Our Vision
To impact and change our generation with the reality of Jesus.
Our Mission
At LIFE, our mission is to establish a church where people Belong, Believe, and Build together. That means creating a place where everyone can find community and call it home, discovering faith through a personal relationship with Jesus, and living with purpose by making a difference in the world around us. This mission shapes everything we do as we pursue our vision to bring the hope of Jesus to our generation.
Our Values
Magnify JESUS
We live out His example guided by the Holy Spirit.
Prioritise PEOPLE
We honour and value others before ourselves.
Choose EXCELLENCE
We bring our best, every day.
Activate GENEROSITY
We give of our time, talents, and treasures to build His Kingdom.
Live AUTHENTICALLY
We are real, transparent, and accountable to God and others.
Have FUN
We lead with joy in serving the Lord.
Our Story
LIFE began with a bold “yes” to God. In 1991, Founding Pastors Paul and Maree de Jong responded to a clear call to establish a church in New Zealand – stepping out in faith to pioneer something new. That obedience laid the foundation for a church that would go on to impact thousands of lives and shape generations.
LIFE has always been about people. From the beginning, it’s been a place where individuals can find home and belonging. Over the years, we've seen that vision grow into a thriving multi-campus church – now located in Auckland and Tauranga in New Zealand, as well as Melbourne and Adelaide in Australia.
In 2021, Ps Luke and Melissa de Jong became the Senior Leaders of LIFE. With faith, vision, and a heart for people, they continue to build on the foundation laid before them, leading the church into new seasons of growth, impact, and influence.
Across more than 30 years of ministry, LIFE has never stopped stepping out in faith. Whether launching new campuses, expanding our community outreach, or navigating challenging seasons, we’ve seen God move in miraculous ways – always providing, always faithful.
Our calling isn’t just for today. It’s for generations to come. And as we look to the future, we remain committed to saying “yes” to God, believing He will continue to use LIFE to impact and change our generation with the reality of Jesus.
Our Senior Leaders
Ps Luke & Melissa de Jong
Luke and Melissa have a passion to see the Church continue to create environments where people belong, believe in Jesus, and build their lives through activating their Kingdom purpose.
They are based in Auckland, New Zealand and have three children, Ruby, Bella and Cruz.
Our Founding Pastors
Ps Paul & Maree de Jong
Ps Paul and Maree founded LIFE in 1991 with a shared passion to strengthen the Church and empower people to live out their God-given calling. With a mandate to influence the wider Church, they travel globally, speaking into churches and leadership spaces with wisdom and faith.
Ps Paul is known for his Kingdom heart, prophetic insight, and strong leadership. He has hosted LIFE TV, sharing real stories of hope, and authored several books, including his latest, ButGod..., a personal reflection on navigating the unexpected.
Ps Maree founded the Sistas Women’s Conference, which has impacted tens of thousands of women across New Zealand and beyond, helping them discover their God-given potential through the truth and love of Jesus Christ.
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Ps Paul and Maree are proud parents to three sons, blessed with beautiful daughters-in-law, and are loving grandparents.
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