Our Leaders
Lead Pastors
Ben and Amy Kendrew
Ben & Amy have been part of Arise since 2003. Since the beginning, they have been integral members of the Arise family. In 2008 Ben and Amy moved from Wellington to Christchurch to be part of the fledgling Arise campus in that city. In 2020, they became Christchurch campus pastors. During their time as volunteers and staff, they have been involved in many areas of church life. In 2022, they became Interim Lead Pastors of Arise before being selected to officially lead the church in 2023.
Ben & Amy have a deep love for people and a heart to see every person become fully alive in Christ. It is their commitment to build a church that has a hunger for the presence of God, that brings reconciliation and unity, both within Arise and the wider church. Their desire is to faithfully serve people and partner with God in his great plan for His Church. Ben & Amy live in Christchurch, New Zealand with their three children.
Senior Leaders
Ben Kendrew
Lead Pastor
Donovan Stevens
General Manager
Leadership Team
Amy Kendrew
Head of Discipleship
Joe Bundy-Cooke
Hamilton Campus Pastor
Head of Campus Development
Shannon Hatch
Christchurch Campus Pastor
Head of Campus Development
Board Chair Person
Rick Teal
Rick is passionate about building God's house and seeing people grow a healthy relationship with their Maker.
Rick comes to the Arise Board bringing experience in governance in many fields. Rick has worked as a business consultant and entrepreneur. He has previously served on non-profit boards in other community environments as well as having been involved on several corporate governance boards.
Rick has been a member within the community of Arise for 19 years and has 4 children together with his wife Kellee.
Board Members
Rick Teal
Chair Person
Amber Moore
Trustee
Dean Halvorson
Trustee
Jess Fowler
Trustee
Prabashini Govender
Trustee
Stephen Woolley
Trustee
Spiritual Advisory Panel
Adrian & Ingrid Gomez
Leo & Suzanne Hanson
Leadership Structure
We are in the process of outworking a new leadership structure. This structure is based on biblical principles and recommendations from our Review Advisory Committee (an internal review committee made up of congregation and campus pastors, commissioned by the Board).
This project is ongoing. More information about this can be found here.