| Pastoral Staff |
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James Bekkers
Executive Pastor
james.bekkers@northpark.ca
James was born and raised in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Most of his adult life has been dedicated to educational work. After graduating from St. Francis Xavier University, he taught labs for various undergraduate courses before meeting his wife, Caroline, and completing his B.Ed. at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Early in their marriage, James and Caroline moved to St. Petersburg, Russia where they spent time teaching in an international elementary school. This was an extremely meaningful and life changing experience for them. Returning home to Canada, James completed a Masters in New Testament Studies in Vancouver. From there he moved to Alberta to teach high school and then finally to London to work as a principal for a local Christian school.
Before taking on the role of Executive Pastor in 2007, James was the Pastor of Spiritual Formation (2002-2007) at North Park. Despite the change in roles, James' interests are still deeply rooted in spiritual formation. His greatest desire for North Park is that it will be a place where people can embrace grace and experience the transformation promised to those who commit themselves to following Jesus. James and Caroline have three wonderful children - Isaiah, Ben and Eden. For fun they love to explore nature, travel and laugh at each other.
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Dom Ruso
Teaching Pastor
dom.ruso@northpark.ca
Born and raised in Montreal, Domenic (Dom) was privileged to grow up in an eclectic cultural setting. The artistic flavor of Montreal led Dom to pursue a Bachelor in Music with the hope of serving in church ministry some day. With this in mind, a youth pastor encouraged him to consider a one year Bible College diploma so that his musical passion was grounded in Biblical teaching. The one year diploma quickly turned into a Bachelor in Theology majoring in Pastoral Ministry. This led to a renewed passion for learning about God and the deep truths of the Scriptures. In 2001, while pastoring in Sarnia, Dom worked through his Master Degree in Theology and was blessed to meet his wonderful wife Beverly. Upon marrying, they moved to Calgary where Dom became the High School Ministry Director at a growing and vibrant church. It was while ministering in Calgary that Dom completed his Masters and found God prompting a fresh role in teaching and leading. After much prayer and discernment, Dom accepted the call to become the Lead Pastor of a young and exciting campus church in Waterloo. It was here that Dom and Beverly were blessed with their son Josiah and since their arrival to London have been blessed with their second son Luca. Dom is presently working on his PhD and has recently accepted an invitation to be North Park's teaching pastor.
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Ron Burdock
Director of Global Outreach
ron.burdock@northpark.ca
Ron was born in Newfoundland, but has spent most of his life in Ontario. He developed his heart for the world through the Navigators at the University of Western Ontario. Ron owned and operated a series of successful Drycleaning stores (Burdock's Cleaners and Canada's Cleaners) in London over a 20 year period. During that time he travelled into the developing world and started on a journey of learning how to empower the poor through mission involvement. After selling his business Ron went to Oxford University where he studied Mission and Development. He has travelled to India, Indonesia, Central & South American, Africa and China and is passionate about how the Church can engage effectively around the world. Ron married Donna Ballantine in the fall of 2008 and they serve together on behalf of a world in need.
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James Coolidge
Pastor of Spiritual Formation
james.coolidge@northpark.ca
James was born and raised on a dairy farm in Woodville, Ontario. Early in his childhood, he sensed the call of God on his life to help people discover God and to have a personal relationship with Him through Christ. James actively ministered to his peers throughout his teenage years and was heavily involved in his youth group and overseeing the Inter-School Christian Fellowship program at his high school. At the age of 19, James commenced his theological training at Central Baptist Seminary while continuing to serve in God’s calling as a pastor to teenagers. 21 years later, James has served at 3 churches and 2 parachurch ministries. Most recently he worked for Teen Challenge Inc. as their National Director of Operations overseeing and coordinating the Teen Challenge ministry centres and programs across Canada. James married his high-school sweetheart Catherine and they have three beautiful daughters: Jess, Katie and Allycia. James’ desire is to grow deeper in his knowledge, love and experience of God’s presence in every day life. His passion is to help others fully embrace and experience the unconditional love of God, to grasp their true identity in Christ and to reach their full potential and purpose which God created them for.
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Bob Cottrill
Pastor of Worship
bob.cottrill@northpark.ca
In the last 20 years of ministry, Bob and his wife Brenda have served in many different areas of church ministry: Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor - and of course, as Worship Pastor here at North Park Community Church in London. (Prior to working in Church ministry, Bob worked in Real Estate sales and leasing for 5 years.) Bob graduated from Trinity Western University (BA - Business Administration) and in 1994, finished his Master of Theological Studies at Trinity Western Seminary. More recently (1998) he finished the Arrow Leadership Program, an intensive international Christian leadership development program founded by Leighton Ford Ministries. Brenda obtained her A.R.C.T. from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (Piano Performance) and enjoys teaching piano and voice lessons and partnering with Bob in the worship ministry at North Park. Pastor Bob Cottrill has been providing leadership to our church worship ministries since 1999 - working together with committed volunteers, other pastoral staff, our Board of Elders and the Worship Ministry Team. Bob's perspective: "Worship happens whenever we make a point of responding to God's presence. Worship does not happen because you are in the right place at the right time, or because the music is exceptionally good, or because it says so in a church bulletin. But worship does happens in our homes, in our cars, at our work and here at North Park whenever people open their hearts and lives to the presence of the living God!"
