tnorris@templebaptist.com
JAMES BEKKERS · Executive Pastor James grew up in Antigonish, a small university town on the east coast of Canada. He began serving at Temple as Executive Pastor in July 2013 following more than 11 years of church leadership in London, ON. Over the past two decades James has been a teacher, a principal, and a pastor. His academic interests are wide ranging - from science and technology, to education and theology. James is married to Caroline and they have three grown children. James is passionate about seeing the local church grow spiritually and engage the culture around it with authenticity, wisdom and creativity. |
jbekkers@templebaptist.com
BRADY BURNS · Pastor of Senior Youth and Young Adults
Growing up in Milton, Ontario, Brady developed a passion for ministering to youth and young people. After graduating from Heritage College with a bachelor's degree, he worked with Youth for Christ in Milton before going back to Heritage as the Residence Director. After his time there, he managed a used record store and completed a Masters in Theological Studies. Brady began working at Temple in September 2021 as the Pastor of Sr. High Youth and Young Adults. Brady and his wife, Krystal, have two boys named Barrett and Silas. He loves the outdoors, but can most likely be found sitting beside his vinyl record collection listening to some modal jazz or ambient rock. |
bburns@templebaptist.com
KATHERINE REYES · Director of Children's Ministry
Katherine joined the Temple staff as Children’s Director in June 2006. Katherine oversees all of our children’s ministry programs (Temple's Tree House, Girls Alive, Sunday School, Plan to Protect and Day Camp). Katherine has a passion for seeing children accept Jesus as their forever friend and helping them grow in their faith. Her spiritual gifts include administration and teaching. Katherine believes that children need to be taught the Word of God but also see Jesus’ love demonstrated in everyday people. She is married to Lehrend, and has three wonderful kids: Julia, David, and James. |
children@templebaptist.com
JARED WIEBE · Junior High Intern
Jared Wiebe born and raised down the street in the great big city of London, Ontario. Jared is working on a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry, through Prairie College’s Online Education. When he’s not found at his desk at work or at home, he is either playing board games, watching football, playing any given sport, or talking to someone. He loves connecting with people, whether that be over a meal, hobby, or just sitting on a couch. Jared has stepped into our Jr. High ministry with a vision of making every student feel seen, known and loved by our Father in heaven by equipping leaders in the local body of Christ to come alongside students as the hands, feet and presence of Jesus. |
jwiebe@templebaptist.com
GAIL ANN VEGH · Director of Worship Arts
Note: Gail Ann is on maternity leave until June 2023. Gail Ann joined the Temple team in January of 2020 and serves as Director of Worship Arts. She is a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, but had been living in Florida since 2003. Professionally, she has been in office management and church leadership since 1999. Gail Ann’s heart is to set the example that worship is far more than just music, but a lifestyle that we choose to live everyday. The Bible tells us to have joy in all that we do and to rejoice. To rejoice means dance, move, twist, jump, and/or leap and she does just that, and loves the idea of living her life like a celebration. |
SHELLEY MATSSON · Administrative and Office Manager
Shelley joined our staff as our part-time Administrative and Office Manager. Shelley is a North American Baptist College alumnus and brings 15 years of valuable administration experience to Temple. She has worked with a technology firm and an academic institution where she operated beside the Vice President and the Dean of Admissions. Both Shelley and her husband Rolf are quite active in our ministry programs. In her downtime Shelley enjoys spending as much time as possible with Rolf and their two children, Evan and Sofi. |
smatsson@templebaptist.com
NICOLE THOMAS · Administrative Assistant
Nicole provides administrative support to staff and members of Temple Baptist Church two days a week. Aside from her time here in the office, Nicole also volunteers in the toddlers room during our Sunday morning worship service. Nicole keeps busy helping her husband, Simon, and their three kids, Lachlan, Hudson and Eamon by traveling around and visiting some of the local sights. |
nthomas@templebaptist.com
amclean@templebaptist.com
GARY BOUCHER · Church Maintenance Manager
Gary Boucher moved to the Sarnia area from Nova Scotia and has been on staff at Temple since 2019. He has been married to Catherine for almost 30 years and they have one adult daughter. You can always find Gary working around the church, willing to help out in whatever capacity he is needed. |
gboucher@templebaptist.com
treasurer@templebaptist.com
SAMANTHA NIEUWLAND · Voluntary Care Ministry Intern
Samantha grew up at Temple and has enjoyed serving in many different ministries. She has worked with children and adults through tutoring and various care experiences. These ministry experiences have helped Samantha know how to care for others of various ages. Samantha's heart to reach those in challenging circumstances led her to obtain a diploma in Social Services. Additionally she achieved a Master’s in Theology to strengthen her training in theology and counseling. Samantha is very thankful for the opportunity to love God and serve others through Temple’s Care ministry, providing comfort to those in time of need and crisis. If you see Samantha around, please take a moment to introduce yourself! |
snieuwland@templebaptist.com