Inspire Church Albany

Special Mother's Day Dedication with Ps Julia and Don McDonell  Sunday 10 May 2026 Ps Julia opened the Mother’s Day service by honouring the women of the church, reading from Proverbs 31 and declaring strength, dignity, and God‑given beauty over every woman, saying, “I am magnificent and I carry God’s favour.” She encouraged the congregation with stories of Sarah’s renewed youth and reminded the women that God can revive what feels worn out, restoring grace, purpose, and joy. The service then shifted to a powerful moment of child dedication, where Ps Julia prophesied life, wisdom, and God’s favour over each child and spoke about the church’s role in shaping the next generation. Ps Don joined in prayer as the church celebrated family, legacy, and the call to speak life, hope, and blessing over both mothers and children.

“Spirit of Faith” — Ps Don McDonell 3 May 2026 Ps Don McDonell teaches that a spirit of faith is caught, not taught, and grows in the atmosphere you choose and the words you speak. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and examples like Timothy, Caleb, and Smith Wigglesworth, he emphasises that faith is a spiritual force that transforms environments and unlocks God’s promises. He challenges believers to guard their words, reject negativity, and speak life, because “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (as he states in the sermon). Ps Don calls the church to lean into faith over the coming month—praying, gathering, and stepping out boldly even when the path is unclear. He concludes by declaring that faith breaks heaviness, awakens hope, and positions every believer to rise, overcome, and walk in God’s purpose.

Podcast Summary — ANZAC Memorial & Sermon by Ps Ken Harrison (Sunday, 26 April) Ps Ken Harrison opened the service with a deeply personal and reverent ANZAC commemoration, honouring the sacrifice of New Zealanders who served in World War I, World War II, and later conflicts. Drawing from his own family history — a grandfather wounded at Passchendaele and a father who fought in Egypt and Italy — Ps Ken reflected on the cost of freedom and the responsibility each generation carries to protect peace. He shared vivid stories from the battlefields he has visited, including the trenches of Epes and the Seneo stopbank in Italy, grounding the remembrance in real human courage and loss. As he read Laurence Binyon’s famous lines, “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them,” the congregation stood to honour those who served and those who still carry the scars of war. Transitioning into his sermon “Seize Life, Seize the Day,” Ps Ken connected the ANZAC legacy of courage to the Christian call to live purposefully. Using his father’s wartime diary — including the entry written the day his father was wounded — he illustrated how moments of crisis can shape a lifetime of conviction. His father’s motto, “You only pass this way once — live it,” became the foundation for a message urging believers to embrace each day with faith, passion, and intentionality. Drawing from Ephesians 5 and Ecclesiastes 9:10, Ps Ken taught that seizing the day means recognising God’s love, goodness, and guidance in every season. He reminded listeners that faith is not passive; it “holds up” the promises of God and propels us into the future with courage. Using the acronym LIVE — Love God, Invest in His kingdom, Value your time, and be Eager to please Him — he called the church to live fully for Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to the work of the Kingdom. The message closed with a challenge: as long as it is day, we must do the works of the One who sent us. Just as past generations fought for our freedom, we are called to honour their legacy — and Christ’s sacrifice — by living boldly, faithfully, and purposefully today.

“Free to Surrender” by Ps Shane Willard Ps Shane Willard unpacks the stories of John the Baptist, Moses, Jeremiah, Mary, and Jesus to show that faith isn’t about controlling outcomes but learning to surrender in the middle of struggle. Through their journeys, he highlights that even when we do everything right, life can still feel uncertain — yet God meets us in that place. True freedom comes not from fixing every circumstance, but from releasing control and trusting God’s work in us and in others. The message calls listeners to embrace surrender as the pathway to peace, strength, and deeper faith.

In this powerful message, Ps John Peters calls the church into a fresh awareness of destiny, reminding us that gathering isn’t routine — it’s stepping into a divine encounter. He teaches that while life brings “potholes” and challenges, Christ in us is the shock absorber who strengthens, steadies, and transforms us from the inside out. Drawing from Numbers 13, he urges believers to dream, taste, and be transformed, capturing God’s vision for their lives and refusing to let trouble cloud their calling. This sermon stirs faith to rise again, fight the good fight, and walk boldly into the freedom and purpose God has prepared.

Ps Don McDonell reminds us that even in seasons of uncertainty, restriction, and hardship, we can choose to trust God rather than lean on our own understanding. He teaches that praise is a spiritual weapon that lifts heaviness, breaks chains, and shifts the atmosphere of our lives. Through the examples of Peter, Paul and Silas, and Joseph, we see that prayer, faithfulness, love, and using our God-given gifts bring victory even in difficult places. The message challenges us to put on the garment of praise and become carriers of hope, peace, and encouragement to those around us.

