Catherine Perich

Coach - Auckland

I trained in Music and Drama at the University of Auckland before qualifying as a secondary school teacher. After several years of teaching, I stepped away from the classroom to focus on raising our four children, who are now adults.

In 2008/09 my husband Steven and I spent a year in Thailand with our children, where I taught at Grace International School, serving the children of missionary families. Returning to New Zealand, I joined the staff of Auckland Bible Church, where I served in youth and children's ministry for nine years.

During that time, I completed a Graduate Diploma in Theology and began preaching regularly. In 2021, I was appointed pastor of Lincoln Road Bible Chapel, becoming the first woman pastor within the Open Brethren movement in New Zealand.

Alongside fulltime pastoral ministry, I serve as chaplain for Rhema Media New Zealand. Through this role I have developed a growing interest in coaching and supervision. I love listening to people's stories and consider it a privilege to walk alongside others as they seek God's direction, navigate life's challenges, and grow in faith. I particularly love supporting others working in ministry and encouraging them to continue to grow and thrive in the position God has placed them.  

When I'm not involved in ministry, I enjoy gardening, arranging flowers, lifting weights, and singing with the Auckland Chamber Choir. I continue to be inspired by the ways God works in ordinary lives and am passionate about helping people discover and follow Him more deeply.

Qualifications: BMus, Dip Drama, Dip Tch, TESOL, GradDip Th.