Our Team

Grahame Walker — Senior Pastor

 Kia ora, I am a born and bred westie and my wife Vivienne is Ngati Porou and Rongowaakata. She hails from the East Coast, Tokumaru Bay and Gisborne. We have two adult children, one fabulous daughter-in-law and one granddaughter. I have been a Christian for forty years. A verse was given to me on my baptism has guided me over these last twenty years in the Baptist family.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight”.    Proverbs 3:5-6

I have been a pastor before, had a role with the Baptist Union of New Zealand, Victim Support and more recently was a mental health chaplain at Auckland City Hospital. I believe that everything God has done in my life has led me to Ranui Baptist church. I also like sci-fi movies, collecting comics (don’t judge) and hanging out with Vivienne.

Tai Taua — Associate Pastor

Ranui is home to my family and me because we love the atmosphere of God’s presence here amongst our church family.

God has been so good and faithful to Ranui Baptist and we’re all involved in the ministries and the things that the Lord has blessed us with throughout the years . God bless!

Rob Kidd — Elder

I am happily married to Barbara. We have two adult children, one a teacher and the other working in the civil and drainage industry. I have been part of the Ranui family since I was a child and my wife Barbara since we were married in 1990. I believe God is incredibly well organised and loves us all so much. We see testimony of this through his structured approach to creation and then sending Jesus to save us. I see my spiritual gifting as leadership, helping with the organisation and administrative aspects of the church’s and the community trust’s activities. People matter and both Ranui Baptist Church and the Ranui Baptist Community Care Trust is all about helping people – whether it be budgeting, food parcels, emergency housing, counselling, spiritual development and so on. It’s a great privilege to be involved in God’s work at Ranui.

Peter Soole — Chairman of the Elders

I am happily married to Carole, with two children and five grandchildren. My years of experience as a High School Teacher and H.O.D. Science have added to my wisdom and grace in handling pastoral issues. My gifts of teaching, wisdom and prophecy bring on-going encouragement to the church. I enjoy supporting my children and grandchildren; including my daughter who is a Teacher and a Granddaughter, who is a trainee Teacher. I love to organise outdoor expeditions with family and watching them grow through the experience. I am also a Ranui Baptist Community Care Trust member.

John Blight — Elder

I am married to Marian. We have two children and five grandchildren whom we adore. My journey has brought me from the Waikato, where I was the last of four to leave my parent’s home. After moving through several churches we have settled in Ranui, where we feel very much part of this church family. Life has had its ups and downs but in all those situations God has been there for us. My strengths are having an ear to hear God’s voice and prayer is a priority in my life. My desire is that, together as a church, we are always open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Worship is crucial to us, acknowledging God as the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Let us work together to build his church in Ranui.

Kristen Bettany — Elder

Hi! 15 years ago my 3 children (now adults) and I moved to Henderson and visited Ranui Baptist Church. Walking in, I knew it was home and have never needed to look elsewhere. My children were water baptised and were actively involved in the children’s ministry and youth groups over the years. Currently, I am excited to see God birthing New Ministry and stirring spiritual passion within our church family. I love teaching small groups and praying for those needing mental, spiritual and physical healing. I have been involved in Women’s Ministry for several years which is pro-active and beautiful. I have also been working full time at Laidlaw College Finance Department for the past 4 years which keeps me busy. I hope you will feel welcomed here – please come and say hello.