Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership was established to help Aotearoa’s church leaders navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape.

An increasingly polarised and complex world needs healthy churches which embody the good news of the Gospel more than ever.

The Church herself needs transformative and resilient leaders who can discern the times and contexts they lead in and equip their congregations to be active participants in God’s renewing work in the world. Healthy leaders are committed to their own growth for the sake of the communities they serve, both in and beyond the Church.

They recognise that their best leadership comes in the company of others. Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership (CfCL) was established in response to these genuine needs in the Church today. CfCL's heart is to bless, love and serve as Jesus did.

We believe healthy church leaders cultivate healthy churches, that in turn undertake the work of the Gospel in their communities. CfCL is committed to holistically supporting, resourcing and growing leaders to lead in ways that increase the Church's faithfulness and fruitfulness in ministry and mission in Aotearoa.

Ladlaw College logo with New Zealand imagery, including a flame, star, and stripes.

Laidlaw College

Laidlaw College has been resourcing robust Biblically engaged Christian life, ministry, and mission since 1922.

At the heart of Laidlaw's world-class theological education and research is a vision to see the Church and her leaders shaped by love, compelled and informed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to renew their communities with a faith as intelligent as it is courageous.

CfCL stands firmly in this Laidlaw story, and is thus well equipped to support, resource, and grow church leaders to serve in ways that deepen the Church's faithfulness and stimulate discipleship in Aotearoa.

Find out more about Laidlaw

Our Team

The Laidlaw CfCL team are experienced practitioners, and share a passion for the building up of the Church, and equipping Christian leaders. They are supported by a growing network of pastors, researchers, and network leaders.

A photo of Matt Lilly, Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership director, wearing a green sweater and a patterned shirt underneath, with a blurred background of buildings and greenery.

Matt Lilly

Director

Director of the Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership, Matt has been a church pastor for over 30 years. With degrees in Engineering and Christian Ministry, and a diverse background in church and business leadership, Matt has a breadth of leadership experience that he loves to pass on to see church leaders flourish. Matt is transitioning out of the Lead Pastor role at Coast Vineyard Church, a church of around 700 people that he and his wife Jacinda started in 2013 in Orewa, Auckland.

A photo of Emma Brouwer with long wavy brown hair, wearing glasses and a black-and-white patterned short-sleeve blouse, smiling and standing against a plain white wall.

Emma Brouwer

Coordinator

Emma is the Coordinator for Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership, responsible for events, operations, and communications. Previously, Emma lectured in bible and leadership at Equippers College for five years and is passionate about discipleship, practical theology and ministry. Emma holds a Masters in Theology from Laidlaw and a marketing degree from AUT, and has a marketing and events background.

A photo of Louise Wernich with shoulder-length light brown hair, blue eyes, smiling, wearing a teal T-shirt with the words 'LAIDLAW COLLEGE' printed on it, and a silver necklace with a cross pendant, standing against a plain white background.

Louise Wernich

Pastoral Leadership and Biblical Engagement Coordinator

Louise is the Postgraduate, Pastoral Leadership, and Biblical Engagement Coordinator for the Centre for Church Leadership, responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of Laidlaw’s postgraduate programmes, Pastoral Leadership programmes and cohort experiences, and Biblical Engagement projects. Louise has over 20 years of full-time pastoral ministry experience and has led churches of various sizes, is passionate about pastoral leadership, Biblical studies, creation, and helping people discover God’s will for their lives. Louise holds a Masters in Theology (Old Testament) from the University of South Africa and an MBA (International Business) from Auckland Institute of Studies.

A photo of Dallas Harema, with a beard and dark hair styled back, sitting outdoors at a table with large green tropical plants behind him.

