New City Church
Meet The Team
Learn a little bit about our leaders
The leaders at New City are passionate about intersecting the message of Christ with the people of Phoenix, using their time and talent in meaningful ways as they go about life beyond the church. Our team believes in serving Jesus in all of life.
Consistent with 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, New City Church has a team of overseers (also known as “elders”) who provide accountability and oversight of the church. New City is led by the staff team day-to-day, but the Oversight Team meets several times during the year to review the financial standing and pastoral health of the church. Our Oversight Team approves the annual budget, makes all major financial decisions and provides assistance with staff oversight when needed. The current members of the Oversight Team are Rawleigh Grove, Brian Kruckenberg, Derek Turner, and John Smeck.
Brian Kruckenberg
VISION & TEACHING, OVERSIGHT TEAM
Brian Kruckenberg
Brian has been married to his wife, Gina, since 1999 and is a proud father of three. Valley residents since 2005, Brian and Gina love living in urban Phoenix. Brian and Gina, along with a handful of friends, began the initial planning for what would become New City Church in 2010, and the church held its first public service as New City on February 27, 2011. Brian’s driving passion is to make God known through leading a church that loves God, loves others, and makes disciples who live out their faith in the places they live, work, study and play. Before his life as a pastor, Brian practiced law as an e-Commerce Attorney at Stinson Morrison Hecker, LLP in Kansas City. Later he worked as Corporate Counsel for Sprint Corporation, before leaving the full-time practice of law for the role of Family Pastor at his local church in Kansas City. Since making a career transition in 2004, Brian has earned a Doctorate in Ministry (D.Min.) from Bethel Seminary. Brian also holds bachelor’s (B.A.) and master’s (M.A.) degrees in Communication.
Steve Eriksson
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP (SPIRITUAL FORMATION) & NEW CITY MEN
Steve Eriksson
As the Executive Pastor, Steve guides the staff day-to-day to ensure their ministries are working together to fulfill the mission that God has given us. Before becoming a pastor in 2001, he worked as an engineering manager in the semiconductor industry. Steve earned his M.Div at Phoenix Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry at Talbot School of Theology. When he is not at work, you will find him playing games, swimming, coaching sports, watching TV/movies, or just hanging out with his wife Kirstie and their three amazing kids, Elsa, Ethan, and Everly.
Daireth Klein
ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS
Daireth Klein
Daireth’s mission is to use the gifts God has given her to provide administrative oversight to the staff, so that they can focus their time and energy on serving our community. Daireth and her husband, Matt, have four daughters, Katy, Maddy, Irelynn & Tatum. She graduated from Oklahoma State University and is an avid sports fan.
Gina Kruckenberg
NEW CITY WOMEN
Gina Kruckenberg
As our women’s ministry leader, Gina creates amazing events that connect women to Jesus and each other. She’s originally from Colorado and has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She’s been married to Brian since 1999, and she considers their three kids to be her greatest joy. When Gina isn’t planning fun social events or serving at Hope Women’s Center, she loves to do hot yoga, go hiking, listen to historical podcasts and hang out with her family (not necessarily in that order!).