Pastor Graeme Moore is praying funds for a new Elim Church in Marton will come through.
At present services are held in his home.
The old church was deconsecrated in a final service of praise and worship last year. It was housed in one of Marton's landmarks, the former White Hart Hotel on Broadway.
Due to a hefty earthquake risk the building had to be demolished in December and services were moved to his home.
Renovating the old hotel were considered initially but the cost was prohibitive. Mr Moore said demolition was the only answer.
Within the next few weeks a decision will be made about a rebuild.
"But it will cost well over $1 million and we just don't have that sort of money."
Meantime as well as his services and visiting his church families, Mr Moore regularly gives pastoral care to inmates at Kaitoke Prison and is advocate for many of them at their Parole Board hearings.
"I believe that if these men eventually get released into the community they will need a very tight support team around them and that won't come from Corrections.
"It has to come from the community. These guys really don't get the official support they need"
Mr Moore also runs a weekly healing clinic in Marton which he said has become very popular in the small town.
Even though in earlier years he worked as a drainlayer and a sharemilker, his true work and passion was in his church, he said.
"This is where I belong.
"This is where I know I can make a difference.
"I truly believe in people. Show kindness and people respond I have seen it many times. Kindness is not a sign of weakness which people believe sadly."