Meet Our Team

Our Senior Leaders

Ps Luke & Melissa de Jong

Luke and his wife Melissa are the Senior Leaders of LIFE – a multi-campus church located in both New Zealand and Australia. They 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 3 children - Ruby, Bella and Cruz. Both Luke and Melissa love creating fun moments for their family and where possible, Luke loves to get in a round of golf while Melissa loves a new book.

Together, they love being able to lead LIFE into all that God has planned for the future of the church and playing a part in growing His Kingdom here on earth.

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.

Together, Paul and Maree minister across the global Church as sought-after speakers and leadership mentors. Paul carries a strong leadership and prophetic voice, speaking extensively at conferences and churches worldwide. 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..

Maree is a vibrant communicator with a heart to see women empowered in their calling. She hosts the annual Sistas Women’s Conference, which for over 20 years has impacted thousands across New Zealand and beyond. She is also the author of Diamond in the Dirt, sharing her powerful story of overcoming adversity.

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

Our Lead Pastors

Ps Craig & Nadia Clark

Craig and Nadia have been in ministry at and called LIFE for over 20 years. They began as Youth and Young Adult Pastors, and with their love for the local church, this expanded to them leading within many areas of ministry over the years.

In 2013, God clearly spoke about leaving New Zealand and moving to Australia to lead, love and step into all God had in store for LIFE in Melbourne. 

The incredible people finding home and all God has done for over a decade and continues to do is nothing short of miraculous. Their love for the local church is only increasing and with three children they are having a lot of fun as they live to impact and change Melbourne and Australia with the reality of Jesus.