Meet the Team

Robyn Kerr

1989-1992

In my pre-College life, I was in horticultural weed research. That world provided me with a trip to India, Nepal and Bangladesh; with another occasion providing me with a round-the-world ticket which introduced me, apart from learning about weeds, to other faiths and forms of Christianity such as the Romanian Orthodox, attending church with the Romanian Baptists during the height of the Ceaușescu regime with a communist interpreter, the Sacramental Churches, house churches for protection, etc.

Why ministry? God called me, though I hesitated for quite some time as any placement seemed difficult – but I was inspired by the Rev. Patricia Preest, a single woman. I was told by a College Board member that I should not expect a placement. Was that God? I don’t think so. Patricia broke new ground, although she worked initially as a hospital chaplain. That is an honourable calling!

I so appreciated my teachers: Terry Falla, Harold Pidwell and Brian Smith were the main ones, but I had not expected Speech and Language with Ruth Pidwell.  She expanded the issues of what we needed to think about in presenting the spoken word. I have always been grateful for the thoughts that she raised and we then grappled with.

The experience of being a single woman at College presented some difficulties although I was given a flat down with the families. I ran workdays on Monday afternoons with occasionally rebellious males. Remember commuting up to the St John’s campus to study with the other denominations’ students? I came across spiritual direction and supervision at College along with a funded week-long silent retreat. These have remained with me as a continuous practice. An older Capuchin Franciscan Friar was my first spiritual director. I am grateful for the whole introduction but especially to him.

At Baptist College, Victoria Avenue, I took a more gentle pace for my study from 1989-1991. I submitted an application (granted) to the College to have 1992 as an extra year at Whitley Baptist Theological College, Melbourne, where I completed my degree and also audited some interest papers.  The outstanding one for me was a second pastoral care paper. Part of the appeal was that I could experience living in a largely Baptist intentional community (The House of the Gentle Bunyip) in inner Melbourne. We supported people coming out of residential psychiatric care.  Other such Christian communities around the world kept in touch with each other including some El Salvadoran clergy. At that time the repressive government of El Salvador was backed by the USA. Unknown thousands of citizens in opposition were murdered along with clergy though some were expelled or fled. To be involved that closely was a valuable experience.  Bunyip Chapel was held every morning before a communal breakfast. Friday evening chapel was held with communion followed by a community meal. My Friday night task: pastoral care to our neighbourhood visitors, many of whom smoked incessantly. I was learning more and more how to live with God.

I applied to College to go to the World Council of Churches 7-yearly Assembly in Canberra in 1991 where I joined about 40 Pacific Rim theological students to do a level 4 paper in ecumenical studies. What amazing teachers and what experiences they brought. The Assembly was attended by 5,000. The Baptist Women’s Group generously funded me to go: a report required. Duly presented. Paper passed. This was all preparing me for what was ahead.

I briefly returned from Australia briefly for a church interview but was unsuccessful. No more offers surfaced. I went back home and unhappily on to the dole. Surely God had called me to more than this!

Eventually I saw an advertisement for a hospital chaplaincy position. At College we had been exposed to various chaplaincy situations and I was immediately drawn to this vacant situation at Green Lane and National Women’s Hospitals. I applied and was granted an interview.

The interview posed the question whether a Baptist could handle baptising infants. Supported by a helpful discussion with Don Comber at Waitakere Hospital a second interview accepted me and the ministry was mine. I began a self-taught career on how to be an ecumenical chaplain. Interchurch Hospital Chaplaincy invited us to stay true to our individual expression of faith though ecumenically! I now have prayer language for members of various denominations or those with no faith at all. Often one encounter was all that a chaplain had, so in faith, we simply handed them back to God.

From my working with plants the seasons were ingrained in me, and now along with this I soaked up the rhythm of birth, life and death. And yes, being a woman helped! All earlier experiences shone on this multi-cultural, multi-faith, multi-lingual secular world, though nothing prepared me for the unfortunately frequent farewells for infants that came my way whilst I was there. Our three weekly 24/7 roster was for staff, patients and families/friends and it was such a painful privilege to listen and just be. To wait in the anguish of the pending death of a wee one. Many times prayer was requested – what to pray? The frequent task of introducing a tiny, tiny deceased little one to the mother was painful.

Later, I transferred to Dunedin Hospital where ICU was my greatest challenge. Simultaneously, I was also chaplain at the Otago Hospice before finishing my working life. I am now in Paraparaumu Beach, thriving at Paraparaumu Baptist along with a number of other retired ministers.

Lloyd Ashworth

1978-1980

I came to Carey after graduating from Bible College of NZ in Henderson and then having one year in Christchurch putting ‘my feet back on the ground’. It was during that year a growing sense of call to pastoral ministry saw Judy and I apply to Carey.

These were wonderful years as Dr Bob starred us down from behind his massive pile of books that he managed to arrive with each lecture. Highlights included the chapel services and preaching classes where our sermons were lovingly ‘decimated’ by fellow students and staff. My shortened course at Carey saw me on assignment at Glenfield Baptist on the edge of Auckland’s north shore which later became our first pastorate.

I think my time at Carey provided a space for me to start to process ‘thinking theology’ into real life and ministry. I had somehow moved beyond imbibing theology to ask questions about applying it to day to day life in the home and church settings. When I began Bible College in 1974 I was a pretty raw recruit for Jesus coming from a very undisciplined life. My working career was truck driving, and my academic profile had failure written all over it. But a passion for Jesus and curiosity about faith and life drove me forwards. Carey after BCNZ became the focus of how all this was going to impact my next 50 years.

