Adele Vannathy is the lead pastor at Hosanna Baptist Porirua. She believes in empowering leaders and finding and cultivating the seeds of vision planted in each person.

Imagine the power of bold, faith-filled prayers prayed regularly by an entire movement.

Justice, mercy and humility form the framework for a new initiative at National Hui (6–9 Nov) this year: Gospel Impact Labs. Delegates can participate in one of ten labs to develop a tool which local Baptist churches can use for gospel renewal. See all Gospel Impact Labs at the end of this article. In this one with Adele, we’re creating a tool to help our local churches bring the power of prayer to the heart of their ministry and mission.

Power of prayer

I seem to have developed a reputation for praying, but I’m not quite sure how. 

I pray because I need to. 

I pray because, on my own, I’m not competent for the task at hand. 

I pray because I am a co-labourer with the one who said He will build his church, and if I’m going to work with him, it helps to know what He’s doing. 

And I pray because I have a powerful enemy who doesn’t even fight fair, and the only way I know to fight back is with prayer (and the sword of the Spirit!). 

Together, let’s develop a valuable tool to inspire and equip our local churches to raise up pray-ers and bring the power of prayer to their ministry and mission.

A bit about me: As a pastor’s kid, I grew up in the church and ministry. After studying medicine in Dunedin, God called me to full-time church ministry. I love calling out the giftedness in people and empowering them to rise into that. 

Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11:1).

Image: Adele Vannathy


Gospel Impact Labs

Faith sharing

Community engagement

Connect with and serve marae

Empowering young people

Welcoming immigrants

Power of prayer

Develop leaders

Climate crisis action

Political engagement

Good stewardship

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