About Us
Who We Are
While rooted in biblical Christianity, The Avenue Village NZ serves a diverse congregation, including Filipino and English-speaking believers, united in the gospel of the True Jesus Christ.
If you are looking for a church in Christchurch, including if you are still overseas, read about finding a church family here.
We exist to glorify the True Jesus Christ by proclaiming who He is and what He has done, building up His people, and making disciples who plant faithful churches. Our life and ministry are governed by the Word of God alone, not by human traditions, cultural trends, or personal preferences.
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever.”
(Romans 11:36)
This biblical conviction does not merely define who we are today; it has shaped how the Lord has led us from the beginning and continues to guide the work He has entrusted to us.
Our Foundation
We believe that the church belongs to Jesus Christ. He alone is the Head of the Church, and He builds His Church through the faithful preaching of the gospel and the ordinary means of grace.
“And He is the head of the body, the church…”
(Colossians 1:18)
The Bible is our final authority in all matters of faith and life. Everything we teach, practice, and proclaim is tested by Scripture.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
(2 Timothy 3:16)
Because Christ is the Head of the Church and Scripture is our authority, our calling, history, and mission are shaped not by strategy or tradition, but by obedience to God’s revealed will.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple and biblical:
- To proclaim the True Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture
- To make disciples through faithful teaching and pastoral care
- To build up the local church in holiness and sound doctrine
- To plant faithful churches for future generations
This mission flows directly from the Great Commission given by our Lord.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
(Matthew 28:19–20)
What the Lord has established among us through His Word and providence now directs how we live, serve, and labor for His glory in the present.
Our Leadership
The Avenue Village NZ is led by a plurality of pastors/elders, following the pattern established in the New Testament. We do not believe the church is meant to be led by one man, but by qualified elders who shepherd the flock together under Christ.
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you…”
(1 Peter 5:2)
Our pastors/elders are:
- Ricky Ramos
- Jeffrey Lawayan
- Elson Panisigan
- Michael Axalan
This shared leadership reflects our conviction that Christ shepherds His Church through faithful men who serve together under His authority.
Our Identity and Accountability
We are a registered charitable trust in New Zealand and are committed to integrity, transparency, and accountability in both doctrine and practice. Our statement of faith clearly sets forth what we believe concerning God, Scripture, salvation, the Church, and the Christian life.
We joyfully stand within historic, biblical Christianity and desire to pass on the same faith once delivered to the saints.
“Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
(Jude 3)
This commitment to truth and accountability binds together our identity, our history, and our mission as one faithful witness to Christ.
Our Prayer
Our prayer is not to build a name for ourselves, but to see Christ exalted, sinners saved, believers strengthened, and faithful churches established for the glory of God.
“Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory.”
(Psalm 115:1)
Our History
The Avenue Village NZ began through God’s leading, first in the Philippines and later in New Zealand, shaped by years of prayer, Scripture, discipleship, and pastoral training. From small beginnings, the Lord has established a church committed to proclaiming the True Jesus Christ, making disciples, and planting faithful churches.