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).
He also works as a Professional Teaching Fellow at Laidlaw College
ASSISTANT PASTOR
Kristen Jones has lived in Howick for the past 20 years having immigrated to New Zealand from Michigan. Kristen loves to create with her hands and always has a craft project on the go – crocheting is her current obsession! She comes from a musical family and loves to sing, especially with her children
Kristen is passionate about including people from diverse backgrounds, encouraging deepening spiritual practices and creating welcoming environments. She loves her role as Pastor of Engagement working with our volunteers in the hospitality, pastoral and prayer ministries.
Kristen originally trained as a primary school teacher with a speciality in music. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Applied Theology (2022) and is an ordained Minister within the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
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.
OFFICE ADMIN.
Sarah Penn was born in Cape Town, South Africa and moved to New Zealand with her family in 2005. Since then she has grown up in East Auckland. She is passionate about music and most arts. Sarah has been attending ECW since a young age and has participated in many programmes within the church, notably the youth group and worship team. She completed a year internship at Elim Christian College in 2017 looking after the worship department alongside studying by distance with the Bethel School of Worship. Sarah is passionate about easy access to knowing more about Jesus.
Sarah is about to start her Diploma in Christian Leadership at Laidlaw College in February 2024.