Experience Alpha
London – September 2018
Guest Bios
All Angels Church | New York, New York
Christine Lee Vicar Director of Spiritual Development - Christine attended the Moody Bible Institute and received her M.Div. and Th.M. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. She served as a campus minister with Inter- varsity Christian Fellowship at the University of Chicago and Columbia University. After working as a community organizer for Habitat for Humanity NYC, she came on staff at All Angels’ as the Director of Spiritual Development and Outreach. She completed a year of Anglican studies at the General Theological Seminary and served as the interim minister at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Harlem. In September 2012, she became the first Korean-American woman ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church, returning to All Angels’ following her ordination. She is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Fuller Theological Seminary with a focus on leading organizational and congregational change. She lives in Harlem with her husband Jimmy.
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis | Saint Paul, MN
Crystal Crocker Director of Evangelization - Crystal Crocker is the Director of the Office of Evangelization for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The Office produces a weekly Rediscover: Hour radio show on Relevant Radio, initiatives for men, women & grandparents and equips Missionary Disciples at the parish. Her early career success in the business world quickly transitioned to political work as an Outreach Coordinator for Minnesota Catholic Conference. In 2014, she was the Chair for the Rediscover: Catholic Celebration which hosted 7,000 on fire Catholics. She is a wife, mother of four and lifelong Catholic with a zeal for evangelization.
[email protected] American Bible Society | Gilbert, AZ
Gary Kinnaman Director of the Department of Parish Vitality & Mission - Gary Kinnaman served as Senior Pastor of Word of Grace Church in Mesa, Arizona, for twenty- five years. Under his leadership, the church grew to an average weekend attendance of over 4500. He now serves as a pastor at large, mentoring and networking church, government and market place leaders to serve the Phoenix area. His leadership in this regard led to his appointment to Chairman of the Governor’s Council on Faith and Community. Gary is currently serving as the Phoenix mobilizer for the American Bible Society. Gary is a graduate of Biola University, Arizona State University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Western Conservative Baptist Seminary. He and his wife Marilyn and three children and nine grandchildren.
Boca Raton Community Church | Boca Raton, FL
Cameron Free Groups and Communication Director – Cameron Free grew up in South Florida, moving away in 2006 to obtain a B.S. in Business Administration from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Along the way, he met his wife Sarah, whom he married in 2012. Soon afterwards, they returned to South Florida to make it their home. Cameron enjoys working with the Young Adults, helping them grow in their walk with Christ and encouraging them to impact the world for Him. He also enjoys football, ultimate frisbee, Apple products, and a good cup of coffee.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine | Saint Augustine, FL
Rick Maffei Alpha Leadership - Rick Maffei and his wife Peggy, along with their two sons, moved from Fairfield, Connecticut to Saint Augustine, Florida in July 2012. They started a small family business and began adjusting to their new home. They visited a few local parishes, and immediately felt at home at the Cathedral Parish. In early 2017, he learned about the ALPHA program through a parish priest. He attended the first session and immediately loved it. He told his wife Peggy about it, she attended the following week, and she loved it too. For him, the primary benefit of ALPHA was the development of an intimate, personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. Rick learned that He was actively working and speaking to him his whole life… he just wasn’t listening. Now he is! So far, he’s been a part of four ALPHA programs… and have tried to share his experience with others. Most of his ALPHA guests were already members of the Cathedral Parish. His goal for the ALPHA Conference is to learn how to bring others into the fold… to learn how other older, urban parishes, with greying populations (like HTB) have recruited new members so successfully.
[email protected] Allan Potincy Parish Visioning/ Leadership Team- Allan Potincy has been married to Pat Potincy for forty-one years. Together they have four children together. They now have twelve grandchildren! Allan sensed a “call” to move to St. Augustine, FL in 2004 with no real explanation and God clearly set the path for their move. Allan chose to become members of the Cathedral Parish. He was the first team member in the parish to initiate and develop Fraternal as an ongoing faith/ virtue based mentoring program for 6th through 12th grade boys. Allan was the first Alpha administrator for the parish and now coordinates/ facilitates best practice training, providing guidance for initiating Alpha on other parish’s when requested.
