Upcoming Events
BCY Pastor/Chaplain & Spouse Retreat | June 13-14, 2024—View Brochure
BCY Regional Assembly | June 14-15, 2024—View Brochure
Comings & Goings
A warm welcome to the following pastors:
Shirley Shek, Assistant Pastor at Westside Baptist Church
Shirley became a Christian when she was in high school in Hong Kong. She and her husband, Kan, moved from Hong Kong to Vancouver with their two sons and a daughter in late 2021, and have been part of Westside Baptist Church since then.
Shirley graduated from The University of Hong Kong and worked as a professional surveyor in land administration and property development for ten years. She then left her career to nurture her family. During her time as a full-time mother, Shirley deeply experienced the complexities and brokenness in marriage and parent-child relationships within many modern families, recognizing the need for spiritual healing. She also understood the importance of giving support to parents when they are facing struggles and challenges. In response to the parents’ and families’ needs, Shirley enrolled in the Master of Christian Studies program at the China Graduate School of Theology in Hong Kong to equip herself. She majored in marriage and family counselling and graduated in 2020. She began caring for those in need in the role of counselor, with special passion for guiding parents’ personal growth and family relationship.
Shirley truly believes that only the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring true and complete healing to people’s hearts. Therefore, she continued her study in the Master of Theological Studies program at the Canadian Chinese School of Theology (Vancouver), aiming to integrate psychology and counseling knowledge with the Christian faith. With her unique background, training, and amicable character, she endeavours to serve church communities and neighbours, leading them to Jesus for spiritual healing and renewal. She newly joins the pastoral team of Westside Baptist Church as an assistant pastor in March 2024.
Patrick Kwok, Assistant Pastor at Westside Baptist Church
I am Patrick, a vessel through which the grace of Jesus Christ has worked profoundly. My father was a Vietnam War veteran who had PTSD, and I lost my mother at the tender age of 16. These experiences have taught me to rely on God’s unwavering support when my parents were absent. My wife, Tien, and I have three children and a dog.
My family stands as a testament to God’s faithfulness in the difficult times of my life. My calling to serve the new generation has led me to serve as a guidance counsellor in an international school, and a life coach in China, where I’ve had the privilege of guiding others toward God’s light in their paths. My family dedicated a decade to missionary work overseas, a journey not of my design but directed by God’s hand. I studied psychology and counselling, youth ministry training, and marketplace theology, which empowered me to respond to how God has used me to further His kingdom. My involvement in my current ministry position, especially among youth and teens in English and Cantonese congregations, is an ongoing testimony to God’s equipping and calling in my life. God has used me to foster environments where young souls can explore their faith, confront challenges, and embark on their unique spiritual journeys. Witnessing the impact of a Christ-centred approach on the youth has affirmed my belief in the vital role of church ministry in navigating life’s transition in formative years. I aspire to mentor, inspire, and empower the new generation to forge a personal relationship with Christ. In every aspect of my journey, from the depths of personal loss to the heights of serving others, I have seen the hand of God guiding and using me for His purposes. As I continue to walk this path, my heart remains steadfast in illuminating the way for the new generation, helping them discover their faith and purpose in embracing Christ’s unconditional love.
Monica McKinlay, Lead Pastor of Grandview Calvary Baptist Church
Rev. Monica McKinlay has just moved across town, most recently serving as Lead Pastor at Kitsilano Christian Community for five years. She is now back at Grandview Church on the Eastside of Vancouver, in the community that formed and ordained her in 2005. Monica graduated with a MDiv from Regent College and is also trained as a Spiritual Director. She loves to facilitate encounters with God for others
through prayer, preaching, discipleship, and other spiritual practices. She is married to Malcolm, and they like to take long, summer cycle trips, plunge into the cold ocean, and drink chai tea together. Monica journeys as a contemplative and regularly takes silent retreats to sustain her ministry. She is grateful to be pastoring for over 12 years now.
Lisi Schrottner, Interim Pastor at Kitsilano Christian Community
Lisi Schrottner is a first generation Canadian, growing up in the BC Interior with her Austrian parents and sisters. She grew up in the church and has always been interested in culture, history, languages, theology, and learning people’s stories. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies at Columbia Bible College, which included a
one-year internship in Indonesia with the Mennonite Central Committee. A few years later, having moved to Vancouver, she began her graduate studies at the University of British Columbia. Her research was on Second Temple Judaism and the Dead Sea Scrolls. During her time at UBC, Lisi began working at a nearby Baptist church. She served mostly in the worship and small group ministries, as well as in pastoral care—and she was preaching regularly. After graduating with her Master of Arts in Religious Studies, and after some time off, Lisi began working at Kitsilano Christian Community as the worship coordinator. Seventeen months later, she began her role as interim lead pastor and will stay until June 2024.
