
As pastors, Teresa and Carol are actively involved with the youth programme, the teachings of Christianity, and Sunday services.
“We work in with the people at the church on a one-to-one basis, developing relationships with them during our weekly meetings, and I am teaching an introductory programme on how to bring Christianity into our daily lives,” Teresa said.
“Through the church we also run youth groups on Thursdays. These are mixed groups and we act like mentors or life coaches, guiding youth by listening to what they are actually saying. We both work with youth and we are totally in agreement with what we are doing, so we can support and give strength to each other.”
The sisters say their complementary personalities help them work with a range of young people and problems. Teresa, the more introverted, brings to the meetings her passion for teaching, and Carol her practical, down-to-earth attitude and extroverted personality.
“The youths come and choose who they want to talk to,” said Carol. “I have been a youth pastor for quite some time and love working with young people.”
The Christian Church is an assembly or association of followers of Jesus Christ, and not formally aligned with an established denomination. Followers believe in the power of the Holy Spirit and spiritually becoming alive through God, the sisters explained. For both of them, ordainment has been a calling and a way to share their knowledge with the congregation.
“It is a true gift to be pastor, a shepherd; you gather and look after people,” added Teresa. “You’ve got to love people and accept them, whatever background or belief systems they have.”
Meetings are usually held at people’s private homes and the church services are on Sundays at the Pohara Hall from 10am to 12pm. For people interested in the Christian Church, Teresa can be contacted on 525 9971 and Carol on 525 8515.
Ina Holst
