Forge Aotearoa

Forge Aotearoa equips followers of Jesus to participate in God’s mission.

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Leadership

Forge Aotearoa

Forge Aotearoa equips followers of Jesus to participate in God’s mission. Rooted in the metaphor of Wayfinding, we are a growing community that seeks to encourage and resource each other, and journey together to discern where God is leading.

Forge Aotearoa

Inspired by Pacific navigators, we seek to embrace adaptability, spiritual discernment, and deep contextual awareness as we chart new pathways for faith communities. Our vision is to see leaders reaching people with the good news, sparking new expressions of church, and creating flourishing Jesus-centered communities. As a member of the global Forge movement, we identify, develop, and support pioneering leaders equipped to navigate the challenges of contemporary mission.

Western mainline churches are facing significant decline, yet there are Spirit-led individuals with a passion for mission. These leaders often feel isolated, lack clear pathways for their calling, and benefit from hands-on experimentation along with opportunities for deeper reflection on their practice. Forge Aotearoa addresses this by fostering a supportive ecosystem where pioneers can develop within a nurturing community.

We invest in leadership formation and community nurture through:

  • Order of Wayfinders: A monastic-inspired community providing encouragement, support, training, and accountability (currently being formed).
  • Hui: Biannual national gatherings to foster belonging and shared learning (Auckland, May 2025; Wellington, November 2025).
  • Communities of Practice: Monthly online gatherings offering connection and resource-sharing.
  • Learning Resources: Podcasts, webinars, workshops, and written materials tailored for Aotearoa’s context.
  • Mentoring & Anamchara: Spiritual companionship crucial for ongoing formation.
  • Collaboration: Working with key organizations to maximize impact and avoid duplication.

Related Resources

Elders Handbook

This handbook provides an overview of the ministry of eldership within the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa NZ. Topics range from the biblical foundations of eldership

Leadership Handbook

This resource will guide you in thinking about the different ways leadership can be expressed in the church. The handbook rests on thoughtful engagement with