Recently Judy and I celebrated our golden 50th wedding anniversary. We have had an amazing life, with ministry in seven churches, international travel, years as director of a mission organisation, sales in real estate and over recent times a number of interim and intentional transition ministries. Now we find ourselves more involved in mentoring and encouragement of the next generation.

I often get asked about retirement, to which I find myself saying “It’s not so much retiring but more life changing down a gear” – there still seems to be opportunities to serve, preach and lead. But something still stirs within and the passion that was firmly planted inside still burns! Yes, I might be learning to take life at a slower pace now, but maybe that’s Gods way of helping me enjoy the scenery more!

Tim Given

2008-2010

My decision to study at Carey was a very practical one. I was an active lay preacher and wanted to bring my Dip Theo (Missions) qualification up to Bachelor’s equivalent, as that would open certain doors. My senior pastor was also doing part-time study, and we’d drive to Carey together every Tuesday. When I enrolled, I didn’t know that the next year would be a particularly troubled one in our church, with very personal attacks on our senior pastor. I was able to spend those hours each week listening and encouraging as we talked about the way forward. I am very grateful for that God-given time and to see him still continuing in ministry! There were positives from the study itself (and two very special lecturers in particular), but that stands out as the biggest thing.

Doug Vause

1996-1998

Yvonne and I had served in Central Asia (closed nations) in hostile times. I resigned from my position due to differences in ethics and integrity in handling multi-million-dollar aid and development projects. The pastor of the local church near our UK base suggested we complete a theological degree programme at a conservative college before obtaining a ‘professional’ (master’s) degree and returning to development work. Our time with Lifeway and experience with other Bible Colleges pointed us to Carey as an alternative training opportunity. That pastor was right; we learned how to read the Bible as literature, inspired but written communication, and this has guided much of my spiritual development and ministry. Tim Bulkeley was instrumental in literature, Laurie Guy in transformation, Derek Cristensen demonstrated pastoral care, and Viv Grigg in Spirit-leading.

My business and ministry experiences before Carey were primarily in leadership roles, so I understood the need for further leadership development, but the ‘L’ word was anathema to some of my cohort. A particular leadership video I supplied caused a lot of ‘feedback’. A new principal in year two, the L-word became curriculum, and leadership resources filled the library. Baptist churches have benefited from Carey’s leadership development. The funniest moment was when Glenda Hopkins furnished bogus markings on our essays, causing merriment and tears.

The skills to approach the Scriptures as inspired literature, along with my cross-cultural mission experience, have made the Bible a richer resource to me. Reading the Bible as literature from history fuels my study of how many church ‘traditions’ and ‘ways’ are from external influences that often conflict with the biblical accounts.

The Early Church and Baptist historical papers also permitted me to study what changed, who directed the changes in church culture and practice, and potentially, why. Discovering that the New Testament-era leaders were not ‘pastors’ and professional Christians working in dedicated church buildings convinced me our current model was not only wrong but obstructive to missional living. In the latter years of my pastoral tenure, our church agreed I could go bi-vocational to connect our people with the community we served. I became the local sailing instructor at three schools and the local lawn guy!

The decision to work in our community and fund my family’s needs through ordinary paid work, over a pastoral stipend, was fantastic. I could better identify with the needs and struggles of many, as I was no longer on a church salary. The change was strategic and required other believers to utilise their gifts and abilities to lead and guide others and disciple each other in humility and strength. Their support enabled my wider interest in local and overseas mission, and for that I am grateful.

The Carey leadership didn’t recognise me as pastoral; however, years of being loved by a local community have made me very much a pastor.

Decades later, I’m no longer a professional Christian but a Christian professional. Carey, with the local church, equipped me to encourage, disciple and join others as we follow Jesus, especially those I meet through business.

Tony Siew

I chose Carey Baptist because one of our founding missionaries, Rev Trevor White was a Baptist from Somerset, England (came to Borneo in 1938). I belong to Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) Church or in English, Borneo Evangelical Church in Sabah. The two-week intensive NT Greek certainly stood out, not just for the course itself, which was excellent, but the friendship made with Baptist students. I spent countless hours at the library, thanks to College for granting me a study desk. Not only Greek, but I also learned Hebrew at Carey and these two biblical languages are cornerstone of my preaching and writing ministry until today. Since 1994, I have served with my home denomination among the indigenous peoples of Borneo in Sabah except for 6 years as a NT lecturer in Singapore (2008-2014). Currently, I am pastoring a SIB church in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Bryce Millar

2007-2010

What motivated you to train at Carey?
I was in the midst of a gap year after finishing school, not knowing what to do with my life, but was spending as much time as I could volunteering in two different local church youth groups. One weekend, I went to help with a visiting youth group’s snow camp, and the youth pastor, my sister Tracey, told me to come be her intern and do a year at Carey. So, at the start of that next year, I packed my truck, moved to Auckland, and turned up at the Carey reception the week before classes started, asking to enrol. Somehow I was accepted, and I spent the next 4 years at Carey, was in the first intake for YPL [the Youth Pastors training course], and despite being quite terrible at turning assignments in on time, I manage to graduate.