Central Church | St. Catharines, ON
Jonathan Gallo Discipleship Pastor- Jonathan Gallo has pastored in a variety of settings for the last 15 years as a church planter (5 years) and executive pastor (9 years). He is currently an Executive Pastor at Central Community Church in St. Catharines, Ontario, and leads Community Crew, a charity that serves underprivileged children in Niagara. He has spent significant time in business and IT. He likes sports of all kinds (especially the Toronto Maple Leafs), fishing, and gardening. He has been married to Gina for 11 years and is father to Grace (9) and Hope (7).
Johnny Henderson Youth Pastor- Johnny Henderson is the Youth Pastor at Central Community Church in St. Catharines, Ontario. It's exciting to be part of a vibrant, growing community that aims to reach Canadians in our Post-Christian culture. I have a desire to help students reach their full potential in Christ and I believe Alpha plays a huge role in doing that.
Cherry Hills Community Church | Highland Ranch, CO
Erik Abegg Staging and Scenic Director - Erik Abegg is married to Sheila Abegg, who helps lead operations for Alpha at their church, and together they have two kids, Olivia and Liam. Erik has been on staff at Cherry Hills since February 2017 as their Staging and Scenic Director. He recently started hosting an Alpha group at Cherry Hills, and has assisted with many Alpha special build projects.
[email protected] Sheila Abegg Alpha Ops Coordinator – Sheila Abegg works alongside Tyler Grissom, the Pastor that oversees Alpha, at Cherry Hills Community Church. She leads their Alpha A-Team that handles operations and logistics for Alpha, and she hosts an Alpha group with her husband, Erik Abegg, who is also on staff at Cherry Hills. Sheila has a long history of working with discipleship classes at several churches, and she’s excited to see the massive impact that Alpha has had on Kingdom expansion.
Tyler Grissom Connections & Evangelism Pastor/ Oversees Alpha Ministry - Has run the Alpha course for 3-years now. Married to Julie with 2 young boys (Hank & Cash)
Colton Johnson Communications Director- Oversees all church and ministry- specific marketing. Alpha is what brings people into the doors, and I can't wait to learn how to flourish in that, and to learn how to serve our Alpha ministry more.
Abbie Johnson Director of Intercessory Prayer- Abbie Johnson is grateful to have the privilege of serving on staff at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado since February 2016, first as the Global Missions Operations Coordinator, and currently as the Director of Intercessory Prayer. A major emphasis of her role is to lead their intercessory teams in prayer on behalf of all of their Alpha guests, including raising up teams of intercessors specific to this ministry. She is humbled and grateful that God has brought her husband and her to such an incredible church family. From everything to the flourishing staff culture to the huge God-sized vision He has called them to, this calling has not only changed her life, but it is something she would continue to give her life for.
Christ Fellowship Church | Palm Beach Gardens, FL
James Duvall Director of Ministries- James Duvall serves as the Executive Director of Ministries at Christ Fellowship Church. In addition, James gives leadership and oversight to Southeastern University at Christ Fellowship. James and his wife Lisa have served at CF for nearly 20 years. James and Lisa have been married for 24 years with the blessing of raising three kids. James is passionate about family, building church, Ohio State football and cycling.
[email protected] Drew Hage Director of Freedom Ministries- Drew has almost twenty years of experience as a pastor, church planter and missionary. He has served as a pastor at Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida for the past eight years. In addition to holding a M.A. Theology and a M.A. Missiology he recently completed his D. Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He lives in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida with his beautiful wife Kathy and his adventurous four-year old son Jacob.
Ryan McDermott Director of Student and Young Adults - Ryan McDermott has been serving at Christ Fellowship since May of 2010. Originally on staff as worship leader, Ryan currently serves as the Director of Students & Young Adults. Ryan grew up in South Florida and has a specific burden to see this region radically transformed with the love and message of Jesus Christ. A graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University, with a degree in Christian Leadership, Ryan has served the local church as a full-time Youth Pastor since the age of 19. Passionate about preaching, Ryan frequently speaks at camps, retreats, schools, and other events. He has also had the opportunity to publish several articles on leadership, creativity, and innovation in Student Ministry. Ryan, his wife Christine, and their son Declan live in Wellington.