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David Cottrill
Director of Community Outreach
david.cottrill@northpark.ca
David serves as the Director of Community Outreach, an exciting role of linking the resources of North Park with the needs of the community at Huron and Highbury. This includes the development of a ministry centre in that neighbourhood from which services and programs could be offered. Before coming to North Park in September 2004, David spent 8 years ministering as a Missions Pastor in Orange County California, helping to plant urban churches and train workers for these new congregations. The churches were started by first establishing community ministry centres that provided for the needs of the neighbourhood.
The plight of the poor and oppressed has always pressed David into action whether here or abroad. It was this passion that led him to pursue a M.A. program at Fuller Theological Seminary that concentrated on Community Development from a biblical perspective. Before entering full time ministry, David used his engineering background while working at IBM and at a Civil Engineering Consultant in California. He is married to Lynda, a nurse and fellow graduate of Fuller and they have been blessed with three children, Andrew, Emma and Alexander.
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Matt Eckert
Pastor of Community Engagement
matt.eckert@northpark.ca
After a rewarding 13-year career in domestic and international banking, Matthew determined that it was time to move to the next phase of his life. This new phase lead him to join North Park as Pastor of Small Group ministries in the spring of 2004. After three years, North Park's desire to more intentionally meet the social needs of London, Ontario allowed Matthew to spearhead a new initiative called ENGAGE which launched in the fall of 2007. Matthew continues to give leadership to this area as well as a new Saturday evening Cafe service. His passion to disciple other men also has him playing a role with the men's ministry.
Matthew is married to Janice and they have two children in high school. He is also a Doctor of Ministry candidate at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto.
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Jenny Halliday
Young Adults Ministry Assistant
jenny.halliday@northpark.ca
Jenny grew up in and around the Orangeville area, but moved to London in 2006 to begin her post secondary education at the University of Western Ontario. She graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is working part-time as a Registered Nurse in long-term care. While she enjoys working with the elderly, Jenny also has a passion for the young adult generation. She has been involved in EnRoute leadership for a number of years, and is excited to see the ministry grow and develop as young adults commit to seeking and following Christ.
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Peter Maddocks
Young Adults Ministry Intern
pete.maddocks@northpark.ca
Peter grew up on the outskirts of the small city of Chatham located about an hour south of London just off the 401. After highschool he went on to complete his Honours Bachelor Degree at The University of Wilfrid Laurier majoring in both Psychology and English. While there he joined the leadership team of a student church in Waterloo called the Embassy and during his time there felt God’s calling to the ministry. As an answer to this call he has spent the last two years working toward his Master of Divinity (Mdiv) at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto and will be interning at North Park this school year (2009-10) as he finishes the third and final year of his Mdiv. Peter has a competivie spirit which he brings to his play of sports, video games and board games. Currently Peter resides in London with his wonderful wife Marlene and is excited about the plans that God has for their future together.
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Wendy McLellan
Pastor of Community Care
wendy.mclellan@northpark.ca
Born in London Wendy began a successful 25 year career in the manufacturing industry, working her way up to senior management. Wendy left that career to take a 1 year sabbatical and then held the position of People Resources Manager at Christian Horizons. Wendy began attending North Park in 1994 and by 1995-6 was involved in Life Group leadership leading to several other leadership roles. In 2004 Wendy brought the Celebrate Recovery program to North Park. Wendy’s experience and education includes 21 years of personal recovery, 19 years helping in the recovery field, Certification in Business Management and Administration, Certification in Addiction Studies from McMaster University, and Master of Theological Studies Degree from Heritage Seminary. Wendy is also a Provincial Representative and National Representative for Celebrate Recovery supporting churches across Canada in starting the Celebrate Recovery program. Her first love remains seeing needs met in her own North Park community. Wendy is married to Bud and they have an incredible family of 7 children (& their spouses) and 19 grandchildren
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Shelley Morgan
Saturday Night Children's Coordinator
shelley.morgan@northpark.ca
Shelley grew up in London and has been attending North Park for over 12 years. She has been involved in Children’s and Youth Ministries in various capacities for over twenty years. While completing an Honors BA in English with French at the University of Western Ontario, Shelley spent one year in Minneapolis studying at North Central Bible College, where she was involved in mission and community outreach. She is married to Glen, and they have two children; a son, Alex and a daughter, Ellise. Shelley’s passion is to see children grow in exciting, living relationships with God through Christ. She is delighted to answer God’s call to ministry with the children here at North Park.