When you think back to your time at Carey, what stands out? Can you share a memorable moment or story?
I cannot remember a single assignment I wrote, but I fondly remember the relationships I built at Carey. The formal theological training gave me a firm footing for ministry, but it has been the relationships with staff, both Carey and the National office, and other students who have been so meaningful to me as I have worked out my faith and my ongoing ministry – so many of the people I have turned to over the years for support and advice were first met during my years at Carey.

How did your studies strengthen your faith and deepen your discipleship?
I was 19 when I started so Carey was absolutely formative for me. I remember sitting in Charles Hewlett’s Christian Spirituality class thinking I was raised in the church for most of my life and I was only every taught very narrow ways to engage in scripture and to pray [quiet time before dawn or you’re backsliding], and here was church history stacked full of spiritual habits and disciplines that had breadth and depth, and I was angry that my churches had never shown me these different ways to engage God, to hear His voice and to feel His presence. Carey was also the first place for me where it was okay to think about and talk about and hold different theological positions in light of church history, scholarship and practical outworking.

What have you done since Carey, and how has your training influenced your ministry and leadership?
I did 12 years as a Youth Pastor [Royal Oak Baptist, Taupo Baptist, Pirimai Baptist], and since May 2020 I have been the Sole Pastor at Paeroa Baptist. On the side, I’ve also served in a few school programmes, as a high school chaplain, and on several community and school governance boards. I think my time at Carey started shaping me to strongly believe that God wants His kingdom to come to all people and all places, not just for the church to be nice, and so my responsibility as pastor is to be as active as I can outside the walls of the church building, and to encourage the church body during our programs to take serious their commitment to Jesus and to outwork His love in all the places they find themselves.

Rob Kilpatrick

1980-1983

What I can say for sure is that Carey changed my life. I got serious about study — both delighted by the challenges and frightened by the implications. Deconstructing faith is a tricky business.

I came to College from Hamilton South Baptist Church, which was pastored by Stephen Turner. He was an excellent mentor — a man who discipled others through regular meetings, Scripture memorisation, and deep theological discussions, often centred around the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. It was a text produced by the Particular Baptists and strongly Calvinistic. I was not a Calvinist, but I certainly arrived with that tradition sitting heavily on my shoulders — and supposedly, a position I needed to defend.

At Carey, I was fortunate to study alongside two of the most innovative, creative, and committed explorers of faith I’ve ever known: Mark Pierson and Mike Riddell. I was also lucky to share in their sense of humour, along with Gaylene Jackson, Murray Bean, and David Bromell. Lunch was a daily highlight — we even had a full-time cook back then. The raucous laughter from our table sometimes attracted disapproval from our more sedate brethren and staff, but generally, we all got along well enough.

It was, however, a time of huge upheaval. The Springbok Tour was underway, and social justice advocates were deeply involved in protest. I even recall bailing out a couple of fellow students after arrests at demonstrations. Poor Dr Bob Thompson was not particularly thrilled when police arrived on campus to interview student protestors. He faced strong criticism from some quarters for running what they called a “liberal institution” — comments that came from people clearly unacquainted with several Old Testament prophets.

The College was divided over the Tour — or at least over the extent to which protest should be pursued — and those were riotous times. It was also the beginning of the debate around homosexuality and Christian faith within Baptist circles. The student body published a magazine called Good News, Bad News, which caused quite a stir when one article simply asked, “What is the good news for gays?” The reaction from some pastors and churches was intense, revealing the gap between theological inquiry at the College and the position held by many churches — a gap that, frankly, remains unresolved to this day.

As business manager of the magazine, it fell to me to deal with the financial fallout when some churches returned or disposed of their copies and refused to pay. Interesting times indeed.

Some standout memories:

• Garth Jacobsen quoting Herr Dr Bromell (the “famous German theologian”) in two exam papers — a hilarious inside joke referencing fellow student David Bromell, who was himself a serious theologian. I imagine some poor examiner spent ages trying to locate that source.

• Gomer (Colin) Pyle preaching an evangelical “come to Jesus” sermon in chapel, complete with two or three prearranged “repentants” making their way to the front during the appeal.

• Mike Riddell’s speech after being elected student vice-president — a delicious summary of the “activities” he planned to introduce to College as the President of Vice.

• Monday afternoons spent on College clean-up duty.

• Volleyball.

• The “racing cars” game quietly run at the back of Dr Bob’s Old Testament background lectures.

• Mrs T, who truly ran the College — an amazing woman, strong enough to turn her back on Robert Muldoon and refuse to shake his hand at a public event because of his stance during the Springbok Tour.

• Shirley Smith teaching us to touch type — as useful, I’m sure, as any soteriological lecture we ever sat through.

• A visit from two College Board members asking me to “tow the line” a little more, not long after an altercation with Dr Bob in his office. He stood up, slapped his hand on the desk, and said, “For once in your life, do as you are bloody well told!” I stood up and replied, “No, I bloody well will not!” — at which point we both burst out laughing and ended up having a wonderful, serious, and life-directing conversation. It was about the Good News, Bad News magazine (I still have a copy), and in hindsight, he was more right than I was.

Mike Enright

1989-1992

My wife Lorraine and I had felt a strong sense of call to pastoral ministry – both individually, and then together. We began our married life in 1979 expecting and waiting for that call of God to become specific … and assuming that the first step would be training. But God’s plan was different from that – and on April 1st, 1981, I began as Assistant Pastor/Youth Pastor at Whangaparaoa Baptist Church. We were there for 8 years, and that’s where a large part of our training for ministry occurred – in an ‘apprentice’ role.