Church United of South Florida | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Edwin Copeland Executive Director - Edwin (Eddie) serves as the Executive Director of Church United, a multi-denominational city-movement that seeks to unify the Church for the sake of mission. Eddie firmly believes the Church is the hope of the world and has worked toward that end throughout his entire career. Prior to his time at NCF, Eddie served in executive level leadership and pastoral staff in both local Church and para-church ministries. He has helped lead RENEW South Florida, a local church planting and leadership development organization, and has served as Vice President of Community Engagement for HOPE South Florida, where he oversaw all overflow emergency shelter operations for homeless children and families, organizational development, strategic partnerships and church network. Eddie is a sought-after consultant on church-based community development and social mobilization and views his life calling to help activate the people of God in South Florida. His greatest joy is being married to the love of his life and high-school sweetheart Sara and being dad to his daughter, Anna, and son, Nathan. Eddie holds a B.S. in Theology from Moody Bible Institute, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University, and is a two-time recipient of the Made to Flourish Fellowship with the Acton Institute on Faith, Work and Economics. You'll know Eddie when you see him, he'll always have a coffee in his hand.
[email protected] City Gates | Ajax, ON
Ryan Legg Associate- Ryan was born and raised in the greater Toronto area, and recently graduated from Heritage College & Seminary with a theology degree. He has worked and volunteered in a wide range of ministry contexts since his mid-teens, and loves the opportunity to be part-time staff at City Gates Church in Ajax, Ontario. Ryan helps to manage The Waypoint, which is City Gates’ office-meets-shared space, and he also serves as theological researcher and content developer for their teaching ministries. When he’s not working, he’s probably phoning a friend, reading a Harry Potter novel, or valiantly losing a game of squash.
C4 | Ajax, ON
Dave Adams Lead Pastor- Dave Adams is the Lead Pastor at C4 (aka Carruthers Creek Community Church) in Ajax,ON. He has a Master of Theology from Tyndale Seminary and studied commerce and economics in university. After working in the business world, Dave felt called to full-time ministry and joined the Pastoral Lead Team in 2008. He is married to his wife, Jen, and together they have four married kids and three grandchildren. When not in ministry, you can find Dave on the golf course or soccer fields, like a true Irishman.
Diocese of Fort Wayne- South Bend | Mishawka, IN
Fred Everett Secretary for Evangelization and Discipleship- Married. Father of 7. Attorney. Recently ordained deacon. Have worked in ministry with his wife for 30 years.
Lisa Everett Deputy Secretary for Evangelization and Discipleship- Married. Mother of 7. Have worked in ministry with her husband for 30 years.
[email protected] Forest City Community Church | London, ON
Rob Hogendoorn Lead Pastor- Rob Hogendoorn and his wife, Coby, planted Forest City Community Church in London, Ontario 25 years ago. The church was intentionally designed to introduce non-churchgoing Canadians to Jesus, and has grown significantly. They have recently established two church plants as well as begun their first multi-site location. Alpha has been an integral part of FCCC for over a decade, but lately they have gone “all in” with Alpha, hosting over 700 guests last year. Rob is a pastor, husband, dad to four grown kids, and a grandfather to five grandkids. His dreams are to one day break par on a golf course some day, and to watch the Toronto Maple Leafs hoist another Stanley Cup before I die! (Might have to wait on that one...)
Nadia Zeversenuke Executive Ministries Director- Nadia Zeversenuke serves as the Executive Ministries Director at Forest City Community Church in London, Ontario, Canada. Her first experience with Alpha was 13 years ago as a non- Christian guest, and she came to faith soon after. In 2013, Nadia entered full-time ministry after feeling called by God to use her gifts to help grow His kingdom. In her current role, she serves the growing Village/Home Group communities, manages Alpha, and provides pastoral care and frontline ministry leadership. Previously Nadia worked in the health care industry, marketing and sales, and for 20 years owned a family insurance agency. She has been married for 23 years and is blessed with three children
Generation Church | Jupiter, FL
Ben Pierce Lead Pastor – Ben Pierce is the Lead Pastors of Generation Church in Jupiter, FL. Pastor Ben was born and raised in Tennessee, where he attended World Changers Bible Institute and developed a deep passion for studying scripture and leading people. He continued his studies at Virginia Commonwealth University where he received his Bachelor’s degrees in both Chemistry and Biology. In 2008, he and Melissa (his wife) felt God’s prompting to start a church and begin reaching people at a greater capacity. Prior to working in ministry, they both worked successful business careers that gave them personal insight into the culture and needs of our society. After a visit to Jupiter, they both felt a strong, supernatural love for the city and knew they had found their home. Together, they have committed their lives to relentlessly loving and leading the Generation Church family as well as inspiring a generation to follow Jesus here in Jupiter, FL.
