Gordon & Johanna Rosewall

Gordon & Jo met as teenagers in their church youth group, and they have never looked back. They were married while still at university and celebrated their Golden wedding in 2024. Their three adult children and seven grandchildren are scattered between New Zealand, London (UK) and Phoenix (Arizona).
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They both come from a background of High School teaching and together have served as Youth Pastors at City New Life under the leadership of Peter and Anne Morrow, planted churches, and assisted and advised churches while living in The Netherlands for five years.

On their return to New Zealand, they became the Lead Pastors at Life Church Timaru. Fulfilling a long-held desire to engage in formal theological training Gordon pursued further study and completed an applied theology degree part-time over a period of twelve years during his time of leading the church.

Gordon has a strong community focus which led to him serving on the Safer ​Community Council of the Timaru District Council, chairing the governance team for the local Restorative Justice initiative known as Project Turnaround, and being part of the advocacy group of Alcohol Action New Zealand. 
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Johanna’s love of language led to many years of teaching international students English, first at Mountainview High School and then at Craighead Diocesan School, before retiring at the end of 2021.

After leading Life Church Timaru for 25 years, Gordon and Johanna handed over the leadership of the church in 2022. Since then, they have continued to be involved in marriage counselling, mentoring young leaders and pastors, and speaking around New Zealand.

At the beginning of December 2025 Gordon and Johanna stepped into the role of Interim Lead Pastors of the Selwyn Life Churches, in
Darfield and Leeston