From making available their rumpus room for the first church meeting of Lighthouse, Chris and Sue Piggin have truly been with the church from the very start. They were invited to join the pastoral team in 1999. Chris oversees the administration and accounts of the church, is also one of the trustee. Sue is involved in the Womens ministry.

(C) = Chris (S)=Sue

Why did you become a pastor? (C) Its God timing. I was just responding to His calling to get into full time ministry. I felt ready as I was already working for the church part time. (S) I have always had the desire to serve Him.

What keeps you going? (C) Seeing people come to Christ; leading a church that has a heart for God and His people. (S) I love God and His church. I love serving God’s people, and seeing them become something great. It’s been my conviction for a long time. My heart is to see people set free and to achieve their full potential in God.

Favourite verse? (C) John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” To think that God would love me and give up his son for ME? I am changed from a man of the world to a man of His kingdom. What a contrast. What an honour. (S) Proverbs 3:5-6  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” When I was a new Christian, this verse was key to me. It helped me through some tough situations.

Favourite character in the Bible? (C) David – Even though he sinned, he was able to come before God and truly repent. (S) Rahab – She was a very courageous person. She may have been a prostitute and was looked down by the people, but God honoured her because of her faith.

Share with us an example of someone that has been changed by Christ under your care? (C) A particular young man was going through a rebellious stage and he eventually had to appear before the courts. We met together weekly over a long period of time. Christ totally transformed him. He is a totally different person now, still strong in the faith and serving God. (S) The lady was a new migrant in New Zealand at the time. She was facing a lot of personal issues and found it hard to adapt to the new country . God ministered to her and she grew in the faith and in the Word. She became a much stronger person.

Hobbies / Favourite Pastime? (C) Working out at the gym, spending time with my grandchildren and my wife, drinking coffee with James (especially when he’s paying). (S) Walking, scrapbooking, cooking (favourite cook: Jo Seager) hanging out with the grand kids and having coffee with my girlfriends.

Top 3 favourite books? (C) The Bible, Mao’s last dancer, Noddy (S) The Bible, Ever increasing faith (Smith Wiggleworth), Jane Eyre

Favourite music? (C) Harry Belafonte, The Beatles, Jene Pitney (S) U2, Third day, Parachute Band

If you could swap places with anyone for a week, who would it be? (C) Graham Henry – I’d like to teach our boys how to play rugby.

Memorable holidays? (C) Penang – Loved the water sports and I have very fond memories of family staying there. (S) Northern Queensland, Australia – had great holidays there.

Are you a coffee or tea person? (C) Flat white please. (S) Cappuccino, cinnamon topping, not cocoa.

Secret talent that no one knows about? (C) Singing… in the shower – my grandchildren love it. (S) Art – painting and drawing.

What gets you excited? (C) A rugby game, especially when the All Blacks are winning (S) A good woman’s conference.

If you were given a million dollars, how would you spend it? No, you are not allowed to donate it to church. (C) Give it to my wife. (S) Give some to my grandchildren and find ways to help people in need to get out of their poverty cycle.

What is your hope and vision for Lighthouse? (C) To see many more people coming to know God. To see the church branch out, establish new works and more young people rising up to serve God full time. (S) That many nations would come to Lighthouse, to see lives changed and for people to be empowered for God’s work.