However, we knew that at some point we would still need to put time aside for biblical and theological study … and I was really looking forward to that, after several years of practical ministry. It became clear that 1989 was the year to begin, and that the New Zealand Baptist Theological College in Remuera was the place.

Our three years at Baptist College were a very positive experience … the teaching of Brian Smith and Terry Falla – great content, and delivered with deep passion for Jesus and His Church; forging bonds with other students on a similar journey – much of that happening on the volleyball court!, and also in the 18 months we spent in the new community of College houses at Papatoetoe; and the summer assignments which gave us the chance to practice what we were learning.

If I had to put into a brief statement what I learned at Baptist College which set me up for the next 30 plus years of local church ministry, it would be this: Jesus is the lens through which to view and understand God and His work and His ways. We must always come back to Jesus.

From Baptist College we went to Melbourne for a year, where I did another year of study at the Melbourne College of Divinity. And then we spent 11 years pastoring at New Plymouth Central Baptist Church followed by 10 years at Karori Baptist Church in Wellington. Then, to our surprise, we received a call to return to Whangaparaoa Baptist Church, where I was the Teacher Pastor for 7 years.

For the past 4 and a half years, we’ve been doing interim ministry – at Eastview Baptist, Milford Baptist, and now at Northgate Baptist – a type of ministry that suits our gifts and experience and life stage.

I still love being a local church pastor! If it’s what you were made for, it’s the best job in the world! And I’m exceedingly grateful for my years at Baptist College/Carey and all that I learned and all the formation that happened there.

I was recently asked to speak to a group of young adults on the subject of what I’d tell my 21-year-old self … As I thought about that, I realised that the first thing I’d want to say to my 21-year-old self was “Well done! You’ve recently made some great decisions that you won’t regret.” At the age of 20/21, I decided to fully trust and follow Jesus; to commit to what I believed to be His call on my life to pastoral ministry; and to head towards marriage with my now wife of 46 years. And I’ve never regretted any of those decisions!

Sarah Beisly

2005-2007

After marrying, Paul and I served as youth pastors in West Auckland before becoming pastoral students at Carey from 2006–2009. When I arrived at Carey, I was passionate about Jesus, but my faith was a bit haphazard — full of quirky reasonings I’d gathered along the way. In God’s kindness, God led me into a deeply uncomfortable process of deconstruction. It felt as if God said, “While you’re in a safe place, I’m going to challenge some of your wobbly scaffolding.” Those years were filled with questioning, doubting, wrestling, and unlearning. Yet, through God’s mercy, after the dismantling came reconstruction — stronger, deeper, more grounded. I discovered what some call a “second naïveté”: a place where I could once again trust and follow Jesus with the faith of a child.

My lecturers at Carey taught me how to read Scripture well. I stopped consuming scripture as an antidepressant, a rulebook, or a horoscope — but instead I read with reverence for the author’s intent and their cultural moment. Luke quickly became my favourite class, as Jesus’ radical concern for the poor and marginalised broke open my imagination and reshaped my faith.

When I moved to India in 2010, it was this stronger faith scaffolding, paired with a clearer vision of God’s heart for the poor, that prepared me to serve and love women coming out of the sex trade. The next ten years at The Loyal Workshop — years marked by both beauty and heartbreak, by transformation and struggle — were only possible because of the formation we first received at Carey. Carey was our launchpad.

I remain deeply grateful to the lecturers who shared their passion for Jesus and the Scriptures with us. The Loyal Workshop exists today, in no small part, because you first invested in our lives. You know who you are — and I thank God for you.

Jim Patrick

1969-1972

I was at Carey College (then known as Baptist College) from 1969 -1972.

After a long drive from Invercargill to Auckland, it took a while to adjust to the increase in temperature!

Those of us just commencing our life at college had a unique experience. Together with 100’s of other Christian leaders, we attended a multi-day Leadership Training led by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn at St. Davids Presbyterian church. Speakers included Billy Graham, Cliff Barrow etc. While it was a short course it impacted many of us throughout the rest of our ministry.

Our main lecturers were Ayson Clifford (Principal), Bob Thompson, and Stan Edgar. I appreciated particularly Ayson’s ability to explore deep theological issues in simple terms. Because the class sizes were relatively small it enabled opportunity for informal discussion.

I (with my wife Lois) was one of the first full time married students. Virtually everyone else lived on the Campus in Victoria Ave, Remuera, while we were in a tiny bed-sitter across the road. Having been given a small black and white TV set, we often entertained students needing a break! In our second year we moved to one of the Arney Cres College flats. This became a great community as we lived alongside folk like Malcolm and Shirley Montgomery, Laurie and Shona Guy, John and Raewyn Garwood. We couldn’t complain about the accommodation, being in the top flat with views all over Auckland city and harbour!

The College family was small in 1969, (8 ministerial students and 4 deaconesses trained in my year). In all, 24 students on Campus. Practically everyone was on the same course (pastoral leadership), shared in the midday catered lunch, social events and Retreats at Waiheke Island, Thames, and Raglan All these resulted in a strong sense of family and established friendships that have lasted a lifetime. The sense of community along with the input from the academic staff and the practical experiences provided, resulted in a strong call to serve the last fifty years with our Baptist family of churches.

