God of the Whenua - eBooks.

God of the Whenua
Rural Ministry in Aotearoa New Zealand

By Bill Bennett

Reduced to $5 until 30 September 2025, saving you $5

An ecumenical and bicultural exploration of rural ministry that weaves theology of land, church adaptability, and cultural integrity into a hopeful vision for thriving faith communities.

This book will help you:

• Understand how economic, social, liturgical, and theological shifts impact rural congregations
• Appreciate both Pākehā and Māori perspectives in shaping effective rural ministry
• Develop a theology of land rooted in Aotearoa's unique cultural and environmental context
• Learn from profiles of diverse parishes and rohe, offering grounded insights for ministry practice
• Foster adaptive and resilient rural church communities capable of flourishing amid change
• Equip clergy, lay leaders, and theological students with thoughtful, regionally relevant tools
• Engage with a pioneering resource that blends ecumenical unity with cultural authenticity

Features

• Insightful analysis of Methodist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and Anglican rural ministries
• Rich profiles of parishes and Māori rohe, illustrating contextual realities and hopes
• Grounded in an ecumenical framework with respect for Māori theological distinctiveness
• Presents a theology of land and mission applicable to varied rural contexts
• Encourages adaptive strategies grounded in community needs and cultural roots

You are buying a zipped file containing eBook editions of this 132 page book in PDF, ePub and Mobi formats.

ISBNs:
Mobi 9780958268257
ePub: 9780958268295
PDF 9781927260784

Philip Garside Publishing Ltd (Print 2005, eBooks 2013)

Description

The rural church in Aotearoa New Zealand stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation.

In God of the Whenua, Bill Bennett invites readers on a richly layered journey through the evolving landscape of rural ministry – one shaped by economic upheaval, social shifts, liturgical reform, and theological reawakening.

Drawing from his deep experience in rural Anglican ministry and broader ecumenical engagement, Bennett offers a reflective and hopeful theology of land rooted in the nation's bicultural heritage.

He honors both the voice of Pākehā and the distinctive spiritual rhythms of the Māori church, weaving together stories that illuminate the intimate relationship between land, faith, and community.

Through parish and rohe profiles across Methodist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, and Anglican settings, the book brings theology to life.

Bennett spotlights communities adapting to change – highlighting how resilience, cultural affirmation, and a willingness to evolve enable rural churches not just to survive, but to thrive.

Written with warmth and clarity, this volume is an invaluable resource for rural clergy, lay leaders, theological tutors, and students – anyone keen to understand the nuances of rural faith contexts.

At its heart, the book says: when church honors both land and people, adapts with integrity, and reflects cultural authenticity, rural ministry can flourish in unprecedented ways.

“This publication will stand as a definitive survey of rural ministry. As a source of inspiration for the future of the small, local church in rural New Zealand, it is essential reading.” John Bluck, Bishop of Waiapu, 2005 

About the Author

Bill Bennett hails from a Southern Hawke’s Bay farming family and has dedicated his life to rural ministry.

Ordained in 1964, he served primarily within the Anglican Diocese of Waiapu and also ministered in England’s Norwich and Lichfield Dioceses.

Between 1994 and 2015, he held roles as Ministry Enabler and Regional Dean in Hawke’s Bay. His publications – including God of the Whenua, Seasons of the Land, and The Shepherd’s Call – reflect his deep commitment to rural faith expressions. He has composed hymns, served as a tutor in Rural Ministry Studies, and served on the editorial board of Rural Theology.

Now retired, he resides with his wife Wendy in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Contents

• Introduction
• Ecumenical Overview of Rural Ministry (Methodist, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Anglican)
• Profiles of Parishes and Māori Rohe
• Theology of Land: Engaging Māori and Pākehā Perspectives
• Mission and Ministry: Foundations for Rural Contexts
• Anticipating Future Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Churches