Our History

Empower Church is a Bible-based Pentecostal church, birthed out of revival in the 1970s. In 1971, Dennis and Barbara Barton – the founding pastors – took on the pastorate of the Sydenham AOG in Christchurch. The early 70’s saw God’s revival power released throughout NZ and worldwide. People from all walks of life came to faith at that time.

In Christchurch, this move saw hundreds of hippies, surfers, students and bikers respond to God’s love. Dennis and Barbara were already familiar with God’s sovereign power in action and, along with their daughters, Linda and Denise, worked tirelessly with these new converts to establish them in faith. They saw thousands of lives transformed over an 18 month period, along with many healings and miracles.

However, the upheaval that goes with revival is demanding and often uncomfortable. Some established members of the congregation could not accommodate the cultural shift, and were unable to accept the change that was required. As a result, Dennis and Barbara were unable to continue their ministry in the AOG.

In 1973, they pioneered a new church, which was called Family Centre. The church met initially in the Caledonian Hall, before purchasing a premises in Bealey Avenue and later moving to the current location in Springfield Rd, St Albans. Through challenges and triumphs, they remained steadfast in their love for God, His Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit in their ministry. In 1982, David and Denise Cooper joined them as Assistant Pastors. In 1992, through a powerful encounter, God gave the church new vision and a new name; Beulah (Isaiah 62:4 -‘married to the Lord’).

In 2010, Pastor Dennis transferred the leadership of the church to Pastors David and Denise. They carry the DNA of the church established through Pastor Dennis and Barbara’s ministry; the experience of God’s power at work and the faith to see greater levels of healing and miracles.

Pastors David and Denise are committed to impacting, inspiring and equipping a new generation of people to see the empowerment of God, both in individual lives and with new community outreach initiatives.

With a new name for a new season, Empower Church continues to honour the legacy begun by Pastors’ Dennis and Barbara, while exploring new and dynamic ways to be relevant and effective in a 21st Century world.