Kaiapoi Baptist Church is located in Kaiapoi, a town just north of Christchurch. The town’s name is associated with the large, fortified pā (Māori village) established by Tūrākautahi, a leader of the Ngāi Tahu iwi, around the year 1700. Now referring to both the town and the historical pā, Kaiapoi is a Māori word which may be interpreted as “food depot” or a place where food was gathered and stored. The name is said to be derived from “kai” (food) and “poi” (to swing or toss), possibly signifying food being brought in from surrounding areas.
Kaiapoi Baptist Church is a pātaka kai, a storehouse of spiritual food. This spiritual food includes knowledge of Jesus Christ, knowledge of the Bible, and the rich fellowship we enjoy together as Christians.
Our mission is outlined in two Bible passages:
First, Matthew 22: 37 – 39
37 He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first command-ment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ ”
And Matthew 28: 18 – 20
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
