Good Governance is Worth the Effort: A Handbook for Christian Charities and Churches in Aotearoa
By Martyn Norrie, June, 2019
Charities operate in an increasingly complex environment. Their charitable status does not excuse them from governing their organisation in a manner that complies with the myriad of laws and regulations that apply to their day-to-day operation. This book is written to help leaders and board members of Christian charities as they seek to outwork their calling in New Zealand. It aims to help you to encourage the team that God has placed you in, and to outwork His purposes in and through your organisation.
This is Gold! I wish I had this when I started out as Carey [Baptist College] Principal … although I did have you in person! It is practical and the New Zealand based comments and examples are unique. I can imagine this being a text in training institutions like Carey. It will be an excellent resource for leadership groups to work through—it will become a handbook for pastors and elders/boards. A great gift for boards to give to new members!
Rev Charles Hewlett, National Leader, Baptist Union of Churches.
By Martyn Norrie, June, 2019
Charities operate in an increasingly complex environment. Their charitable status does not excuse them from governing their organisation in a manner that complies with the myriad of laws and regulations that apply to their day-to-day operation. This book is written to help leaders and board members of Christian charities as they seek to outwork their calling in New Zealand. It aims to help you to encourage the team that God has placed you in, and to outwork His purposes in and through your organisation.
This is Gold! I wish I had this when I started out as Carey [Baptist College] Principal … although I did have you in person! It is practical and the New Zealand based comments and examples are unique. I can imagine this being a text in training institutions like Carey. It will be an excellent resource for leadership groups to work through—it will become a handbook for pastors and elders/boards. A great gift for boards to give to new members!
Rev Charles Hewlett, National Leader, Baptist Union of Churches.
$28.00 NZD plus postage and packaging
Dishonoured and Unheard: Christian Women and Domestic Violence
By Daphne Marsden, July, 2018
It is not easy for Christian women experiencing domestic abuse to find well informed and safe spiritual care. However, in this book these women, along with pastors, counsellors, theology students, and friends will find guidance grounded in scripture. Forgiveness, marriage as a covenant, headship, and submission are explored. Drawing from women’s stories, researchers, and biblical scholars this book offers a compassionate response to Christian women living with and recovering from domestic violence.
Daphne Marsden contributes a timely voice to this very important conversation. Her treatment of the complex topic of intimate partner violence in the context of the church's response is evocative, well-research and compassionate. It is my hope that many pastors, counsellors and lay people will read this book in order to change the story from victimizing or further traumatising the victims... This book has power to change the course of a listening church to realign with the Triune God's agenda of shalom for everyone, even the perpetrator, who is deeply lost and reacting from a place of fear not love. - Dr Ruth A. Lawson-McConnell,
By Daphne Marsden, July, 2018
It is not easy for Christian women experiencing domestic abuse to find well informed and safe spiritual care. However, in this book these women, along with pastors, counsellors, theology students, and friends will find guidance grounded in scripture. Forgiveness, marriage as a covenant, headship, and submission are explored. Drawing from women’s stories, researchers, and biblical scholars this book offers a compassionate response to Christian women living with and recovering from domestic violence.
Daphne Marsden contributes a timely voice to this very important conversation. Her treatment of the complex topic of intimate partner violence in the context of the church's response is evocative, well-research and compassionate. It is my hope that many pastors, counsellors and lay people will read this book in order to change the story from victimizing or further traumatising the victims... This book has power to change the course of a listening church to realign with the Triune God's agenda of shalom for everyone, even the perpetrator, who is deeply lost and reacting from a place of fear not love. - Dr Ruth A. Lawson-McConnell,
$30.00 NZD plus postage and packaging
What We Love: Reflections on Ministry, Leadership, and Mission. A Tribute to Charles Hewlett
Edited by Myk Habets and John Tucker, November, 2017
Leadership is a quality that often goes underappreciated or unrecognised in New Zealand church life. But this is not how it should be. Leadership is a godly and biblical quality and those with such gifts are to be celebrated and cherished. This volume is a tribute to one such gifted leader, Charles Hewlett, eighth Principal of Carey Baptist College (2010-2017). Structured around the theme of “What We Love,” a saying Charles would repeat often throughout his principalship, faculty and students reflect on biblical, theological, and applied themes central to Christian thought and practice today. More than an in-house tribute, this volume will be of interest and use to pastors and practitioners looking for considered reflections on ministry, leadership, and mission today.
