Introduction
Karen Kemp is a Senior Lecturer in Interdisciplinary Studies and Pastoral Theology, Pastoral Leadership Lead, and Senior Coach at Laidlaw’s Centre for Church Leadership. An ordained Anglican minister, she teaches leadership, spiritual formation, conflict transformation, and ministry supervision, equipping emerging church leaders for adaptive ministry in local and global contexts.
Quote
“I am passionate about forming resilient and adaptive Christian leaders who can inspire, nurture, and sustain discipleship in diverse contexts.”
Something Personal
Karen is bilingual, grew up in Chile, and enjoys mentoring church leaders. She loves gardening, outdoor activities, and shared meals with friends and family.
Qualifications
DMin – Doctor of Ministry with Distinction, Portland Seminary / George Fox University, 2019
MA – Religious Studies / Practical Theology, Victoria University of Wellington, 2011
BTheol (Hons), Australian College of Theology, Sydney, 1990
General Nurse, West Metropolitan Group School of Nursing, Sydney, 1983
Professional Experience
Senior Lecturer, Laidlaw College
Pastoral Leadership Lead, Laidlaw College
Senior Coach, Centre for Church Leadership
Teaching faculty, NZ and UK theological colleges
Book Chapters
2025
Kemp, Karen M. "Compassionate Realism: Reclaiming the Church's Core Identity as a Hope-Filled Community of Healing and Restoration." Chap. 7 In Hope: Growing Flourishing Church Communities That Transform and Heal People, edited by Gregory J. Liston and Sarah Penwarden, 102-22. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2025.
2023
Kemp, Karen M. "Kubernetes: A Wayfinder's Understanding of Leadership and the Implications for Ministry Training and Field Education in Oceania." In Ministry in Context: A Guide to Theological Field Education and Ministry Internships in Australia and New Zealand, edited by Richard Trist. Australian College of Theology Monographs. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2023.
2018
Kemp, K. "The Treaty, the Church, and the Reconciliation of Christ." In Pursuing Peace in Godzone: Christianity and the Peace Tradition in New Zealand, edited by Geoffrey Troughton and Philip Fountain, 86-99. Wellington, NZ: Victoria University Press, 2018.
Teaching & Expertise
Leadership and spiritual formation
Conflict transformation and reconciliation
Practical theology and ministry supervision
Formation of intercultural / “third culture” leaders