Since Carey, we have served at Island Bay/ Berhampore, Long Bay, Te Awamutu, Kaitaia, Darfield and Wanaka.

Warren Judkins

1996-1998

I’ll never forget studying the uniquely Christian understanding of God as three persons so close, it makes more sense to refer to them as one; where relationship is primary over personhood. And we’re invited in.

Carey gave permission to take creative risks, structure for these to be safe, and company for these to be convivial. Formative years for the mission ahead.

Craig Vernall

1992-1994

Firstly, a change of staff was occurring with Dr. Harold Pidwell and Dr Terry Falla returning to their homeland of Australia after many years of service. In came Dr. Laurie Guy and a year later Dr. Tim Bulkely who would lecture in New Testament, Church history and Old Testament respectively. They were supported by Margaret McClure, Dr. Lorna Jenkins and Mike Riddell with principal Brian Smith carrying the systematic theology load. All this academic change may have been enough change for us to cope with, but this was just the first wave.

The real change was happening with the training focus being built around learning the practical skills of ministry. Each student coming into college in 1992 was asked to help plant a church in partnership with other Auckland church planting initiatives. So, college training was now academic and practical. To help clear the diary for this to happen all the college lectures were moved to the beginning of the week. So, three 50-minute lectures per week on one subject were folded into one 3-hour lecture per subject per week. Some of these lectures were held in the evening. This released Thursday, Friday and weekends for study and church planting initiatives. Mission groups filled the Wednesday morning as students and spouses were mentored in small groups by experienced leaders. This helped us focus upon the soft skills of ministry and our spiritual development.

The new training requirement asked for 18 hours a week for church planting initiatives. This placed a big demand upon students who were studying 6-8 full time papers as well as raising families and, in some cases, they held part time jobs needed to pay the bills. So, did it work? As expected, there were mixed results. But the skills of juggling and prioritising were certainly important to learn, and we all had this experience. Some churches were planted. Some didn’t get the momentum. But they were faith inducing and very formative times. My own year group appears to have benefited from this shift in training as 30 years after graduating college the majority of this year group are still in ministry or have moved into retirement.

Change at NZ Baptist Theological college didn’t slow down. In 1993 the decision was made to relocate the college from the original campus on Victoria Avenue in Remuera to Penrose. When Principal Brian Smith explained the process to the students, he described how the Baptist Assembly Council had to approve the shift of location. I asked if that was going to be difficult? Brian said, “of course not because those serving on the Assembly council are my friends”. In that moment I saw how the Baptist family worked. We were and are friends and colleagues in ministry together.

The shift to 473 in the early part of 1994 created lots of disruption to classes and the rhythm of college life. But everyone remained positive and could see the advantages being generated by the shift. During this time the college changed its identity by renaming to become Carey Baptist College. The change of name helped to cement in a new sense of mission purpose. We had moved into a new and exciting chapter in the life of our theological college.

Alan Utting

1974-1976

Unlike many others, we lived outside the College, in the Papatoetoe and Huntly manses. Even so, we felt very much part of the community and shared in many of the memorable moments of those years.

One of the first memories that comes to mind is Roly Scott arriving late to class one day, slipping into the seat beside me, and whispering, “We’re having twins.” Who would have thought they’d be announcing that same news again a few years later?

Another standout moment came during the initial interviews for College. A woman psychologist asked me, “On average, what height is a woman?” I guessed five foot. Amused, she encouraged me to try again, so I offered, “Five foot eight inches.” Fortunately, my lack of anatomical knowledge hasn’t caused too many problems in ministry!

Those mid-seventies years were also significant in the life of the Church, marked by the charismatic renewal movement. I was deeply impacted by the visit of English Bible teacher David Pawson. His teaching stirred in me a greater longing for more of the Holy Spirit’s work—something that has remained with me throughout my ministry.

The years since College have been rich and varied. We’ve spent 40 years pastoring in four different denominations across New Zealand and Australia. Interim and transitional pastoring became a significant part of my work, along with supporting pastors in ethnic churches (apart from Māori) and coordinating a team helping churches and pastors find one another. Then, at “retirement age,” we transitioned into full-time mission work in Asia with Operation Mobilisation, engaging in humanitarian projects. Boredom has never been a problem!

Our time at Baptist College may not have started in the usual way, but it laid foundations that have shaped a lifetime of ministry and calling—for which we are deeply grateful.

Brian Kenning

1973-1975

The funniest moments at College were the pranks we played on one another—it’s hard to beat the fish head hidden in the hollowed-out library book. And then there was speech class with Deidre Sneddon. It wasn’t intended to be funny, but it certainly provided some much-needed light relief. I can’t say I have a standout “worst memory”—there were challenges, of course, but nothing that overshadows the positive.

The most significant memories aren’t tied to big events but to the small, meaningful conversations—often in the library—with more mature students. Issues raised in lectures were teased out in those discussions, and I think I learned as much through dialogue as I did from books. My time at College coincided with the height of the Charismatic movement, so there were many personal stories to hear and unpackage, shaping my theology and ministry.

College laid foundations that have served me well through three pastorates and 44 years of ministry. Of course, there’s a lot that College can’t teach—those lessons come “on the job” and through what might be called continued education.

I began as a full-time pastor at Remuera while still a student at College. Those ten years were followed by 30 years as Lead Pastor at Invercargill Central, and then 3½ years in Thames. Throughout many of those years, I also served on the Assembly Council—a role that helped keep this Southlander connected with the wider life and work of our Baptist family of churches.

