Brian Cooper was appointed associate dean of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary-ACTS and assistant professor of theology at MBBS Canada, beginning Aug. 1. Brian has a BSc from the University of Manitoba, an MDiv from ACTS, a ThM from Wycliffe College, Toronto, and a PhD from the University of St. Michael’s College (Toronto School of Theology). He served as a youth pastor at Baptist churches in Winnipeg and North Vancouver from 1991–99, worked as a chaplain from 2000–03, and as a seminary administrative assistant from 2003–06. Since 2006, Brian has been pastor of family ministries at Northside Community Church (MB), Mission, B.C. He taught sessionally for a year at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., and has been an adjunct faculty member at MBBS-ACTS since 2008. Brian and Connie have 3 children: Lauren (deceased), Nicole, Austin.
Christine Kampen began as half-time co-pastoral elder at Highland Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C., July 1. A member of the congregation for 10 years, she was hired on a 6-month interim basis in January after completing an MA in Christian formation from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind. Previous to this, Christine worked in an administrative capacity for MCC BC and Coast Hotels. J Janzen, who has served at Highland since January 2008, remains as co-pastoral elder. He moves from half-time to a 3/4-time role after a year as interim editor of the MB Herald. Andrew Dyck completed 4 years as co-pastoral elder at Highland, June 30. He currently serves as executive secretary of the Historical Commission. Andrew will continue to serve at Highland in a preaching capacity as he pursues PhD studies.
| Steve Boakes resigned from Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, B.C., May 15 after 5 years as pastor. He is now serving as executive pastor at North Langley (B.C.) Community Church. _______________ Bruce Gordon came on staff at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, B.C., as transitional lead pastor, Apr. 11. He is trained as a CGA, and holds an MBA and an honourary doctorate of education. Bruce has served as president of Tyndale College and Seminary, Toronto, and of Focus on the Family, Canada. He has taught business at Trinity Western University, Langley, B.C. and also served with Campus Crusade for Christ Canada (Power to Change) since 1998. He is an associate of Outreach Canada. Bruce and Denise have a passion for the local church. They have been married 39 years and have 3 married sons and 3 grandchildren. | Board of faith and life chair Vidya Narimalla resigned from the board effective June 2011. _______________ A minister active in evangelism and church growth in the United Kingdom is now lead pastor of an MB church in B.C.’s Okanagan region. Phil Collins joined the staff at Willow Park Church, Kelowna, B.C., in June 2010 as pastor of The Church @ 33 campus, then after 6 months was appointed senior leader of WPC. He began his ministry as national evangelist with Youth for Christ in the UK, then in his 30s moved into pastoring and building a network of churches in the Midlands area. For 4 years prior to coming to B.C., he served as CEO for the Saltmine Trust, an evangelistic outreach organization focused on reaching people for Christ through the arts. |
