Leaning into Change

The Salvation Army in Kāpiti has just celebrated 45 years of service to the ever-evolving coastal community. God has been faithful over many years and continues to be so—which is what the current team are excited about. While there has been considerable change to navigate over the past year for both the corps (church) and Community Ministries team, ‘holy moments’ continue unabated.

Territorial Community Ministries Director Major Christina Tyson describes Kāpiti Salvation Army as ‘an active and vibrant group of Salvationists and an encouraging case of mission embedded and well respected in a local community’. Christina adds that Kāpiti is also ‘a positive example of how mission continues when leaders change and when the structures of an organisation adapt’.

With new corps officer/Community Ministries Director Major Racheal-Lee Kendrick starting in January, as well as the national restructuring of The Salvation Army’s social mission operations throughout 2025, it would be reasonable to assume it’s been a challenging year. But the team at Kāpiti have taken it all in their stride.

‘Every change is an opportunity to move towards either anxiety or growth,’ says Community Ministries Manager Christoph Zintl. ‘For us, the changes became a catalyst to reflect on current practice and consider who we want to become in the future. We’ve been able to affirm that what we want to see is the fruit of the love of Jesus and the kingdom of God—both supernatural and practical—outworked.’

Christoph is quick to note how well Racheal-Lee’s appointment has aligned with this reflective season. ‘It’s been a very strategic change, and Racheal-Lee’s leadership style and strengths are just so right for this season. So yes, there’s been
a lot of change, but we’re leaning back into it.’

Racheal-Lee agrees, adding, ‘We’re changing gears and allowing room to see what is growing organically. It’s amazing to see what’s popping up and where God’s already working. People are saying, “Oh, I want to come and be part of that,” or “Is there room to try this?” I’m a huge fan of people volunteering because it reveals where God is already planting seeds. People are more committed if they put their hand up rather than being asked.’

The missional changes that are emerging are cradled by commitment to a ministry of presence that meets people in their pain, is mana-enhancing and intentional about supporting people to grow. A complete reorganisation of how food parcels are supplied is also underway, with a volunteer-run choice-model social food market being set up.

Holy moments

‘I’ve been part of The Salvation Army for two years now and I’ve noticed there is already a degree of trust and therefore vulnerability that people bring,’ explains Christoph. ‘It’s such a gift! When you gently dig a little deeper or ask a discerning question, you often find someone who is deeply hungry for love, belonging and purpose. And the beautiful thing about the Christian faith is that it is robust enough to face the questions of suffering and the challenges of injustice. The life of Jesus and the healing He offers is the best welcome we can give because it’s those very elements of being human that Jesus faced and embodies.’

Christoph runs a men’s Bible study group each week, and a recent encounter with ‘Jim’ exemplifies this welcome. Following a change in circumstances, Jim found himself living in emergency housing. This, coupled with a chronic health condition, meant that Jim was struggling with food security. When he came in for help, Christoph extended the invitation to the men’s group, knowing they were having a special dinner to celebrate the completion of a Bible study series. Jim said he would think about it.

‘Jim showed up and everyone embraced him. Over the meal we had korero (conversation) about faith, rugby, the weather and politics,’ explains Christoph. As he was leaving, Jim said to me, “I can’t remember the last time I had a meal with other people. I usually eat by myself. This was great. Someone cooked for me and I got to eat with other people, which was amazing. Thank you.” It was this holy moment! The fruit of grace and care. The invitation to manaaki cannot be underestimated. It’s the kingdom of God—there’s a meal on and you’re welcome! It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from. You’re welcome at this table because you’re a child of God!’

Hope and life

Racheal-Lee highlights the local mission statement that has been in play for some years now at Kāpiti Salvation Army.
‘Our purpose is to bring hope and life to our community, and I think that is so simple and so beautiful,’ she says. ‘Why wouldn’t we want to ask God to help us see what that looks like? It’s been happening, as the fruit of people just loving God ripens. My dream for Kāpiti is that we would truly be the Body of Christ bringing hope and life wherever we are—not just when we meet together on Bluegum Road, but wherever we are placed within the community.’

In a recent Facebook post following the 45th anniversary, Communication and Creativity Champion Hannah Medland beautifully drew all the threads of change currently being woven together when she commented, ‘To our community—thank you for making this an incredible place to serve and live! And to all those who have been part of Kāpiti Salvation Army over the past four and a half decades, we honour you and your contributions. We’re here today because we follow in your footsteps.’