There have been far too many good times to even begin to list them. The hardest times, however, are etched deeply: the death of my wife Robyn in 2004, and the loss of our 11-year-old grandson Noah in 2020. Yet even in grief, God has been faithful. I’m deeply grateful for Zoe, who has been my wife and ministry partner these past 15 years.

Mark Pierson

1978-1981

When I think of Baptist College during the Victoria Avenue days, two things immediately come to mind.

First, Kevin Schulz. I believe he was Student President the year before we arrived. He wrote us a warm, welcoming letter that made a real impression. His generosity and pastoral care have remained a model to me ever since.

Second, babies. Lots of them—ours and others’. It was a season of nappies, noise, and community.

Some of the funniest moments from College still make me smile. There was the time Colin Pyle rolled the hired tractor on a work day—a moment of chaos no one present will forget. Then there was the infamous incident when the “Peanut Butter Liberation Front” kidnapped Dr. Bob right in the middle of his Open Day speech on the front steps of the big house. The perfect combination of rebellion and good humour.

Of course, there were challenges too. Weeks of chokos—served every way imaginable except flavoursome—courtesy of Anne and Betty’s faithful catering. The mystery supplier turned out to be Bob Fergusson, which explained a lot. But harder than that was the moment I was told, at the door of the interview room, that the Board had changed its mind and Robyn would no longer be allowed to be part of my College interview. That decision left a mark.

But what stands out above all else from those years is simple: relationships. Lifelong friendships were formed at College, and they’ve remained among the most significant gifts of my life. If I had to name the thing that’s helped me most over the past 50 years, it would be those relationships—along with learning to ask good questions.

Over the last 45 years, ministry has taken us to many places and seasons. From College, we went to Wainoni Baptist (Pebblebrook 3 and 4), then on to Wellington Central Baptist (Mainstage Festival 1, 2, 3, with Robyn also undertaking ECE training during that time). I later served in interim roles at Lower Hutt Baptist and at Auckland Baptist City Mission, which became Cityside Baptist. That led to involvement with Urban Seed in Melbourne, the Creation Care Study Program in Auckland, and a season with World Vision New Zealand as Christian Commitments Manager. More recently, I’ve served as Lead Pastor and Curator of Rhythms of Grace Church in Auckland and continue to offer Tea & Be experiences. Robyn retired from ECE teaching a couple of years ago.

So much has happened, but the foundations laid at College—especially through community, questioning, and calling—continue to shape the journey.

Paul Thompson

1975-1978

When I think of Baptist College in the Victoria Avenue days, the first image that comes to mind is Dr Bob Thompson leaning over the lectern with piles of books on either side. That image is etched into memory—and probably counts as one of the funniest memories too!

I don’t really have any standout “hard” or “worst” memories from College. I was never an ‘A’ grade student and had to work hard at my studies—but I certainly didn’t make it easy for myself by choosing to take both Greek and Hebrew!

The most significant part of my time at College was the year I was assigned to work with the Baptist Māori Department in Pukekohe. I arrived at College confident that God had called me there for the next stage of life, but unsure where it would ultimately lead. In high school, I had been headed toward engineering. Through my university years, God redirected that toward working with people—but I didn’t yet know in what context.

That year in Pukekohe helped clarify things. It confirmed that cross-cultural ministry was where I was best suited and where I felt most at home.

What has helped me most over the past 50 years has undoubtedly been the four years of solid biblical and theological study. That foundation proved invaluable—especially during the 20 years we spent in Bangladesh. Growing up in a Christian home with regular Bible reading gave me a grounding, but College introduced me to scholarly exegesis and a broader view of Scripture and biblical history. Ironically, history had never been a favourite subject of mine at school—but I found church history to be both fascinating and important.

Some students found the introduction to liberal theologies unsettling. For me, those ideas challenged me to engage with my faith at a much deeper level—something that’s stayed with me.

One memorable moment was getting married at the end of my second year and moving out of my room in Driver Wing into the little flat at the end of North Wing—a significant shift in every way!

Ministry Journey – A Brief Overview
After graduating from College, I began pastoral ministry at Wellington Central Baptist in 1979, gaining New Zealand experience before serving in Bangladesh (1979–1999). There, I worked in evangelism, church planting, leadership training, publishing, and development aid, eventually becoming Team Leader for NZBMS. A sabbatical at Fuller Seminary in 1987 deepened my understanding of Islam.

Back in New Zealand (1999–2000), Wellington Central Baptist supported our resettlement. From 2000 to 2005, I worked with Scripture Union NZ and also served on the board of the Refugee & Migrant Service (2000–2012).

In 2006–2007, I completed a Master’s in Development Studies, focusing on the Freeset business model, while working part-time for CASI. I also served on the NZBMS/Tranzsend/Arotahi Council (2004–2007).

In 2007, I joined Banzaid, managing funding for international development projects in partnership with the NZ Government. Highlights included work in Bangladesh, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, and India. I was also involved with APBAid and served six years on the board of the Council for International Development (CID).

Retirement Years
Since retiring in 2019, I’ve continued to stay involved, taking on a part-time (1 day/week) role as Property Manager for Central Baptist and a 5-hour/week role as Secretary/Treasurer for the Lower North Island Baptist Association (formerly the Wellington Association, now expanded to include Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay through to Wellington). This helps keep me in touch with what’s happening across the Baptist movement.

