Our Team

 

 


Ben Cunningham
Lead Pastor

Growing up in multiple states, Ben learned to appreciate many locales… but then he fell in love with Louisiana. Starting college at LSU, he formed enduring relationships that would eventually bring him back home – but most importantly, he there had a deeply transformative experience with the grace of Jesus and the joy of the church. After transferring to finish biblical and theological studies at Wheaton College in Chicago, and later Princeton Seminary, he fell in love with and married his dream girl, Jenny (they have three children, Gabriel, Lena and Ana). Ben has been in some form of pastoral ministry for over 15 years. Since starting Resurrection, he and Jenny continue to grow evermore passionate about the lasting spiritual formation of Jesus’ disciples and serving the greatest city in the world.

He loves the Bible, reading, genuine conversation at tables for two, rich–tone acoustic guitars, fishing (even if not catching), and nurturing a near–unhealthy obsession with golf.

Ashley Johnston
Director of Connections

Ashley is a native Floridian and moved to New Orleans with her family in August of 2017.  She met her husband at Wake Forest University and soon thereafter they ventured to Charlottesville, VA for his general surgery residency.  During their first few years in Virginia, she was a golf professional and a kindergarten teacher until the arrival of their two children.  As their family became more involved in their church, Trinity Presbyterian, Ashley served as the nursery coordinator for three years.  The opportunity to welcome the littlest members of Christ’s body into the church was not only a blessing for their family, but also equipped her with a background in church operations experience. 

Ashley is currently coordinating life at home with her husband, Forrest, and their children, Webb and Peyton.  The Johnston family enjoys the outdoors, spending time with people and eating delicious food!

Brian Mathews
Director of Mission

Brian is a child of the Gulf Coast, growing up in the panhandle of Florida before moving to New Orleans in 2020. Brian attended the University of South Florida, receiving a BS in Biomedical Sciences. While at USF he became a follower of Jesus and met his lovely wife Ashley. They then moved to Louisville, KY to earn a Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Since completing his degree, Brian has been involved in pastoral ministry for the last ten years.

Brian is pursuing a MA in Clinical Mental Health, to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the city with Ashley and their four boys (Levi, Henry, Silas, and Oliver). He also loves drinking coffee, reading good books, and cycling with friends.


Benjamin Morris 
Facilities Manager

A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Benjamin studied literature and archaeology at Duke University (BA), the University of Edinburgh (MSc), and the University of Cambridge (PhD). A writer by profession, he is the author of several books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction; his theological writing regularly appears in byFaith magazine and other venues, and here at Resurrection he curates our “Notes on the Hymns” supplement. Once a recovering academic, he has fallen off the wagon, having recently begun graduate study at Reformed Theological Seminary.

At home he serves as the butler to a beloved tortoiseshell named Snickers, a cherished member of the Resurrection family. When his nose isn't stuck in a book, Benjamin can be found in the workshop with sawdust in his hair, in the gym with chalk on his hands, or out in the yard with dirt on his knees, coaxing fruit out of his fledgling citrus trees. They remain unconvinced.


Taylor Mroski 
Director of Music

Taylor Mroski is a longtime worship leader and professional bassist, guitarist, and songwriter. Originally from Covington, LA, he moved to New Orleans in his early 20s to study Music Education at Loyola University. After graduating, he spent nearly 10 years playing throughout New Orleans before returning to serve at Resurrection. A versatile “working musician,” Taylor specializes in jazz, funk, gospel, and fusion and regularly performs at New Orleans clubs and festivals. Above all, Taylor is a follower of Jesus Christ. He became a Christian at 15 and spent 18 years serving in various ministry roles, including as an intern and Youth Ministry Director at New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Mandeville. His musical experience spans diverse denominational and cultural contexts, but he is especially passionate about Christ-centered liturgy, hymns, and congregational singing. His desire in worship is to help people see and know the glory of Jesus Christ.

Taylor enjoys cooking, coffee, tea, studying God’s Word, and practicing music. He and his wife, Katelyn, love spending life together.

Samantha Ross
Director of Operations

Samantha is originally from Mandeville, LA and attended our sister church (New Covenant). She graduated from University of Georgia, which were formative years of her faith at Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). She met her husband Aaron shortly after college at the beach! After spending 7 years in Georgia, she made her way back to NOLA in 2013. Aaron and Samantha have been married since 2013 and have 2 boys, Eli and Gray.

She and her family have attended Resurrection since its inception and love the ever-growing community. In her free time, you can find her walking her dog on the levee, taking a workout class or spending time with her family.

Melissa Skinner
Director of Children's Ministry

Melissa grew up in the New Orleans area, and an enduring faith and love for Christ captured her heart during her childhood. She holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and undergraduate degrees in Biblical Studies and Elementary Education. Over the years, she has worked with children in various roles, both as a director of youth and children’s ministry, and as an educator specializing in gifted education. Serving children is her passion, whether through ministry, education, or motherhood.

Melissa is married to her husband, Rowland, and has two teenage sons, Michael and Joshua. When she is not attending one of her son’s games, she enjoys reading on her back porch, walking her dogs, and taking on creative projects, ranging from photography to book publishing.

CONTACT US

info@resurrectionnola.com
504.517.4012
2903 Jefferson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

If you have questions about Resurrection, please contact us through the information above or fill out our New Visitor Form.




 
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