Robertson, Murray Alistair

1941- . Although New Zealand born and a very influential Baptist pastor, Robertson actually trained in Scotland for the Presbyterian ministry. His theological change there meant that on his return to New Zealand he took up a Baptist pastorate in 1968 at Spreydon (Christchurch), a pastorate he has now held for nearly 40 years. In that time the church’s membership has grown from 60 up to 900 with a larger still worshiping community. Robertson’s ministry has been marked by a strong evangelistic and teaching emphasis, along with holistic concern for the poor. He was a key Baptist figure in the spread of charismatic renewal through the denomination in the 1970s and 1980s.