What's the National Leader of the Baptist Union of New Zealand been thinking about lately? Find out in this video update from Chris Chamberlain – or read the text below.
Kia ora New Zealand Baptists,
In the United States of America the Southern Baptists, a very large denomination, have doubled down on their history of suppressing and discriminating against the role of women in leadership in their churches. You might have read about this and how they have voted to confirm that women must not take a leading role in their movement.
We are New Zealand Baptists. We are not Southern Baptists.
I did some research on women in leadership among New Zealand Baptists and discovered something to celebrate.
In 2017, there were 18 women senior, sole or co-pastors in our movement. In 2025, eight years later, that number has doubled and we have 37 women in senior, sole or co-pastor roles.
Fifty years ago, in 1976, New Zealand Baptists made our first significant statement regarding the affirmation of the place of women in our movement.
Then in 2001 and again in 2017 delegates at our National Hui made a decision and, in a rare move, issued a written statement affirming women in leadership roles.
New Zealand Baptists agreed upon this statement:
We hold scripture teaches the inherent-equality between men and women for both are made in the image and likeness of God. Both men and women are called to work as co-labourers in God’s world; God’s purposes and call works itself out in individual lives, the church, and the world.
We affirm that both women and men followed Jesus as disciples, and that the Holy Spirit was given to all for the sake of mission and the Church. We acknowledge Paul’s female co-workers, and the female leaders, teachers, and apostles within the development, life and ministry of the early church.
We affirm God’s calling of both women and men into all areas of preaching, teaching and leadership. God’s calling of all persons into God’s service extends from volunteers and staff responsibilities, and to all senior leadership positions. God does this for the glory of His name and the sake of the church.
God's calling of all persons into God's service extends from volunteers and staff responsibilities to all senior leadership positions. God does this - for the glory of his name and for the sake of the church.
I encourage you to share that statement with those around you as we respect and co-labour with one another as we pursue God's calling for us. We are kingdom people. We are called to acts of reconciliation, and all of it is driven by our hope in the last day, in the good news that Jesus has announced and our participation in seeing his kingdom come.
A new book
After you’re reflected on that statement, check out this book by Beulah Wood - They Carved a Wider Place for Woman. Beulah writes about 36 Baptist women leaders who have contributed in our movement.
And you need to buy this book and and read it and join me in giving thanks.
Until next time,
Chris
Read more Together columns from Chris
- Together: week one with Chris | Baptist New Zealand
- Together: When children struggle, the Church responds | Baptist New Zealand
- Together: The Acts 2 Movement | Baptist New Zealand
- Together: Kingdom people | Baptist New Zealand
- Together: Pentecost
