Responding to the Turkey-Syria earthquakes
"Our country is in great shock. Many buildings are damaged. People left their homes and their cities. There are a lot of traffic jams and…
Waitangi Day commemorated at Nelson Baptist Church
Helen Brereton, Transition Pastor at Nelson Baptist Church, shares how they commemorated Waitangi Day.
Rodney Macann (1942-2023)
A transcript of Alan Jamieson's tribute to Rodney Macann on behalf of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand.
Getting to know…Chris Lee
This week we are getting to know Chris Lee, Pastor of Thames Baptist Church and Chair of the Waikato Baptist Association.
Prayer update: Auckland floods and extreme weather event
An update for prayer on the Auckland flooding and Baptist churches from the Northern Baptist Association Regional Leader. Please pray in your Sunday gatherings this…
The next property in our college’s unfolding story
Our college site in Penrose is no longer suited to our future training and formation needs. The site is for sale and we are seeking…
From charity to dignity
Sandra Gordon, Associate Pastor at Caversham Baptist Church, shares how God inspired her church to transform how they serve the families in their community.
Auckland Severe Weather and Floods
The Northern Baptist Association are working to assist our Auckland churches. Several had property flooded by Friday’s extreme weather event. Please pray and support as…
Better Church Elders podcastified
A podcast version of the Better Church Elders video series from The Carey Centre for Lifelong Learning has been stashed in The Audio Drawer (a…
Getting to know…Kelly Enright
In this column, we discover more about our Baptist whānau, meeting someone in our team of 40,000 each post. This week we are getting to…
Our five focuses
An update from Canterbury Westland and Top of the South Baptist Associations for 2022.
Partnering in ministry across the motu
An update from the Northern Baptist Association for 2022.
Getting to know…Rachel Murray
This week we are getting to know Rachel Murray, Regional Leader of the Otago & Southland Baptist Association.
A full dividend to all shareholders
An update from the Chief Executive of Christian Savings, Dan Mazengarb, for 2022.
Exciting opportunities with partnership
Clayton Riddle, Lead Pastor at Northpoint Baptist Church, New Plymouth, shares the joyful outcome of partnering with Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities.
Our comms: a new place to launch from
An update from our Communications Director, Mike Crudge, for 2022.
Getting to know…Alan Jamieson
This week we are getting to know Alan Jamieson, General Director of Arotahi.
Diversity brings richness
An update from Co-Chairs of Baptist Women, Heather Ameye-Bevers and Monique Lee, for 2022.
7 keys to surviving and thriving in ministry
Keith Harrington, Lead Pastor at Invercargill Central Baptist Church, shares seven tips for longevity in ministry.
The value of diversity to bringing gospel renewal
An update from the Multicultural Ministries Advisory Team for 2022.
The Audio Drawer
A new podcast has been assembled! - Storing nothing particular but hoarding everything purposeful for New Zealand Baptists.
Getting to know…Angus Budge
This week we are getting to know Angus Budge, Baptist Assembly Council member and Pastor at Rotorua Baptist Church.
New year reflections from the cell
Reflecting on a new year’s poem by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Kelly from Arotahi sets the scene for this new year…
Solar success: People, location and renewal in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Sonia from A Rocha’s Eco Church writes about a solar project at Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, now providing around 25% of the church’s energy needs.
Christmas Day message from the President
Happy Christmas Day to our New Zealand Baptist whānau from the President of the Baptist Union of New Zealand: Ravi Musuku.
Every baptism is worth a massive celebration
A 2022 update from Waikato and Bay of Plenty & Eastland Baptist Associations Regional Leader Peter Foster.
Getting to know…Emma Wells
This week we are getting to know Emma Wells, Youth Pastor at Whakatāne Baptist Church and member of the Baptist Women’s Board.
Te Atatū Baptist: Demonstrating love
Debbie Spackman, Pastor at Te Atatū Baptist Church, shares how her church switched from floating to engaging in their local Santa Parade.
New appointment: Te Pouarataki mō te hikoi (Treaty guide)
It is with excitement that we announce the appointment of Luke Kaa-Morgan to the role of Te Pouarataki mō te hikoi—Treaty guide, commencing January 2023.…
Eastview Eco Group pitches in
Nicola Mountfort, the Interim Associate Pastor at Eastview Baptist Church in Auckland, tells us about the newly-formed Eastview Eco Group. Members as young as 11…
Ngāti ikatonga
A 2022 update from Lower North Island Baptist Association Regional Leader Mike Warring.
Updraft: Remembrance
Column by Rick Pierce reproduced from the Northern Baptist Association ‘Northern Lights’ e-newsletter.
Poised to consider and launch new ministry in the region
A 2022 update from Otago & Southland Baptist Association Regional Leader Rachel Murray.
Spectacular Youth: Youth Catalyst
This is a news update coming from a message sent on 29 November 2022 to Baptist Youth Pastors and Leaders – we’re keen to share…
Three particular requests for help
An update from John Tucker, Principal of Carey Baptist College, for 2022.
A new thing!: Otūmoetai Social Supermarket
A social supermarket has sprung at Otumoetai Baptist Church. Senior Pastor, Scott Muspratt, tells us all about it.
What makes me weep: our response to the rainbow community
What makes you weep? Zach Bartley, Youth Pastor at Petone Baptist Church, shares his response.
Celebrating Baptists flying high on the world stage
Join with us as we celebrate two New Zealand Baptist scholars who have recently made big achievements on the world academic stage.
Are you willing to contribute what God has entrusted to you?
An update from our Operations and Finance Director, Wayne Schache, for 2022.
“Paying with Dignity”: A Mustard Seed Story
Jonathan shares the impact of hosting conversations for the church, community, experts and practitioners to network and address issues close to heart.
Getting to know…Christa McKirland
This week we are getting to know Christa McKirland, Lecturer in Systematic Theology at Carey Baptist College.
Watch the keynotes of our Baptist Hui 2022
Did anyone miss or want to rewatch or share the keynotes? They are now available on the Baptist NZ platform.
A home and family away from home
Did you know we have some super story-filled Baptist student hostels in New Zealand?
A united focus on Christ
An update from the General Director of NZBMS, Alan Jamieson, for 2022.
Advent partners: Feilding Baptist Church and CBM
See what Feilding Baptist Church has done for Advent the last two years, and how your church can do it too.
“…present everyone fully mature in Christ…”
An update from our National Leader, Charles Hewlett, for 2022.
What makes me weep: The 1 in 4
What makes you weep? Melissa Wilson, Senior Pastor at Beachlands Baptist Community Church, shares her response.
Hui 2022 Day 3: The future is now
It may have been the last day of Hui, but the conversations it ignited are far from over. Here's an overview of the goings on…
Hui 2022 Day 2: God invites us to join his spectacular works
So much to take in, learn and action! Here's an overview of the goings on at Hui 2022: Day 2, Friday 4 November 2022.
Hui 2022 Day 1: Talking about our spectacular Jesus!
What a day! In a remarkable way! Here’s an overview of the goings on at Hui 2022: Day 1, Thursday 3 November 2022
Updraft: Third space
Column by Rick Pierce reproduced from the Northern Baptist Association ‘Northern Lights’ e-newsletter.
Suicide: The grief of those left behind
The phone rings; it is a mum who shares with us that her 17-year-old son has recently taken his life. She is shattered. The family…
Te Atatῡ Baptist Church might be small, but God is using it for big things
Debbie Spackman, Pastor at Te Atatῡ Baptist Church, shares with us the realised gospel renewal potential of an empty car park.
