Steve and Leanne Hooper and the Impact of Family Life
Steve and Leanne Hooper work as part of the Family Life team, dedicated to strengthening marriages and families across New Zealand. Their journey with Family Life began in 1994 when they attended a “Weekend to Remember” event that had a transformative impact on their own marriage. Newly married at the time, they found that the event deepened their relationship and inspired them to join Family Life to help other couples experience similar growth.
Through Family Life events, Steve and Leanne have seen couples from all walks of life come for guidance—some with strong relationships seeking enrichment, and others on the verge of separation looking for hope. Many participants who may not attend church are drawn to Family Life out of a desire to build their relationships, often discovering their need for God along the way. Steve and Leanne are grateful for the chance to witness how God is using Family Life to transform marriages and families across Aotearoa, and they deeply appreciate the support that makes this ministry possible.
Work Life Ministry: Faith in the Workplace
Another vital area of discipleship is the workplace, where many people will spend roughly 90,000 hours over a lifetime. Recognizing this, Tandem Ministries launched Work Life in 2004 to help graduates live out their faith in their careers. Work Life equips young professionals to serve Christ through their work and impact the lives of colleagues around them.
Bob and Dale Whittaker and the Growth of Work Life
Bob and Dale Whittaker lead Work Life Ministry, focusing on helping young professionals integrate faith into their careers. In the early years, Bob and Dale navigated the unique challenges of workplace ministry, relying on trial and error to develop effective strategies. By 2015, they hosted the first Connect and Recharge retreat, which quickly sold out and continues to draw a full house each year. The following year, they introduced a leadership development program to help young professionals grow in their relationship with Jesus and learn how to share their faith at work.
Today, Work Life offers a range of programs, including leadership development, evangelism training, graduate mentoring, and small workplace action groups. These initiatives allow young professionals to embody Christ’s message through spiritual conversations, integrity, and excellence in their work. Bob and Dale are grateful for the talented young professionals who have helped shape Work Life, and they are eager to see these individuals serve Christ throughout their careers, carrying their faith into all aspects of life.
Building Disciples Across Every Stage of Life
Young professionals and couples are being transformed across New Zealand. Where would our communities be if God hadn’t raised up ministries like Family Life and Work Life to equip His people and make disciples in every area of life?
