We understand that you may have a few questions about Rotorua Elim in making your decision whether or not to visit in person. Here are 10 common questions asked about our Church services.
1. Where and when do you meet? Here at Elim we value community, relationships - whanaungatanga. On Sunday's is our family whanau celebration at 9.00am in the heart of Rotorua, 1149 Eruera St Click here for a map. After gathering together on Sunday, mid-week small groups are the single most important part of our church. Our mid-week small groups, are called Whanau Groups and meet across Rotorua and cater to varying age groups and interests.
2. What should I wear? We are a contemporary church, some people dress semi-casual, others prefer a semi-formal manner. Our minister will not be in robes, but may at times wear a hoodie! We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed, dressed as it suits you.
3. What do you do? We believe each individual's personal relationship with God is important. While “religion” often carries a connotation of robes, holy water and a pipe organ, you will not find those at Elim. We endeavor to present our services in a creative and fresh way that encourages each person on their journey to know God, find their purpose and make a difference in life. Our gatherings have contemporary music with a live band and relevant gospel messages. If you have children, they will be looked after and have a fun time (see question 8 below).
Each Sunday we gather together, we give an opportunity for anyone who would like to know Jesus and become a Christian. A Christian is simply a person that has decided to be a follower of Christ and become more like Jesus example. Please read question 6 for more in this regard. We are also privileged to have leaders in many fields from across our nation speak from time to time.
4. Do I have to give money? No, you do not have to give money. People are able to give a donation online to our Rotorua Elim Bank account. Otherwise we do not collect donations. As our guest, you are more than welcome to give, but it is not a requirement.
5. What is the music like? We have modern contemporary music, mostly in the English language, sometimes in the Maori language and other languages of ethicities of people in our band. Our band is made up of skilled musicians and vocalists who have a passionate encouraging style of celebration and inspiration. If you enjoy modern contemporary music, you will love and enjoy our style!
During the music time, many people will stand, sing, move and clap. This is a way that we like to express ourselves. Feel free to join in and enjoy this part of our time together.
6. Do I have to do anything? You are our valued guest. Please relax and enjoy your time with us. When you arrive we would like to give you a gift to acknowledge you and your first time with us. If you would like a gift approach one of our hosts. You are also able to collect your gift from one of our team after the service.
Each service we endeavor to provide the opportunity for people to become Christians. A Christian is simply a follower of Christ. During most of our Sunday gatherings, we will invite anyone that would like to make this decision to do so. During this time, if you would like to make that commitment, we will ask that you briefly raise your hand as an acknowledgment of your commitment. As a matter of courtesy and privacy, we ask that no one looks around or talks during this time – it is a matter between an individual and God. If you do make this decision and raise your hand, the pastor will pray a prayer which many others will pray also and we encourage you to join in. If you have made that commitment for the first time, we encourage you to join a mid-week small group or let someone help you in your next step in your relationship with Jesus. If you do not feel ready to make that commitment, that is fine, please enjoy yourself.
7. What about my kids? For parents with babies we have parents lounge in the foyer, it has sound on from the auditorium. We also have a changing tables for babies in the toilets. For children that are able to walk to 4yrs of age we have a PowerSparks room. Upstairs is our PowerZone program for primary school aged children and Voltage for 10-13 year olds. We also have Oxygen Youthfor teens. If you have any questions, or would like to see the children's area before a service, please ask at reception and we will be glad to help.
8. How long does the services go for? We appreciate that Sundays are a valuable day in your week. All of our services are between an hour and an hour and 20 minutes. After the service we have tea and coffee in the foyer and would love the opportunity to meet you in person. If you are pressed for time, just let us know your details and we will be happy to catch up with you at a time that suits you better. In the unusual event we are required to go later than expected, please feel free to quietly leave the auditorium – we will not be offended.
9. Do I need a Bible? All you need is you! We believe in the Bible and we use it as the reference point for our times of prayer, singing and gospel messages and teaching. If you have a Bible and would like to bring it, please do. Many people have a smart phone with the YouVersion Bible app, you can download it via the link - YouVersion Bible App.
It is our hope that your online experience will give you a an idea of who we are and how we do things. You can check out our Live Stream and past gatherings are also available. We'd love to meet you, you are so welcome, you're invited! Haere mai, nau mai!
Our Leadership
Senior Leaders
Eruera and Marama Maxted lead the team at Rotorua Elim Church. The Maxted's felt the call to lead Rotorua Elim in October of 2016 after spending almost two decades in Whangarei at Elim Christian Centre and haven't looked back since. You can find out more about them here
