:: Who Are We ::
We are affiliated to the Acts Churches New Zealand
ACTS Churches is the new name for the Apostolic church movement of New Zealand.
ACTS Churches New Zealand is the apostolic covering for over 60 churches throughout the country, and has been established since 1934. Our churches provide a bible based, pentecostal environment for people to grow and connect with Jesus Christ.
The church ACTS!
The Apostolic Church movement in New Zealand is changing it's name to one more closely aligned to its vision and direction for the future. From the start of October this year, the Apostolic Church of NZ will be known as ACTS Churches New Zealand.
National Leader, Pastor Bruce Monk explained the decision to change the name had not been taken lightly, since the name 'Apostolic Church' had been a key marker to the movements distinctive nature since it arose out of the Welsh Revival in the early 1900's.
He explained that the Apostolic Church movement had a desire to build on the acts of the apostles with a continuation of the works of the Holy Spirit by establishing and growing churches that reflect the truths found in the book of Acts in the Bible. With that in mind, ACTS Churches New Zealand was a popular - and logical - choice!
Pastor Monk, also suggested there were other practical reasons centred around the word "apostolic" which warranted a review of the movements name.
"Although the name apostolic has a very positive meaning, for a number of reasons, the name now has negative connotations in many parts of the world - and that can add difficulties and misunderstandings when it comes to establishing churches and building leadership relationships in other nations."
He said "the decision to change the name to ACTS Churches New Zealand had been reached after discussions at local, regional and national levels with pastors and leaders within the movement. The final decision was ratified at a movement meeting in June to take effect from 1st October".
While the name change represents a significant step, Pastor Monk explained that the New Zealand movement will remain a part of the world-wide Apostolic family and the relationships established over many decades will be actively maintained. In addition, local churches are free to continue using their current names or change them to encompass the shift to ACTS Churches New Zealand.
"This is an exciting change for us as a movement - not a change that will make us different but a change that reflects our vision and direction for the future" he said.