Well done good and faithful servant, Chris

A treasured friend and colleague to many, Chris Casey died last week after battling cancer. We know that so many in our Diocese and beyond were impacted by Chris’s life and ministry over almost 20 years, and so we wanted to offer some reflections and stories from some of those who worked closely with him. In doing so, we remember Chris with deep gratitude; desiring to honour his life so well lived for Jesus, and share the inspiration and the legend that is Chris Casey! Our deep aroha is with Chris’s family. Those who wish to share in the celebration of Chris’s life can do so tomorrow (Wednesday 8th) at 1pm at St Augustine’s, Petone.

Bishop Justin
Believe it or not, I first met Chris when I was an awkward 14 year old, orbiting youth group circles. I have been so grateful for Chris’s friendship over such a long period. His faithfulness to Jesus has been constant and true, and others I’m sure will echo the servant-hearted posture that Chris embodied. Always on the lookout for those on the periphery, Chris was an exemplary includer, being able to see people as Jesus saw them. And he makes a mean feed!

Rev Alison Camplin
I worked with Chris for several years in the Young Person’s Office and saw Chris’ passion for the love of Jesus and his ministry to empower and encourage all youth leaders and youth. Chris has had an amazing impact around this Diocese and throughout New Zealand. Working with Chris I witnessed the wonderful meals Chris cooked and provided on training nights for the youth leaders. These nights were just one small way that Chris would mentor and encourage all the youth leaders. The Intermediate ‘Get Dirty for God’ camps, which he organised, were a fabulous outreach into the local community. They provided a space for the youth to grow in their love for God, to serve others, have fun as Chris would encourage and mentor them.

Chris’ passion showed in everything he did. He showed a genuine love for all people, whatever their age, as he lived his life loving God, loving his family and loving and serving others.

Diana Langdon, National Children & Families Ministry Enabler
Perhaps it’s no accident that Chris Casey's mobile number was the 027 version of the Anglican Centre phone number. His ministry of encouragement for many of us often began with a phone call, a quick check in, or a voicemail telling you he missed you and was wondering how you were doing. It became apparent, when sharing the Young Person’s Office with Chris (before noise cancelling headphones were a thing), just how many people he phoned each day - young people, youth leaders, church leaders, volunteers.

For many years, Chris was the face of the Anglican Centre for much of the diocese, as he went above and beyond to visit as much of it as he could. Chris was a connector, a mentor, an encourager, and a welcomer. He showed a generation of youth workers how to love well through generous manaakitanga, the wonders of a crock pot dinner, and a stuffed vine leaf. I wouldn’t be surprised if we are welcomed to heaven by Chris training up a catering team to make paella.

Chris was fiercely loyal, and he could see the potential in anyone. He journeyed alongside countless Youth and Riverslea Trust applicants, to ensure their project was supported and had longevity. He believed in life-long faith formation, and for years would travel around New Zealand connecting up our young people with university chaplains and churches in other cities, to make sure they continued in their walk with Jesus.

Well done good and faithful servant, we are so thankful for your friendship, and selfless care of our young people.

Natalie Moreno, Diocesan Children and Families Resourcer
Chris was so great at noticing things people do well – especially those who might otherwise go unnoticed. He was the ultimate discipling includer; regularly bringing young people alongside him, especially those on the fringes. For those youth leaders around the Diocese, his weekly emails were wonderful jumble of encouragement, resources, event info, and positivity! Chris just Got. Things. Done. – it felt like he was always in a rush - in a good way - to get the next thing happening. And I’m sure we will never know just how much he gave, sacrificially, to help build God’s kingdom in youth ministry.

Rev Sarah McMenamin, Vicar of the Parish of the Oroua
Almost 20 years ago, I was part of the interview panel that appointed Chris to the role of Diocesan Youth Coordinator. I'm so glad we made the decision to appoint him and bring him into the Anglican fold here in our diocese (and that he worked and ministered with us for more than his original 5 year plan!). We worked together for the first few years of his role, too; me assisting him with his grammar and trying to explain Anglican concepts, him opening my eyes to new ways of doing ministry and how to be endlessly grace-filled and positive!

Chris had an enormous heart for people and was a brilliant connector and discipler. He loved to cook for big crowds, from the early years of youth ministry training dinners to Synod paella; he encouraged 'family' youth ministry, inviting the families of youth leaders to attend youth camps; he worked at grass roots level with events like 'Getting Dirty for God' camps and particularly supported and connected the small parishes who might only have one or two young people, making sure they had a place to belong. 

Chris embodied what it means to faithfully serve God and I will miss his kindness, generosity of spirit and love for Jesus.

Pai rawa, e te pononga pai, e te pononga pono (well done, good and faithful servant).

Gendy Thomson, Archdeacon for Mission and Ministry
Chris has been a dear mentor and friend to me who has taught me over 16+ years. When I was a young, new youth worker I arrived for a joint youth workers gig at Avalon Park, not knowing a soul. Chris saw me, walked out to meet me as I walked across the park, and made me feel so welcome. This is so Chris: seeing people just as they are; understanding what they need; welcoming, connecting and including.

The beauty of the simple ways that Chris lived a Jesus-shaped life are ones which I will take forward with me. Whether it’s just picking up the phone to check on people after a difficult text or email; making it a practice to pop in when you’re passing through somewhere; to continually be inviting others to join in whatever you’re doing. I have been so grateful to Chris for showing me who Jesus is.

Chris was also pivotal in the transformation of the Ohakune Lodge Retreat situated next to St John’s Church, part of the Ruapehu Parish in Ohakune and Raetihi, which you can read about here.