Who We Are
Get to know our church
Glen Eden Baptist Church (GEBC) is a multigenerational, multicultural, community focused church in the heart of West Auckland. Established in 1959 out of a desire to make a difference in the Glen Eden community, GEBC is a warm family church home. We are passionate about making a difference in our community by sharing the love of Jesus and providing a warm and friendly environment in which people at all stages of their spiritual journey feel encouraged and challenged.
HOPE in Christ,
TRANSFORMED by Christ,
EMPOWERED through Christ to change the world
Our DNA
We are a community of people who love Jesus Christ, we have found our Hope in Him, have been Transformed by Him and Empowered through Him to change the world. This world view orientates us around four core values.
Kingdom Oriented
The gospel does not just have power, it is the power of God (Romans 1:16-17). The Kingdom of God is gradually and relentlessly growing (Matthew. 13:1-23, 11:12). We are called to partner with Christ to see His Kingdom come in greater expression in all areas of life and ministry.
(Matthew 6:33)
Intentionally Missional
We recognise that the biblical narrative displays God’s heart for mission. So, we seek that all people come to faith and grow in Christ; young, old and people from all cultures and backgrounds.
(Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; John 17:23)
We acknowledge and support the special relationship that was created by the Treaty of Waitangi, between Tangata Whenua and the Crown.
Intergenerational
It is our belief that a relational loving community includes people of all ages, so we are intentional in loving others and making all feel welcome at GEBC. We believe all people are made in God’s image and are of equal value; with Christ pursuing their wholeness, spiritually, physically, emotionally, intellectually & relationally.
(Philippians 2:3-4)
Actively Charismatic
We pursue the presence, encounter and ministry of the Holy Spirit in corporate worship and in all areas of life. Believing the Spirit speaks through the word we uphold the Bible as the inspired Word of God and as the final authority in all aspects of life and faith.
(Acts 1:8)
Our Team
Senior Pastor
Gary Grut
Before coming to Glen Eden Gary had a background in sport, corporate and ministry work. Gary is a fully qualified Professional Golfer with over twenty-five years’ experience in self-employment and business management. Gary’s ministry experience commenced in 1987 serving two years at Holy Trinity Church as Youth Pastor, as well as 15 years as Associate Pastor at Titirangi Baptist Church. Gary finished after eight years as the National Team Leader for Baptist Youth Ministries before accepting the call to come to Glen Eden as Senior Pastor. Gary has done theological study at Trinity College, Laidlaw and Carey Baptist College. Gary is married to Sarah and they have been blessed with four wonderful boys.
Associate Pastor
Shannan Mackie
Shannan is Associate Pastor responsible for the staff of our ministries from newborns to young adults.
Shannan is married to Holly; they have a daughter Lexie and son Brady. Shannan and Holly are trained facilitators for the Prepare/Enrich pre marriage and marriage courses.
Shannan has been a pastor since 2011 (Youth, Associate, Pastoral Team Leader). As part of these roles, he was a high school chaplain from 2012-2015 and was part of the BYM National Youth Team until 2020.
Youth Pastor
Simon Mahoney
Children’s Ministry Leader
Chloe Coleman
Chloe is a mother of (soon to be two) boys. She has a heart for people, intentional relationships/parenting and sees communication as a vital tool to a fulfilled life.
Chloe grew up in Christchurch, despite being born here in Auckland and has since moved back, got married to Jesse Coleman and created a life together.
She is excited to empower others, see what God does in this space and journey alongside those around her.
Worship Curator
Sandra Alpe
Before coming to Glen Eden Sandra pastored St Albans Baptist Church in Christchurch with her husband for 24 years. She lead the Worship space for Sunday services and an alternative service that focused on creative connection with God.
She is passionate about people growing up in Jesus, enjoys speaking and is an experienced Coach.
“I believe when anyone encounters The God of Love they walk away different, changed. This motivates me to create space for this in all I do.”
She is excited to use all she has gleaned to serve GEBC. Sandra is married to John and they have 3 amazing children with equally cool partners whom have blessed them with 3 grandies – so far!
Administrator
Judy Attwood
Judy was born in the Solomon Islands to missionary parents and spent her formative years there before returning to NZ to complete her secondary schooling. Judy has a 3 year Bible College Diploma from the Bible College of NZ (now Laidlaw College) and previously served for 8 years as Church Administrator for another church. She is keen to serve her local church and is pleased to have the opportunity to serve as part of the community at GEBC.
Intermediate Ministries
Lily Melville
Youth Ministry Co-Ordinator
Sabrina David
Elders
Barry Sluiters
Paul Baird
Elschen Frankenfeld
Mitchell Allen
Greg Palmer
Visionwest
Visionwest exists to end homelessness, reduce poverty, support the elderly,
and ensure young people have hope for the future.
Visionwest Community Trust has offered community-based services to people in West Auckland since the 1980s. Today the Trust has grown to be one of the largest community based Trusts in West Auckland, providing services particularly for those that are disadvantaged or marginalised in our community.
The Trust is located at Glen Eden Baptist Church, and continues to look at new and innovative ways of effectively meeting community needs, working towards a mission of ‘building hope together’ and a vision of ‘transformed lives, healthy communities’
Visit www.visionwest.org.nz to find out more about the services of Visionwest Community Trust.
Me mahi ngātahi tonu tātou – Together, we can do more.
Mission
Mission is a core part of who we are at Glen Eden Baptist Church.
We stronly believe the local church is called to be involved in overseas cross-cultural mission and support individuals, groups and organisation to share the gospel internationally. At GEBC the ‘Goers and Senders’ group meets monthly to hear from missionaries and to pray for them. The group meets for lunch on the 3rd Sunday of the month in ‘The Zone.’
Peter and Leonora
For many years, Peter and Leonora have lived and worked in one of South Asia’s largest red-light districts, serving with Tranzsend, where they have helped establish a freedom business which offers employment to vulnerable people. The electronics and stationery business they set up has continued to grow, and now employs many women out of the sex trade. Currently they are offering heritage tours for individuals and groups, which gives participants the opportunity to explore, understand and pray for the people of South Asia. They have established a network of relationships with local groups, providing hospitality, education and support. They are also heavily involved with a theological college in the area, where they support both the faculty and students.
Short Term Teams
Other teams are sent out from GEBC on short term mission to places such as Fiji, India and around New Zealand.