Church ministry “very holistic” says pastor 

Pastor Chris Sola of ‘the dream centre’ in Manukau says he always knew his philosophy of ministry would open doors to influence other groups to develop good business practices in social service delivery and community development.

Mr Sola was a keynote speaker at the recent Every Child Counts-Business NZ discussion series at Te Papa in Wellington.

The event had a strong focus on the mutual interest of businesses and communities in ensuring good outcomes for children.

Mr Sola believes that his church’s work in the local community is a wonderful success story. “The dream centre is unique because we are working to become self-sustaining so that we are not dependent on any external funding,” he says.

“We’re keen to share our experience with others.”

Mr Sola describes the church’s philosophy as “secular”, in that it seeks to find practical solutions for struggling families before it engages with them on issues of faith.

“We’ve converted the whole facility into a Christian outreach. To the wider community it doesn’t look like an outreach, but to us as a Christian community, it is an outreach. We’ve established the dream centre to draw in a lot of unchurched people,” explains Mr Sola.

The dream centre convention centre boasts eight auditoriums with a combined seating capacity of 1700 people. Each auditorium is fully equipped with a stage, multimedia, audio visual equipment and lighting.

Mr Sola says the church’s ministry is “very holistic — so we’re looking not only at how we can be a blessing spiritually, but how we can help people in their social and economic needs.”

Mr Sola says this type of approach has come naturally to him. “You didn’t need to be a rocket scientist, these people really need help. By targeting these areas of people’s lives, they’re doorways to the gospel message.”

He recalls one couple whose marriage was on the brink of breaking down, but who both came to faith after attending one of their community events. “Now the guy is a fulltime paid chef working for the dream centre.”

The Every Child Counts-Business NZ discussion series brings together some of the nation’s leading businesspeople, child advocates and thought-leaders to explore what can be done.

 By Aaron Ironside