Catharina Siraa is the Administration Advisor at the National Support Centre for the Baptist Churches of New Zealand. She is a member of Royal Oak Baptist Church in Auckland.
Following discussions at National Hui 2024 around continued support for the President and Vice President roles, Michael Krausse, pastor of Epuni Baptist Church in Lower Hutt, felt prompted to ask Brian Smellie, a friend and former member at Epuni Baptist, whether he would be willing to be nominated for President of the Baptist Union of New Zealand. This was Michael’s response to the call put to churches to actively consider who from among their church’s membership may be appropriate to nominate for the role of Vice President for 2025.
Brian was surprised by this question, describing it as a “bolt from the blue.” He had attended the National Hui and listened to the discussions with interest but hadn’t considered himself a candidate. His initial response to Michael was, “Surely not!” But Michael was confident of Brian’s ability to do the job. The next step was to see whether this was something God was asking of him.
Over several weeks, Brian and his wife Shona spent time in prayer and met with the chair of the National Council to find out more about the role.
After much consideration, the Smellies decided to take a step forward in the process, trusting God’s leading for what might lie ahead. At the next National Council and Mission Council meetings, a bio from Brian was considered and prayed about. With full confidence in Brian, the two Councils then decided to move forward with jointly nominating him to the role of Vice President for 2025, to serve subsequently as President of the Baptist Union in 2026.
Note: The presidential roles are core relational roles in the Union, representing the movement’s churches in meetings of national significance. The President and Vice President sit on both the National Council and Mission Council. During their tenure, various Presidents have taken a variety of approaches to the year. Much of their time is spent engaging with and visiting local Baptist churches in some form.
More about Brian
The Smellies moved to Canterbury in 2023 after spending 46 years in the Hutt Valley, where they raised their family. Brian’s 50-year career in electronic engineering included founding two successful tech businesses, the second of which went global. It was sold in 2020, freeing Brian to move into retirement. That business continues to operate profitably for its new owners.
Alongside his professional achievements, Brian has made significant contributions to his community, such as being on school boards, being involved in Rotary and Probus, and serving as a board member for several non-profit organisations. While operating his first business, he also trained as a counsellor, which enabled him to practise pro-bono one day per week for several years – until the demands of business #2 meant a return to full-time work.
Brian has been continuously active in church membership and leadership, from his early days in Dunedin at Roslyn Presbyterian as a youth group / young adult leader to eldership at St Luke’s Presbyterian, Lower Hutt, then at Epuni Baptist Church in Lower Hutt (EBC) for over 30 years. Shona, too, served as an elder at EBC for many years. Brian also got involved in the wider movement, facilitating pastors’ retreats in the Wellington region in the early 90’s and later serving as chairperson of the Wellington Baptist Association from 2016 to 2021. Since moving south, Brian and Shona have become active members of Riccarton Baptist Church.
The Smellies are lovers of New Zealand’s great outdoors, enjoying the diversity of God’s creation through walking and touring. Brian appreciates fine vehicles of all vintages and has also enjoyed years of 4WD off-road adventures, although these days, the trucks are mere RC models. Now that Brian and Shona are living in Christchurch, they are enjoying life with three of their four children and all five of their grandchildren nearby.
Brian describes himself as a long-term apprentice of Jesus and a lover of God’s plan for his gathered people, the church. What does he believe? To sum it up:
- We are all made in God’s image - however tarnished ours may seem at present!
- The Bible is our primary way of hearing from God.
- Daily devotional time with the Bible and constant prayer is key for spiritual growth.
- Our relationship with the resurrected Jesus can and does become an ongoing love affair, energising our relationships with others – both in the church and in every area of our lives.
- There is always more to learn – about God, each other, and oneself.
Voting
It is important to the Smellies that the churches have the opportunity to discern the mind of Christ together and support or reject the nomination from the two Councils. A voting link has been sent to each Baptist Church (single vote weighted by the number of members in the church) to vote for the nomination. Voting closes at 5 pm April 4, 2025. Any questions about the nomination or voting process should be directed to [email protected]
Photo: Brian and Shona Smellie
