Baptist Registration is an endorsement recognising your commitment to ongoing growth in character, knowledge, and ministry practice. As a registrant, you affirm the core values and distinctives of the Baptist Union of New Zealand (BUNZ), as outlined in the Constitution and Baptist Administration Manual.
Registration is available to anyone ministering within or on behalf of a Baptist faith community, Baptist entity, or approved organisation, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and their ministry falls within the recognised registration categories.
The Carey Centre for Lifelong Learning administers the Baptist Registration process on behalf of the Baptist Union of New Zealand, in accordance with the Baptist Administration Manual and under the authority of the National Council.
New to Baptist Registration? You’re in the right place to get started.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact us here.
What is the purpose of Baptist Registration?
As Baptist faith communities, the BUNZ has a goal to bring Gospel renewal to the people and places within which God has placed them through a deep love for Jesus, the Bible, the Gospel, the Church, and the mission of God.
On this basis, the purpose of registration, is simple: to ensure that those who minister in, or on behalf of the Baptist Union of New Zealand do so in response to the call of the Holy Spirit and actively seek to maintain their:
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- own holistic well-being – as an example of a model of holistic well-being, Te Whare Tapa Whā recognises the importance of taha wairua (spirituality), taha hinengaro (mental health), taha tinana (physical health), taha whānau (family), and connection to the whenua (land)
- personal, relational and professional integrity and accountability
- ongoing growth and learning
- organisational safety
- an ongoing connection with the wider Baptist movement
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What are the benefits of Baptist Registration?
Baptist Registration is the Baptist Union of New Zealand’s recognition of your commitment to ongoing growth in character, knowledge, and ministry practice. It demonstrates your commitment to serving with integrity, competence, and in alignment with the values of the Baptist Union of New Zealand.
Registration benefits both you and our wider Baptist whānau. It provides a recognised standard of ministry, giving Baptist faith communities, entities, and approved organisations confidence that registered ministers are committed to ongoing learning, regular supervision, annual review, and active engagement within the Baptist family.
Benefits of registration
As a registered minister, you will:
- Follow a structured annual rhythm that supports your ongoing learning, personal growth, supervision, Baptist whānau engagement, and annual review.
- Be recognised as meeting an established Baptist ministry standard.
- Give churches, organisations, and community groups confidence in your ministry leadership.
- Be supported for long-term, healthy, and sustainable ministry.
Additional benefits
Registered ministers are also eligible for:
- Discounted membership at the Carey Library.
- Discounted audit fees for eligible Carey NZQA courses.
- Eligibility to be considered as a Baptist Churches of New Zealand Marriage Celebrant.
Please note: Eligibility to be considered as a Marriage Celebrant is determined by the Baptist Union of New Zealand. Registration is required but does not automatically result in appointment as a Marriage Celebrant.
When can I register, and what does it cost?
Registration is an annual process with two registration windows: November and May. In exceptional circumstances, applications will be considered outside of this period, on request. Contact your Regional Leader if you need to register outside of this timeframe.
The current registration fees are determined by your working hours:
| Monthly Ministry Hours | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| 40–79 hours per month | $80 |
| 80+ hours per month (not receiving MEA) | $118 |
| 80+ hours per month (receiving MEA) | $155 |
Please note that your registration fee is non-refundable.