[email protected] Hope Church | Mesa, Arizona
Brian Smith Senior Pastor– Brian Smith has been involved in campus ministry for over 27 years. Both Pastor Brian and Wendy Smith (his wife) were impacted by the Gospel in their college years, and since that time, they have had a passion to help college students find God’s plan for their lives. Since starting the church back in August of 2004, their vision for the last 13 years has been to see students connect and mature in a dynamic Christian community.
Kinsmen Lutheran Church | Houston, TX
Beth Warpmaeker Senior Pastor – Beth Warpmaeker received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology and International Studies from Texas Lutheran University in 1992. She continues to support Texas Lutheran University by serving on the Board of Regents. In 1997, Beth received both a Master of Arts Degree in Islamic Studies and a Master of Divinity Degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her seminary internship was spent in the Middle East at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem and at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. Beth has led seven group trips to the Holy Land and she continues to support the ministries of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem through Bright Stars of Bethlehem. Beth and her husband, Mark (also a pastor) moved to Houston in 1998. She was ordained and her first call was as Associate Pastor and Campus Minister at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas, from 1999 to 2003. Beth was then called to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis in 2005 where she served as Pastor of Congregational Life and Outreach until July 2014. After 10 years in Minnesota, they returned to Houston once again. Beth began her call at Kinsmen Lutheran in September 2014. In May 2017 she completed her Doctor of Ministry degree at Luther Seminary, which focused on Congregational Mission and Leadership.
[email protected] Knox Presbyterian | Toronto, ON
Phil Reinders Lead Pastor- Phil Reinders is Lead Pastor at Knox Presbyterian Church, called to lead the renewal of this nearly 200-year-old city centre church in the heart of Toronto and across the street from the University of Toronto. Previously he served churches in Calgary, AB, and Vancouver, BC, and has been in full-time ministry for over 25 years. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry, Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, and he has authored the prayer book, Seeking God’s Face. He and his wife, Betty, have led on Alpha for almost 10 years and love the opportunity to interact with and introduce non-Christians to the beauty and wonder of Jesus. He is a pastor, husband, writer, author, and dad to Owen and Lily.
Betty Reinders Children’s Ministry Leader- Betty Reinders has been involved in Alpha leadership at two different churches for nearly 10 years and was the point leader for Alpha at Knox Presbyterian Church during the 2017 Toronto campaign. Betty loves to create warm and welcoming spaces as a way of showing love and opening people's hearts to the gospel. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, and has led the pre-marital preparation at Knox Church, as well as a spiritual director and mom to two children, Owen and Lily.
Memorial Drive Presbyterian | Houston, TX
Alf Halvorson Senior Pastor- Dr. Halvorson joined the MDPC staff in August 2015. He graduated from Luther College with a BA, then went on to receive his Master of Divinity (1990) and Master of Theology (1991) from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (2011). Since his ordination, Alf has served three churches, most recently as Senior Pastor & Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Alf (rhymes with golf) was raised in Minnesota, but spent part of his youth in Nevada, Missouri, where he met his wife, Shari, a community health nurse. They have two children, Matt and Kristen.
[email protected] Dan Aikins Pastor Assistant and Alpha Church Hub Director – Dan Aikins has been at MDPC since May 2011 when he came on staff as the Middle School Discipleship Director. In 2017, he moved over to the role of Alpha Church Hub Director. Dan is convinced that Jesus is the way to full and satisfying life, but also knows that many people are not yet able to see Jesus’ gospel as genuinely good news. He is passionate about helping the church share the good news in simple, conversational, non- confrontational ways. Dan is originally from Indiana and graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Christian educational ministry in 2010. He finished his Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary in 2017 and is pursuing ordination in ECO. Dan married his wife, Lauren, in 2013, and they welcomed their daughter, Madison, in June 2017.