These wide-ranging contributions in honour of Charles Hewlett demonstrate the breadth and vitality of the long and influential history of Carey Baptist College which embodies applied theology at its finest. I commend these essays as thoughtful, at times provocative, but always seeking to faithfully remember God's faithfulness and to express profound appreciation for the grace-filled, pastoral leadership of Charles Hewlett.
Timothy C. Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary and Professor of World Christianity.
Edited by Myk Habets and John Tucker, November, 2017
Leadership is a quality that often goes underappreciated or unrecognised in New Zealand church life. But this is not how it should be. Leadership is a godly and biblical quality and those with such gifts are to be celebrated and cherished. This volume is a tribute to one such gifted leader, Charles Hewlett, eighth Principal of Carey Baptist College (2010-2017). Structured around the theme of “What We Love,” a saying Charles would repeat often throughout his principalship, faculty and students reflect on biblical, theological, and applied themes central to Christian thought and practice today. More than an in-house tribute, this volume will be of interest and use to pastors and practitioners looking for considered reflections on ministry, leadership, and mission today.
These wide-ranging contributions in honour of Charles Hewlett demonstrate the breadth and vitality of the long and influential history of Carey Baptist College which embodies applied theology at its finest. I commend these essays as thoughtful, at times provocative, but always seeking to faithfully remember God's faithfulness and to express profound appreciation for the grace-filled, pastoral leadership of Charles Hewlett.
Timothy C. Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary and Professor of World Christianity.
$30.00 NZD plus postage and packaging
Against the Odds: Murray Robertson and Spreydon Baptist Church
By Kevin Ward, September, 2016.
In 1968 Murray Robertson was called as a young minister to a small elderly church in Christchurch, and what followed over the next 40 years was both unexpected and remarkable. During this period Spreydon Baptist grew to be one of the largest churches in the country. More than 70 people were sent out on overseas mission, a significant number of others became ministers of churches elsewhere in New Zealand, and others in the church developed a wide range of effective ministries. Robertson himself became an influential leader in the wider church in New Zealand. In its local community Spreydon developed a large number of community ministries with such influence that the mayor of Christchurch visited to thank the church for its contribution to the life of the city. This book not only tells the story but also provides insights and learning from which anyone interested in the future of Christianity and the church might benefit.
By Kevin Ward, September, 2016.
In 1968 Murray Robertson was called as a young minister to a small elderly church in Christchurch, and what followed over the next 40 years was both unexpected and remarkable. During this period Spreydon Baptist grew to be one of the largest churches in the country. More than 70 people were sent out on overseas mission, a significant number of others became ministers of churches elsewhere in New Zealand, and others in the church developed a wide range of effective ministries. Robertson himself became an influential leader in the wider church in New Zealand. In its local community Spreydon developed a large number of community ministries with such influence that the mayor of Christchurch visited to thank the church for its contribution to the life of the city. This book not only tells the story but also provides insights and learning from which anyone interested in the future of Christianity and the church might benefit.
$45.00 NZD plus postage and packaging 
Living in the Family of Jesus: Critical Contextualization in Melanesia and Beyond
Edited by William Kenny Longgar and Tim Meadowcroft, July, 2016.
With its myriad people groups, Melanesia has much to teach the rest of the world about what happens when Christ encounters local culture. This collection begins with a look at specific case studies of the Gospel’s encounter with local culture in Melanesia itself, before turning to broader themes particularly raised by the Melanesian context. Case studies from Asia and the wider Pacific then throw further light on the incarnational process of encounter, demonstrating that there is much for the rest of the world to learn from the Melanesian experience. The book concludes with some penetrating analyses of the dynamics at work when the Gospel encounters human cultures for the first time. The process of critical contextualization of the Gospel is never complete, and is inevitably the product of conversation and experimentation. As such it is a communal process. This set of essays models one such conversation while at the same time enabling the rest of the church to listen in on important insights.
Edited by William Kenny Longgar and Tim Meadowcroft, July, 2016.
