Seeking to be a community of Hope centred on Jesus is a lifelong process. To help us grow, we have staff that provide guidance and care along the way. Each member of our staff uniquely contributes to learning and living this Hope. Feel free to connect with them about faith and life.
Kelly Capps
lead pastor
Email: kelly.c@baybaptist.org.nz
Kelly Capps joined Blockhouse Bay Baptist in August of 2017 as the Lead Pastor. Kelly is married to Erin and they have four children.
Kelly grew up in small-town Iowa before moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota for undergraduate work in Youth Ministry. Due to course requirements, he landed in Cairo, Egypt as a youth intern at an international, English language church. This catapulted Kelly into ministry abroad. After 4 years in Cairo, he pursued a Master of Divinity degree in the USA before moving to Bonn, Germany. In Bonn, he served as Associate Pastor to an international, English language church for 9 years.
Kelly and his family enjoy living in NZ, and continue to have fun exploring life and ministry in a multicultural city, and noticing what God is doing around the place. Kelly enjoys reading, making pizza, drinking coffee, riding motorcycle, exploring the great outdoors, and interacting with people from all walks of life.
He invites you to drop in for a conversation over a cup of something hot.
Sarah Chaithoo
Associate Pastor for Youth
email: Sarah.c@baybaptist.org.nz
Originally from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Sarah’s journey in ministry began at age 18. While studying at the Baptist Theological College of South Africa, she met her husband, Jared. They have a shared calling to serve God in Church ministry.
They relocated to New Zealand in Blockhouse Bay, driven by Sarah’s deep passion for the youth of New Zealand. In their first year, as well as settling into NZ life, they welcomed their first child.
When she’s not working in youth ministry, you can find Sarah embracing her competitive side through games and trivia, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying the natural beauty of Auckland. Most importantly, she loves sharing her faith and is always up for a conversation about the wonders of God.
Eloá Souza
Children’s Pastor
email: Eloa.s@baybaptist.org.nz
Eloá is a Brazilian, living in New Zealand since 2019. She is married to Joel, a Dutch/Kiwi and they have twin toddlers.
Eloá has been working with children's ministry for over a decade. This included a couple of years where she served as a full-time missionary in an international organisation, in Brazil and New Zealand.
She desires to see children growing up knowing that they are loved by God and they can develop their personal relationship with Him.
Eloá enjoys baking, card games, soccer, playing guitar, and getting to know new cultures.
Tania English
Office Administrator
email: office@baybaptist.org.nz
Tania is the office administrator for the church, responsible for the daily running of the office, overseeing the church property and supporting the pastoral team.
Tania has been a part of Blockhouse Bay Baptist church for a long time. During that time she completed theological studies at Carey Baptist College and Laidlaw College, served in a variety of church ministries and was sent to work in Singapore for 10 years supporting Christian Mission in Asia. Now back in New Zealand, Tania is pleased to continue serving in a local church community.
When not at work Tania likes to catch up with friends, continue her studies at Massey and watch a range of Asian dramas - she says it is to help her continue her culture and language learning!