Our Vision
To impact and change our generation with the reality of Jesus.
Our Mission
At LIFE, our mission is to help people Belong, Believe, and Build. 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.
Belong
A church to call home
Believe
A choice to follow Jesus
Build
A commitment to live on purpose
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.
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 Four Focuses
At LIFE, we have four focuses that shape how we live out our vision: creating a home where people can belong and grow in faith, meeting practical needs in our community, equipping business leaders to live out their faith, and investing in Kingdom impact beyond our walls. At the heart of it all is Church – the bedrock of everything we do. It’s where our mission begins, where lives are transformed, and where our commitment to Jesus is outworked in every other area.
Church
We believe church should feel like home – a place where everyone is welcome and invited to belong. Wherever you are on your journey, we’re here to walk with you as you discover a loving, grace-filled God. In this community of faith and encouragement, many come to believe in Jesus and find purpose and hope. As faith grows, we’re inspired to build lives that make a difference – living with love, serving others, and being part of something bigger. Together, we’re on an exciting journey of transformation, saying “yes” to God and living empowered to impact and change our generation with the reality of Jesus.
Community
People are our priority. We believe that together, we can reverse the cycle of poverty in Aotearoa by bringing help and hope to every whānau we meet. Through shared meals, education, and practical support, we're building pathways to lasting change.
Guided by our values of Mana, Ako, and Whanaungatanga, we’re mobilising our church to be the hands and feet of Jesus – serving with compassion, growing through connection, and transforming lives with love in action.
Kingdom
We’re committed to the bigger picture of what God is doing – locally and globally. With a Kingdom heart, we’re passionate about building His Church by supporting leaders and encouraging local churches. Together, we’re helping to bring hope, unity, and transformation as we see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
Business
LIFE Business inspires, connects, and equips business people and professionals to live with purpose and eternal significance. Through events, training, and small groups, we empower Christians in the marketplace to grow, build community, and find encouragement in their God-given calling. We believe business is a powerful tool for transformation. Our heart is to support business leaders to thrive in their purpose while making a lasting impact on others.