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 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, microwaving her coffee, taking a barre class or spending time with her family.

Contact  Meredith.

Meredith Renshaw
Director of Children's Ministry

Meredith is originally from Nashville, Tennessee and moved to New Orleans with her husband, Andrew, in June of 2021 for his Orthopedic Surgery residency at Ochsner. Meredith completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville in Nutrition, and her graduate work at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Meredith is a private practice Registered Dietitian here in New Orleans.  Meredith served as a Young Life leader for 4 years, connecting with, leading and loving high schoolers to Christ.  

Meredith is a huge extrovert and lover of people. Meredith, her husband Andrew and black lab, Roux, can be found enjoying the parks, spending time with loved ones and exploring all the coffee shops and restaurants in New Orleans! 

Contact Sam.

Contact Ben.

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.

Benjamin Morris 
Facilities 

A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Benjamin spent nearly a decade overseas pursuing graduate work in literature and archaeology at the University of Edinburgh (MSc) and the University of Cambridge (PhD). Now a recovering academic, he works primarily in the arts, and is the author of several books of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. His theological writing regularly appears in byFaith magazine, engaging matters of beauty, liturgy, and church history; here at Resurrection, he curates our “Notes on the Hymns” supplement.

Currently he serves as the butler to a loving, if opinionated, tortoiseshell named Snickers. 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 palms, or out in the yard with dirt on his knees, trying to coax fruit out of his fledgling citrus trees. They remain unconvinced.

Contact Ashley.

Ashley Accardo
Youth Minister

Ashley is proud to be a born and raised New Orleanian. Her heart for the Lord and ministry grew immensely during her time in college at LSU. While in Baton Rouge she was an active member and took many leadership roles within her church, sorority, and Young Life. She currently works with Young Life, ministering to high schoolers and college students, and has done so since graduating from LSU in 2020. She has a true passion to cultivate community amongst adolescents and cannot wait to foster this within the church.

In her free time you can find her reading, walking, eating good food, having deep theological conversations, and frequenting Yogurtland.