Category: Staff

Michael has a long history working with leadership and transformational organisational change.  Beginning life as a combat officer and commander, while living a life following Jesus and loving others (often his soldiers) to Christ in life on life journey shared, he was called into ministry while serving at a Jesuit University in Seattle.  With ministry in youth, young adult and mission engaging secular people unreachable by conventional church contexts, he went onto as a missionary empowering, coaching and equipping leaders in following Christ as leaders, planting new fresh expressions of faith communities (churches) and revitalising existing churches.  After a long season called from Wellington to New Orléans after Hurricane Katrina, he and the family returned to NZ and served in several roles in the diocese, including parishes, before coming to St Chris’ in 2019.  Continuing to lead through our change and posturing as a disciple making church, Michael focuses on the empowerment of leaders to do this, and developing especially the next generations for our parish.  Michael is a member of Diocesan Standing Committee (Cabinet for Synod out of session for governance and counsel to the Bishop), and ADMSC (Anglican Diocese Ministry Staff Committee, governance for the Anglican Centre and its ministries).

John, native Christchurch lad, who while teaching at Auckland University in Literature heard a call to pursue ordination as a priest.  Leaving his career and being ordained, he was a curate at Sumner Parish, where he was beloved and he loved.  John became the Lead University Chaplain at UC in 2021 where he services half time and serves with us half time, which is actually about 75% each role!

Surprisingly one of John’s greatest gifts is with the senior members of the parish.  John’s keen grasp on words and concepts, he is a keen communicator and an invaluable asset supporting Michael and making the vision reality.