Background

Behind the statement ‘Growing Healthy Churches – thriving through mission’ is the belief that we are a movement of local churches whose priority is mission. The statement also shapes the purpose and practice of the Baptist Union Staff in their role of serving the churches.

In 2009 the Baptist Union re-shaped some of its departments and staffing to do this more effectively.  Two new teams were formed: Pastor Health and Development and Church Health and Development.

The National Leader Rodney Macann writes:
“The overarching vision for Church health and Development is “Thriving New Zealand Baptist churches that are appropriate to their mission context”. This department will pick up much of the current Consultancy role in terms of resourcing our churches with regard to health and mission but, in co-operation with regional executives, will have a wider brief that encourages church planting and other new mission initiatives. The facilitating of creative partnerships between churches, regional executives and national initiatives will be an important aspect of its role.”  June 2009

Defining Church Health and Development

Primary Purposes:

• Provide relevant resources for the ongoing health and mission of Baptist churches.
• Inspire Churches to redevelop according to their mission context.
• Encourage church planting in forms appropriate to their mission context.
• Envision existing church communities for relocation when appropriate.
• Envision new mission partnerships between churches and closure where appropriate.
• Invigorate churches that are fading.
• To help Churches understand culture and mission in their context.
• Support churches in transition.