In the aftermath of the devastating 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church embarked on a mission to rebuild not just their place of worship, but a vibrant community space on the land where the church had stood since 1881. But before a single building was planned, the congregation took time to grieve — spending a year in intentional lament, mourning the loss of a building that had held generations of weddings, funerals, and milestones. When the time of lament was over, the people were able to look beyond what had been to what could be. This started a two-year process of seeking discernment and vision before a new building was even discussed. The vision was driven by a commitment to create spaces where people could live, work, and worship together, fostering a sense of community and support.

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The new facilities at Oxford Terrace Baptist Church include:

• 14 warm, affordable rental homes: Designed to serve a deliberately mixed community, the 14 homes house around 50 residents including refugees, people with disabilities, the elderly, students, and young adults leaving home for the first time. In response to housing injustice, seven homes are allocated to families from the social housing waiting list, ensuring they pay no more than 25 percent of their income in rent. What began as an uncomfortable idea for the neighbourhood has since won over early skeptics. Now that residents have moved in and become part of the community, concern has given way to genuine connection.

• Childcare Centre: Providing a safe and nurturing environment for children, the childcare centre supports working families within the community.

• Offices for 11 NGOs: What started with two earthquake-displaced organisations  (World Vision and Workplace Support), has since organically grown into a hub for 11 NGOs, drawn by the community and culture that have developed around the site. The church has dedicated office spaces for these non-governmental organisations, enabling them to continue their vital work within the community.

• A Modern Place of Worship: The new church building offers a contemporary, multi-purpose space for worship; a significant shift from the old building's fixed pews and sloping floor. Having spent several years holding services in a school hall, the congregation arrived with a deep appreciation for what a purpose-built space can make possible. The building now reflects the resilience and forward-thinking spirit of the congregation.

• Café: A welcoming café serves as a social hub for the neighbourhood and has become an extension of the living room for many who visit daily. Pillars café is the heartbeat of the site's community life, frequented by over 100 church and NGO staffmembers and is a focal point of interaction and connection among community members.

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A project of this scale required significant financial commitment. The church sold property, fundraised, and partnered with Christian Savings, who, unlike traditional banks, understood the mission and vision behind the build. Christian Savings and Oxford Terrace Church will continue to work together to finance the development in multiple stages over the next decade.

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The Oxford Terrace Baptist Church's initiative is a testament to the power of community and the importance of creating spaces that support and uplift everyone. Their efforts have transformed a site of tragedy into a beacon of hope and resilience. Today the site hosts over 70 community groups each year, has seen 17 baptisms in its new baptismal, and is home to residents voting for the first time, children playing together, and people experiencing warm, stable housing for the first time in their lives. The initiative demonstrates that even in the face of disaster, a strong and supportive community can emerge stronger than ever.

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