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Becoming a Baptist Pastor

    Acceptance Process for Pastoral Leadership within the Baptist Union of New Zealand

    This process is designed for people not currently pastoring in a New Zealand Baptist Church.

    Introduction

    The Baptist Union of New Zealand (BUNZ) is a collective of faith communities who want to bring gospel renewal to the people and places where we are located.

    While we highly value our diversity, we are evangelical and charismatic. Our foundational values of loving the Bible, being sold out for Jesus, valuing all people, and being imaginative with mission, underpin all we do. The leadership philosophy found in Ephesians 4:1-3 strongly shapes our leadership practice as a collective.

    We acknowledge and support the special relationship and covenant partnership that was created by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi. We also value and encourage women in giving leadership within our collective of faith communities, across all ministries, including the roles of pastor and elder. It is of utmost importance that these positions are taken into consideration when applying for pastoral leadership in a Baptist church.

    We believe that having faith communities marked out by robust leadership, growing disciples, healthy resources and effective mission are crucial if we are to see our purpose achieved.

    Robust Leadership

    In order to achieve our goal of gospel renewal we require robust leaders. We define robust leadership as:

    • A strong focus on Jesus personally, and within the church
    • Emotionally Intelligent, with a self-awareness
    • Biblically literate and able to disciple others
    • Belief in the power and ongoing work of the Holy Spirit
    • Able to think and work strategically
    • Ability to lead teams and empower others
    • Capacity to effect change, and take risks when required
    • Able to cope with difference and handle conflict situations
    • Appreciation of Baptist ecclesiology, especially church governance
    • Commitment to professional development
    • A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi and an understanding of Te Ao Māori

    Process

    We have the following process in place for acceptance to pastoral leadership in our faith communities:

    1. Required information:
    • A CV that outlines education, qualifications, and work experience.
    • A psychological report that indicates suitability for ministry and mission
    • A personal profile, including an outline of the applicant’s theology of ministry, sense of call to ministry, leadership strengths and spiritual giftings, and what the church they lead will look like as a result of their influence (outline supplied).
    • If new to pastoral ministry, the endorsement of a supporting pastor from the church currently attended.
    • The names of three referees with whom the BUNZ can speak (included in personal profile)
    • Evidence of a current Police check (within the last 2 years)
    1. A discernment process and interview will be held with the applicant, and spouse where appropriate. This process will include BUNZ national leadership, regional leadership, and a supporting pastor, where appropriate. It is important to us that the cultural expectations of applicants are acknowledged and included as part of this discernment process.

    Information

    For further information and an application form please contact:
    Karen Warner, Leadership Co-ordination Director, Baptist Union of NZ
    [email protected] | 0212790919