Big Dream Day for Nelson Baptist Church
What do you get when you put a congregation, two senior pastors, a national leader, a regional leader and an operations and finance director in…
Pray for Matamata
A Memorial Service for Sean Schutte, co-pastor at Matamata Baptist Church, will be held on Friday 28 October 2022. Our love and prayers go out…
Training the traits of leadership: a new resource
We ask Karen about the new free Robust Leadership Training resource she has created
Getting to know…Samuel Schuurman
This week we are getting to know Samuel Schuurman, a Baptist chaplain in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Discernment part 2: What success looks like to me now
NZBMS global workers share their discernment journey in their return to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Getting to know…Charles Hewlett
‘Getting to know...’ is a new column where we discover more about our Baptist whānau, meeting someone in our team of 40,000 in each post.
Discernment part 1: Grieving KTown
NZBMS global workers share their discernment journey in their return to Aotearoa New Zealand.
2 new lecturers for our college!
Introducing Jonathan Robinson and Emma Stokes, new lecturers at Carey Baptist College!
Welcoming Arotahi: A united focus on Christ
The team at NZBMS are super excited to share some BIG news with us! Discover the new name and next step in our story.
Invercargill Central Baptist ‘Serves the city’
Young and old get involved in authentic worship on a Sunday morning by serving their city.
Manurewa Baptist celebrates Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori
Hear how Manurewa Baptist opened Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori in their church service.
Baptist Women’s Mini Summit 2022!
The Baptist Women’s Mini Summit is coming up! Join online on 14 October, 7:30 – 9:00 pm.
The Elect Lady
In anticipation of the Queen’s visit to New Zealand in early 1954, she made the front cover of the New Zealand Baptist newspaper. A prayer…
You are welcome to Hui 2022
The annual Hui of our churches and faith communities is something special to be part of. What is it and why do we do it?…
Alpha on Sunday mornings?!
Read about how Riccarton Baptist Church replaced their Sunday morning church services with breakfast and the Alpha course.
Good news from Mount Albert Baptist Church
See what happens when one person gets intentional about making connections in their community. Who do we have on the fringes of our church community…
A new chapter for Baptist Registration
Baptist pastors and chaplains have a registration process similar to many other occupations such as teachers, medical practitioners, counselors, electricians, and lawyers.
Connect Baptist Church brings gospel renewal to their neighbourhood.
Julie Osborn, pastor at Connect Baptist Church in Manukau, shares how Connect Baptist's community working bee sparks relationships in their neighbourhood.
Baptist voices at The Justice Conference 2022
The Justice Conference 2022 is just over a week away: Saturday 3 September, and it almost looks like a Baptist NZ event with so many…
Assembly Council update and call for nominations
Here is an update from our Assembly Council who act in a governance role and are responsible for the wellbeing of our movement of faith…
“COVID? Who cares about COVID. Look what is happening to our precious son!”
Kathryn Heslop shares how illness has impacted her son and how the church can genuinely love and care for family members struggling with their health.
Op Shop Encounter
The Doubtless Bay Christian Centre’s Op Shop Encounter project is fully operational after a four-year journey that began with prayer.
Updraft: Embracing change
Column by Rick Pierce reproduced from the Northern Baptist Association ‘Northern Lights’ e-newsletter.
5 things parents want you to know in order to help their neurodiverse kids
Jenny Lee, a professional educator who serves in several community roles, including Rotorua Baptist’s Kids Church, shares advice on how the church can support neurodiverse…
Heart and housing in Whangārei
“Here we are, all Baptists, finding a way to help needy people in Aotearoa…” through property ownership, management, and wrap-around care.
How two sponsored children met, fell in love and moved to New Zealand
Danny and Joyce are part of Eastgate Christian Centre. They were both sponsor children in the Philippines and are now both living in Auckland. Hear…
Mentored in pastoral prayer: Roland Browning
Reflections of how a pastor mentored a young person through modelling pastoral prayer and the significance of challenge through discipleship.
Sunday church service turns into free bike fix-up
Sunday mornings aren’t just for sermons and worship songs at Wellington South Baptist Church. See how they partnered with a local bike fix-up/repair/swap charity to…
“I want to be like Jesus. And Jesus gave his life for the church”
Charles Hewlett believes robust leadership of Baptist faith communities is absolutely crucial if we are to bring gospel renewal to people and places in our…
Invitation to share your COVID-19 vaccine beliefs
Christian participants from evangelical churches in New Zealand are being sought to explore their ideas, beliefs and views surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.
Change-makers
Dave Tims, Director of UNOH New Zealand, shares how transformation begins with focusing on the people around us. Meeting the needs in our communities doesn’t…
The dream job?
Are you or someone you know looking for a job that is people-facing with global travel, invigorating, rich, and meaningful? This could be it! Come…
We care about racial justice and violence in Ukraine and Myanmar
Baptists care about the state of war, violence, and political unrest in the countries of Ukraine and Myanmar, as well as global racial justice.
Updraft: Diverse and together
Column by Rick Pierce reproduced from the Northern Baptist Association ‘Northern Lights’ e-newsletter.
Blood is life
We celebrate with Graeme Woodfield, a member of Orakei Baptist Church, for being recognised in the Queens Birthday Honours this year for his service to…
Reconnecting as church: Timeless strategies and bowling a beamer
“How should churches journey with folks who are hurting due to the COVID pandemic as they begin to gather again?”
Bubbling with new opportunities
Currently back from Bangladesh, what have Cindy and Ross Meyer been up to, and what’s next for them?
The gospel and racism
To what extent should we as Christians engage with difficult questions of race and racism? What does the Bible say about race and racism?
Xtend 2022
Xtend is more than just a camp, it’s an opportunity for your life to change! Hear from Allie, Dave, Katya, Rob, and Callum about their…
The Baptist NZ app
Have you heard about Baptist NZ’s new app? It’s a hub for churches across NZ to connect, encourage and resource one another through the sharing…
I think I would’ve liked Uncle Eric
He recognised that his faith community was missing an opportunity to be in mutual relationship with a people group that God had created; a people…
Is Big Good? A MEGA question
Mark Day, a Baptist pastor in Hamilton, reckons with our devotion to ‘bigger is better’, and hopes for revival: “the making of a disparate people…
Rachel and Tiaki talk Matariki: God, family, injustice and tradition
Listen in on two people, Tiaki and Rachel, tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti, chatting about the coming season of Matariki, including the prophet Amos who…
Regional Hui highlights: Otago and Southland
Rachel Murray shares some highlights from the Regional Hui held at the Catlins River Ridge Retreat, 26-28 May 2022.
Matariki gathers people together
NZBMS has provided a bunch of Matariki resources to help faith communities honour and celebrate the season.
Updraft: Reconnect
Column by Rick Pierce reproduced from the Northern Baptist Association ‘Northern Lights’ e-newsletter.
Happy Birthday The Loyal Workshop!
It's been 8 years since the inception of The Loyal Workshop; a whānau of talented artisans crafting handmade, high-quality leather goods in the heart of…
Matariki Celebration at Ōtūmoetai Baptist Church
Jan Ozanne is Family Pastor at Ōtūmoetai Baptist Church. In this article read about how they celebrated Matariki in 2021 – it might give you…
Matariki – a time to look beyond
Matariki is a gift to the Church of Aotearoa. It is a celebration of relationship, acceptance, remembrance, invitation, hospitality, and delight. This is not just…
Regional Hui highlights: Upper South Island
Julie Chamberlain shares some highlights from the Regional Hui held at Glenroy Lodge Baptist Camp, Canterbury 25-26 May 2022.