Lauren Aikins Alpha Lead Team and Host - Wife to Dan Aikins, mom to Madison, personal trainer.
Dave Steane Executive Pastor- Dave Steane has served MDPC as Executive Pastor since September 2006. In this role, Dave provides strategic leadership to MDPC’s staff along with the implementation of vision for all MDPC’s ministries. Dave is a native of southern California and a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary and California State University, Northridge. Dave became a Christian as a high school senior through his involvement in Young Life. He was ordained in June 1986, and has served ministries in California, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, South Carolina and now in Houston, Texas. Dave is married to Jenny, and they have two grown sons.
Jenny Steane Spouse- Jenny Steane is the wife of Dave Steane. A native of California, she graduated from Biola University with a degree in Communications. Jenny grew up at Church of the Open Door in downtown Los Angeles. She became a Christian at a young age and has continued to serve Christ along side Dave in his various ministry locations. Today, Jenny teaches second grade Sunday school at MDPC and is the Administrative Assistant at Rummel Creek Elementary School. Dave and Jenny have two grown sons, are the proud grandparents of 18 month old Alaric and are excited to welcome a girl grandbaby in late January! They also have two dogs, Sadie and Matilda.
[email protected] Our Lady of Perpetual Help | Chandler, AZ
Claudia Rodriguez Coordinator of Evangelization- From California and moved to Arizona following a prompting from the Lord. Claudia is passionate about journeying with others in life and giving them the reason for her hope.
Resonate Global Mission | Grand Rapids, MI
Christine Van Zanen Missionary- Christine lives and works in Klaipeda Lithuania at LCC International University as a First Year Seminar Instructor and Human Resources Assistant. She leads student and staff Bible studies and mentor students and assist in cross cultural adjustments with staff and students.
Rio Vista Community Church | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Mason Brown Student Ministries Director- Mason Brown is the Student Ministries Director at Rio Vista Community Church. He is a Fort Lauderdale native, who graduated from Florida State University and is currently pursuing his Master's in Divinity from Knox Theological Seminary. He has been married to his wife, Tara, and they have just welcomed their son, Jaiden Reece on July 31st to their family.
Scott Carson Director of Renewal- Scott Carson is married to Sarah. Together they have two precious little boys under the age of three and live in Fort Lauderdale, FL. After he moved to Fort Lauderdale, he continued working for Christian ministry, he began attending Rio Vista Community Church. It was there that he meet his wife, and also transitioned into full-time staff with Rio Vista Community Church. He spent his first five years on staff working in the student ministry, and then the last two years as the Director of Renewal. His role is to serve as the domestic and international outreach leader for the church. Domestically he directly oversees the church’s relationship and involvement with local ministries. Internationally he serves as the liaison between the church and all its supported ministries/ missionaries. This role enables the Church to strategically and intentionally share the gospel in word and deed.
[email protected] Soul City Church | Chicago, IL
Jeanne Stevens Lead Pastor – Jeanne Stevens is one of the lead pastors of Soul City Church in the dynamic West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Soul City began in the fall of 2010. Prior to starting Soul City Church, Jeanne served on the staff of Willow Creek Community Church for 11 years as a Student Ministry Pastor and on the staff of North Point Community Church for 4 years.Jeanne has had the opportunity to teach, pastor and speak into the lives of thousands of people across the US and around the world. Her passion to develop leaders, to encourage people to live from the fullest part of themselves and to live boldly give her a unique voice of hope and challenge.Jeanne is the author of Soul School, a contributor to the Bible Study and DVD Series “Twelve Women of the Bible” as well as “Real Women, Real Faith”.In addition to pastoring Soul City Church, Jeanne finds great joy in being a wife to her husband of 20 years, Jarrett, and a mom to her 12-year-old son, Elijah, and 10-year-old daughter GiGi. The Stevens family lives in the West Loop of Chicago and love trips to the park, cheering for the Chicago Bulls, and the continued pursuit of the city’s best taco.