With its myriad people groups, Melanesia has much to teach the rest of the world about what happens when Christ encounters local culture. This collection begins with a look at specific case studies of the Gospel’s encounter with local culture in Melanesia itself, before turning to broader themes particularly raised by the Melanesian context. Case studies from Asia and the wider Pacific then throw further light on the incarnational process of encounter, demonstrating that there is much for the rest of the world to learn from the Melanesian experience. The book concludes with some penetrating analyses of the dynamics at work when the Gospel encounters human cultures for the first time. The process of critical contextualization of the Gospel is never complete, and is inevitably the product of conversation and experimentation. As such it is a communal process. This set of essays models one such conversation while at the same time enabling the rest of the church to listen in on important insights.
Doing Integrative Theology: Word, World and Work in Conversation
Edited by Philip Halstead and Myk Habets, May 2016.
The doing of theology comes in many different guises and styles. This volume is concerned with Integrative Theology, a discipline which serves participation in the mission of God. It is a practice of discernment by which we aim to be attentive to God in God’s world, God’s word, and God’s work, so as to grow in our understanding of what God wants for and is doing in the world. We seek this knowledge so that we may align ourselves with God’s desire in relation to specific realities and issues and serve what we discern to be God’s purpose with wisdom and courage. When we do that, we are participating in the mission of God. By means of an explanation of Integrative Theology, its aims, goals, and methods, and then through a series of essays illustrating the results of such a theology, this volume serves as a textbook for doing Integrative Theology. Students and faculty alike will find in this volume a valuable resource for doing theology in the early twenty-first century.
Edited by Philip Halstead and Myk Habets, May 2016.
The doing of theology comes in many different guises and styles. This volume is concerned with Integrative Theology, a discipline which serves participation in the mission of God. It is a practice of discernment by which we aim to be attentive to God in God’s world, God’s word, and God’s work, so as to grow in our understanding of what God wants for and is doing in the world. We seek this knowledge so that we may align ourselves with God’s desire in relation to specific realities and issues and serve what we discern to be God’s purpose with wisdom and courage. When we do that, we are participating in the mission of God. By means of an explanation of Integrative Theology, its aims, goals, and methods, and then through a series of essays illustrating the results of such a theology, this volume serves as a textbook for doing Integrative Theology. Students and faculty alike will find in this volume a valuable resource for doing theology in the early twenty-first century.
A Full-er Gospel?: Pentecostal Proclamation in New Zealand 1990-2008
By Linda Flett, April 2015.
This book draws on the belief statements and official publications of Elim and AOG denominations in New Zealand from 1990 to 2008 in order to test the extent to which this conviction was adhered to. A statement that ‘In order to reach New Zealand, our methods need to change but not our message’, provides a framing device, inviting the reader to explore their responsiveness to aspects of social change within New Zealand before gauging interest in new methodologies known to have impacted Pentecostal churches in New Zealand during this period. Actual changes to evangelistic methodology and salvation terminology is presented from the findings of a quantitative study before the salvation message is re-examined. It will be evident that not only were new methodologies embraced but views on salvation broadened, becoming increasingly holistic, dynamic and relational.
By Linda Flett, April 2015.
This book draws on the belief statements and official publications of Elim and AOG denominations in New Zealand from 1990 to 2008 in order to test the extent to which this conviction was adhered to. A statement that ‘In order to reach New Zealand, our methods need to change but not our message’, provides a framing device, inviting the reader to explore their responsiveness to aspects of social change within New Zealand before gauging interest in new methodologies known to have impacted Pentecostal churches in New Zealand during this period. Actual changes to evangelistic methodology and salvation terminology is presented from the findings of a quantitative study before the salvation message is re-examined. It will be evident that not only were new methodologies embraced but views on salvation broadened, becoming increasingly holistic, dynamic and relational.
Kiwimade Narrative Sermons
Edited by Myk Habets, April 2015.
This collection of over forty narrative sermons illustrate the science and art of taking a text of Scripture, almost any text, and crafting it into a narrative that effectively and affectively communicates the content of Holy Scripture in ways that impact the congregation. Spanning the canon of Holy Scripture the present volume represents a snapshot of current preaching by Baptist women and men from Aotearoa New Zealand in an attempt to teach by illustration what narrative sermons may look like, and to model the potential they have to communicate God's Word written. Originally preached to a diverse range of congregations, each sermon has been re-written for publication and illustrates biblical fidelity, imaginative creativity, and contextual sensitivity. Kiwimade Narrative Sermons is a key resource text for classes on homiletics, a refresher course for seasoned ministers of the Word, and a devotional aid in its own right.
