Otago & Southland Baptist Association
An update from Regional Leader Rachel Murray for 2024.
Listen to Rachel's update in The Lowdown podcast.
As I travel our region, I am reminded regularly of those who came before us, who took risks and steps of faith for the Kingdom’s sake. Although many of those churches and initiatives are no longer with us, those steps live on in the remaining ministries. The 2023–2024 year adds to the legacy of faith that God has led and opened doors for along the way.
Although large in geography, the Otago & Southland Baptist Association (OSBA) is small in the number of church communities, which impacts the possible giving. However, relationships are strengthening and there is increased willingness to associate; this has resulted in growing support from churches. This support, alongside favourable interest rates and prudent management under the lead of our treasurer, has combined for a result more positive than anticipated. The challenge of annual deficits, however, is the result of limited income plus a commitment to new initiatives and ensuring the strengthening of churches across the region. Perhaps a good challenge to have!
Regional Hui, held in the Catlins in late May, was the largest to date, with new faces and a broader range of roles represented. We had a great mix of fun, worship, learning, challenge and whanaungatanga. It’s a good sign when people keep asking for the two-night residential version of hui! In April 2024, the second regional women’s gathering welcomed 135 women for connection and, fair to say, deep challenge for some.
With increasing emphasis and requirements for churches around compliance, health and safety, policy and governance, the Otago & Southland Baptist Association offered a one-day seminar in March with Wayne Schache and Catharina Siraa from the National Support Centre. It was encouraging to see 35 administrators, treasurers, elders, and pastors come together to upskill, understand the changing environment and be committed to ensuring good practice for contexts.
The Association has been pleased to support several churches in upgrading needed equipment, property development, and community and ministry events. As a commitment to encourage leadership training, five individuals from four churches were financially supported to study – one in pastoral leadership and four in general ministry leadership. In addition, we subsidised 32 people from 6 churches to undertake the new Intro to Christian Leadership course through Carey Baptist College.
The Central Otago Baptist Network (COBN) officially began in February 2024 under the leadership of Derik Kotze. There is still much to develop, but possibilities continue to unpack. New discipleship groups are in process around the Wānaka/Luggate area, along with ongoing conversations within and beyond the region about opportunities in Cromwell and Queenstown.
Caversham and South Dunedin celebrated their 150th anniversary, and Dunedin City reached its 160th milestone. It was great to see Roxburgh open their building extension and community food pantry, to positive response by community and church alike. Oāmaru Baptist was welcomed back to membership of the Association and called a permanent pastor in Jonan Castillon after two years of interim leadership. From a very tenuous position 2.5 years ago, it’s thrilling to see such a transformation in a church. Eastside has welcomed a sizable group of Congolese refugees. Baptisms occur regularly in many churches and various places, from rivers and lakes (even in mid-winter!) to school pools and the more traditional baptismal pools. Whatever the body of water, the decision of baptism is to be celebrated.
We take seriously the building of God’s Kingdom for the present and the next generations of His people. Like those of the past, we seek to step into the potential and possibility He lays before us in the South.
This update is from the 2024 Annual Report of the Baptist Churches of New Zealand, which you can view here.
Photo: Church management seminar Otago & Southland
