Christine Stride is Executive Assistant to the Baptist National Leader and works at the Baptist National Support Centre in Auckland. She is part of Titirangi Baptist Church.
The upheaval of relocating to a new city, dealing with an academic workload, and financial strain can make life tough for a student! The Baptist Student Network involves churches intentionally supporting students through meals, mentorship, and integrating them into their community.
The Baptist Student Network helps connect young people into Baptist churches in other cities as they move for study or work. The receiving churches offer five ways they can support young adults during this time of transition:
- Providing a community to belong to.
- A place for them to serve.
- Finding a mentor.
- Helping students transition and settle in.
- Assisting students to find accommodation.
Apply to be part of the network
Click here for the Baptist Student Network application form. Share this form with any students/young adults who are planning to move! Once they’ve filled out the form, the BSN will be in touch with more details.
For more information contact our Youth Catalyst, Ethan Miller [email protected]
Baptist church run student accommodation
There are three Baptist churches around New Zealand which provide accommodation for young people – we have a listing of these on a page here, including contact information. If you are a Baptist church offering student accommodation and are not on this list, please get in touch and we will add your accommodation.
Baptist Student Hostel (BSH), Palmerston North
BSH is based in Palmerston North and known for its exceptional care, good accommodations, and thriving Christian values-based community of students. It provides fully catered accommodation primarily for students between the ages of 18 and 21 who are studying tertiary education. Applications are now open. Read our 2023 story about BSH here.
Central House, Wellington
Central House is a ministry of Wellington Central Baptist Church. Central House offers places for 27 young adults in five self-contained apartments. It is close to all major educational institutions, has a great central city location and is across the road from Wellington Central Baptist Church. Read our story about Central House here. Read more about Central House in our 2022 story here.
Chester House, Christchurch
Chester House is supported by a dedicated student supervisor and team of young adults from Oxford Terrace Baptist Church who live close by. It’s a fun, caring, Christian community within Christchurch’s vibrant and regenerating inner city. Read our 2023 story about Chester House here.
Image credits: Baptist NZ or supplied.
