Hesitating too long: the New Zealand Baptist College 1952-1974

Abstract

This essay examines the development of the model of training at the
New Zealand Baptist College in the 1950s and 60s. The college,
swept along in an optimistic decade, expanded confidently, but failed
to revise its assumptions about the shaping of ministers. The
‘Household’ model with which it had started a generation earlier was
continued essentially unaltered, even if in a new setting. When the
need for significant change became more obvious and urgent in the
1960s the college acted too slowly, losing momentum - indeed,
arguably, losing its way. By the time a new ‘Community’ model was
finally embraced, the needs and aspirations of students, society and
church were changing again.