Meet Bruce Elder
Bruce, co-leads DCBC alongside Trevor. He is committed to seeing our church become more and more effective in growing disciples of Jesus. He longs to see every person in our church, young and old knowing the joy and freedom they can have in a relationship with Jesus, growing in that relationship and then finding their place serving in our church to see the call Jesus has given us to go and make disciples fulfilled. He is committed to growing a leadership team (Pastoral Leadership Team) that looks to Jesus to see this happen.
Bruce is passionate about people, particularly the vulnerable and poor of this world coming to know the good news of Jesus. In this regard Bruce heads up the mission area of DCBC. This involves leading a team that seeks to see every individual in the church community sharing their faith in natural ways in everyday life. It also involves seeing initiatives emerge that serve groups of the vulnerable in our city.
The mission area also involves preparing, sending, and supporting those who have been sent from our church to share Jesus and make disciples overseas. At present we support 14 adults and numerous children whom we have sent as a church. This is exciting, and we pray that God will send more! Bruce heads up the team that oversees this ministry. Particularly close to Bruce’s heart is a partnership our church has developed with a church in the slums of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Through this partnership we as a church are seeking to walk alongside those who have so much less materially than we do in the West. Mission apprenticeships where folk train, live with those who dwell in the slums, and grow God’s heart for his world are something Bruce is also very committed to.
But that's enough about work... what about family life?
Bruce is married to Jill. Jill works as a counsellor, and as a lecturer in training other counsellors. He has 4 grown up children all of whom are married to wonderful partners. He is also an extremely proud grandfather of an ever increasing number of grandchildren!
What are your spare time interests?
Bruce is keen on physical exercise – challenging himself at the gym, tramping in the majestic scenery of the South Island, and most importantly competing in our annual leadership team mini – golf tournament!
Bruce enjoys reading, going to good movies, drinking great coffee in cafes, catching up with friends, exploring new places and of course spending fun time with each of his grandchildren.
What did you do before becoming part of the DCBC leadership team?
Bruce was previously a pastor for 13 years at the South Dunedin Baptist Church; and prior to that he was a primary and intermediate school teacher.
Bruce, co-leads DCBC alongside Trevor. He is committed to seeing our church become more and more effective in growing disciples of Jesus. He longs to see every person in our church, young and old knowing the joy and freedom they can have in a relationship with Jesus, growing in that relationship and then finding their place serving in our church to see the call Jesus has given us to go and make disciples fulfilled. He is committed to growing a leadership team (Pastoral Leadership Team) that looks to Jesus to see this happen.
Bruce is passionate about people, particularly the vulnerable and poor of this world coming to know the good news of Jesus. In this regard Bruce heads up the mission area of DCBC. This involves leading a team that seeks to see every individual in the church community sharing their faith in natural ways in everyday life. It also involves seeing initiatives emerge that serve groups of the vulnerable in our city.
The mission area also involves preparing, sending, and supporting those who have been sent from our church to share Jesus and make disciples overseas. At present we support 14 adults and numerous children whom we have sent as a church. This is exciting, and we pray that God will send more! Bruce heads up the team that oversees this ministry. Particularly close to Bruce’s heart is a partnership our church has developed with a church in the slums of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Through this partnership we as a church are seeking to walk alongside those who have so much less materially than we do in the West. Mission apprenticeships where folk train, live with those who dwell in the slums, and grow God’s heart for his world are something Bruce is also very committed to.
But that's enough about work... what about family life?
Bruce is married to Jill. Jill works as a counsellor, and as a lecturer in training other counsellors. He has 4 grown up children all of whom are married to wonderful partners. He is also an extremely proud grandfather of an ever increasing number of grandchildren!
What are your spare time interests?
Bruce is keen on physical exercise – challenging himself at the gym, tramping in the majestic scenery of the South Island, and most importantly competing in our annual leadership team mini – golf tournament!
Bruce enjoys reading, going to good movies, drinking great coffee in cafes, catching up with friends, exploring new places and of course spending fun time with each of his grandchildren.
What did you do before becoming part of the DCBC leadership team?
Bruce was previously a pastor for 13 years at the South Dunedin Baptist Church; and prior to that he was a primary and intermediate school teacher.