Communication
Communication connects people and places, and though the Baptist National Support Centre various communication resources are provided or offered for the Baptist churches of New Zealand:
Baptist NZ app
Since 1876 Baptist Christians and churches in New Zealand have been sharing news, stories, articles and photos in order to connect, encourage and inform the network of Baptist churches and people. Up until 2021 this was done via a printed newspaper or magazine. We now have the Baptist NZ app with the same type of content created by and for the Baptist community. It’s free, and available on Android and iOS devices:
Installing is easy
Local church app: EzyChurch
In 2023 we will release the Baptist-wide deal being arranged to have the EzyChurch app working for any Baptist church alongside the Baptist NZ app which uses the EzyStream platform.
The EzyChurch app will bring together local church communications including push notifications, events, mobile and web giving, sermon notes and recordings (video and audio, including a local church having their own podcast channel that connects with Spotify and Apple Podcasts), forms, Infoodle integration, social media connection, AirPlay and ChromeCast compatibility, and more. Click here for details about the EzyChurch app.
We will update churches when this is fully available via the monthly Support Crew email newsletter to church staff from the National Support Centre.
Stories, news, articles
The Baptist NZ website and app is where churches across Aotearoa to connect, inspire and resource one another. Click here to see a page with articles, news and stories. This content cannot happen without the input of our creatives, writers and storytellers who can express the abundant knowledge, experiences and stories of gospel renewal in our family. We would love to hear from anyone with an interest and skills in writing. For more information see our Writers page.
Columns
We are fortunate to have writers contributing regularly to Baptist NZ in the form of columns and opinion pieces. The aim with our written columns is to provide content to encourage, inspire, inform, and bring into focus a wide range of topics and discussions across the breath of Baptist expression in Aotearoa New Zealand. The hope is that every person within the Baptist movement of churches in New Zealand will find at least one regular column that nurtures their following of Jesus. Click here to see a page with all columns listed.
Guidelines for articles, opinion pieces and online comments
Please follow these guidelines when submitting articles or opinion pieces, or commenting online within the Baptist NZ communication platform (this website, Baptist NZ app, our Facebook and Instagram). For more information see our Guidelines for articles, opinion pieces and online comments.
Printable newsletters
Every two months news, stories and articles from the Baptist NZ app and website are made available as a downloadable PDF in A4 size, 10-14 pages. This can be printed and copied and shared among people within our churches who don’t use phones, tablets or computers, and who miss the printed Baptist magazine of the past that ended publication in 2021. See the current and previous newsletters here.
Podcasts
The Baptist NZ Podcast Network is a growing collection of podcast shows that also has as the aim: to encourage, inspire, inform, and bring into focus a wide range of topics and discussions across the breath of Baptist expression in Aotearoa New Zealand. The hope is that every person within the Baptist movement of churches in New Zealand will find at least one podcast show that nurtures their following of Jesus. See all podcast shows here.
Creatives content guide
We have put together guides for people creating content in the areas of writing, photography, podcasting, and music. Click here for the Creatives page.
Editorial Advisory Group
This is a group that oversees the content on the Baptist NZ platform (content for this website, the Baptist NZ app, and social media), ensuring it is fulfilling the objectives of the Baptist Union. Click here to see the Editorial Advisory Group page.
Media, public communications and statements
Click here to go to our Contacts page to find out how to get in touch with us.
Complaints process
We have a system in place with a focus on keeping our people and places safe. Please see our Complaints process page for details and who to contact.
Latest articles
Register now for Hui ā Māori 2024: ‘no greater time to be unified’
A call for Baptist Māori to engage with the significant kōrero coming to Hui ā Māori 2024.
Reflections on the season of Matariki
Three Baptist Māori share what they’ll be doing to acknowledge this season.
Are our social support services making a difference?
Transactional or transformational support: what services should our local church aim for to empower our communities?
Israel and Palestine: Twenty-one questions, part 4
What is the rapture? This is the fourth in a series of articles answering questions about Israel and Palestine that may resource our thinking on…
From the President: On the road again…
This song by Willie Nelson is easily the theme for our President’s June update. Susan shares the gold from her roadie down south.
Rare event forecast for July
What will it be like when profound individual journeys of praying, wrestling with and singing the Psalms join together?
Charles Mail: A future with hope
Equipping our churches in growing young | Meeting with the Prime Minister | Praying for our church elders | More baptisms!
Children in relationship with God
Passing on relational connection as well as knowledge to the next generation.
Salt of the earth: This is all normal
One of Kev’s bizarre pastoral experiences filled with cultural surprises and learnings in the service of his multi-ethnic church...
Israel and Palestine: Twenty-one questions, part 3
What is Christian Zionism? This is the third in a series of articles answering questions about Israel and Palestine that may resource our thinking on…
Charles Mail: Young people bring renewal
Te Puke Baptist Church breaks ground for their housing project | Baptist whānau in national awards | KB youth leaders retreat | More…
Singing for a change
“…be formed, confronted, enriched, and renewed as we linger in the Psalms as a community.”
Missional Mizos, two young women and William Carey
Siblings journey to Tripura for celebrations with a flourishing missional church over 70 years after their Aunt Marjorie Turner followed God's call there.
Fanning the flames of youth ministry
Baptist youth leaders reflect on how showing God’s love and grace is working out in the lives of young people.
Charles Mail: On a mission
Ask your church’s youth leaders about their weekend | A role carved out for us | How the Psalms can inspire Christian worship | More…
Inspiring the next missional generation
Our missionary society, Arotahi, has launched its new children’s programme, Whiria Kids! Find church and home resources that help inspire our tamariki for God’s mission.
Parents at the centre of faith formation
Equipping families to disciple their children outside of church children’s programs.
Survey on power and authority in the church
One of our Carey lecturers seeks your help with a book she is writing.
Israel and Palestine: Twenty-one questions, part 2
This is the second of a series of articles answering questions about Israel and Palestine that may resource our thinking on the current conflict, the…
Charles Mail: Graduation
The most exciting Kingdom event I’ve ever been to | Highlights of our college’s class of 2023 graduation | We need to get radial with…