We’re now the proud parents of four children and grandparents to three. As I reflect on these years, I’m deeply grateful for the foundation laid at Baptist College—especially the relationships formed and the training that shaped a lifelong call to cross-cultural ministry and social justice.

Shania Qiu

2003-2010

Studying at Carey was the foundation to my ministry and life. I always make my priority to serve God and serve where He leads me. Currently I have two jobs: I help my daughter who owns MissMoo’s Kitchen, a café in St Heliers; and I run an online church. I pray MissMoo’s kitchen will be a place where people learn about the gospel. Our online church is global, and through zoom, we are meeting with people across the world. I preach at church and still lead a life group. Carey has helped me to understand the Bible better and teach others from what I have learnt.

Kelvyn Fairhall

1974-1977

Secondly, I am thinking about the extracurricular activities that consumed some of my mental and physical energy. I had some input into obtaining the first photocopier for the college office and making the facility available to students. I recall establishing along with Iian Jackson a bulk buying arrangement for groceries for the benefit of married students. And of course, there were the obligatory hours of gardening and other maintenance around the Victoria Avenue property, though there was a little relief for those of us who lived elsewhere and had our own grounds and homes to tend.

It was a 23km drive from home to college which I did often on 2 wheels and am thankful I never experienced a mishap on the Southern Motorway. I would not attempt such a venture today. Thinking about vehicles, there was usually enough parking in the dedicated motorbike area, and the semicircular driveway if using the car, but if you were late then the roadside parking was necessary. I have always had to have some practical project on the go so in our third year purchased by tender a burnt-out Austin J4 van that Robin Williams and another mate from Manurewa helped me repair. This took us to a 1976 summer assignment at North East Valley church and was the transport for me and others in a student team that visited a number of churches around the South Island in the 1977 May school holidays.

I guess for me the “learning by doing” was a significant portion of my preparation for pastoral ministry. I had the yearly placements at Grey Lynn, Manurewa, and Mt Albert, while my first summer placement was at Pukekohe.

I was privileged to stay on there for the second-year placement where I did most of the morning service preparation and preaching until Doug Salthouse was appointed as Pastor in about September 1975. That summer I was able to employ a couple of college boarders as a painting gang with the first job being the three houses owned by the Pukekohe church then the church interior. Later with other students we painted the exterior of the Ponsonby church.

Going to pastor the Stratford church following completion of the college 4-year training was a wonderful experience. Half the church were farming families and I was able to help in the milking sheds, and sometimes solo while the family were away. A different aspect to ‘pastoral’ ministry. Joining the fellows in watching mid-week international rugby matches in New Plymouth was another aspect. There were of course moments when I was held to account by our Father in Heaven such as when one of the saints made a comment in a meeting ‘Who does he think he is – God?’

A significant ministry developed in Taranaki initiated by people from Stratford – the provision of an alcoholic rehabilitation centre. Triumph House became the property name for a disused dairy factory and 4 accompanying houses we were able to purchase through the Ngaere Support Centre Trust that Stratford, New Plymouth and Hawera churches formed and governed together. It was my first foray into administering trusts and community ministries, and what a privilege to see some men and women become followers of Jesus as a result.

The Church Administration course at College must have had some impact as well as my accountancy training and work before theological study. Because when coupled with the pastoral ministry experience of Stratford, Balclutha, Wanganui Central, and Kawerau churches I was uniquely shaped to take the roles of Accountant for the Baptist Union and Missionary Society followed by National Administrator for the Baptist Union. God gave me these for the second half of our ministry within the Kingdom.

An unanticipated interlude arose after retiring from the Baptist National Centre as we took a role in Christchurch mid 2012 for 18 months helping churches with their earthquake claims and pastoring the pastors. A new experience in red and black country where people were still coping with the trauma, tired from the additional stresses, but also looking forward to new opportunities.

As I look back there are some enduring effects in other people’s lives that we have been blessed to see or learn about for which we praise God and are very thankful. There are also some entities I was one of God’s instruments in establishing that continue to serve the ministry of our churches such as CATAS – the accounting and payroll company that has grown its client base to include other denominations and is now able to provide some financial support to arms of our Baptist movement.

In the mystery of God’s leading through life we could not have dreamed or planned such a rich, wide ranging, sometimes tortuous, and fulfilling journey as we have sought to “trust and obey”.

Richard Coombs

1977-1980

When I think back to Baptist College during the Victoria Avenue days, the first things that come to mind are the friendships—made, developed, and continued over the years. And then there’s Hobson House—the old student accommodation that later became the Bolivian Embassy and, more recently, the home of Grant Dalton of America’s Cup fame. In 2021, it was sold for just under $20 million. Quite a legacy!

One of the funniest memories is from a class led by Dr Bob on the Holy Spirit. He often walked into class with a towering pile of books, and on this particular day, after settling in, he suddenly remarked, “I’ve left the Holy Spirit upstairs!” A well-timed line—intentional or not—that gave the whole class a good laugh.

The most significant part of College for me was having time set aside to study God’s Word. Add to that the shared experiences, conversations, and debates with friends who were all preparing for ministry, and it was an incredibly formative season. I found it a time of growing in both gifts and self-awareness.

