Ordination Celebration
Ordination Celebration at Mountainside
What a wonderful celebration Mountainside Lutheran Church experienced on 7 February. The church was overflowing as we gathered to celebrate the ordination of Felix Tong. Many more joined us via livestream, Felix was ordained and installed as a Specific Ministry Pastor serving the Chinese-speaking community at Mountainside.
Felix has faithfully served at Mountainside for approximately four years as the leader of our Chinese-speaking community. During this time, the ministry has continued to grow—not only in numbers, but more importantly in the depth and maturity of faith among its members.
God’s grace, love, and presence were clearly evident throughout this joyful occasion. It is not often that a congregation has the privilege of hosting an ordination, particularly here in New Zealand, and we give thanks for this special blessing. We were honoured to have Bishop Paul Smith and Bishop Richard Schwedes officiate the service. Karen Pienaar the LLL CEO presented Felix with his communion set.
Felix immigrated to New Zealand with his wife, Karen, and their daughter, Kezia. Although not raised in a Lutheran church, he was introduced more deeply to Lutheran theology and community while teaching and serving at Concordia Lutheran School – North Point in Hong Kong. Felix holds a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Direction, a Master of Christian Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy), and a Diploma in Theology from Australian Lutheran College, and has also served in lecturing roles in counselling, spiritual direction and Christian education. He brings both academic depth and a pastoral heart to his ministry.
The ordination was truly a celebration of God’s love and glory. Felix was also installed as an SMP Pastor at Mountainside, where he will continue serving the Chinese-speaking community and work closely alongside Mountainside’s new Pastor Maccarinth, who will be installed on 29 March.
We praise God for his faithfulness and look forward with confidence and joy to the next chapter of Felix’s ministry at Mountainside.
Ray Meharg
Chairperson, Mountainside Lutheran
March 2026
