SHAYNA BANFE Content Creator

Shayna was born and raised loving Jesus in Hawaii. She studied in Seattle at a liberal arts college, Antioch University, designing her own major on the study of God in film. She traveled the US filming a documentary on speaking in tongues and is currently directing a short film based off the book of Job. Heading the film side of things with the production team at Ren is a mash up of her two biggest passions—God and film.

BRIAN BOENINGER Elder

Brian and his wife Stephanie have been part of the Ren family for the past 15 years. Brian is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Salve Regina University, having received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame. His teaching and research focuses on philosophical theology, free will, and ethics, including issues connected with race and gender. He has a passion for encouraging people to love God with all their mind - to think deeply and carefully about the things of God. Brian loves reading, travel, hiking, biking, disc golf, and long-distance running, and shares his love of God's creation with his two young boys, Samuel and Micah.

MAX DEHAVEN Elder

Max DeHaven is an engineer and inventor at heart, finding joy in the creative process and the chance to better know the Creator who designed it all. For Max, life is most meaningful when shared in the "beautiful mess" of Christ-centered community, where grace and truth have the room to transform us over time. When he's not dreaming up new ideas, you can find Max out on the water sailing or hitting the open road on his motorcycle. Above all, he treasures time with his wife, Josi, and their two young adult children, Olivia and Dominic.

Max and Josi serve as overseers of Ren’s small groups, providing guidance, training and support to our small group leaders.

VICKY GRIFFITHS Associate Minister

Vicky and her family joined Ren in late 2022 and quickly found a home in its diverse, Christ-centered community. She is passionate about helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus and loves partnering in what God is doing across many areas of church life—including RENKids, Youth and Young Adults, Small Groups, and the Preaching Team. As a member of Ren’s staff, Vicky supports Sunday services and offers prayer and pastoral care for women. Originally from the U.K., she studied Theology at Cambridge University and earned a Master’s in Public Services Management. Vicky finds joy in connecting deep theological truths with everyday life—and loves reading with her three kids and soaking in the beauty of every New England season.

ALLI LESON RenKids Director and Creative Director

Alli discovered Ren while a student at Rhode Island School of Design. After graduating with a B.A. in Illustration, she made Providence (and Ren) her permanent home while working as an artist and designer. She has always loved serving people and creating beautiful things, and since having children she has channeled that passion into her family, children’s ministry, and designing for the church. Alli is a wife to Chris and a homeschooling mama to Emery and Levi.

Contact Alli at renkidsri@gmail.com