Edited by Myk Habets, April 2015.
This collection of over forty narrative sermons illustrate the science and art of taking a text of Scripture, almost any text, and crafting it into a narrative that effectively and affectively communicates the content of Holy Scripture in ways that impact the congregation. Spanning the canon of Holy Scripture the present volume represents a snapshot of current preaching by Baptist women and men from Aotearoa New Zealand in an attempt to teach by illustration what narrative sermons may look like, and to model the potential they have to communicate God's Word written. Originally preached to a diverse range of congregations, each sermon has been re-written for publication and illustrates biblical fidelity, imaginative creativity, and contextual sensitivity. Kiwimade Narrative Sermons is a key resource text for classes on homiletics, a refresher course for seasoned ministers of the Word, and a devotional aid in its own right.
An Unfolding Story: A History of Carey Baptist College
By Martin Sutherland and Laurie Guy, April 2014.
Baptists in New Zealand have built few lasting denominational institutions. In keeping with a congregational emphasis, the focus has been on the local church. The Missionary Society, born out of the recognition that some tasks are better done together, is an obvious exception. Another is Carey Baptist College. From nondescript beginnings, the college has become a broad-based theological provider in the first rank of New Zealand institutions. This volume unfolds the story of this crucial Baptist venture. The deeper narrative is of relationships, innovation and commitment. It is a story worth telling.
By Martin Sutherland and Laurie Guy, April 2014.
Baptists in New Zealand have built few lasting denominational institutions. In keeping with a congregational emphasis, the focus has been on the local church. The Missionary Society, born out of the recognition that some tasks are better done together, is an obvious exception. Another is Carey Baptist College. From nondescript beginnings, the college has become a broad-based theological provider in the first rank of New Zealand institutions. This volume unfolds the story of this crucial Baptist venture. The deeper narrative is of relationships, innovation and commitment. It is a story worth telling.
The Church in Post-Sixties New Zealand: Decline, Growth and Change
By Kevin Ward, October, 2013.
It is widely accepted that over the past 50 years the church in New Zealand has been experiencing steady and persistent decline. Some have foreseen its virtual demise while most see its influence in society becoming almost insignificant. This book examines how true this narrative is among Protestant churches in New Zealand, and by placing it in the context of other similar western societies, seeks to come to some understanding of the factors which might explain this and what the implications for the future of churches and Christianity might be. It also examines churches which have countered this trend by showing vitality and growth over this period to see what might be learned from them for a more vital Christian presence in the future. Part of the story is told by focussing on the particular stories of four different kinds of churches in Christchurch.
Retail price $49.95 plus postage and packaging. Click on image to purchase through Lulu.com.
By Kevin Ward, October, 2013.
It is widely accepted that over the past 50 years the church in New Zealand has been experiencing steady and persistent decline. Some have foreseen its virtual demise while most see its influence in society becoming almost insignificant. This book examines how true this narrative is among Protestant churches in New Zealand, and by placing it in the context of other similar western societies, seeks to come to some understanding of the factors which might explain this and what the implications for the future of churches and Christianity might be. It also examines churches which have countered this trend by showing vitality and growth over this period to see what might be learned from them for a more vital Christian presence in the future. Part of the story is told by focussing on the particular stories of four different kinds of churches in Christchurch.
Retail price $49.95 plus postage and packaging. Click on image to purchase through Lulu.com.
Not only a Father: Talk of God as Mother in the Bible and Christian Tradition
By Tim Bulkeley, October 2012.
The God of the Bible is not a member of any class of comparable beings. Beyond and other than all gods and every creature, God is not gendered. However, Christian language for God and the pictures we use to help us talk about God are predominantly male. Among the pictures one of the most often used and appreciated is ‘father’. Yet God (unlike many of the gods of the ancient world) is not only a father. The Bible and the early Christian theologians used motherly as well as fatherly language and pictures to speak of God. In this way at least their image of God was richer and deeper than ours! This book encourages readers to appropriate this wider range of pictures of what God is like, and to learn again to relate to a God who is beyond all imagining and closer than life itself. This God is not only a father!
