Pastors Andrew and Alana Waples are dedicated to seeing people be authentic in their journey of coming to know Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit. They love witnessing people find genuine connection and community within the church whānau. For them, it's a privilege and a delight to walk alongside and disciple people as they seek the purpose God has created them for in any given season.Andrew works as a builder, and Alana as a designer. They have four amazing children—Jacob, Elle, Violet (who is in heaven), and Reuben. Their story is one of faith, love, and resilience.

The Call to Queenstown
Andrew grew up in Southland and lived in Queenstown in the early 2000s, where he had a vision of a dark cloud over the town, with bright white light beams piercing the darkness—these light beams represented believers gathered together, shining. This same vision was seen by a prophetic elder when Andrew and Alana were prayed for on their wedding day, unbeknownst to the elder.In 2004, while studying in Auckland, Andrew met Alana at Peter Snell Youth Village, a Christian holiday camp. They married in March 2006 and started their family while based in Whangaparāoa. Over six years at C3 Church Hibiscus Coast, they were involved in various church ministries, including leading connect groups, Zone Youth, C3 Kids, Sound & AV, and events and programs. Alana also served as a Primal Youth Pastor for three years.  In 2009, during a C3 Pacific leadership gathering, they responded to an altar call for church planting, knowing that God had been calling them to Queenstown since before they were married. They continued to serve and grow at C3, attending C3NZ Church Building Intensive training sessions for three years before moving to Queenstown in May 2012. The church began meeting in November 2012.

Tragedy and Triumph
Tragedy struck in 2013 when their daughter Violet went to heaven. Nine months into the church's start, on August 6, 2013, Violet died at the young age of 2 years and 10 months after unexpectedly wandering from their lakefront home in Kelvin Heights and drowning in Lake Whakatipu.

Andrew and Alana openly share about Violet, their experience of grief and pain, and the peace of God that surpasses human understanding. They speak of the hope of Heaven through Jesus Christ and how keeping in step with the Holy Spirit helps navigate the toughest times. Their deep compassion for those who have experienced grief and loss is evident in their ministry, as they believe we are all called to walk this journey of faith and questions together, supporting and loving one another with a commitment to remain in Christ (John 15:1-17).