The Reformed Church
of Silverstream
Who we are
Our Church is a family church, with a mixture of young families, retirees, couples, single people and youth. We have approximately 200 members, from different backgrounds, meeting together because we share a common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ alone is the head of the church, but He has appointed leaders to represent His rule in the church. These are the Pastor, Elders, and Deacons who are tasked with providing pastoral care, spiritual oversight, and direction.
The Pastor is tasked with leading the weekly worship services, administering the sacraments, and carrying out pastoral work within the church community.
The Elder's key responsibilities are ensuring the teaching and practices reflect accurate biblical theology and visiting the members of the congregations, especially the widows, the lonely and the sick. The Elders also provide conflict resolution, Christian discipline, and restoration.
Our Deacons comfort the distressed and encourage the congregation to show Christian mercy to those in need. They also care for the sick and needy both inside our church and in our community. They also manage the administration of funds that are collected.
Our Elders & Deacons
Martin Verbokkem
Elder
Martin works as a workshop supervisor and is a qualified joiner. Previously a dairy farmer, he and his wife Ingrid live on a lifestyle block just outside of Upper Hutt. Martin enjoys a casual game of golf and fishing.
Blair Posthuma
Deacon
Sports, mountain biking, motorcross, water sports and anything active keep Blair entertained when he isn’t spending time at work as a plumber or with his family and Raffy his dog.
Geoff Doyle
Elder
After coming to faith as an adult, Geoff found great value in the Reformed faith and is now considering a call to the ministry himself. He enjoys drinking and brewing craft beer, and a Warriors game “Up the Wahs”!
Jos Landkroon
Elder
After being a career Fireman for many years, Jos has been working in sales for the last decade in Upper Hutt. Jos and his wife Judy raised their family in Silverstream and are enjoying being grandparents.
Derek
van der werff
Deacon
As a keen fisherman and hunter Derek loves the outdoors and spending time in our beautiful countryside. He grew up in this church community and is now passionate about serving in it with his wife Tracey and their girls.
Jared Bruning
Elder
Originally from Australia, Jared moved to New Zealand to be the Head Teacher at the Silverstream Christian School. He then married his lovely wife Natalie, and they are raising their young family in Upper Hutt. Jared loves to meet new people and enjoys reading, listening to music and playing guitar.
Bart
Van der Werff
Elder
After many years of running a successful goldfish farm, Bart and his wife Hetty are enjoying retirement and living rurally on their lifestyle property as well as spending time with their grandchildren.
Ed Holtslag
Deacon
Trained by his father as a cobbler, Ed owns a shoe repair store in Lower Hutt. He enjoys listening to talk shows, football, and watching motorsport. Ed and his wife Evelyn are excited to have just had their first grandchild!
Albert Steenkamp
Elder
In Albert’s early years, his family moved to Auckland from South Africa. He moved down to Wellington after marrying his wife Janet, they started their own electrical company and are raising their family here in Upper Hutt. Aside from enjoying a good braai (BBQ), he has discovered a passion for wrestling and competed in competitions around New Zealand.
Derek Den Harder
Elder
Happily retired after working as a site manager, Derek is looking forward to using his new caravan and travelling the country with his wife Jo. Fishing, watching sports, and playing computer all make retirement more enjoyable.
Stu Williams
Deacon
Stu and his wife Bec are big foodies who love to cook and share a meal with friends, family, and “friends to be”! They enjoy travelling now that their family are all grown and would love to tell you stories about their trip to Japan.
Bert
Van der Werff
Elder
After moving over from The Netherlands decades ago, Bert and his wife Janny raised their family on a lifestyle block outside of Upper Hutt. Bert still enjoys working on his property growing bulbs and spending time in the outdoors.