The organisations and groups below all come under the umbrella of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand which is the team of 40,000 people within the 250 faith communities. Education, training, research and advocacy is part of our DNA.
Carey Centre for Lifelong Learning
Our Centre for Lifelong Learning exists to provide on-going training and resources that equip our leaders and churches to thrive. It provides accessible, affordable, and quality content from leading academics and practitioners to support personal and professional growth.
Carey Baptist College
Since 1926 Baptists in New Zealand have been training Christian leaders to bring gospel renewal in churches and communities across Aotearoa and around the world. Our college has a world-class leadership formation programme for those who have a calling to pastoral or missional leadership. Alongside this is a range of NZQA qualifications in the areas of Bible, theology, ministry, and mission. Carey can equip any Christian to participate in the gospel’s transforming work, wherever they are called. The campus is in Auckland, there are regional hubs throughout New Zealand, and well-resourced online programmes.
Baptist Research
Baptist Research exists to resource, stimulate, and publish research relating to Baptist and wider church life in Aotearoa New Zealand. Since 1949 the Baptist Research and Historical Society has served as a ministry of the Baptist Union of New Zealand with the goal of stimulating research, and preserving the historical record of Baptist Churches in Aotearoa. This is achieved through the Pacific Journal of Theological Research, Archer Press, the Sutherland Lecture, and other events and programs.
Baptist Women
The Baptist Women New Zealand board’s aim is to see all women thriving in Baptist church life, celebrating the faith we share. They aim to be a steadfast voice for Baptist women, by connecting, strengthening and upholding one another to be co-workers in God’s Kingdom.
Māori
Manatū Iriiri Māori and the Te Kapa Rautaki team have a vision to see all Māori come to Jesus, reaching their full potential, and positively transforming their whānau, community and world in which they live.
Children and families
Recognising the importance of family within community life, Baptist Churches have programmes aimed at encouraging and supporting children and their families. Baptist Children and Family Ministries have a vision to empower, motivate, train, and resource churches so these ministries can be effective in bringing positive change to the church and their local communities. To achieve this, the team is committed to providing resources and training to the leaders of children and family ministry programmes within Baptist churches throughout New Zealand. Our Baptist Children and Family Ministries have a national points person and some regional coaches.
Youth
With one of the largest youth ministry networks in New Zealand, Baptist youth work has over 2,000 people providing youth work (paid and volunteer) and engages with over 20,000 young people of intermediate age, high school age, and young adult age, throughout the country, every week. There is currently a review taking place considering the next chapter of Baptist youth work. The national points person for youth is Mike Dodge [email protected] and some Regional Associations have youth coaches.
Multicultural ministries
Networking and resourcing the growth of ethnic, migrant, refugee and multicultural communities of faith within the Aotearoa New Zealand Baptist collective. There is a National Advisory Group for Multicultural Ministries, which can be contacted via the support centre: [email protected]
Latest articles
Following God’s call
Nakeisha’s story of leaving the familiar to follow God’s call to pastor youth in the South Island.
Denominations unite to soak their city in prayer
Invercargill churches are praying for their city and region as part of the Soaking the City in Prayer initiative.
Let’s go team Snells!
Here’s what the eldership team at Snells Beach Baptist discovered when they took Carey’s Christian Leadership Course as a CareyLocal cohort.
Please help keep this Pacifica Parkinson’s Awareness event free
The Pacifica Parkinsons Awareness event on Friday 26 July needs your financial support to keep it free.
A risk worth the reward!
A story of how God used a simple invitation to prayer to change a life.
Ready to follow!
It’s so inspiring when intermediates share testimonies, minister to each other and lead worship. We’re hosting an event for Year 7–9s, all about living for…
The dream job?
The Arotahi team are looking for a new member! Learn about the new Missional Formation Engagement role.
A great adventure!
The camp experience at Finlay Park and the highlight of hosting eCamp 2025.
Mānawatia a Matariki – Celebrate Matariki, the Māori new year
We can all participate in this season, not just on the public holiday but as we enter the new Māori year, Te Tau Hou Māori.
Publishing in Pakistan: Lois Rusbatch
In Pakistan for 45 years, Lois played a major part in producing almost every Christian book that was published. She also trained Sunday School teachers…
Better Together – Revitalising the Lower North Island Baptist Association
A recent report recommends focusing on mission and ministry rather than governance and administration.
Ngāi Iriiri Māori merch!!
Ethical streetwear founder from our Baptist Māori community designs merch representing Māori in the Baptist context. Pre-order yours now!
What a treasure! Former pastor reconnects with memorable photo
New Zealand’s oldest former Baptist pastor visits Carey Baptist College in search of an award-winning photo in which he features.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Vice President
What does the President of the Baptist Union do, what attributes are we looking for, and how to submit a nomination?
Carey’s new Principal
We are pleased to announce the appointment of this senior leadership role in the Baptist Union of New Zealand.
Baptist legend receives King’s Service Medal
Merrilyn Withers is recognised for her services to youth and the Baptist movement with a King’s Service Medal.
This is gospel renewal: Retirees running youth groups and Easter camp encouragement
Four stories of gospel renewal from our local Baptist churches that remind us God is always at work, everywhere.
My everyday encounters with God
Writer Rachael Ayres on her wonder-filled early encounters with God.
Are you our next Children and Families Catalyst?
The Baptist Union of New Zealand seeks a Children and Families Catalyst to provide visionary leadership and strategic guidance for our He Rito initiative.
Southern Eastercamp 2025
Youth and leaders share their highlights and reflections from Southern Eastercamp.