Bron and Phil Tait

Post updated May ’22 (see this recent post for a VIDEO message by the Taits)

I’d like to introduce my friend and mentor Bron Tait who will be contributing to this blog…

My husband Jono and I met Bron and Phil Tait here in Christchurch when we were dating and they were our pastors. We became friends with the Taits through marriage preparation and being in their small group. When I became mentally unwell due to the traumatic loss of a family member, Bron and Phil along with the church responded to our crisis with costly love. The Tait family journeyed with us through my recovery, earthquakes and then from a distance when they moved north to start a church.

Bron and Phil were senior pastors at Raumati Beach Church on the stunning Kapiti Coast, New Zealand. They now live in Christchurch, New Zealand serving part-time as pastors at Grace Vineyard Church.

Bron is passionate about Jesus and the grace that comes through faith in him. She has a background as a Registered Nurse with skills, experience and knowledge in mental health. With this background Bron was the first person to recognise that I was becoming unwell. Te Whare Tapa Wha is a Māori model of well-being that resonates with Bron and I. When I was in hospital she understood well the role and importance of health professionals and medications. She encouraged me to exercise, and connect with God in a restful way. Bron’s approach to all my recovery was holistic in nature. She listens deeply and speaks with wisdom with grace. This can lift burdens quickly. Some problems may appear spiritual but in fact need a down to earth practical response.

Bron and Phil have an adult son who is severely autistic. I felt ministered to seeing how they care for their son. Throughout difficult years Bron has kept a fabulous sense of humour. It has brought relief to me in some of my darkest moments. I feel very privileged to have a lovely friendship with Bron, Phil and their whānau. We share the same great Welsh name (Bron is of Welsh decent) with all its’ variations!

My friendship with Phil also means a lot to me. His passion for the Word and Spirit of God encourage us greatly. Phil freely shares his prophetic gift with others and brings words of hope to those who need. Bron and Phil hold both faith for victories, alongside compassion for those suffering. Through their ministry I knew both the comfort of God in the midst of pain, while still noticing the signs of Christ’s resurrection life in me. We always hoped and expected for more recovery. We still do.

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Warm regards,

Bronnie Tressler