The New Zealand Baptist Research and Historical Society is proud to present the Sutherland Lecture and Baptist Research and History breakfast during this year’s National Hui. The Sutherland Lecture seeks to platform significant research that speaks prophetically to local churches, pastors, and scholars involved in Baptist life in Aotearoa. We’re proud to champion important research for Baptists, by Baptists. 

This year’s Sutherland Lecture is focused on the theme of “Telling Stories.” We will hear from a range of perspectives from leading Baptist researchers about how stories play a role in their research and how their work both celebrates and challenges our participation in God’s story today. Join us for breakfast for a stimulating exploration of the way research draws us into God’s spectacular work in our world.

The Lecture will be delivered via a collaborative approach with three contributors: Dr Laura Schilperoort, Rāwiri Auty, and Sarah Rice. They will explore how the narratives we tell—biblical, historical, cultural, and theological—shape who we become and who we imagine ourselves to be. The Lecture will be emceed by Caleb Haurua, committee member for the Society.

The lecture is named after Martin Sutherland, an important Pākehā Baptist theologian and historian whose many contributions to Baptist research and history include texts such as Conflict and Connection: Baptist Identity in New Zealand, the founding of Pacific Journal of Baptist Research (now PJTR), his teaching and research at Carey Baptist College – Te Kāreti Iriiri o Carey, and his service as president of Baptist Research and History. 

The Baptist Research and Historical Society exists to resource, stimulate, and publish research relating to Baptist and wider church life in Aotearoa New Zealand. Head to our website to learn more or follow us on social media.