Welcome!
Hillcrest Baptist is a local church near the University of Waikato, made up of Jesus followers journeying together in faith, hope, and love. We’re a multigenerational, multicultural community committed to knowing God more deeply and living out our faith in everyday life.
Wherever you’re at on your journey, we’d love to connect with you.
Who are we?
Hillcrest Baptist Church is a Christian community in Hamilton made up of people from many cultures and stages of life. Planted in 1971 with a heart to reach university students, today we continue that legacy while also welcoming families, seniors, young adults, and children into our life together.
We follow Jesus as Lord and Saviour, learning to trust Him more fully and walk in His ways as we grow in faith, love, and hope.
What do we believe in?
Our faith and practice are shaped by the historic Christian faith, the authority of the Bible, and the distinctives of the Baptist tradition. We’re part of the Baptist Union of New Zealand and value collaboration with the wider body of Christ.
We believe in...
One God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The saving work of Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection
Salvation by faith in Christ alone
The Bible as God’s inspired and authoritative Word
The work of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers
Baptism by immersion and regular communion as expressions of faith
We are...
Christ-centred – We believe in the true humanity and true divinity of Jesus, and His atoning death and resurrection for the salvation of all who believe.
Bible-based – We affirm the Bible as the inspired Word of God and our authority in matters of faith and life.
Spirit-empowered – We trust in the work of the Holy Spirit to empower, guide, and equip us with spiritual gifts and fruit for the life of faith.
Mission-minded – We seek to share the good news of Jesus locally and globally, through both word and action.
Believer-baptising – We practice baptism by immersion for those who profess faith in Jesus, and regularly celebrate Communion, which is open to all believers.
Community-led – We are a self-governing body led by a Senior Pastor and elders, with major decisions made collectively by the church membership.
Committed to spiritual growth – We encourage one another in worship, prayer, discipleship, service, and care across all ages and cultures.
Our People
Leadership at Hillcrest Baptist is shared across a team of staff, elders, ministry leaders, and a management team. Each plays a unique role in helping our church thrive as a Christ-centred, Spirit-led community.
Elders
Elders provide spiritual oversight and discernment, helping guide the church with wisdom, prayer, and care.
Pastor
Working alongside the elders, our pastor provides overall spiritual leadership, preaching, vision, and care, helping guide the church in following Jesus faithfully.
Staff
Our staff support the day-to-day life of the church through service planning, ministry coordination, administrative oversight, and helping the congregation stay connected and supported.
Ministry Leaders
Ministry leaders oversee specific areas of church life—from youth and worship to hospitality and mission—equipping teams and enabling ministry to flourish.
Management Team
The management team handles practical operations, helping to steward resources wisely and support church health.