Ps Jesse Kelly teaches that salvation is not the finish line but the starting line of a Spirit‑empowered life. Drawing from Ephesians 2, he reminds the church that we are saved by grace, shaped by God as His workmanship, and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that God’s love reaches every height and depth of our lives, forming us together into people filled with His fullness. The message concludes with a call to live sent with purpose, stepping into the good works God has already prepared for each believer.

Summary of the Short Forms of Prayer Ps Don teaches that short prayers carry power because they come from a sincere heart rather than long religious performance. He highlights declarative prayers, where believers speak God’s truth over their lives with authority. He also emphasizes surrender prayers, simple moments of yielding—“Lord, I give this to You”—that realign the heart with God’s will. Finally, he points to calling prayers, quick cries for help or guidance that invite the Holy Spirit to intervene in real time.

Ps Dave Fuller preached that Jesus’ death and resurrection fully paid for sin, sickness, and every curse, declaring “tetelestai — it is finished, paid in full” . He taught that believers live under a new covenant of grace, made secure by Christ’s blood and His role as our High Priest, and invited people to receive healing and salvation through faith. The service concluded with communion, celebrating Jesus’ finished work and the righteousness, freedom, and new life available to every believer .

In this conversation, Ps Bruce Crozier and Ps Tricia Webb unpack what it means to live with a Kingdom perspective in everyday life. They explore how believers can shift their thinking from the natural to the spiritual, respond to challenges with faith rather than fear, and recognise God’s purpose at work in every season. Through practical insights and real-life reflections, they encourage listeners to align their mindset with Scripture, stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and carry the hope of Christ into their families, workplaces, and communities.

Ps. Don McDonell preaches on living with expectation, urging believers to stay spiritually awake, hungry, and positioned for what God wants to do. He emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit, the importance of continual movement and growth, and the need for New Zealand to experience revival. Through personal stories and Scripture (Philippians 3:12), he calls the church to live passionately, believe for miracles, and embrace the “journey of expectation” as God leads them into greater purpose.

Ps Shane Willard unpacks Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, revealing God’s shift from fence‑based religion to a well‑based, thirst‑driven faith that welcomes all who seek Jesus.

"Overcoming the Storm" by Ps Jesse Kelly is a powerful message about enduring life's trials with unwavering faith. It emphasizes trusting God's plan amid adversity, drawing strength from spiritual resilience, and maintaining hope through challenges. The message encourages believers to persevere, knowing that storms are temporary and serve to strengthen character and faith. Ultimately, it inspires hope and confidence that with God's guidance, one can overcome any hardship and emerge stronger on the other side.

Planted with Dave Crossman 29 March 2026 Dave Crossman addressed the congregation, emphasizing the spiritual growth and significance of the men in the church. He highlighted the impact of the recent men's camp, focusing on overcoming sin, fear, and small thinking to achieve greater spiritual capacity. Crossman referenced biblical passages, particularly Ephesians 3:20 and Jeremiah 29:11, to encourage the congregation to dream big and trust in God's plans. He called for a deeper commitment to faith, urging attendees to step out of their comfort zones and embrace God's abundant power. The sermon concluded with a call to action for personal and communal spiritual growth.

Blokes takeover of the Sunday service after a Spirit filled Men's Bigger Camp, followed by Ps Don McDonell giving a short service on prayer. 

Amy Walker teaches from Psalm 92, showing that while the wicked may flourish briefly, the righteous remain steadfast and fruitful like the palm tree. She connects this to the parable of the sower, urging listeners to cultivate hearts that are soft, surrendered, and ready to receive God’s Word. The message ends with a call for people to commit or recommit their lives to Christ and walk in ongoing obedience.

Kia ora Inspire Family! Today Claire will be leading us in Communion, followed by Ps Don preaching more on our theme for this month - PLANTED. The sermon reflects on the story of Acts of the Apostles where Paul the Apostle and Silas worship God while imprisoned, emphasizing that praise in the midst of hardship can release God’s power and bring breakthrough. Through storytelling and humor, the preacher highlights how choosing praise in difficult circumstances invites God to move, just as an earthquake opened the prison doors and broke their chains. The message encourages believers to live visibly as servants of God through praise, prayer, and willingness to serve others. Ultimately, it teaches that worship and faith not only transform personal situations but can also impact and bring freedom to those around us.  

Welcome to the first Encounter Night of 2026 with Craig and Karen Horan from Maungatapere ministering.

It's a new month, a new season, and a new blessed day in the house of the Lord! Thanks for joining us as Ps Don will be continuing our theme PLANTED: Ps 92:13

Week 2 of Vision Sunday with Ps Don McDonell and Dave Vitali speaking about Evangelism and Red Letter Come catch the vision this Sunday as we look to step forward in God's purposes for us as a church in 2026 and launch our theme for the year PLANTED. Thanks for joining us!

Week 1 of Vision Sunday with Ps Don McDonell and Ps Jesse Kelly speaking about The Flow. Come catch the vision this Sunday as we look to step forward in God's purposes for us as a church in 2026 and launch our theme for the year PLANTED. Thanks for joining us!

