Contact Jared.

Jared Carlson
Ministry Executive

Jared spent most of his childhood moving around the country, but loosely considers Virginia home. Following high school, Jared attended Wheaton College, where he majored in Business/Economics and Biblical/Theological Studies. At Wheaton, Jared met his wife, Tyler-Gail. They quickly escaped the cold and moved south to Charleston, SC. In Charleston, he began working in the software space, while also serving as a Ruling Elder at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA). At Redeemer, he led various home groups, and the adult Christian education program.

Jared and Tyler-Gail have two young children, Lydia and Louis. They moved to New Orleans for Tyler-Gail to attend Tulane Med. They have quickly fallen in love with Church of the Resurrection and New Orleans. Jared loves all things coffee, reading, doing home projects, and being in the great outdoors.

Contact Ben.

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.

Contact Ashley.

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!

Contact Ben.

Benjamin Morris 
Facilities 

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.

Contact Samantha.

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 planning/organizing, walking on the levee, taking a barre or bounce class or spending time with her family.

Contact  Melissa.

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 Sam.

Sam Voelkel
Director of Music

Sam was born in New Orleans and raised across the lake in Mandeville before attending college at Auburn University. After school, he moved to Charlottesville, VA for the Trinity Fellows Program, a leadership development year focused on applying a Christian worldview to the workplace. Sam met his wife, Hope, in Charlottesville where they lived for 13 years before moving back to New Orleans in 2016. They live uptown with their daughter, Nola, son, Wyler, and dog, Indie.

Sam spends his free time coaching his kids in softball, running/biking short distances at slow speeds, and trying to learn his favorite 90's guitar solos.