Engage with this book online at Tim Bulkeley's website here...
Retail price $19.95 plus postage & packaging. Click on image to purchase through Amazon.com
By Tim Bulkeley, October 2012.
The God of the Bible is not a member of any class of comparable beings. Beyond and other than all gods and every creature, God is not gendered. However, Christian language for God and the pictures we use to help us talk about God are predominantly male. Among the pictures one of the most often used and appreciated is ‘father’. Yet God (unlike many of the gods of the ancient world) is not only a father. The Bible and the early Christian theologians used motherly as well as fatherly language and pictures to speak of God. In this way at least their image of God was richer and deeper than ours! This book encourages readers to appropriate this wider range of pictures of what God is like, and to learn again to relate to a God who is beyond all imagining and closer than life itself. This God is not only a father!
Engage with this book online at Tim Bulkeley's website here...
Retail price $19.95 plus postage & packaging. Click on image to purchase through Amazon.com
Gospel, Truth & Interpretation: Evangelical Identity in Aotearoa New Zealand
Edited by Tim Meadowcroft and Myk Habets, March 2012.
The story of evangelicalism in New Zealand is almost as old as the history of European contact. This two-hundred year history of evangelicalism “down under” has created a lively Christian subculture which, while sharing much in common with evangelicals around the globe, nevertheless has its own distinctive character and gravitas, not to mention its own set of characters, defining moments, and contextual issues. The essays in this volume address both historical and theological aspects of evangelical identity.
Retail price $28.00 plus postage & packaging. Click on image to purchase through Lulu.com.
Edited by Tim Meadowcroft and Myk Habets, March 2012.
The story of evangelicalism in New Zealand is almost as old as the history of European contact. This two-hundred year history of evangelicalism “down under” has created a lively Christian subculture which, while sharing much in common with evangelicals around the globe, nevertheless has its own distinctive character and gravitas, not to mention its own set of characters, defining moments, and contextual issues. The essays in this volume address both historical and theological aspects of evangelical identity.
Retail price $28.00 plus postage & packaging. Click on image to purchase through Lulu.com.
Conflict and Connection: Baptist Identity in New Zealand
By Martin Sutherland, October 2011.
Conflict was endemic in colonial Baptist life and would not be far from the surface for much of the twentieth century. Baptists wrestled with each other, wriggled to find space among the denominations and often regarded wider society with suspicion. Gradually, the more profound impulse for connection prevailed but the integrity of the emerging Baptist edifice faced severe tests. Mid-century conflicts were survived and a remarkably confident denomination emerged. However, the relative peace and success of the ’fifties meant Baptists were poorly equipped for the upheavals to come. For most, by century’s-end, any sense of Baptist identity was muted and confused.
Retail price $44.50 plus postage & packaging. Click on image to purchase through Lulu.com.
By Martin Sutherland, October 2011.
Conflict was endemic in colonial Baptist life and would not be far from the surface for much of the twentieth century. Baptists wrestled with each other, wriggled to find space among the denominations and often regarded wider society with suspicion. Gradually, the more profound impulse for connection prevailed but the integrity of the emerging Baptist edifice faced severe tests. Mid-century conflicts were survived and a remarkably confident denomination emerged. However, the relative peace and success of the ’fifties meant Baptists were poorly equipped for the upheavals to come. For most, by century’s-end, any sense of Baptist identity was muted and confused.
Retail price $44.50 plus postage & packaging. Click on image to purchase through Lulu.com.
Digital Baptist
By Brian Smith and Martin Sutherland.
The Digital Baptist offers all editions of the New Zealand Baptist (New Zealand's longest running denominational newspaper) in a fully searchable PDF version. This is a fantastic resource for churches, researchers and students, and gives quick access to the original documents of the Baptist Union.
Retail price $40.00 plus postage and packaging.
By Brian Smith and Martin Sutherland.
The Digital Baptist offers all editions of the New Zealand Baptist (New Zealand's longest running denominational newspaper) in a fully searchable PDF version. This is a fantastic resource for churches, researchers and students, and gives quick access to the original documents of the Baptist Union.
Retail price $40.00 plus postage and packaging.