Tom Baird - Lead Pastor
Pastor Tom has served at Bethel Community Church since November of 2012. He is married to Janet, and has two children and three grandchildren who live in Ontario. When he is not busy serving Bethel, Tom loves reading, watching movies, meeting new people, and spending nights with friends. He serves in various roles in the Bannerman Community (the neighbourhood where the church is located).
Tom holds an M.Div. degree from Reformed Seminary (Jackson, MS) and a Masters of Pastoral Theology degree from Calvin Seminary (Grand Rapids, MI). Prior to coming to Bethel he pastored at Fellowship Church in St. Thomas, Ontario for 21 years.
Contact Pastor Tom at tom@discoverbethel.com
Tom holds an M.Div. degree from Reformed Seminary (Jackson, MS) and a Masters of Pastoral Theology degree from Calvin Seminary (Grand Rapids, MI). Prior to coming to Bethel he pastored at Fellowship Church in St. Thomas, Ontario for 21 years.
Contact Pastor Tom at tom@discoverbethel.com
Ryan Pedde - Pastor
Ryan and his wife Jessica have been involved in church ministry for the last 13 years and have been at Bethel since 2008. They have two beautiful daughters Lydia and Naomi. Ryan has a Masters of Divinity from Taylor Seminary and has completed the EPMC program for ministry in the Christian Reformed Church. In his free time, Ryan enjoys reading, writing, baseball, exercising and kayaking.
Contact Ryan at ryan@discoverbethel.com
Contact Ryan at ryan@discoverbethel.com
Wendy Werkman - Administrator
Wendy has been a member of Bethel since 2003. She has a diversified work experience, and has brought that experience to Bethel Community Church in the Administrator position since August 2011. Her passion is to see people become connected within the church family, and is probably one of the first people you’ll be welcomed by! When not at Bethel, you can find Wendy spending time with her husband Melvin and their family, gardening, reading, or enjoying walks.
Contact Wendy at wendy@discoverbethel.com
Contact Wendy at wendy@discoverbethel.com
Jill Sneep - Administrative Assistant
Jill has been attending Bethel for 18 years. She has been involved over the years as Meals Ministry coordinator, on the women's ministry committee & a volunteer with Children's Ministry. Jill was hired at Bethel August of 2016. She is the assistant to the Administrator and many other ministries. Jill and her husband Randy have been married for 16 years, and have 3 children. Jill enjoys having fun, reading & spending time with her family and friends.
Contact Jill at jill@discoverbethel.com
Contact Jill at jill@discoverbethel.com
Christie Thomas - Director of Children's Ministries
Christie began as Director in 2006, and started her own children's ministry at home in 2009. Christie loves to tell the stories of God to her three sons and to the kids in Lighthouse, and loves to see how God's stories can change the heart and life of even the youngest child. When a child knows that God is always with them, even before they know the words to call out to Him, God is glorified. Christie is also the Director of WillowWood Preschool and the author of "Wise for Salvation: Meaningful Devotions for Families with Little Ones".
Contact Christie at christie@discoverbethel.com or check out her family ministry blog.
Contact Christie at christie@discoverbethel.com or check out her family ministry blog.
Thelme Van Heerden - Associate Director of Children's Ministries
Thelme has been on staff since August 2016. Originally from South Africa, Thelme's family came to Canada when she was nine. Living in Rocky Mountain House she started her education degree at Red Deer college and then transferred to the U of A. She has been attending Bethel since 2014 and has eagerly been involved in youth and children's ministry. Thelme loves working with children and knows God has called her from an early age to be involved with mentoring and leading kids. Thelme likes watching movies and spending time with her dog.
Contact Thelme at thelme@discoverbethel.com
Contact Thelme at thelme@discoverbethel.com
Melanie Reynders - Director of Youth Ministries
Melanie has been on staff at Bethel since September 2013. Originally hailing from Victoria, BC, Melanie came to the frigid winters of Alberta to attend The King’s University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology in May 2013. She is passionate about teaching youth and seeing them mature in their faith. She especially loves taking groups of youth on mission trips and service opportunities, so they may experience how God is moving in our world and learn how they may use their God given gifts to further his kingdom, both in foreign countries and within our neighbourhoods
Contact Melanie at melanie@discoverbethel.com
Contact Melanie at melanie@discoverbethel.com
Kevin Rietema - Director of Worship Ministries
Kevin has been serving on staff at Bethel since August of 2014. He is married to Jessica and has two children. Kevin is a graduate of Briercrest College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and Worship. After graduating, he spent five years working at a church in Wingham, Ontario. Kevin is thrilled to be back in Alberta and is excited to be serving among the gathered community at Bethel. When he is not working, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, listening to podcasts, being in the mountains and doing anything active.
Contact Kevin at kevin@discoverbethel.com
Contact Kevin at kevin@discoverbethel.com
Cindy Harris - Support Services
Cindy is originally from Ontario and has lived in Edmonton since 1999. Through Bethel she became a Christian in 2008 and was baptized in 2009. Since then she has been involved in various volunteer positions at Bethel and continues to learn and grow in Christ. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and hanging out with friends. Cindy is blessed to be an important part of Bethel's team.
Our Council
Management EldersGreg Boskers - Chair
John Buisman - Clerk John Elzinga Gary Duthler Pat Groot Randall Huisman - Past Chair David Vander Heide - Vice Chair |
Shepherding EldersAlice Dubbeldam
Ruth Groves Rene Hebers Elaine Vandermeulen Rob Koning Corry Vanderzee Valerie Verveda Dan Wildeboer - Chair |
DeaconsFred Abma
Ian Billiald LInda Bird Hans Huizinga - Chair Brad Scharfenberg Jennifer Snaterse Randy Sneep Jeff Van Niejenhuis Lorrane Vaccianna-Gordon Richard Vriend E.J. Vroon Michael Werkman |