SPREYDON Elders

Alastair Tennent
I've been at Spreydon Baptist for more than 20 years and been involved in numerous groups and activities during this time, including a long involvement with Kingdom Resources Trust, one of our community ministries.
I'm married to Debbie with four kids who also enjoy the youth and kids communities at Spreydon Baptist.
During the week, I work as the Commercial Manager for a large fuels distribution business based in Christchurch. I also find time to do some running, mountain biking, watch sport and spend time with the family.

Tim Butcher
My wife Janelle and I have been members of the Spreydon Baptist community since 1987. We have added our children Caleb, Jess and Sam along the way. Our service areas have been in drama, children's work and marriage ministries – particularly with the Prepare and Enrich programmes. I also co-facilitate the men's anger management course.
My work history includes carpentry and mental health social work. I currently work for the Canterbury District Health Board managing a mental health service.
I also enjoy family time, building and landscaping projects and collecting mineral specimens!

Alistair Mackenzie
I spent 21 years in pastoral leadership of Baptist congregations at Papatoetoe, Lincoln and Ilam. My wife Alison and I were supported by Spreydon from 1989-1995 when I was involved in leadership of Servants to Asia's Urban Poor, and reconnected with Spreydon when I finished at Ilam in 2006. Currently, I am a full-time Senior Lecturer in the School of Mission and Ministry at Laidlaw College (formerly Bible College of NZ). My major research and writing focus has been on churches resourcing Christians for ministry in the marketplace and daily life. Alison and I have lived in Spreydon for the last 20 years and have two children, Catherine and Christopher, and a lovely grand-daughter, Ruby. I enjoy playing guitar and blues harp, armchair rugby and the odd round of golf (with an emphasis on the odd!).

Andrew Jefferson
 I've been at Spreydon for over 25 years. I'm married to Fran, we have three children who as young adults are now at the stage where they are visitors more than a permanent fixture! During the week I am a teacher at Riccarton High School, with a range of IT related responsibilities.  My hobbies are music (playing or listening), armchair sport, games and gadgets. I am involved in Sunday Gatherings here at the church where I play the drums and do sound for the morning services. I am passionate about the ongoing importance of our combined gatherings as we continue to develop local communities.

Pam Arnold
I have a lovely husband waiting for me in Glory, 11 gorgeous grandchildren and 4 daughters and sons-in-law who are pretty special too. I have been a secondary school teacher and motelier and am now the proud/reluctant (!) holder of the Gold Card. Over the years at Spreydon I have taught at the English Language Centre, served on the Eldership and as my great passion has always been hospitality, have been involved in the Café ministry from it's beginning. In my "spare" time I like to read, walk, knit, scrapbook and chat over coffee with friends. It is my great joy and privilege to be part of and serve in this awesome church family here at Spreydon.

Mark Harrington
I am married to Barb and we have four children - Alanna, Larissa, Shivonne and Brad. I first came to Spreydon 30 something years ago.
By trade I started as a diesel mechanic. Now I manage an engineering company. I'm interested in mission here and overseas and spent some time in Bangladesh. I am excited about our move as a church to be far more community-based.

Graham Early
I was an Elder here at Spreydon before joining the staff team about 8 years ago, where I've been Executive Pastor, headed up the Admin Team, and been on the Leadership Team. I'm married to Judith, and we have 3 adult children – James married Samantha last year, and they live in Spreydon, Anna is in Melbourne working as a graphic designer, and Reuben lives at home with us. We own a business importing and distributing bicycle parts, and while that is a significant part of my life, my greatest passion is to encourage and help people to work together in order to grow and express the Kingdom of God.