Dallas Harema

Senior Coach

Dallas Harema (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Pākehā) is a coach, supervisor, facilitator, counsellor, and formation & discipleship practitioner with 20 years experience in and alongside churches, various ministries, organisations, individuals and partnerships supporting them to grow in emotional, spiritual, relational and team health. He is the Director of the School of Emotionally Healthy Leadership Aotearoa with a wider background in organisational culture & development, social work, lecturing and cultural capability. Dallas brings a holistic approach to leadership and enjoys weaving together theology and formation, reflective practice, practically rooted wisdom and real talk.

Mā te whakarongo, ka mōhio; mā te mōhio, ka mārama; mā te mārama, ka mātauranga; mā te mātauranga, ka ora

Through listening comes knowledge; through knowledge comes understanding; through understanding comes wisdom; through wisdom comes wellbeing.

Karen Kemp, A smiling woman with shoulder-length blond hair, black glasses, wearing earrings, a floral top, and a denim jacket, standing against a plain light-colored background.

Karen Kemp

Senior Coach

CfCL Senior Coach & School of Theology Lecturer, Karen brings a lifetime of ministry and educational leadership experience. She is passionate about the church as a restorative community, forming resilient leaders, and building intercultural bridges.

Graeme Flett, A middle-aged man wearing glasses and a white shirt with black palm tree patterns posing outdoors during daytime, with trees and water in the background.

Graeme Flett

Senior Coach

Graeme brings thirty‑six years of ministry, pastoral leadership, and educational experience to his role as a senior coach and church consultant with CfCL. An ordained Elim pastor, he is committed to forming healthy leaders through pastoral formation, reflective practice, and missional discipleship, all grounded in Christ‑centred and fruitful service. He holds a PhD in theology and is an accredited International Coaching Federation coach. His work integrates theological insight with professional coaching and supervision, helping pastors and Christian leaders grow in resilience, effectiveness, and long‑term wellbeing.

Maja Whitaker, a smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing glasses and a dark t-shirt, standing against a plain light background.

Maja Whitaker

CfCL Senior Leadership Fellow

Maja is responsible for overseeing our growing relationships with partner churches and is the Academic Dean for Laidlaw College. Maja is a pastor in the Equippers Church network and she is passionate about equipping people for life in Jesus Christ.

Clint Ussher, a smiling man with light skin, short blonde hair, wears a dark blazer, black shirt, and a necklace with a rectangular pendant.

Clint Ussher

CfCL Senior Leadership Fellow

Clint is the Lead Pastor of The Well Church in Ōtautahi Christchurch and a Senior Leadership Fellow of CfCL. He is passionate about supporting church leaders to live and lead from a deep union with Christ, enabling the Church to flourish in both ministry and mission.

Lui, a middle-aged man with a shaved head wearing a white dress shirt and a blue blazer, standing against a plain light gray background.

Lui Ponifasio

CfCL Senior Leadership Fellow

CfCL Senior Leadership Fellow, Lui is passionate about activating and mobilising leaders and churches to engage in global missions and church planting. Lui leads CCCi, a network of churches globally, and also chairs Pacific2Nations missions movement and is a member of the Laidlaw National Governing Council. Lui and his wife Ane are Senior Pastors of Life Church.

Amy, a woman with short blonde hair wearing large black glasses, earrings, and a black top, smiling against a plain white background.

Amy Page-Whiting

CfCL Senior Leadership Fellow

CfCL Senior Leadership Fellow Amy is the Senior Pastor at The River Ōpāwaho and previously the National Director for Arrow Leadership NZ. These roles capture the key areas of leadership she feels called to and passionate about – mission, discipleship, and leadership formation.

Jonathan, a portrait of a smiling man in a black blazer with crossed arms, white shirt, and a watch, standing against a plain light background.

Jonathan Dove

CfCL Senior Leadership Fellow

CfCL Senior Leadership Fellow Jonathan (or ‘JD’ as most call him) is the Senior Pastor of Gracecity and also convenes Auckland Church Network. He is passionate about people coming to know Jesus and building a strong community of believers that renew people and places in the way they work, play and live.