Benefiting from structures of oppression
As Christians we are called to “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless and plead the widow’s cause” (Isiah…
Who’s on your fridge? A crucial moment to act
How can we work towards a safer and fairer world for all God’s children? Right now, the New Zealand government is considering legislation that will…
Vaini Village report (Tonga eruption relief)
Working with the Pacific Leadership Forum, NZBMS were able to send NZD$8000 to the village of Vaini on the island of Tongatapu. Through the kind…
Updraft: Expect new things
Column by Rick Pierce reproduced from the Northern Baptist Association ‘Northern Lights’ e-newsletter.
Assembly Council update
This is the May 2022 update from Assembly Council. These will become regular updates letting you know what we're up to, the things we are…
Easter Sunday in the megachurch
Before I started to pray, I made a silly mistake: I looked at the Stuff newsfeed. The fourth headline down depicted the demise of another…
Updraft: Send me!
Column by Rick Pierce reproduced from the Northern Baptist Association ‘Northern Lights’ e-newsletter.
Glen Eden and Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga
Visionwest Community Housing addresses the issue of homeless in New Zealand by providing safe, warm, and quality, rental accommodation for low-income families who cannot access…
Red-orange-green light: a pastor, a church and unity in Christ
Tim Palmer, Senior Pastor, Franklin Baptist Church shares his journey in a local church as they seek to navigate the vaccination discussion, as they listen…
What’s next? Church on the other side of Omicron
The last two years of COVID-19 have been deeply disruptive, both for society and for the church. Many Christians have drifted away from regular engagement…
Imagining a gender equal world: our experience of Women’s History Sunday
Imagining a gender equal world: our experience of Women's History Sunday
Updraft: Inspiring gospel renewal
Column by Rick Pierce reproduced from the Northern Baptist Association ‘Northern Lights’ e-newsletter.
Has the time come to act?
In this opinion piece Andrew Clark-Howard continues the dialogue on mandates, vaccinations, protests and theology.
The other half of what we owe each other
Andrew Clark-Howard’s assessment of the anti mandate protest (What we owe each other: freedom, protest, and responsibility) draws upon excellent resources from Bonhoeffer on freedom.
Biblical principles for churches wrestling with vaccine mandates
Recently, John Tucker, Principal of our theological college (Carey Baptist College) received an email from one of the leaders in our movement of churches, asking…
Women’s History Sunday, 6th March 2022
Featuring two remarkable New Zealand Women: Elinor Thornton and Merrilyn Withers
What we owe each other: freedom, protest, and responsibility
We’ve all seen it; the images and videos on our screen of people gathering to protest at parliament with a rather bewildering array of placards…
Re-imagining registration
“Managing change” and “learning to pivot” are phrases we’ve become familiar with over the last year. Probably more than we would actually have liked! While…
The End of Life Choice Act: the practicalities
What actually happens in the process of assisted dying? In this article we hear from GP Rebekah Kilpatrick who unpacks the approximately 40 hours of work…
The End of Life Choice Act: being a carer
The caring of a person who has made the choice to end their life through physician assisted dying is now a possibility in New Zealand.…
The End of Life Choice Act: what does faithful Christianity look like?
Assisted dying became legally available on 7 November 2021. Continuing on in this series of articles to resource and support our churches at this time, pastor and scholar Jonathan…
Local church made a cheesy Covid safety video (And we love it!)
Pastor Albert Tang at Pakuranga Chinese Baptist Church mentioned on social media: “Just sharing the video we produced for information and clarification for returning to…
Caring for each other helps in many ways: churches respond to the pandemic
Human beings need many things to survive and to thrive. In addition to our obvious physical needs, self-determination theorists point to three things that are…
Caring for each other helps in many ways: churches respond to the pandemic
An earlier version of this article was published in the Otago Daily Times on 15 October 2021. Reproduced with permission. Lynne Taylor is Researcher for…
Not vaccinated: a pastor’s personal opinion
Simon Williams is a pastor at Kaiapoi Baptist Church. The opinions expressed here are his own. View more opinion on Baptist magazine.
Responding to the #MeToo movement—with a message from Jesus and the Samaritan woman
Is sexual abuse an issue for the church in 21st Century Aotearoa New Zealand? In this long-form article Daphne Marsden, one of our pastor/scholar/authors shares…
God’s hands and feet—Community Chaplaincy
“I value every opportunity to be God’s hands and feet where possible” says Beryl Diack, Community Chaplain of Eastside Baptist Church in Invercargill.
Wrapping women in aroha: Still Water Scarves
Two years ago, a small group of women from Palmerston North Central Baptist Church, inspired by a message by Tearfund during missions month, set up…
The End of Life Choice Act: pastoral responses
Assisted dying became legally available on 7 November 2021. Our lecturer in Pastoral Care and Counselling, Dr Phil Halstead, begins this series of articles to…
An individual’s Christian response to a vaccine mandate in the workplace
Vaccination mandates and the workplace: Are Christians in the firing line? Gareth Jones attends Dunedin City Baptist Church and is Emeritus Professor in Anatomy at…
Emerging from a lockdown response to a global pandemic
Rick Pierce, works for the Northern Baptist Association as a Network Pastor, Health & Development. Here he shares some ways local churches can respond as we…
Justice like a river: immigration and prayer
Deborah Makarios of Epuni Baptist Church asks “Who is my neighbour?”
Cross-shaped unity for church through the COVID-19 Protection Framework
Since the Government’s announcement about the COVID-19 Protection Framework, my mind, like that of many pastors, has been occupied by what this will mean for…
Carey unveils new look
Carey Baptist College launched its new branding on 2 November 2021. As Principal John Tucker explains, the new look is a reflection of its values…
An open letter to the unvaccinated in the Christian community
Gareth Jones attends Dunedin City Baptist Church and is Emeritus Professor in Anatomy at the University of Otago. He has written this letter to Christians…
Taking responsibility for health is not at odds with worship
This article was first published in the Otago Daily Times on 25 October 2021. Reproduced with permission.
Worth giving your life for
Charles Hewlett asks Baptist pastoral leaders the question: “Is pastoral leadership worth giving your life for?” Watch their response in these short videos...
666 and the COVID-19 pandemic
A Baptist pastor asked last week if we would provide something on why the COVID-19 vaccine should not be considered the ‘Mark of the Beast’. Our very own retired Carey Baptist…
We need much more time to talk on Sunday
Living through this pandemic, what are we most looking forward to about getting back to in-person church services on Sunday morning?
Time for action—what comes after staying at home and rolling my sleeve up?
As a follow on from last week's opinion piece: Vaccinations and the local church: Seven views on the current situation, Alan Jamieson, General Director of…
You have influence… and your leadership matters
Board Chair of Global Leadership Network New Zealand, Naomi Cowan, is excited about the upcoming GLS One Day Online Experience. Find out more!
A journey toward all-age discipleship
Jonathan Melville in conversation with Raewyn Moodie about how Ohoka Congregation Rangiora is on a journey toward all-age discipleship.
Vaccinations and the local church: Seven views on the current situation
What we have done is seek a variety of perspectives at this time on the vaccinated/not-vaccinated discussion as New Zealand soon ends lockdowns in favour…
Understanding your Neighbourhood: Conversations with Charles Hewlett
This is the webinar recording of the final in this 3-episode series (22 September 2021) where Charles Hewlett (Baptist National Leader) talked with Lynne Taylor…
COVID, government and individual soul liberty—a pastor’s question answered by the Principal
One of our Baptist pastors had a theological question. Our college Principal, Dr John Tucker answers this below.
Mental wellbeing for leaders in lockdown
In 2020, as New Zealand was in its first lockdown, it was important to remind ourselves that this was a marathon, not a sprint. We had…
Coming out of crisis
In 2020 after coping with COVID restrictions for some time, Paul Askin shared these words of encouragement in living through crisis.
The future of ministry and mission—Mike Crudge
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Christine Saywell
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Richardson Lau
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Donna Denmead
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Dave Tims
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Jamie Li
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
3 Golds for NZ Baptists
On Saturday 4th September 2021 at the Australasian Religious Press Association (ARPA) Awards, New Zealand Baptists, through the Baptist magazine, received some great accolades for…
The future of ministry and mission—Cliff Thompson
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Jonathan Edmeades
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Helen Geddes
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Chris Chamberlain
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Kate Dunstan-Brown
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
The future of ministry and mission—Grant Harris
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
Pastoring in a bubble
This piece was first shared with Baptist church leaders in April 2020 as New Zealand was transitioning out of Level 4 COVID-19 lockdowns.
The future of ministry and mission—Fiona Beals
What is God saying to you and to others? What will future ministry and mission look like? What things need to remain the same? What…
What’s the point?
This article is a transcript of the sermon delivered on Carey Sunday (1 August 2021) by Dr Michael Rhodes, Lecturer in Old Testament. Find the…
Baptist churches sharing lockdown resources
With Aotearoa New Zealand in COVID-19 lockdowns again, one of our Regional Leaders, Reti Ah-Voa was quick to seek Sunday online gathering resources from within…
Gospel Stories—Sandra Gordon
How I would love to share a story that sounds like something from Acts: a miraculous healing or a story of complete transformation as happened…
Two Christian views on the proposals against incitement of hatred and discrimination
The New Zealand Government is proposing changes to strengthen and clarify the protection of people from discrimination against aspects of their identity, such as ethnicity,…
Gospel Stories—Simon Currie
Part of Lifepoint’s vision statement is that we would be an authentic family sharing God’s love. One of our members befriended a work colleague who…
Gospel Stories—Sue Avery
Here at Connect in Blenheim Gospel Renewal in our neighbourhood has come from individuals deliberately inviting the Holy Spirit’s presence into their community and then…
Gospel Stories—Karen Schilperoort
Gospel Renewal in a Hospice context happens when space is created for patients or families to take the opportunity to ‘say words that need to…
Gospel Stories—Sophie
In March 2021 we had a season of 12 Days of Gospel Stories. We’re now reproducing these stories here for all to see and be…
Gospel Stories—Santhosh George
Santhosh shares how the church can be more than a place of generosity but can also inspire generosity in communities.
Iosis appoints Māori development leader
Iosis recently appointed its first Māori development leader. Teina Mita, formerly the Iosis counselling and men’s development team leader, took up the new role on…
Celebrating eight years of Multicultural Response Ministry
We thank the Lord God Almighty for giving us the Multicultural Response Ministry and sustaining us in the past eight years.
Gospel Stories—Adele Vannathy
I want to tell you about a guy called Sam. Sam comes from a background of drugs and drug dealing as being the only way…
The vaccine choice—Part 4: Your sphere of influence
Soon you will be offered a vaccine. A few of you already have been; some of which have gladly accepted, others of whom have politely…
The vaccine choice—Part 3: The vaccine divide
Soon you will be offered a vaccine. A few of you already have been; some of which have gladly accepted, others of whom have politely declined. And…
Gospel Stories—Rowen Durward
Rowen shares the journey towards freedom of a young man at her church...
The vaccine choice—Part 2: Why join the herd?
Soon you will be offered a vaccine. A few of you already have been; some of which have gladly accepted, others of whom have politely…
The vaccine choice—Part 1: Looking back
Soon you will be offered a vaccine. A few of you already have been, some of which have gladly accepted and others of whom have…
Gospel Stories—Jay Win Meads
December 2020 saw Robyn being baptised in our church...Her faith journey was not an easy one...
Gospel Stories—Andy Beales‑White
Andy explains how gospel renewal in his current ministry season is about young people rediscovering Jesus for who he is.
Gospel Stories—Karen Molloy
Karen talks about Jesus showing us the way through pain and towards life again.
A story of pātaka kai
Something that COVID-19 brought to our attention were the kai needs (food insecurity) of people in our neighbourhood. New Zealand has 1:5 children living in…
Battered, bruised, beautiful feet
For the modern, western Christian, the picture of running is often a positive one. Perhaps it is a few kilometres on a Saturday morning to…
Gospel Stories—Emma Wells
Emma shares how gospel renewal overflows... When we allow ourselves to be renewed by the gospel it creates opportunities for our communities to be renewed…
Being the (well-washed) hands & feet of Jesus
This is the most exciting time, as we are part of a movement responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in a positive life‑giving way. The history…
“You will be my witnesses”
Charles Hewlett and Chris Chamberlain reflect on why, from a leadership and a governance perspective, we are re-examining the way we communicate as a movement.
Sizzling sausages for Jesus
While some spent the last hours of 2020 winding down, Paihia Baptist Church volunteers were busy cooking 18kgs of onions and buttering 25 loaves of bread.…
Stories worth celebrating
A chance to celebrate past women leaders will come in March 2021. Historians recognise that often women’s history was not written or recognised, so this…
Partnering with the Chinese Christian community
For 21 years Carey has delivered in Mandarin an NZQA‑accredited diploma in theology. That diploma programme will conclude in 2021. As a result, Frances Leung…
Myth busting!
One of the most popular parts of the Baptist magazine throughout its existence has been the stories about churches and individuals in the Baptist family. And…
Our global future
NZBMS General Director Alan Jamieson shares his thoughts on the context we, as a missional Baptist movement, may soon find ourselves in.
It’s still good news
Maybe you prefer old-fashioned face-to-face interaction... but you still love getting out your phone or tablet to scroll through social media, video chat, send emails…
Following Jesus into the future
Our world is a profoundly different place from what we imagined it would be 12 short months ago. In the midst of this context of…
A new direction
The Baptist magazine is the official publication of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand. Late last year, the Baptist National Centre advised subscribers that it…
5 reasons why you should care about the World Watch List
The World Watch List ranks the top 50 most dangerous places to be a Christian. But why does it matter?
Navigating Tough Texts
Navigating Tough Texts is Harris taking 57 texts from the Gospels and Acts, and a further 66 from the Epistles and Revelation, and using his…
SENDing 2020
Amidst a year of lockdowns and cancelled events it was an extra special occasion for Carey students and staff to celebrate our Ministry Training graduates…
Getting COVID creative
Many churches hold Light Parties or other Halloween alternative events on or around the 31st October. In Auckland, with memories of a second lockdown still…
Visionwest’s 30 years of service
Visionwest Community Trust recently celebrated 30 years of community service with a VIP morning tea and book launch, held in the Glen Eden Baptist Church…
Redemptive Family
Howard Webb, founder of the ministry Love Your Neighbour and co-leader of [email protected], a Baptist church plant in Pt Chevalier, recently launched his first book, Redemptive Family.
7 ways to get the best out of a mission interview
This column provides information and encouragement to help church mission committees promote mission within our churches.
Have yourself a very mission Christmas
It’s easy to think of mission as only overseas or ‘out there somewhere’. But mission can be done wherever you are, right now—in your neighbourhood,…
The Word made flesh
Christmas means different things to different people. Wendy Joyes explores how artwork has variously portrayed Jesus and his coming as a baby, and what the…
The challenge to do something
The current economic climate presents churches, particularly those with active community trusts, with amazing opportunities to speak into the social concerns facing New Zealand today. I’ve…
Kingdom come
Each time we say the Lord’s Prayer, we ask for God’s Kingdom to come. This is not just a prayer of hope for the future,…
Local Gatherings 2020—Kanohi ki te kanohi
It has been a pleasure for our leaders to visit regions around the country to connect and share our vision with churches...This is a summary…
Becoming a Punua Pākehā
At Hui 2019, John Catmur was awarded the Lionel Stewart scholarship. He planned to use the scholarship for advanced studies in te reo Māori and…
Gospel renewal in my neighbourhood
The Baptist Union of New Zealand is a collective of faith communities bringing gospel renewal to people and places in our local neighbourhoods. But how…
Meet Bronwyn Owens—community patroller
Bronwyn Owens is the children and families pastor at Kumeu Baptist Church. She is also a volunteer for Nor-West Community Patrol. This is her story.
The Way of the Raukura
On 30th November 2020, Mt Albert Baptist Church made history after their senior pastor, Steve Worsley, embarked on a journey to unearth a story, a…
6 ways to reach out to those overseas
This column provides information and encouragement to help pastors and church mission committees promote mission within our churches.
Meet Steve Withington—health professional
Steve Withington is an elder at South West Baptist Church. He is a health professional and a recent past board member of Christian Medical Fellowship…
A decade at the helm
Alastair McLay was recently farewelled as CAP Centre Manager at Northcote Baptist Church after 10 years in the role. It had been a job that…
Pauline Stansfield receives MNZM
Pauline Stansfield received an MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) award at an investiture ceremony on 21st July 2020, for her services…
Sending post-COVID
Mobilisation is a word often used in the arena of global mission. What it really means is to respond in obedience to God’s call. But…
Church insurance
Mark Davie explains the aims and benefits of the Baptist Insurance Fund and Brian Brannigan of Trinity Baptist Church shares a cautionary tale about the…
Community ministry runs deep
Over the last few months, new needs have been springing up in many neighbourhoods throughout our country. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by these,…
The church & racial justice
Jennie Ekigbo explains what she believes the church can learn from the current movement for racial justice.
Referenda statements
One of Charles Hewlett’s responsibilities as national leader is to represent Baptist churches within the National Church Leaders Aotearoa New Zealand consortium. He shares below…
Why church?
Several weeks of online-only services or meeting in small group ‘bubbles’ may have left some wondering whether returning to in-person church attendance is necessary. Steve Whittle…
There’s a happy moon in my side
There’s A Happy Moon in my Side helps children unpack their feelings and learn positive ways to deal with the emotions they experience.
7 habits of highly effective church overseas mission teams
Here are seven habits of highly effective church overseas mission teams—check out how well your team is doing.
School life
We love sharing the different ways God is transforming the communities we are a part of. Here we feature two reports.
NZBMS & biculturalism—a journey just begun
The first Mission Council meeting of 2020 included a historic and poignant moment as we met with Te Kapa Rautaki, (the Māori Baptist Strat Team)…
My journey into suffering
Just over 10 years ago, Timothy Lee survived a serious mountain bike accident. Now living with tetraplegia, he has learnt a lot about suffering and…
Racism—repentance, reversal & repair
Speaking at an ‘hour of prayer’ event on 18th June 2020 to mark an international stand by Baptists against racism, the general secretary of the…
Forming leaders for the future
For local Baptist faith communities to thrive, it is crucial that we have robust leadership. Charles Hewlett interviews Jonny Weir, the director of Ministry Training at…
Imitating Christ, earning influence
Christa McKirland, a lecturer in systematic theology at Carey, offers a personal view of church leadership.
4 benefits of a good accounting system
During this time of economic uncertainty, a modern accounting system is important to provide key and timely information to church leaders. Cameron Fisher of CATAS…
The compassionate confidante
A hallmark of chaplaincy is trust and privilege—privilege to go from complete stranger to trusted confidante of another’s story. In hospice ministry especially, those stories…
4 benefits of a good accounting system
During this time of economic uncertainty, a modern accounting system is important to provide key and timely information to church leaders. Cameron Fisher of CATAS…
God + families + outdoors = adventure
One Sunday morning each school term, Eastview Baptist Church does not schedule any Kids’ Club or Sunday School. Instead the children in primary and intermediate…
Meet Elesha Gordon—media chaplain
Elesha Gordon attends Hills Church (Hillsborough Baptist). A former journalist, Elesha now manages Media Chaplaincy New Zealand, an organisation that supports people working in mainstream…
Rangiaruaru Hema—“Pursuing Jesus”
In June 2020, the national administrator for the Baptist Churches of New Zealand, Winston Hema, announced he had changed his name. His decision, he explains,…
Learning from our history
Bruce Patrick examines a dramatic incident in New Zealand’s colonial mission history and the example it gives of the importance of understanding others’ world view perspectives.
“How’s that working for you?”
How does a young adult in 2020 learn to cope with the stress and anxiety of the world? How do they resolve the unease they experience, and…
Eyes still firmly fixed on Jesus
There is much important discussion happening about COVID-19 and the future of ministry and mission. Charles Hewlett shares why he thinks it would be a…
Life after lockdown
Two earthquakes and then a massacre in Christchurch. An eruption at White Island. And now a pandemic, a nationwide lockdown, and a massive economic recession.…
Life with COVID
It’s not long ago we had never heard of COVID-19; now the lives of most of the world’s population have been affected by it in…
Meet Mikayla Williams—volunteer
Mikayla Williams grew up in Hutt City Baptist Church. For the last two years she has volunteered with the Australia/New Zealand division of Dignity Freedom…
Alan’s updates
A lot has been happening lately. Alan Jamieson brings us up to date with some of the goings on.
“The Perfect Picture”
Susan Barrett reflects on the third theme of Prayer and Self-Denial 2020: ‘The Perfect Picture’. Susan served with Tranzsend in South Asia and is a current member of Mission Council.
A whole new world of possibilities
On my blog mikecrudge.com I’ve written before about problems with Sunday church services as our primary expression of Christian faith—they can be inauthentic and lacking…
A politics of heaven
As New Zealand once again enters into an election period, referenda on drugs and death, education policy changes, and the value of family are all…
Tūtaki Taku community meal
What began as a simple room hire has evolved into a vibrant ministry that feeds people physically, socially and spiritually. Jacky Gartner, Thomas Hendricks and…
Easter Camps: from lockdown to long-term faith
Hear how our incredible collaboration and creativity made Easter Camp happen and impact lives during lockdown...
COVID-19 & lessons learned about food insecurity
The COVID-19 crisis has seen an unprecedented demand on food banks throughout New Zealand. That’s led VisionWest Community Trust, part of Glen Eden Baptist Church,…
2020 NZBMS staff conference
Over New Year 2020, the NZBMS staff conference, held in Hoi An, Vietnam, brought together our NZBMS family for a time of reflection, inspiration and…
Belmont Baptist feeling blessed
John Peachey shares how MMM New Zealand, a unique ministry of skilled professionals, helped restore Belmont Baptist's rental villa.
A little child shall lead them
Patsy Way was on the pastoral care team at Windsor Park Baptist Church for six years before transitioning to director of their children’s ministry, WindsorKids,…
Let’s all celebrate!
Helen Brereton believes celebrations—both the events themselves, and the work associated with celebrating—strengthen communities. They do this, she says, by reinforcing a shared identity and…
“That’s just the way we do things!” part 2
In the previous Baptist magazine, Charles Hewlett reflected on some of the things he would like Baptist churches in New Zealand to be marked out…
Baptist Leaders’ Retreat 2020
On the 19th and 20th February 2020, 50 Baptist leaders came together for a Baptist Leaders' Retreat centred on the theme ‘That’s just the way…
Meet Cam Hill—co-founder of Good Neighbour
Cam Hill and his wife Christine attend Bethlehem Baptist Church. He is the community impact manager for Good Neighbour Aotearoa Trust. This is his story.
Breaking down walls
Amy Williams explains why the Mt Albert Baptist Church camp was resurrected and how it helped a congregation of more than 30 ethnicities come together…
Ngā Pou Amorangi
Ngā Pou Amorangi (NPA) is a community of learners at Carey who are supporting each other to to serve humbly and competently within Māori and…
5 ways to strengthen your eldership team
One of the most frequent requests to Carey’s Centre for Lifelong Learning (CCLL) is for church eldership resources. Mike Crudge shares five ways to strengthen…
Two reports from Asia
We love sharing the different ways God is transforming the communities Tranzsend is a part of. Here we feature two reports from Asia.
“Woven Together”
Mission Council member, Lyn Davis, reflects on 'Woven Together', one of the themes surrounding Prayer and Self-Denial 2020.
Come and see
Māori students, together with their whānau, Carey staff and the Manatū Iriiri Māori strategic team, celebrate what God is doing among Māori at Carey Baptist…
Orewa Baptist celebrates new facilities
On 19th to 20th October 2019, Orewa Baptist Church held its ‘Dedication and Celebration Weekend’ at their renovated facilities located at 2-8 Loop Rd, Orewa.
Christian Savings
This year Christian Savings (previously Baptist Savings and Development Society) is celebrating 58 years of partnering with churches.
Meet Heather Roberts—Just Kai
Heather Roberts and her husband Martin attend Avondale Baptist Church. Together with friends Anna Seccombe and Sarah Woodfield, they formed Just Kai, a group that…
2018 Census data
The 2018 Census confirmed we now live in a country where less than half the population consider themselves to be Christian. Lynne Taylor says we…
Transform20
The inspiring story of the collaboration between Glen Eden Baptist Church and the community organisation it birthed, VisionWest Community Trust, was told at their Transform18…
A cord of three strands
Small churches’ reach and impact can be multiplied exponentially when they work in partnership with others. ‘The Village’ at Carterton Baptist Church is an example…
In the face of bush fire
Former Carey student Rev Jude Benton shares what it has been like ministering in the midst of the horrific bush fires burning through much of…
“That’s just the way we do things!”
What do we want Baptist churches in New Zealand to be known for? If you had to describe the culture of the faith community you…
Introducing Alan Jamieson—General Director of NZBMS
At the 2019 Hui, the Baptist Churches of New Zealand inducted Alan Jamieson as the new general director of the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society.
What is Christmas Angel?
Over Christmas each year, NZBMS holds the Christmas Angel Appeal to promote the work that we, as New Zealand Baptist churches, are involved in amongst…
Carey SENDing 2019
SENDing is a highlight on the Carey Baptist College calendar, as students and staff are celebrated. For the past two years I have been an…
Hui 2019 – Kia Tupu Whakaritorito
The 137th Assembly of the Baptist Union of New Zealand and the 134th Assembly of the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society (NZBMS) were held 7th…
Investments bring significant ministry returns
Three Northland projects that received grants from the Baptist Foundation have demonstrated the principle of wise investment and the big difference it can make for…
Faith formation in the home
How can we raise children and teens to become lifelong followers of Jesus? Family Pastor Jan Ozanne and Senior Pastor Andrew Brown say the process is easier,…
Leading with justice
Throughout Scripture we see God’s call to those who follow him to care for ‘the least of these’, to overthrow oppression, to beat swords into…
Positioned for impact
We’re aware that the church in Aotearoa New Zealand has been in decline for a number of years, but is that the whole story? Steve Davis says…
The end game & the gospel
Have we become too familiar with our own well-worn version of the gospel? Are we willing to proclaim what we actually believe, instead of waffling…
‘Least’ we forget… or neglect
One in four New Zealanders will experience mental illness in their lifetime. Not all will require hospitalisation. Many will recover, few will be cured.1 All…
mainly music—a worthwhile investment
Last year Elke Keeling undertook a research project with mainly music. It was a work of practical theology, to explore mainly music as a place of spiritual…
A New Zealand Baptist vision for church
The Baptist movement’s one great distinctive—and its one great contribution to the wider body of Christ—is its radical vision of the church. Charles Hewlett shares…
A faithful friend
Lynne Taylor spent a few years exploring what motivated previously unchurched people to come to faith, and the roles that other Christians and God played…
More than a roof over their heads
The Bays Community Housing Trust was set up in 2004 in affiliation with Long Bay Baptist Church on Auckland’s North Shore. The trust provides quality,…
Meet Suz Holmes—Lead of Brave Love NZ
Suz Holmes is a mother of four beautiful daughters, and a pastor at Manukau City Baptist Church. In 2018 she brought the Brave Love women’s…
Shake, Rattle & Roll
Every Wednesday, Napier Baptist Church’s auditorium reverberates with music, songs, haka and laughter. It is all part of the church’s fun-filled ministry Shake, Rattle &…
Mission van crawl 2019
During the July 2019 semester break, nine students from Carey Baptist College, along with an extra friend, toured with Dave Tims of Urban Neighbours of…
Worship 7:9
On Saturday 7th September 2019, more than 300 people gathered to celebrate the diversity of cultures and identity that make up the Northern Baptist Association…
Waihi intergenerational home group
In February 2019 Waihi Baptist Church began an intergenerational whānau home group on a Sunday evening. It started with 14 people but now 40-50 people…
The Pied Piper of Putaruru
Neil Shaw is one of those larger-than-life characters who stands out in a small rural town. His background has given him a heart for the…
The spirit of restoration
Greg Motu is the recipient of the Lionel Stewart scholarship for 2019. The scholarship supports Baptist leaders in the pursuit of bicultural reconciliation. He shares…
On your bike!
Steve Muir has purchased 10 e-bikes over the past year and is loaning them long term to Baptist church leaders. The idea behind the project…
Effective leadership
Charles Hewlett has been thinking about the effective leaders he has had the opportunity to work alongside. He believes that these leaders make a number of similar…
We need to talk about porn
The porn landscape has meteorically changed. We cannot ignore it because it invades everyday life. Brian Krum says it is time to talk honestly about…
Stone soup
Soup. It’s easy to prepare and serve. It feeds a crowd and fills your belly. Those simple qualities, combined with the desire to promote connection and…
Church: grace celebrated
Lucy Talsma reflects on her experience of ‘doing life’ with a family-centred intergenerational home group and what it has taught her about church and grace.
Murals and malls
Andrew Clark-Howard is a Carey Baptist College student on placement with Urban Neighbours of Hope in Randwick Park, a subdivision in the Auckland suburb of…
“Finding Strength in the Power of Prayer”
Edmonds Namburi, who has just concluded his time as a Mission Council member, reflects on “Finding Strength in the Power of Prayer”, which is one of the…
Celebrating the never-ending good news
Paul Thompson had the privilege of representing New Zealand Baptists at the celebrations of 70 years of Baptist work in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Here…
LEAD Conference 2019
LEAD Conference 2019 was a huge success. A record 280 Baptist leaders from around the country attended the event. Hear what a couple of have to…
Time for change
Valda Mehrtens writes about Hamilton South Baptist Church’s partnership with an op shop to serve the local community.
The cutting edge
Twenty-year-old Jackson Roach is the youth leader at Long Bay Baptist Church. Earlier this year he opened a barber shop called 'Fresh Cuts for Freedom'…
Our hearts wide open
Law changes made on 1st July 2019 aim to raise the standard and improve the practice of foster care in New Zealand. We asked Tunumafono…
The parable of the pig
Some years ago a small bunch of suburban Christians surveyed their neighbourhood to find out what locals felt was missing. The answer? A sense of…
The cuppa of kindness
One wintry morning in 2015 a volunteer leader arrived to set up for Birkenhead Baptist Church’s mainly music. To her surprise she found a man…
Hosts and guests in the mission of God
Practising hospitality is a basic of Christian life. In Hebrews we are urged to “extend hospitality to strangers”. We get that. But what if there…
The saturated leader
Charles Hewlett says over the years he has learnt that saturating himself in the love of God is one of the most important things that…
Dropped into the middle
For nine years, ever since a lone Ni-Vanuatu man walked into their service, Kerikeri Baptist Church has had ever-strengthening ties to that Pacific nation. Brian…
Finding my tūrangawaewae
Kevin Robertson writes of his ‘bicultural journey with a twist’ and how he has found his tūrangawaewae.
Arohanui Rachel
Rachel Murray has announced her decision to stand down from the position of General Director of NZBMS, a position she has held since August 2014.…
“Does God care for these people?”
David Allen, a member of Mission Council, reflects on one of the themes surrounding Prayer and Self Denial 2019: “Does God care for these people?”
Something new. Something exciting. Something valuable.
We love sharing the different ways God is transforming the communities we are a part of. Here are three Tranzsend stories featuring reports from the…
Meet Lauran Bethell—Global consultant
Lauran Bethell is a global consultant on the issue of human trafficking, working with the support of International Ministries, the mission agency of American Baptist…
Jesus and my leadership
Charles Hewlett invites us all to examine our relationship with Jesus, especially those who are in leadership roles in the church.
Let the salmon swim!
Second-generation youth and young adults who have grown up within migrant churches often struggle to find where they belong. Is it with their parents’ traditional-style,…
Knit two together
Myrle Bunn and Grant Harris write about the unique collaboration between two Auckland churches, for ministry and mission on Waiheke Island.
Many hands, one heart
Jesus’ prayer for unity among his disciples has rung out down through the generations. Nigel Irwin believes this prayer remains in effect to this day.…
#YouAreNotAlone
When we initially commissioned Nick Regnault to write this article, our brief was for him to update us about the pilot refugee scheme in which…
A loss of innocence?
The Christchurch mosque shootings on 15th March 2019 tarnished forever New Zealand’s reputation as a low-threat environment. Many commented that the nation had “lost its…
Meet Andrew Urquhart—Radio/TV announcer
Andrew Urquhart and his wife Johanna attend Māngere Bridge Baptist Church. Andrew is an announcer at Rhema Media, where he co-hosts a radio interview show…
100 Years of BBCF
Between 21st and 23rd February 2019, the Bangladesh Baptist Church Fellowship (BBCF) celebrated their centenary. Many people gathered from all over the country and overseas, including…
“We’re making a difference.”
Each Baptist magazine edition, in this column, a member of Mission Council reflects on one of the themes surrounding Prayer and Self Denial 2019. This month, Rāwiri Auty reflects on…
When the Spirit moves… HE MOVES!
At the 2018 LEAD Conference, Markus Schonberger spoke about making room for the Holy Spirit to move during church services. He said, “At times it gets…
God prepares the table
Henderson Baptist Church’s community meal has been running weekly for almost seven years. Larissa Tamaseu shares how it all began when God spoke to her…
From the mouths of babes
Every once in a while, a child hits us with a profound thought that comes out of their innocent point of view. It causes us…
The impossible God
In 2010 Akang Ko and his wife Xiaoou Tang settled in Palmerston North to make a fresh start. Today he is an associate pastor at…
Getting to know the new national leader
On 20th February 2019, the Assembly Council together with the Mission Council nominated Charles Hewlett to the position of national leader of the Baptist Churches…
Worship—A beautiful Expression!
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.” How do you respond to these six words? Alan Burnett reflects on our response to the beauty of God.
Meet Pete Olds—Navy Chaplain
Pete Olds is a Baptist chaplain with the Royal New Zealand Navy. This is his story.
‘A Night in Bethlehem’
Hear how Oxford Baptist Church transformed their auditorium and hall into a Nativity-themed bustling ‘night market’ that drew around 500 people.
“Expect great things, attempt great things.”
Each Baptist magazine edition, a member of Mission Council reflects on one of the themes surrounding Prayer and Self Denial 2019. This month, Lyn Davis reflects on “Expect…
Making poverty personal
Dave Tims explains why he believes New Zealanders need to wake up to an economic system ingrained in our society, and why Jesus followers should be…
Building for the future
Frank and Zoe Grant led Ōpōtiki Baptist Church, a once dwindling congregation in small-town Eastern Bay of Plenty, on a journey to become a church…
Faith over feelings
We’ve probably all heard the advice to “follow your heart”. Whilst this advice is well‑intentioned, Matthew Thornton explains why he doesn’t think it is the…
A fervour for justice
During World War II, the New Zealand Government appropriated land in Te Kōpua, Raglan, to build an aerodrome. When no longer required for military purposes,…
Re-envisioning discipleship
Many of our Baptist churches are experiencing a declining number of attendees at Sunday services, and a significant reduction in the number of people being…
Being a missionary kid
Pat Booth grew up in the 1950s in North-East India, the daughter of NZBMS missionaries Malcolm and Cath Eade. Even though she is now in…
The multitude from every nation
Steve Davis looks at the advantages and disadvantages of a migrant church constituting as a stand-alone church community, especially in our New Zealand context.
The strength of relationships
At the 2018 Hui, in his last official address as National Leader, Craig Vernall reflected on the importance of relational intelligence in our movement and…
Live your best ordinary life
Greg Liston encourages us to slow down, embrace our limitations and rethink what it means to #liveyourbestlife.
Caring for the Caregivers
Tiredness, culture-shock, homesickness—it can be tough living in another country, especially when those you live among are poor and often struggling to survive. As the…
The power of the yoke
For her Hui address, our new President, Beulah Wood, drew messages from the remarkable biblical symbol of the yoke. This is an abbreviated version of…
Christmas where we are
We ask some of our Tranzsend folk to share a little of what Christmas is like where they are.
Girls’ Brigade turns 90
2018 was the 90th anniversary of Girls’ Brigade in New Zealand, which was introduced to New Zealand through Baptist missionaries, at Caversham Baptist Church. Gwyneth…
West Papua statement
The Justice Initiative writes about a terrible example of injustice unfolding right on our country’s backdoor, in West Papua, and explains what New Zealand Baptists…
Listen up!
Matilda Poasa is a New Zealand-born Samoan, has a Bachelor of Māori Development in Māori Media, and recently completed an internship with the Native American…
One decision or 52?
Change may happen almost imperceptibly over time but we can measure trends. Craig Vernall explains why one of the most worrying changes in our Baptist…
He iwi tahi tātou
Paul Askin was the recipient of the Lionel Stewart Scholarship in 2017. The scholarship seeks to encourage New Zealand Baptist pastors to further the work…
BYM’s ‘You’re a Gift’ Christmas Challenge
Youth Ministries are collaborating with Life FM and other denominations to create a viral social media sensation of hope and generosity this December.
Education can change everything
Education can be the key to lifting a person out of poverty and enabling them to create a legacy for themselves and their family. Cindy, with…
Meet Katie Herron—environmentalist
Sixteen-year-old Katie Herron and her family attend Palmerston North Central Baptist Church. This is her story.
Training new missional leaders
Jesus’ main task for the three years of his ministry was training leaders for a new movement, and training leaders remains a crucial task for…
Evangelise those most open
In every church Russell Watts has pastored, God has given a different strategy for evangelism. However, in his current position as Senior Pastor at Whangarei Central…
Migration & Mission in Acts & Aotearoa
Aotearoa New Zealand is undergoing profound demographic change. This means, as New Zealand Baptists, we are in a changed—and changing—mission context. How are we to live,…
“Kia ora, Cuzzy, I’ve saved you a seat”
When Clendon Baptist Church called their pastor’s son to lead them on to the next thing, they were ready for change. Even so, some of…
I am doing a new thing…
Through the prophet Isaiah our God says, “See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:19 NIV). Today, he continues to do new things in…
Carey graduation
Carey had their 2018 Graduation at the end of March. Here is a couple of stories...
PressingOn… together
Rick Pierce tells us about a growing initiative called PressingOn, which combines the teaching resources and networking power of seven Baptist churches in Auckland.
Health & well-being
In recent years, Cambridge Baptist Church has run four community events to raise awareness of services for seniors and to provide health screening for men.…
Ethical clothing
Emma Melville is a member of the youth group at Glen Eden Baptist Church. She tells us why she has been championing the issue of…
Meet Judith Smith—volunteer
Judith Smith attends Caversham Baptist Church. This is her story.
Baptist distinctives
What makes Baptists Baptist? John Tucker traces the Baptist vision of church and its value for ministry and mission today.
Confessions of a Pastor
It’s a funny old life being a pastor in my context. I’m in a denomination that has a historical strength about the value of congregational…
A church family on a mission—Craig’s story
[email protected] is an experimental church plant supported by Baptists at the site of the former Pt Chevalier Baptist Church at 126 Pt Chevalier Road in…
The lessons never stop
Have you ever noticed the divide between what you think and what you feel?
Meet Fraser Grut—filmmaker
Fraser Grut and his wife attend Titirangi Baptist Church. In December 2016 he embarked on a personal project to film 10,000 people’s dreams. This is his story.
Meet Neil Hamilton—the ‘fire padre’
Neil Hamilton is the Pastor at Beachlands Baptist Church. He is also a recipient of an Honorary Chaplain’s medal from the United Fire Brigades’ Association. This is…
Goat project update
We recently reported on the goat project in South Asia—here is the latest update.
Don’t be that monkey!
As people of God, how can we understand the hearts of our neighbours? How can we demonstrate a hospitality that tells them they are welcome,…
Chinese with a dose of Kiwi-ness
Invercargill’s Asian population grew by 170% between 2001 and 2013. People are drawn to Southland because of its low unemployment rates, affordable housing and education…
10 things I wish I’d known about cults
Cults—do you think these were a phenomenon that died out decades ago and only appealed to easily-led people? That’s what Steve Worsley used to think before…
We’re all in this together
Craig Ashby reflects on what Alexandra Baptist Church is doing to bring all ages together in intergenerational worship, learning and fellowship.
Faith in fairness?
“Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?” asked Job (Job 2:10). Although he meant it rhetorically, it’s a…
Discernment: Seeking the will of God
Discernment is the Christian practice of seeking God’s will when making decisions. Robyn Mellar-Smith reveals findings from her research into this topic in a New…
10 things I wish I’d known about cults
Cults—do you think these were a phenomenon that died out decades ago and only appealed to easily-led people? That’s what Steve Worsley used to think…
The Kids’ Box
Earlier this year we were discussing the fact that we currently didn’t have many young families at the church and that our children weren’t visible…
Billy Graham and Gramps
With the passing of Billy Graham there is much to thank God for in terms of his ministry and impact, not only within Christianity in…
Stop the hurting
Grant Harris talks about the journey of dealing with pain and the scars left from a history of racism in our world. What can the…
‘New’ leaders in the New Zealand Baptist movement
Among the New Zealand Baptist movement’s new leaders with national roles are Josie Te Kahu (President), John Tucker (Principal, Carey Baptist College) and Brian Krum…
Parihaka reflections: A vision for our country
As part of Hui 2017, delegates watched the documentary film Tatarakihi—Children of Parihaka and were then invited to Parihaka by Te Ātiawa iwi. Here are…
Community
Peter and Leonora share good news about the overflow effect of discipling in a community in South Asia.
Seeing what God is DO-ing
Seven teams of Baptist young people and leaders went on a DO Team mission to Fiji in 2017. This year another six teams are planned.…
More than just a toy story
Franklin Community Toy Library has been serving the Pukekohe, South Auckland, community for more than 20 years. Toy Librarian Amanda Bailey shares how this neighbourhood…
Celebrating Māori achievement
Carey Baptist College celebrates the record-breaking 92% pass rate of Māori students. One is the first Māori student to complete a Master of Applied Theology…
Te Whare Oranga
Learn more about Carey Baptist College's bicultural journey and plans or a new centre for Māori learning, to be called Te Whare Oranga.
Meet Marina Young—founder of Buttons Project
Marina Young and her husband attend Doubtless Bay Christian Centre. Marina is the founder of Buttons Project, which helps bring awareness to the effects of…
Meet Jana Branca—artist
Artist Jana Branca and her family attend Northpoint Baptist Church. In her art she illustrates how "we are all still a work in progress". This…
Oxford Terrace rebuild
On Christmas Eve 2017, Oxford Terrace Baptist Church held their first worship services in their new facilities. Hear more about the journey of their rebuild...
A prayer shop
For one week in November 2017, Paeroa had a prayer shop. All the local churches took part, with Paeroa Baptist Church leading it. It was…
Church in Action
Grant Pollock, Growth Group Leader at Glenfield Baptist Church, shares how his church turns sermons into actions...
Ka tuu, ka rongo, ki te whakapono
At Hui 2017 we were reminded and challenged that some voices are not heard, or hardly heard, in our denomination. Wendy Emsley, former community pastor…
Producing profound change
Almost 20 Baptist trusts provide some form of social housing or emergency accommodation in New Zealand. CORT Community Housing, whose roots lie in Ponsonby Baptist…
What God has built
VisionWest is one of the largest not-for-profit community trusts in New Zealand, but it still holds tightly to its faith-based roots and its connection to…
Judgement day—celebrating transformation
In November 2017, Iosis hosted 40 female judges who preside over Family, Criminal and High Courts in New Zealand and Australia. Hear the stories of…
I’m glad you’re not my doctor!
Charles Hewlett and Mike Crudge reflect on the benefits of lifelong learning for Baptist pastors—for the pastors themselves and for the churches they lead.
Life in neighbourhood
South West Baptist Church (SWBC) has been on a journey over the last little while, resulting in a church structure that is a bit different…
God’s upside-down kingdom
Beulah Wood talks about the role and leadership of women in the 'upside-down' kingdom of God.
God made me lime green
In an earlier post, Sarah Harris reflected on the women who travelled with Jesus. In this article, she considers how the apostle Paul viewed women.
What does God think about girls and women?
Sarah Harris, New Testament lecturer at Carey Baptist College, reflects on the predominance of male leaders in churches and discusses God, girls and women.
Gifted and Called: Women walking with Jesus
The Bible tells us about women who were disciples, leaders, teachers, prophets, and preachers. What can we learn from them? Sarah Harris considers some of…
Gifted and Called: Women walking with Jesus
The Bible tells us about women who were disciples, leaders, teachers, prophets, and preachers. What can we learn from them? Sarah Harris considers some of…
I believe in the church: joining in with the life of the Trinity
It’s no secret that church attendance is falling. Arguments rage about what we should do to regain the size and status we once had. But…
Why Pākehā need to know who they are: belonging in Aotearoa
Alistair Reese considers the need for Pākehā to understand who they are and how they belong in Aotearoa New Zealand.