Looking back, I realise that what helped me most wasn’t just one class or one moment, but the entire experience—like daily meals. I don’t remember every dish I’ve eaten, but they’ve nourished me and kept me strong. My time at College was like that. It prepared me well for both preaching and pastoral ministry, and I’ve often found myself grateful when talking to pastors trained in other places. Our College’s focus on fieldwork, practical assignments, and the variety of experiences we had was truly a cut above.

It might seem surprising, but I’ve also really come to value the preaching and speech classes—especially those led by Ruth Pidwell. Preaching doesn’t always hold the same value it once did, and it can be frustrating to hear speakers mumble their way through a message. Clear, confident communication matters, and I’m thankful College emphasised it.

Neil Perry

1987-1989

In 1981, Wanganui Central Baptist took a chance on a young couple with a heart for youth and a calling toward mission. I was brought on as Youth Pastor for two years—a role that not only nurtured our love for ministry but also prepared my wife Barb and me for the mission field abroad.

Just two years later, we found ourselves in one of the most remote corners of Papua New Guinea, serving with the New Zealand Baptist Mission. Life was raw, challenging, and full of purpose. We were “living the dream,” or so it seemed. But mission life, as many will know, often leads to new and unexpected paths. For us, it was a surprising one: Carey Baptist College.

It wasn’t my idea. In fact, I was reluctant. But Barb had a clear leading from the Lord—so clear, in fact, that I couldn’t ignore it. And so, with a sense of divine nudge (and maybe a little human push!), I enrolled at Carey and returned to New Zealand.

My secondary school days had been filled with sport and fun, but not much study. So walking into an academic environment was a shock to the system. I struggled—with routine, with motivation, with focus. For months, Psalm 13 became my daily prayer: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?”

It was a raw and honest cry, and for 10 months, I felt every word. Yet the psalm ends with hope, and though I couldn’t fully feel it at the time, I held on to those last two verses as a prayer of faith.

A turning point came at the end of that first year, during a summer assignment. Something shifted. A fog lifted. I found clarity. The resistance to study melted away, and a joy began to take its place—a joy in learning, in ministry, and in the calling that God had placed on our lives.

One of the greatest encouragements during that time was Principal Brian Smith. His deep cross-cultural experience and simple but profound teaching helped bring order to my chaotic thinking. His diagrams were masterpieces of clarity, and his willingness to listen reminded me I wasn’t alone in the struggle.

The following two years at Carey weren’t without their challenges, but they became a season of deep discovery—about Scripture, about myself, and about God’s unfolding mission and my place in it.

Since those days, Barb and I have had the privilege of serving in many places: from Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Macau, Auckland in the Tranzsend office, and pastoring in two New Zealand Baptist churches. It has been a life filled with adventure, questions, service, and joy.

Looking back, those final verses of Psalm 13 no longer feel like a distant hope. They’ve become a lived reality: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.”

And indeed, He has, and still is!

Jeremy Selfe

2004-2006

When you think back to your time at Carey, what stands out? Can you share a memorable moment or story?
I’m guessing you are looking for something a bit more substantial than the epic table tennis battles. In all seriousness, a lot of my memories are around relationships. The conversations on breaks. Serving people lunch at the community lunches. The one-on-one discussions with the lecturers. I feel like the discipleship and mentoring that happened within the Carey community was a huge strength for me (I was quite young when I studied).

One memorable moment that I still share today is when I was studying ‘Worship Wisdom Literature’ with Brian Krum. When we got to the week before doing ‘Songs of Solomon’ Brian Krum made the comment: “If you are not married you might need to bring a permission slip from your parents.” The class laughed. However, because I still lived at home, I got my Mum to write a permission slip. I walked into class the next week and handed Brian my note. Brian read it and just erupted in laughter. It took him a few minutes to recover and find himself so that he could read it to the class. Needless to say, it provided some great lighthearted humour for the entire class, to begin a very interesting session.

How did your studies strengthen your faith and deepen your discipleship?
I remember one of our lecturers saying: “Your degree teaches you how to study and do good scholarship which you will use in the future.” I have found this very much to be true. Can I remember everything I studied (almost 20 years later). Nope. But I believe I know how to do good study, and I know how to critique and determine what sources can be trusted and what sources I need to proceed with caution. It’s taught me to not just believe everything I read (which is something the whole church needs to learn). One class that still sticks with me however is my ‘Christian Counseling’ class and in particular the session on ‘grief.’ What I learnt in this class, I’m still using to this day and it even helped me through my own grief when I lost my dad a few years ago. And like I said above, the mentorship and discipleship was so important to me. I was young and in a way, I was a sponge and I’m so pleased I had lecturer’s and classmates that helped me grow in my faith to help form me into a better disciple of Christ (and yes, some of the discipleship even happened over table tennis or tennis).

What have you done since Carey, and how has your training influenced your ministry and leadership?
Since Carey I did 6 years as youth pastor at Papakura East Presbyterian Church. I did 4 years as youth pastor at East Taieri Presbyterian Church in Mosgiel, Dunedin. And at the end of this year, I would have done 9 years at North Porirua Baptist Church in Wellington as Youth Pastor and now Senior Pastor.

My studies have been crucial to me. Every week I’m using the skills I learnt at Carey as I prepare sermons, do research and help lead God’s people. Not only that but my time at Carey gave me a wealth of people who I can contact if I do need a little bit of advice or support as I navigate different areas (of theology or life). In a way, I wish I could go back to Carey and study again (maybe one day in the future).