OUR TEAM
ECW has an experienced pastoral staff that comprises 4 ordained ministers and 1 lay pastor.
Here is your chance to get to know them a bit better!
LEAD PASTOR
Rev Brett Jones is a lifelong “Howick boy” who grew up in the area and has been in pastoral ministry in the eastern suburbs for over 20 years. Brett and his wife Kristen keep busy with their 4 kids who range in age from 9 – 18 years of age.
Brett loves to cook and is mastering the art of outdoor cooking in his wood fired pizza oven! He is a sports fanatic who never misses All Blacks or Black Caps games and will watch most anything competitive. Brett is an avid reader, music lover and “endure” of exercise.
Brett and Kristen have been part of 5 church plants – 3 as participants including East City Wesleyan (2000) and Watermark, Grand Haven, Michigan (2003) and 2 as part of sending churches. Brett currently serves as the National Superintendent of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aotearoa New Zealand (since 2020).
In a previous life he worked as a lawyer and holds an MBA from Henley Management College and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Theology.
CHILDREN'S
PASTOR
Rev. Lauren Millington was born in England to Kiwi parents and was raised in East Auckland. Upon turning 18, she traveled to the East Coast of Canada to attend Kingswood University to prepare for ministry. There, she met her husband, Joey. Lauren is passionate about children and seeing them come to faith in Jesus Christ. She loves people and sees value in everyone.
Lauren received a BA in Ministry from Kingswood University.
ASSISTANT
PASTOR
Rev. Joey Millington was born and raised in Halifax on the East Coast of Canada. He is passionate about ice hockey, videography, learning & writing, and of course his lovely wife, Lauren!
Joey and his wife moved to Auckland in August of 2018 to be a part of ECW and see the church move forward in its vision to see people growing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joey loves to preach and teach God's word and help people come to a greater understanding of all that God has for them.
Joey received a BA in Ministry from Kingswood University (2015), a MA in New Testament Studies from Acadia University (2017), and a MTh from Laidlaw College (2021).
ASSISTANT PASTOR
Rev. Stefanie Oh was born and raised in the tiny island-nation of Singapore. She fell in love with New Zealand upon her first visit in 2006, even suggesting NZ as her honeymoon destination when she married in 2017. Never did she imagine that her husband would also fall in love with this wonderful country and move them here two years later! Stefanie has been serving the Methodist church in Singapore since she was 13 years of age in the youth, young adult, small group, worship and outreach ministries. She is eager to preach God's Word and bring others to faith in Jesus. Stefanie is married to George and they have a cheeky 1.5yo son Robbie.
Stefanie received an MDiv from Trinity Theological College in Singapore.
LAY-YOUTH
PASTOR
Caleb Taylor was born and raised in New Zealand. He was born in Palmerston North and moved to Auckland in 2003. He is a qualified Carpenter, working in the building industry for more than 8 years. He is passionate about faith, music, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and most sports. Since moving to Auckland, Caleb grew up within the youth program at ECW, and has been a member of the leadership team after graduating as a student in 2012. Caleb is passionate about seeing youth come to faith and grow in their relationship with Jesus.