Get to know Steph Wood, the new Children & Family Ministry Coach for the Upper South Baptist Association. Steph is part of Ilam Baptist Church, Christchurch, and is in her final year of the Pastoral Leadership Track at Carey Baptist College.
Kia Ora! I grew up on a farm in the Dome Valley, North of Auckland, where my parents still live. The mountain I climbed with my Grandma, my parents, & later with my own children is Tohitohi o Rei (the Dome). The river that my three younger siblings and I swam and rafted in as teenagers is the Mahurangi river. I am married to Murray, who works as a structural engineer, and we have three children. Hannah (17) is in her last year of high school, Hosea is 14 and Adelaide (turning 11) is starting intermediate school.
My work experience has been as a primary school teacher and later as a Playcentre supervisor and holiday programme coordinator. I have also worked in children & families ministry for churches, firstly in Australia and currently at Ilam Baptist church in Christchurch. I recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Theology at Carey Baptist College, and I’m currently in my final year of the pastoral leadership track there.
I am excited to step into this new role, encouraging and resourcing Children & Families leaders in the Upper South region. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with people within our region and with the national team. When I’m not in work mode, you can find me on a bushwalk, burying my nose in a book, enjoying a quiet coffee, or camping with family and friends.
Photo: Supplied by Steph Wood
