Waikato and Bay of Plenty & Eastland Baptist Associations
An update from Regional Leader Peter Foster for 2024.
Listen to Peter's update in The Lowdown podcast.
In my role as Regional Leader, I have endeavoured to keep at the forefront of all that I have done in 2024 the thought and action that if we truly ‘love as Jesus does’, we need to be generous, show hospitality of spirit and be humble. Generosity, humility, and hospitality are the hallmarks of Jesus’ love towards us and our love towards the world.
For me, this is how Gospel renewal happens in and around our churches. These three attitudes are tied to the Kingdom of Christ and are part of its foundations. These words represent the simple but profound call that Christ gives our churches.
One of my ‘go-to’ messages in 2024 when invited to preach is based on the story from Luke 7:36-51. It is a good reminder that we are called to be like Jesus in our approach and dealing with the people we find ourselves amongst. I have enjoyed seeing people interact this way amongst our clusters and churches. It has been a delight to witness what seems to be a closer sense of association among our churches. This led to a well-received Regional Hui in June, with lots of positive input from all involved and attending.
Initiatives include Bethlehem Baptist and Tauranga Central working together on a preferred future. Churches are looking at how they develop young leaders for our future. There is increased participation in events like Easter Camp (Mystery Creek and Finlay Park) and combined church youth events. There are some good things to celebrate around our churches and amongst our people.
We still have challenges. In the Waikato region, we have six vacant churches. Some of these churches have been vacant for a few years. We still have the occasional conflict in our churches. A ‘break in relationship’ perhaps. When I am invited in to help, I wonder if only the three words I mentioned at the beginning of this report were being outworked; things might be a little different – just something to think about.
Most churches have a financial challenge, which seems a sign of the times. In this regard, we are the same at the regional level. But all in all, I look back on this year with gratitude and celebration. Jesus is indeed the head of the church.
For 2025, I am very keen to explore:
- What does worship look like for us as we endeavour to address our future
- How do we best develop new pastoral leadership among us
- Developing good eldership within our churches
These are just a few things to mention among many.
Thanks, everyone, for your commitment to our churches and our region. I look forward to where God will lead us.
This update is from the 2024 Annual Report of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand, which you can view here.
Photo: Rotorua Baptist Church
