At the Auckland Baptist Assembly gathering in 1954, it was clear the Lord was calling for a work among Māori to begin, to “embark upon Christian service and witness to the Māori people.” The Pukekohe area was recognised as the initial field of work for the ministry. A service of dedication for Joan Milner and recognition of Des Jones as a student in training for Māori work followed. Today, the ministry is known as Baptist Māori Ministries (BMM).
The work of BMM extends christian service and witness to Māori from as far North as Rawene to Invercargill in the South.
Ngā Kaupapa / Our Mission
Is to encourage and influence all Māori to live lifelong devotion to Jesus, and his purposes in life through resourcing and implementing relevant whānau, youth, and leadership development initiatives.
Ngā Ūaratanga / What we value
Wairuatanga - To be a reflection of God as created in His image.Tikanga Karaitiana - Recognizing that Jesus Christ is Lord and savior, and that His call to Leadership is a call to humble service to God, selfless ministry to others, and a commission to go into the entire world and make disciples.
Whakawhānaungatanga - Relationships.
Kotahitanga - Unity and capacity in working together with others.
Whānau Ora - Holistic well being of our families.
Manāki Tangata - Caring and sharing for/ with all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, culture or background.
Kaitiakitanga - Integrity, accountability and good stewardship.
Koha Aroha - Giving in the spirit of loving generosity.
Tikanga Māori - Recognising that Māori language and Māori culture are gifts from God, and that through Christ they have the inherent potential to reveal and express God and His glory.
Turangawaewae - Place of identity and standing in the body of Christ.