The National Leader of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand is formally an Officer of the Baptist Union and is elected by National Hui (formerly Assembly) on four-year, then three-year terms as recommended by National Council.
This role oversees the strategic and spiritual wellbeing of the collective of 250 faith communities, along with their leadership team and the Regional Association Chairs. The vision and direction of our movement of churches is shaped and guided by the National Leader who accounts to National Council.
Chris Chamberlain
Our current leader
With over four decades of pastoral and leadership experience within the Baptist Union of New Zealand, Chris has now stepped into the role of National Leader bringing with him a deep passion for the church and a heart to see our movement flourish.
News from Chris Chamberlain
In the polling booth: Introducing a new series
A new series revealing how the gospel affects the way different New Zealand Baptists vote in the general elections.
Together: New Zealand Baptists have been affirming women in church leadership for 50 years
Female senior/sole/co-pastors doubled since 2017 reflecting decades of denominational statements affirming gender equality in ministry leadership.
Dignity denied by Minister’s metaphor
Is comparing social housing to winning Lotto a harmless metaphor — or does it reveal something deeper about how we see the poor?
Together: Pentecost
Chris Chamberlain calls on all Christians to celebrate the Pentecost season.
Together: A call to remember
National Leader of New Zealand Baptists Chris Chamberlain calls us to remember our baptism and offers a quick peek into the Hanmer Holy Spirit retreat.
New Zealand Baptists are kingdom people!
National Leader Chris Chamberlain is encouraged by the good stuff he’s seen happening in our local Baptist churches.
Together: The Acts 2 Movement
The Acts 2 movement He Haruru Nui asks us to believe that what God has done at Pentecost, God would do again in our time.
Easter message from our National Leader
At Easter, Christians can be comforted by these words from scripture...
Together: Kingdom people
Three powerful texts have been at the top of Chris Chamberlain’s mind since he stepped into the role of New Zealand Baptist national leader.
Together: When children struggle, the Church responds
New Zealand Baptists are really good at looking at what's wrong in this world and getting involved in fixing it, says Baptist National Leader Chris…
Homeless move-on orders: “The government’s decision has done the church a favour”
The government’s new powers for police to ‘move on’ homeless create an opportunity for the Church to make a difference, says Baptist Union of New…
Together: week one with Chris
What's the new national leader of the Baptist Union of New Zealand thinking after his first week in the office?
Christmas Day message from our National Leader
New Zealand Baptist National Leader Chris Chamberlain reflects on the coming of the true light.
God is good to us
The 2025 annual update from former Upper South Baptist Association Regional Leader Chris Chamberlain
“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.
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...