St. Anthony of Padua | Vancouver, BC
Fr. Justin Huang Lead Pastor- For the past four years, Father Justin Huang has been the pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Vancouver, BC. He leads a community of almost 1100 parishioners, an elementary school of over 200 students, and approximately 20 teaching staff and employees. In addition, Fr. Justin oversees 26 ministries and about 150 volunteers who carry out much of the mission and work of the parish. Early on in his ministry, Fr. Justin realized the need to lead people towards Christ's vision. His goal is to become a more effective servant leader. Fr. Justin holds a BA in Liberal Arts, an M.Div./S.T.B (Summa cum laude), an MA in Moral Theology and a J.C.L. (Licentiate in Canon Law). He has a deep respect for Evangelical Christian leadership and is keen on learning and applying their concepts at his parish, and sharing these ideas with other priests and the Catholic Church.
St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church | Goodyear, AZ
David Portugal Director of Parish Catechesis – Happily married man of 30 years with 3 adult children. Working everyday to bring others to know Jesus!
[email protected] St. Joseph Catholic Church | Wapakoneta, OH
Fr. Sean Wilson Pastor - At the age of 20 I heard the call of our Lord to enter the Catholic priesthood. I was ordained a priest in 2016 and currently serve as the pastor of four Catholic parishes in rural Ohio. We are currently utilizing Alpha to engage in our mission of spreading the Gospel and growing disciples
Sun Valley Community Church | Gilbert, AZ
Holly Flemming Ministry Volunteer - Holly is a member of Sun Valley Community Church in Gilbert, Arizona where she and her husband have been attending for 14 years. Holly has served in many ministries during the years including Children's, Celebrate Recovery, Women's Ministry, and leading small groups in her home. One of Holly's gifts is inviting - which has lead many people to meet, know and follow Jesus. Holly is from Iowa and has lived in Arizona for the past 21 years. She is a stay-at-home mom and works part of the year in HR Technology. Holly and her husband, Malcolm, have two boys - Jack age 9 and Cole age 7 and a rescue dog named Skylar.
hollyfl[email protected]
Katrina Moore Ministry Lead- Katrina is the wife of lead pastor Chad Moore of Sun Valley Community Church. Sun Valley is a vibrant church that serves around 8000 people each weekend over its five campuses in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a native of Scotland having lived in the States for nearly 20 years. She has two boys, Joshua and Jackson, (ages 15 and 9) and has a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog named Charlie. She has been a part of the launch team of Celebrate Recovery and lead the ministry for many years before stepping down to pursue a nursing career. She currently works as a nurse and often speaks at events at Sun Valley and in other states.
Claudio Rey Ministry Volunteer/ Alpha Coach- Born in Montevideo Uruguay, became Canadian as well in 1982. Graduated in Engineering BASc 1983, MASc in 1985, PhD in 1992. He became a Christian in 1987 Married in 1988 to the love of his life Marlynn.
[email protected] The Avenue Church | Delray Beach, FL
Casey Cleveland Pastor – Casey Cleveland grew up in Delray Beach. God lovingly interrupted his preoccupation with self, sin, and Casey-glory to give him Himself as Master, Savior, and Delight at approximately age 13. Casey loves sports along with his wife Kathryn. Casey and Kathryn were brought together by God in college. Him and Kathryn have two children Caroline and Cole.
The Sanctuary | Oakville, ON
Jonathan Webster Lead Pastor- Jonathan Webster is a Christian leader with a proven track record of helping churches and organizations move from ineffectiveness and decline to growth and vitality. He is the Lead Pastor of the multi-site church, the Sanctuary, which is south of Toronto. He is driven by the desire to develop churches and young leaders who are successful in bringing the gospel to a multicultural, metamodernist society. Jonathan was born in Toronto and is married with four children. His hobbies include hockey, gaming, and the Liverpool football club.
Joanne Hoffman Campus Coordinator- Joanne Hoffmann is currently the Campus Ministry Coordinator at The Sanctuary Church in Ontario, Canada. The church runs inside of a college and Joanne’s role is to take part in utilizing this opportunity God has given by organizing events, small groups, and socials with students and young adults in the area. She considers this to be an even greater privilege because she is also a student at this local campus, and has the opportunity to serve her fellow classmates in many of the events and activities. She plans to graduate with a degree in illustration and a certificate in leadership and creative problem solving. In her spare time, you can find Joanne drawing, going on walks, spending quality time with friends, or watching movies.
