Emma Stokes

Carey Baptist College is pleased to announce that Emma Stokes will be joining the team as Lecturer in Bible and Mission.

Emma is currently Partnership Facilitator (South-East Asia) and Board Member for Bright Hope World, a Christian-based humanitarian organisation with a vision of seeing the poorest of the poor become spiritually and physically self-sustaining. She has worked for World Vision New Zealand and during her time as Youth Director for Global Connections in Mission developed and led Headspace, a missional discipleship program. To support and resource her missional engagement and teaching, Emma is completing a PhD in New Testament at the University of Otago.

An experienced practitioner and gifted academic, Emma shares Carey’s deep commitment to the mission of God. She writes, “I am driven by the deep conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to transform lives and communities. This not only fuels my own participation in God’s work in the world, but also the desire to be part of a learning institution that ignites that conviction and response in others.”

Emma is married to Mark. They have two boys, Gabriel and Nathaniel, and as a family they enjoy making the most of the glorious outdoors.

At Carey we believe that the God of mission is at work in the world by the Spirit to renew people and places in Christ. Our calling, as a college, is to equip Christian leaders with the convictions, competencies, and character to participate in that mission. We’re thrilled, therefore, to be welcoming such a gifted mission leader and biblical scholar into our community. Emma brings with her a deep love for Jesus, a strong confidence in the Scriptures, and a passion for training that is deeply relational and integrative. We look forward to seeing a new generation of men and women formed for gospel renewal in churches and communities across Aotearoa and around the world.

– Dr John Tucker, Principal, Carey Baptist College

I am thrilled Emma is stepping into the mission role at Carey. She brings a strong heart for mission and a deep understanding of the Scriptures which will challenge and excite students. She will be a blessing to Carey and the wider church.

– Dr Sarah Harris, Carey Baptist College

I can’t think of a better person, more equipped to take on the role of Lecturer in Bible and Mission than Emma. Emma’s passion for mission and for research as well as her life experience make her well placed to provide direction and support to the current and future growth of this essential ministry of Carey Baptist College. Exciting times lie ahead for the formation of enquiring, well-shaped mission leaders under Emma’s leadership. I wish Emma God’s strength, wisdom, and insight in this important role.

– Russell Thorp, Executive Director, LeaDev-Langham

It’s wonderful to hear that Emma has been appointed as Carey’s new Lecturer in Bible and Mission. Emma is doing excellent research on Luke’s Gospel and I know she’s a greatly appreciated teacher. Alongside these great gifts as a teacher and researcher, she also brings to the position loads of valuable experience in mission.  I know she’ll do a fantastic job at Carey – all the very best Emma!

– Professor Paul Trebilco, Otago University

Emma has been a member of our Global Connections in Mission Board since 2013.  Previously she had served as our Youth Director, during which time I first observed her heart for God, her passion for mission, and her exceptional ability to mobilise young people towards experiencing God in an authentic missions environment.  Emma is not only an avid biblical scholar of ‘things mission’ but a pragmatist too through her work developing partnerships in South-East Asia.  I have no doubt that students at Carey will be spiritually enriched through her wise counsel, just as I have been.

– Sefton Marshall, GC3 Operations Director