Spectacular Jesus

When was the last time New Zealand Baptists wept?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Presented by Charles Hewlett and Kathryn Heslop

Charles Hewlett

I love Jesus. I love the Bible. I love the Gospel. I love the Church. And I love Mission. 

My number one task is to keep the eyes of New Zealand Baptist’s firmly fixed on Jesus. It is his words that we must listen to the most. He will show us what our priorities must be. How to treat one another. How to live in our neighbourhoods. It is the power of his Gospel that will bring renewal to people and places. 

While my leadership philosophy comes from the Bible verse, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”, I have been mostly shaped in my own leadership by people with severe intellectual and physical disability. My daughter was born with inoperable brain cancer. Despite living until she was 13 her life was marked out by much suffering. And my 28-year-old son lives with the cognitive abilities of a 9-month-old baby. 

Prior to becoming National Leader I spent 13 years on the staff at Carey Baptist College, 8 of these as Principal. 

Kathryn Heslop

Kathryn is married to Scott and together they have three children aged 13, 11 and 9. Kathryn works for the National Support Office as Executive Advisor. Her role is focused on supporting our National Leader, Charles Hewlett, assisting him with his strategic priorities to see his vision for the Baptist Churches of NZ achieved. Kathryn also manages the Complaints Process, supporting the local church to handle complaints, disclosures or allegations well, ensuring good process is enacted and that the right expertise is provided to support and guide the local church in the handling of such matters.  

Kathryn writes: 

“I love my role. Charles is an incredible leader and it is an honour to work alongside him. I love the amazing and inspiring people that we work with – both in our office and across our movement – we are so incredibly blessed! I believe the Baptist way of doing church is gold – I love that the gathered body of believers are encouraged to discern the mind of Christ together. I love that our small team exists to support the local church, seeing Baptist churches across Aotearoa NZ bring gospel renewal to their communities – this is what we are about!”