[email protected] Westside Church | Vancouver, BC
Matt Menzel Lead Pastor- Matt Menzel is the Lead Pastor of Westside Church in Vancouver, BC. Matt,and his wife, Melissa, are both passionate about seeing the lost come to Jesus and Christians discipled to maturity through the local church. They are thrilled that God has placed them and the ministry in the downtown core of such a broken city that they happen to love so much. Westside Church is 13 years old and exists to "Make Jesus Known" through the ordinary rhythms of a faithful local church, and church planting. In the last several years, Westside has planted four other thriving churches and has plans for many more, by God’s grace!
Vineyard Church Dayton | Beavercreek, OH
Caleb Roe Executive Pastor- Husband to his wife Audrey. Claudio is the executive pastor of Vineyard Church. He has spent a great deal of time as leadership coach to other pastors and leaders around the world and thinking strategically about the future. As the son of a Vineyard Church planter he was born and raised in the Vineyard movement and his heart bursts for the Kingdom of God to advance through healing, restoration, and true city transformation.
[email protected] Alpha USA
Craig Springer Executive Director - Craig leads the Alpha USA Team and has a strong personal history with Alpha from his time at Willow Creek Community Church (he was the Lead Pastor of the first campus to start Alpha) and Cherry Hills Community Church where he was an Executive and Teaching Pastor. He and his wife Sarah, were also church planters in Prague, Czech Republic. Craig has a deep passion for the local church and a broad personal church background including Vineyard churches, Willow Creek, evangelical Presbyterian churches, and international church planting. As a result, he views Alpha as a vital tool for all churches. He is a husband to Sarah and father to two children, Isaiah and Isabelle. They enjoy spending time as a family hiking and skiing in the mountains of Colorado (and let’s be honest; plenty of grocery shopping and suburb hopping too). They love to party, play and dig into the everyday challenges of life together.
Todd Proctor Strategic Church Network Director - Todd Proctor serves as Church Networks Director on the Executive Team of Alpha USA, helping key leaders and churches across the nation explore the Alpha course within their own context. He was a founder and long-time Lead Pastor of Rock Harbor, a church of multiple campuses across Orange County, California. Todd is passionate about investing in the next generation and developing experiences that foster greater church unity. Last year, he pioneered “The Way Gathering”, connecting dozens of young leaders and church communities on a monthly basis to share the journey of becoming apprentices to Jesus. Todd partners in the adventure of life and ministry with his wife Lisa, and their four children. Together, they pastor Canopy, a new house-church based community in Newport Beach.
John Wentz Ministry Director - John Wentz serves on the Alpha USA Lead Team and oversees the ministry side of Alpha. In his past he has been a church planter, campus minister, and is also author of The Coaching Guidebook, "A practical guide to coaching ministry leaders." Most recently, John has served at Community Christian Church in Chicago as the Small Group Director of their original campus and Adult Ministry Champion overseeing their 13 campuses’ small group directors. John lives with his wife Shannon and their three children. Fun facts: He enjoys taste testing the country’s best doughnuts, loves running, and grew up in the carnival selling funnel cakes with his family.
[email protected] Danielle Kemp Strategic Church Network Assoc. Director - Danielle recently joined the Alpha team as Strategic Church Networks Associate Director where she helps churches and leaders engage with the Alpha story. For the last 11 years, she led several ministries as the Director of Adults and Small Groups at Coast Hills Church in Orange County, CA. Danielle is passionate about the transformative power of God’s Word – teaching and sharing it in many diverse environments, and is currently on the pastoral lead team of Canopy, a new church plant in Newport Beach. She lives in Mission Viejo, CA with her husband Randy and their 2 sons. She loves running, reading and believes a good cup of coffee is the solution to most problems.
Dane Sanders Ambassador for Alpha USA - Dane is a noted author and speaker, who recently joined Alpha to head up the development effort for the United States. Before joining Alpha, Dane was a fundraiser for Biola University, a professor at Westmont College and a pastor at Rock Harbor Church in Southern California.
