Nathan Hughes

The church is a bit like my family business. My dad and grandad were both Anglican ministers, and at one stage in my life, my dad, mum, and I were all on staff at the same church! I have worked as a youth pastor in Baptist and Anglican churches, and had two stints working for the Nelson Anglican Diocese. Other than church ministry, I’ve done a wide array of jobs. I worked for four years as a primary school teacher in West Auckland, driven a school bus, worked Uni summers for Greenpeace, and managed a church-based after-school program. By far, my favourite job, however, was working alongside formerly trafficked women in South Asia.

I’ve recently completed a Master’s in Faith-Based Leadership and Management, writing a thesis on congregational leadership of change. Coaching-wise, I’ve completed Arrow Australia’s Coaching Mastery certificate (which includes a level one ICF credential), and I’ve done Supervision training through CAIRA (2025)

The supervision I offer is one informed by sound missiology. My own experience of supervision when in pastoral ministry often felt like a fireside chat. Now, while we all can do with one of those now and then, I offer church leaders more than just a listening, empathetic ear. Though I care deeply about the church and have spent close to two decades in various forms of ministry, I am, at heart, a missionary, not a pastor.

Leaders who work with me have the opportunity to regularly reflect on the role of local mission and discipleship—not just in their churches but in their own lives. This focus, of course, does not exclude other areas that are causing stress or concern.

If you’re looking for a supervisor who will gently help you challenge the missional status quo of your church, I’d love to journey with you.