Firstly I am grateful for the statements already published by many churches in Auckland and further afield.  I am in agreement with most of them and the following is a simple approach that I believe expresses the sentiments of myself and most Christian leaders.

Encounter, does not hold an official nor ethical stance regarding the Covid-19 vaccine.  I have held strongly the position that each person should make their own decision regarding the vaccine based on their personal conscience, the advice of qualified medical professionals and their own research.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2019 we, as a church, have consulted with the leaders of Encounter and have sought always to follow and be supportive of the public health measures implemented since the pandemic started.  This has resulted in moving our services and other ministries to an online format.  This has been very successful, has kept most of us connected and we have been able to minister to individuals effectively, when required. 

I am extremely grateful for the commitment of our team to ensure we are able to express the uniqueness of Encounter, online.  Such arenas as the music, children’s ministry, youth and young adults, connect groups and general administration of Encounter continue to flourish.

The future challenge we may face is how faith-based gatherings may continue in this covid pandemic.  World-wide some countries have limited gatherings, based upon a person’s vaccination status.  Meeting together in corporate worship, Holy Spirit ministry and ministry of the Word of God is a fundamental right of every believer and there should not be discrimination against people attending based upon being vaccinated or not.  This is a very difficult issue and one that is currently being addressed by national church leaders in New Zealand.  The hope (and current request to government) is that future legislation regarding church gatherings will be done in consultation with church leaders.

At Encounter we hold to some basic values.  One of the most important is our unity and love for each other.  There are a wide variety of beliefs regarding vaccination, gatherings and so forth.  However people need to be able to express their opinions and beliefs without disunity being created.   I understand and acknowledge that there is a great deal of fear and insecurity at the moment.  But we must not allow that to drive any wedge between each other.

For me, one of the most powerful passages in the scriptures that has strengthened my faith and resolve to work through the issues regarding the pandemic is:

Psalms 27:3-5

(3)  Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident.

(4)  One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.

(5)  For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

Finally I am increasingly devoting myself to directives revolving around prayer and intercession.  I believe this is a key for moving forward during this time.  The church in New Zealand is rising up in prayer in a way, I don’t believe, I have witnessed before.  I encourage you to be praying for our nation, our leaders and the church in New Zealand. 

As an encouragement let’s hold a faith stance:

Isaiah 43:15-16

(15)  "I am the LORD, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King."

(16)  Thus says the LORD, Who makes a way through the sea And a path through the mighty waters,

And it continues:

(18)  "Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past.

(19)  "Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.

God is moving, He will continue to move and what may seem a difficult way forward is just an opportunity for God to “do something new,” to bring forth “Rivers in the desert.”

I love you all.

Ps Brent Douglas
Senior Leader
Encounter Church