Join us as we take communion with Aimee Walker and Ps Don McDonell preaches his message 'Your Battle Belongs to the Lord'.

Mōrena on Auckland's Anniversary Weekend! Ps Jesse and IY are back to recap us on all the fun they had last weekend, plus Ps Jesse has got an awesome message locked in - and of course, there will be props! Thanks for joining us!

Kia ora and welcome to another blessed Sunday as we have the passionate Dave Vitali bring the word as part of our People on Purpose theme. Thanks for joining!

We're stoked to be in the house for this beautiful long weekend, with Ps Don continuing our People on Purpose theme, and Communion later this service. Thanks for joining!

Join us today as Ps David Fuller continues our new series PEOPLE ON PURPOSE. Thanks for joining!

Ps Don is back in the building to bring a new message on our theme 'People on Purpose', as well as celebrating with baptisms later in the service. Thanks for joining!

Inspire Ministry School Student Takeover for October Encounter Night, each sharing 5minutes on their given topic.

Another incredible morning ahead Inspire whānau online! We're excited to have Ps Julia preaching this morning on People on Purpose! Thanks for joining us!

A beautiful morning to our Inspire whānau online! We're stoked that Ps Jesse is preaching this morning, expanding on this month's focus of Vision Builders and bringing his message titled 'Everyone's A Steward'. Thanks for joining us!

Mōrena Inspire whānau, we're blessed this morning to have the wonderful Aimee Walker preaching today with her message 'In Plenty and In Want'. We pray that you're fired up for what's in store this Sunday - thanks for joining us!

Mōrena Inspire whānau and thanks for joining us this blessed Sunday. We're taking time to celebrate the journey we've been on as Inspire, and where God's leading us this Vision Builders' Sunday.

Mōrena Inspire whānau and a shout out to all the amazing fathers today! We're thrilled to have Oversight Pastors Bryon and Anne Graham (Highway Church, Gold Coast) joining us for today's service, as well as a few surprises and games today. Thanks for joining us!

Mōrena Inspire whānau! We're thrilled to have Youth Takeover today, lets be expectant for what the next generation has to bring! 

Unshakable Conference Sunday with Guest Pastor Dave Connett from Goodlife Church, NSW.

Business Breakfast EXTRA Session at Unshakable Conference.

Mōrena Inspire whānau! We're excited as Ps Don continues his message with your defining moment! Thank you for joining us, have a blessed day!

Mōrena Inspire whānau! We're diving more into the Holy Spirit as Ps Don brings us the word and communion. Have a blessed Sunday.

Encounter Night, jam packed with worship, Inspire Me Testimony, a baptism, and Dave Vitali sharing about the grace of God to see his life transformed.

Mōrena Inspire whānau! We're privileged to have our own Claire Steiner preaching today. Be expectant to encounter God and fuel up for life. Have a blessed Sunday.

Mōrena Inspire whānau! We're privileged to have Ps Grace Guneyi from Freedom Centre continue on this Sunday after a massive weekend at She Conference.   Grace and her husband Adem have been Lead Pastors of Freedom Centre Tauranga for the last 10 years. Pastor Grace carries the fire of the Holy Spirit and is super passionate about seeing people have a life-transforming experience through Jesus.

Grace shares her testimony from bulimia to freedom. Grace and her husband Adem have been Lead Pastors of Freedom Centre Tauranga for the last 10 years. Pastor Grace carries the fire of the Holy Spirit and is super passionate about seeing people have a life-transforming experience through Jesus.

Mōrena Inspire whānau! We're blessed to welcome Ps Ken Harrison to bring us the word today, with his message 'Commit to Renewal'. Thanks for joining!

Mōrena Inspire whānau! Ps Don is continuing our theme THE MAIN THING.

Mōrena Inspire whānau! We're all in the service with worship, fun challenge, and Tag Talks continuing our theme THE MAIN THING featuring Cole Kelly, Eva Crossman, and Ray Pond.

Mōrena Inspire whānau! We're stoked to have Ps Don back in the house after spending the past couple of weeks guest ministering around the country. Join us as we continue our theme on 'The Main Thing'

Mōrena Inspire family! Join us as we continue our June theme THE MAIN THING with Ps Jesse Kelly. Have a blessed Sunday!

Mōrena on this sunny Pentecost Sunday! We are blessed to have Aimee Walker preaching this morning, thanks for joining us!

  Andy Piggott (Bethel Church, New Zealand) moves in the power of the Holy Spirit and is passionate about seeing people encounter the goodness of God.   He is also Inspire Family… not just because he is Kimberley Kelly’s oldest brother, but led our Inspire Youth, along with his wife Diana, for a number of years in the mid to late 2000s.

Kia ora Inspire family, join us as Ps Don kicks off our new theme The Main Thing.