Who We Are
Our story, vision, and beliefs
Our
Identity
Philadelphia International Church is a Spirit-led revival community where the Word of God burns like fire and the Holy Spirit moves with power. Rooted in Christ and ignited by His presence, we exist to see lives radically transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From New Zealand to the nations, God is raising a multi-ethnic people marked by faith, obedience, and the visible work of the Holy Spirit.
Philadelphia International Church was established in 2023 in Christchurch, New Zealand. The church began with a small gathering of believers on December 17, 2023, meeting in Pastor Michael’s home, united by prayer, worship, and a deep hunger for God.
In those early days, the Lord began to clearly affirm and unfold a broader calling beyond language, culture, or background. Through prayer, prophetic ministry, worship, and obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the church stepped into ministry across streets, prisons, and communities as God opened doors.
Today, Philadelphia International Church stands as a witness to the work and unction of the Holy Spirit, serving a growing multi-ethnic body of believers in New Zealand and across the nations, with a heart to see lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Pastor Michael strongly believes that God has a unique plan and purpose for New Zealand and 'Christchurch' particularly - The City of GOD. Wherever the term 'ends of the earth' is mentioned in the Bible, it is about New Zealand. He is convinced that Christchurch, New Zealand is strategically positioned to be a launching pad for global missions and revival, and he is passionate about seeing the Church in New Zealand rise up in power, holiness, and obedience to fulfill this divine mandate.
Psalm 22:27 says, "All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you." Pastor Michael sees this as a prophetic declaration for New Zealand's role in God's redemptive plan for the world."
Our
Story
Our
Pastor
Pastor Michael’s journey began with a deep passion for worship and music within the Church. Over time, the LORD shaped his life through obedience, surrender, and a growing burden for souls, leading him to discern a clear calling into ministry. His early years of teaching and mentoring musicians across the world laid a foundation for raising worship that honours God in spirit and truth.
In 2020, responding to the voice of God, Pastor Michael stepped out in faith, leaving his professional career as a Bank Manager and relocating to Christchurch with his wife Aruna and daughter Gifty. In the year 2023, the Lord confirmed the call to establish a church marked by prayer, prophetic ministry, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, Pastor Michael serves as a minister of the Gospel and an Assistant Chaplain at Christchurch Men’s Prison, carrying a burden to see Apostolic revival restored in New Zealand through the Word of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and lives transformed by Jesus Christ. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology and Ministry from Adullam Theological Seminary. Alongside his ministry calling, Michael also works as an AI Engineer with a Masters in Data Science from the University of Canterbury, applying his professional expertise in technology and problem solving, which he considers God's provision to fulfill his spiritual mandate. His wife Aruna and little Gifty stand side by side to support him in the LORD's work.
His heart is to see the Church restored to its biblical foundation, walking in holiness, power, and love through the Holy Spirit.
Our
Vision
Our vision is to see the life of the Book of Acts lived out again in our generation, with the Word of God established powerfully through the work of the Holy Spirit, signs, and wonders. We believe Jesus Christ is alive, speaking, and building His Church today as He did in the early days.
We are committed to revival in Christchurch and across New Zealand, restoring the Apostolic model of the Church through prayer, holiness, obedience to Scripture, and Spirit-led ministry. Our heart is to raise disciples who carry genuine faith and serve their communities with truth, love, and power.
Philadelphia International Church exists to be a Christ-centred, Spirit-filled witness to the Gospel, reaching people from all backgrounds across Aranui, Linwood, Wainoni, and the wider Canterbury region.