After ten years leading Strandz from her base in Wellington, Diana Langford felt a nudge from God to take her ministry on the road.

Diana has been using Peter Mann House as a base while in the Diocese of Dunedin, and we asked her a few questions about what she is doing.

We understand you have been “on the road” this year from your usual office in Wellington. Why have you been doing this?

Good question! In February I celebrated 10 years in this national children and families ministry role for Tikanga Pākeha running Strandz, and felt a nudge from God to consider spending some time in the other dioceses. In May, I packed up my little car and headed over to Nelson Diocese for 5 weeks, then down to Christchurch and have made Dunedin ‘home’ for the last month.  

There is something quite unique about being ‘local’, knowing how to make yourself a cup of tea in the different Anglican Centres and connecting with ministry leaders in local parishes. My key contacts are the Diocesan children and families ministry leaders, and a few weeks ago we celebrated having a children and families ministry enabler in every diocese across Tikanga Pakeha - the first time in a decade! So it feels like great timing to spend time with them and support their ministry on the ground.

You are down (nearly) as far as you can go now, any observations from what you have seen in Anglican Church life in the South Island?

The churches on the South Island have deep stories to tell, and are cared for by some faithful leaders. It has been a joy to hear how communities have walked closely with Jesus through the highs and lows of life. There are strong intercultural connections with local immigrant families, as churches offer such warm manaakitanga.

I'm just back from time in Southland, it really was the furthest south I went - it was exciting to connect with some ministry leaders in Invercargill.

What are the main messages for the church today in terms of children, youth and family ministry – why is this important?

I don’t think it was an accident that Jesus called a child to stand amidst a group of squabbling adults, jostling to find out who the greatest in the kingdom of God.

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:2-5

These verses speak of humility, grace and welcome – all attributes the church needs to live into more – particularly in the way that we welcome young people. As a church, we recognise that children need a wide and deep ecosystem of faith to support them in following Jesus – in their homes, in positive peer group settings, and in intergenerational communities of faith. It’s important to have a humble, welcoming heart for children because, well if we don’t, we may just miss out on welcoming Jesus in our midst.

In the journey so far, what’s been the most unusual/unexpected thing that happened to you? What have you been most grateful for – and what’s made you laugh?!

Going to a different worshipping community each Sunday has been a colourful experience! I’ve been in different churches where the worship has been led by most incredible 10yr old drummer, a banjo, a saxophone, acapela Taize chants, triumphant organ recessionals. I’ve learnt to expect the unexpected, and have loved the ‘surprise’ each week.

And it shouldn’t be a surprise, but the more time I soak up the different regions of Aotearoa, the more I remember how blessed we are to live in this incredible country. I am beyond grateful and humbled to call this land home.

You may be interested in a series of reflections Diana completed recently for the Diocese of Nelson.