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Kevin Norcross
Pastor of Senior High Ministry
kevin.norcross@northpark.ca
Kevin graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Theology specializing in Church Leadership and has been in full time youth ministry ever since. He has been married to his best friend, Kylie, since 2001 and they have 3 exceptional children; Kaden (born in 2003), and twins, Jayla, and Mekhi (born in 2005). They love spending time together as a family.
Kevin Norcross responded to a call into ministry as a teenager and has never looked back. He is passionate about the spiritual well being of today’s young people, and absolutely loves to watch them grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Kevin gives leadership to the Sr. High ministry here at North Park and considers it a great honor to do so. “There are so many students who have so much potential through God, and it is so fulfilling and rewarding to see them discover that.”
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Phil Prendergast
Director of Junior High Ministry
phil.prendergast@northpark.ca
Phil is the lead navigator for the Jr High Ministry and is responsible for the leading and development of the leadership team and overall Jr High student community. Phil joined our staff in March of 2008. He was born in the great town of Sarnia and has served in various ministry capacities over the past number of years. Phil studied at Tyndale Bible College and University in Toronto where he met his lovely wife Stephanie. They together felt God leading them to work with homeless youth on the streets of Halifax Nova Scotia. After College they moved out to Halifax and founded a street ministry called “The Hope Project.” They have lived in London for 3 years and have served in another local church context in Student Ministry before coming to North Park. Since being a young kid Phil has felt a passion and calling to minister to the “next” generation. His primary gifts lie in the areas of creativity, communication and relational connections. He feels passionately about investing in and impacting students for Christ.
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Wesley Prescod
Director of Community Care
wesley.prescod@northpark.ca
Wesley has been attending North Park Community Church since 1982. He was born in Barbados and came to Canada in 1969. After 32 years of teaching and coordinating at Fanshawe College he retired in July 2006 to a life of leisure. However, in September 2007, he answered a call from North Park to join the pastoral staff as Interim Director of Spiritual Formation. In March 2009, the transition from Spiritual Formation to Community Care started and was full implemented in Dec 2009, when a Pastor of Spiritual Formation was hired. Wesley has served at North Park in many capacities including Prayer Ministry Team, Visitation Team, Ministry Deacon’s Board member and six years as an elder. Wesley volunteers at LHSC as a Spiritual Care Partner and an On-call Chaplain. He and Wilma met at university and were married in 1970. They have 2 children – Paul and Thea – and two beautiful grandchildren Noella and Cohen.
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Cathy Thornton
Director of Preschool Ministries
cathy.thornton@northpark.ca
Cathy joined the church staff in March 2001. A graduate from Tyndale Bible College with a Bachelor of Christian Education (Early Childhood Studies), and from Seneca College with a diploma in Early Childhood Education, Cathy has a genuine love for preschool children and their families. Cathy began her work with preschool children at Thousand Island Baptist Church when she was just in early elementary school. God confirmed her calling to work with preschoolers during the four summers she worked in children's ministry at Fair Havens Bible Conference. She is thrilled to be able to work full time for Christ in Preschool Ministries here at North Park Community Church.
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Jim Wells
Pastor of Children's and Family Ministry
jim.wells@northpark.ca
Jim gives leadership to our children's department as Pastor of Children & Family Ministries. He has a passion for impacting kids for God through music, drama, teaching or just interacting one on one. His post secondary training includes Providence College and The University of Western Ontario. Jim loves soccer, puzzles, marshmallow cookies, and clapping with one hand. Give him a group of kids to entertain or interact with and he's a happy guy. On April 12, 1980 he married his best friend Nancy, who is an intensive care nurse and loves to teach God's Word, as well as worship God through playing the piano. They have 4 awesome kids; Emily, Kendra, Simon, and Spencer.
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Ann Wiebe
Director of Small Groups
ann.wiebe@northpark.ca
Ann began in the small group ministry at North Park as a volunteer in 1993. She came on staff in 1999 to oversee the development of adult small groups. She is a firm believer that "The bigger a church grows, the smaller it must become (Ralph Neighbour)." The primary purpose of the church is to address the spiritual element of life. However many times the spiritual area of an individual?s life can only grow once relational connections are made. A small group can provide the opportunity for someone to grow in their relationship with Christ in the context of love and acceptance. Ann believes in the importance of equipping, encouraging and empowering leadership. God has given every person a unique blend of gifts, abilities, temperament, and passions. Most individuals just need someone who cares to come along side them, identify their uniqueness, and encourage them to use what God has given them to serve Him and the church. A small group environment has proven to be the ideal place for this to happen. Ann and her husband, Grant, have three children Katie, Olivia & Jared.
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