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. Susan Osborne was elected in November 2023 and is a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Titahi Bay, Wellington. For more information about the President, click here.
Five regional hui in two months has kept me busy! Each one was inspiring, encouraging and challenging. And each one reflected the regional leaders’ personalities!
The Otago Southland Hui, run by Rachel Murray and her team, was a mixture of fun, fellowship, and lots and lots of conversations. It was held at a campsite in the Catlins – a bit chilly and wet some days but a very warm fellowship. As only Rachel can, she had games, quizzes, moments of deep reflection, and conversations about gospel renewal in people and places. And we heard some great stories of God working through ordinary people being Jesus in their own contexts.
The Lower North Hui, run by Mike Warring and his team, was larger and so did not have the same feeling of family. It was held in the wonderful facilities at Palmerston North Central Baptist Church. What great hosts they were. The highlight for me was listening to the two-minute stories from each of the churches in the region. There is a wide theological spectrum in these churches, and we have heard stories of God working in and through His people.
The Waikato and Bay of Plenty & Eastland Regional Hui was led by Peter Foster and his team at the new Golden Sands Baptist Church in Papamoa - what a beautiful facility there. And they gave us all a free coffee each day, as long as it was before lunchtime. The queues were long!! None of us will forget the amazing Carey lecturer Michael Rhodes, speaking on justice and righteousness from Genesis to Revelation. The second highlight for me was hearing our National Leader, Charles Hewlett, interview Ian Foster about his previous role as the All Blacks coach. His testimony to the call of God in his life was powerful, and his humility in the face of much adversity was challenging.
Christchurch did not put on its best weather for the Upper South Regional Hui held at Parklands Baptist Church. Chris Chamberlain and his team had a different programme, with two public evening sessions and interviews led by Charles Hewlett. Both nights were inspirational with music led by the New Generation Baptist Church. It’s hard to beat the Brazilians in robust worship! They also organised tours to church planting locations, the Oxford Terrance housing project, or a visit to the nearby hot pools!! And we had free coffee any time!!
The Northern Regional Hui was the final one and was led by Reti Ah-Voa and her team. It was held at the refurbished facilities at Orewa Baptist Church. The creative worship space facilitated by Cityside Baptist Church one evening was exceptional. It provided us with an opportunity to reflect and respond to the recent Abuse in Care RCI report and recommendations. Shame about the fire alarm being triggered by the candles! An excellent session called Generation to Generation, run by Nathan Palmer and Raewyn Moodie, was challenging for us all. We got one free coffee with our registration.
Each hui was different but the same with input from the National leader, Arotahi, Carey, The Baptist Women’s Board, and the Youth Catalyst. And the consultation process around two of the Big Bites- constitutional review and the serious misconduct process.
Such full programmes, but it was so good to see our people engaging at every level in the work of the churches in their region and nationally. A big shout-out to our regional leaders and their teams – you are awesome!
Photo: By Frances Leung