Josh Danis National Director of Alpha Catholic -Joshua Danis is a life-long Catholic, a husband and a father. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in the Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and is finishing up his Master’s in Theology from Franciscan as well. Previously, he has worked in Catholic radio, served in several parishes, and ministered to couples preparing for marriage as Coordinator of the Family and Respect Life for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He currently helps form evangelization and marriage building efforts in parishes across the country as the National Director of Alpha Catholic Context.
Jad Levi Sr. Networks Director - Jad Levi serves as a Sr Network Director onthe Alpha USA team where he provides regional coverage, helps with national development efforts, and works with strategically positioned churches. Jad is also the co-founding pastor of Trinitas Church, a missional urban church plant in Phoenix, Arizona where he serves alongside his Fuller Seminary sweetheart, Jaime. He is passionate about mentoring young leaders and being a part of anything that helps to relationally foster Christian unity. His 2018 highlights includespending a few hours with Pope Francis in Rome with a few dozen pastors, priests, and bishopshearing Francis' heart for unity (notuniformity) and celebrating the birth of his 3rd daughter at the spry age of... 40-ish.
[email protected] Gerald Bargaineer Network Director Denver CO- Before joining Alpha, Gerald spent a total of 17 years in pastoral ministry. Born and raised in Detroit, MI. Gerald moved from Detroit at age 20 to the Saint Louis metro area. While there, he accepted his call into ministry 18 years ago in a church called Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church of Wentzville, Missouri. For the last several years Gerald has served at Colorado Christian Fellowship in Aurora, Colorado as Young Adult pastor and Campus pastor. Gerald Loves spending time with his beautiful wife of 7 years Dominique, his children, Gerald (Age 4) and Giovanna (Age 2) and two furry dogs.
Jordan Biere National Youth Director- Jordan and his wife Amy have four children, Emma, Olivia, Ethan and Caden and live in the Chicago land area in Aurora. Before joining Alpha, Jordan was on staff with Community Christian Church (a large influential multi-site church in Chicago that works closely with the Exponential Church Planting Conference) for the last 8 years and is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. While on Staff with Community he has worked at multiple levels overseeing the student directors at all 11 locations, writing youth curriculum, and overseeing large scale youth events and retreats. Jordan loves to do anything adventurous and outdoors, like fishing, kayaking, climbing and water sports.
Mark Warpmaeker Executive Director Houston- Married to Beth for 20 years. We have 2 sons - Nathan, 16, and Jacob, 12 - and live in Houston, Texas. I've been Executive Director of Alpha Houston for a year and a half. Prior to that I led an international aid ministry, Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry, for 5 years. I've been ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for 21 years.
[email protected] Alpha Canada
Shaila Visser National Director- Shaila Visser is the National Director of Alpha Canada and the Global Senior Vice-President for Alpha International. She is the Executive Producer of The Alpha Youth Film Series (2013) and The Alpha Film Series (2016), and is on the Board of Regent College--an International Graduate School in Vancouver.
Shaila has a heart for people coming to know Jesus and is passionate about helping the local church flourish. She is a gifted communicator who is known for her strategic leadership as well as her ability to bring people together. Shaila is recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Christian Women in Canada. She lives in Vancouver BC, with her husband, Ryan who is a Vancouver police officer on the K9 Unit. Shaila and Ryan have two four-legged family members, Blade and Talon.
Stephen Mulder Associate National Director- Stephen Mulder is the Associate National Director at Alpha Canada and on the Lead Team since 2012. He is passionate about leadership development, the local church, organizational change and social entrepreneurship. He grew up in South Africa, worked in Dubai in the field of sustainability consulting, and holds a Master of Theology from Regent College, Vancouver. He is on the leadership team at St. Peter's Fireside, a vibrant church-plant in downtown Vancouver. He loves hiking, sailing, and anything outdoors.
Ontario Regional Director- Ryan is the Ontario Regional Director at Ryan Moffat Alpha Canada and oversees the Growth Track & Community Groups at Celebration Church in Brantford, Ontario. It was through Alpha that his faith was renewed and his marriage restored. He worked for a decade in marketing and advertising (General Motors, Mazda, Home Depot, etc.) and also ran his own professional photography business. He has been married to his wife, Leslie, for 16 years and has two boys, Ben (9) and Will (7). He loves camping, taking pictures of nature, and spending time with his family.