The President of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand is formally an Officer of the Baptist Union and takes on the voluntary role for a year after spending a year as the Vice President.

The President presides over all business sessions of the annual Baptist National Hui and takes on various roles during the year according to the skills and experience they bring to the role. Submissions of possible candidates for the office of Vice President are made by local churches to the National Council, who give the formal nominations to churches for election. On this page, you will find articles and other content created by the President.

Brian was elected by the Baptist Union (all 240 local Baptist churches being able to participate in a vote by 4 April 2025) after being nominated for the role by Epuni Baptist Church pastor Michael Krausse.

Throughout their lives, Brian and his wife Shona have been continuously active in church membership and leadership. They are currently members of Riccarton Baptist Church.

Brian describes himself as a long-term apprentice of Jesus and a lover of God’s plan for his gathered people, the church. What does he believe? To sum it up:

• We are all made in God’s image – however tarnished ours may seem at present!
• The Bible is our primary way of hearing from God.
• Daily devotional time with the Bible and constant prayer is key for spiritual growth.
• Our relationship with the resurrected Jesus can and does become an ongoing love affair, energising our relationships with others – both in the church and in every area of our lives.
• There is always more to learn – about God, each other, and oneself.

Read more about our President in the article:

About our 2025 Vice President nominee