Who are we

We describe ourselves as a “church without walls” – primarily this means we are seeking to impact the community around us with love, service and the Gospel message rather than expecting everyone to come to us. In other words, we encourage our people to go out and be Christians 24/7 in their natural habitats, influencing those around them for good and for God.

As part of this we also have a heart for things God is doing beyond our local community and seek to support and encourage other mission initiatives.

Rev Ron Bennett

I have been called to be the minister of Te Awamutu Presbyterian Church where we encourage a warm welcome and we seek to focus on worshipping God and listening to Jesus our Lord.

My diverse background includes high school teaching, theological training, overseas missionary work including being ordained into the Church of Pakistan … and later, recognised and received by the PCANZ. I value and encourage family life both personally and across the church.

My wife and I have been married for over 50 years and share 2 adult children and their spouses plus 6 grandchildren.

Minister: Rev Ron Bennett

Office Administrator

Meet - Sharon Abernethy

Sharon has been working in the Church office for over 14.5 years.

Sharon is happily married with 7 children and 6 grandchildren. A blended family that came together 15.5 years ago.

Born in Te Awamutu and although she has lived in many places, Pirongia is now the place she calls home.

Sharon and her husband Ray enjoy getting out on their bikes and having breaks away in their caravan travelling around NZ soaking up all that God has on offer and spending precious time with their family.

"I am truly blessed to be working in the office with St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church as the feeling of “Family” is very strong here".

Pop in and say hello!

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 12.30pm

Church Clerk: Val Milne

Val Milne is married to Murray and has lived in Te Awamutu for 40 + years attending St Andrew's for 30 + years. Val is on Church Council and is currently our Church Clerk all while running a homegroup, being on the prayer chain, and serving on the children's ministry team.

The group organizing the new building has also been a focus in the current session we are in as a chuch. I love the Monday night free to worship services and meeting new people.

The pastoral care team is another chance for me to share God's love with others. Seeing families join us here is a source of joy for me.

Blessings Val

Community Worker - Jamie Budd

Jamie joined the team back in 2021 with a desire to see lives being transformed for God.

Jamies role includes creating different expressions of Church gatherings outside of our traditional Sunday morning services.

Jamie has been married to Sharni for 24 years and has 8 children. Being born and raised in Te Awamutu Jamie believes this to build long term relationships of people in our community.

Some of Jamie's passions are working with youth and men while being passionate about the outdoors.

Contact Details: