Catharina Siraa is a member of Royal Oak Baptist Church and is the Administration Advisor at the Baptist National Support Centre. She is overseeing our National Hui this year.
Baptist National Hui is coming up from 2–4 November (Thursday–Saturday) at Manukau City Baptist Church. I’m sure you’re busy organising who will represent your faith community as delegates at National Hui (and getting those early bird registration prices before 4 September). But are you aware that from 31 October–1 November (Tuesday–Wednesday), we have a range of pre-Hui events occurring? There is something for everyone, and we encourage you to consider adding one of the below events to your Hui registration. Pre-Hui events are a great time for learning, professional development, networking, and being inspired for your ministry and local faith community context. If you only want to come to a pre-Hui event and not the actual Hui or just part of the Hui – you are welcome!
Whether you are involved or interested in youth ministry, chaplaincy, community ministries, or mission… pre-Hui is for you.
Pre-Hui event registrations can even be purchased at the same time as your National Hui registration!
There are four official pre-Hui events:
BYM (Baptist Youth Ministries) Hui
This will be a couple of days of whakawhanaungatanga, discussion, prayer, delicious food and fun. The hope is that this time will help shape the priorities for BYM over the next three years. Whether you are fresh into youth ministry or you remember the good old days, all are welcome!
11 am Tuesday 31 October – 9 am Thursday 2 November | Cost: $100
Location: Camp Maynard, 101 Paremoremo Road, Lucas Heights, Auckland
Accommodation for Tuesday and Wednesday nights is included in registrations.
Chaplains Day
This is a special day set aside for Chaplains from right across the Baptist movement (hospital, prison, sport, defence, school, workplace,...) to gather, to share together, tell stories, pray, discuss issues and receive input directly related to chaplaincy. We’ll laugh together for sure; we may shed tears.
We have two outstanding keynote guests coming to be with us for the day, a husband and wife team:
Jeremy Baker has long experience as a GP with special interest in mental health and links to theology. He has completed a Master's degree through Laidlaw and is currently completing a PhD thesis through the University of Aberdeen, looking at trauma through a theological lens.
Jeremy’s topic will be “Soul recovery, how to address trauma in the community.”
Yvie Baker worked for many years with communication disorders then earned post graduate degrees in History before completing a PhD thesis through Otago University’s Theology Department. She researches and writes about the influence of new theological beliefs emerging within evangelical churches worldwide.
Her topic will be, “How much does truth matter? Reshaping Christianity in the 21st century and how it affects us all.”
Wednesday, 1 November 9am-5pm | Cost: $50
Manukau City Baptist Church
Mission Day
Mission Day is hosted by Arotahi and includes updates on our mission work, highlights and struggles, global team and project stories, prayer together and creative opportunities to learn from each other and connect with God’s mission in fresh ways. Last year we had a lot to say about a reshaping of our mission as Arotahi.
This year we want to talk about progress made over the last 12 months and invite feedback, input and prayer.
Wednesday, 1 November 9.30am-4pm | Cost: $35
Manukau City Baptist Church
Community Ministries Day
If you are wanting to develop the community ministries within your church, this year’s Community Ministries Day is not to be missed. The day will provide an opportunity to share about new, growing, and established community ministries that exist within Aotearoa Baptist whānau, and to learn how to take the next step in your community ministries.
Facilitated by Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga – a large West Auckland trust established by Glen Eden Baptist Church – the day will explore a range of topics including our commitments to honouring Te Tiriti, ways of responding to local housing needs, mana-to-mana practice in food support initiatives and developing appropriate cultural practices within our community ministries.
The team is looking at ways to weave your stories and experiences into the programme so that we can learn from each other. If you are running an initiative that is reaching your community, we would love to consider your contribution to the day. Please email Sarah at [email protected] if interested.
Speakers and specific sessions will be announced nearer the event: keep an eye on the Programme page on the Hui website.
Wednesday, 1 November 9am-4pm | Cost: $40
Location: Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga, 97 Glendale Road, Glen Eden
Photo: From Baptist National Hui 2022, by Charl Louw