Lisi is passionate about bridging the world of biblical scholarship with the life of faith, and encouraging the church in thoughtful and generous faith. She finds great joy in writing liturgies and curating meaningful worship spaces for those who are drawn to the person of Jesus. She is always learning to walk in solidarity with others, extending God’s radical welcome and seeking justice for marginalized communities and the earth around us. When she’s not thinking about these things, Lisi can be found reading (usually about these things), cycling, enjoying nature, or visiting her family and her wonderful fiancé, Andy.
Brad Funnell, Lead Pastor at Berea Baptist Church
Brad was born and raised in Surrey, BC. He was invited to church by a friend when he was six years old, and he and his family came to faith shortly after that. After high school, Brad studied acting for film and television at Vancouver Film School. He spent most of his
twenties pursuing a career in acting. He served his church by acting, writing, and directing plays, being a youth leader, and being a missions team member. At 29, Brad felt the call to ministry. He soon began studying at Pacific Life Bible College, earning a BA in Pastoral Leadership and Christian Apologetics. He is currently pursuing an MDiv at Carey Theological College. Previously, Brad served at Calvary Church in the Fraser Heights neighbourhood in Surrey, spending three years as a pastoral intern and seven years as the student ministries pastor. He and his family are excited to join the close-knit community at Berea Baptist Church.
Brad and his wife, Melissa, have three kids (5, 2, and 3 months). In his spare time, Brad likes chasing his kids while pretending to be a monster, enjoying parks and beaches with his family, exploring trails all over the Lower Mainland, visiting coffee shops, cooking, reading, and learning new skills (table making, bread baking, painting).
Greg Sumner, Director of Congregational Pastoral Care, New Life Community Baptist Church
Hi, we’re Greg and Colleen! We joined the team in January 2024 and will step into the role of leading the Care Ministry. Our focus will be supporting our New Life Church family through any physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. This includes visiting congregants in their homes
or in the hospital and connecting through phone calls. With the help of a team of volunteers, we also organize the monthly Abundant Joy Club meetings, as well as the making and distributing of freezer meals to support those in need.
Christopher Chu, Pastor of Children and Families at Trinity Baptist Church Vancouver
I grew up in Vancouver, BC to first-generation immigrants from Hong Kong. I had the privilege of growing up with seven foster siblings and an older brother. I currently live in Burnaby with my wife, Sunnie. After coming to know the Lord at 16, I went to TWU, Regent, and Carey for
my training. I spent a brief time in the maritime industry at BC Ferries, but the call to ministry was too strong. I love anything to do with the sea, sailing, fishing, and boating. You might also see me driving around Vancouver or at campsites in my Caribbean Green Westfalia.
My passion to serve in ministry is especially strong in theological education, preaching, and spiritual direction. I’m particularly influenced by my mentor Jim Houston and the love of the ascetic movement in the early church. I’m keen to personally know the people I serve by never being ‘too busy’ and encouraging them in their walk with God. My previous ministry experiences have been with children, youth, and families, and I love preaching God’s Word and teaching!
Mark Kingston, Lead Pastor Calvary Baptist Church Gibsons, BC
My name is Mark Kingston. I’m from Oxford, UK. I have been married to Angela since 2005, and we have two sons, Isaac and Jasper. Raised in a Christian home, my parents were both from the Baptist tradition. Much of my early life was spent in Malawi, Africa, amidst a vibrant faith community with people from around the globe.
In the early 1980s in Malawi, my parents planted a church in our home, which eventually grew into a large Baptist Church that continues to worship today. I spent my teens and twenties in the UK and was baptised at 13 in an Anglican Church influenced by the Charismatic renewal movement of the late 1980s.
A pivotal moment in my faith journey was the three years I spent studying at Regent College. This period allowed me to grapple with my faith, and broaden my understanding and appreciation of God’s work in His world.
In November 2021, we embarked on a significant faith adventure, moving our family from the UK to Canada to work at Barnabas Landing on Keats Island. My work hosting and ministering to groups at Barnabas has reinforced my conviction that I am called to pastoral ministry. I began as solo pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in February 2024.
John Yu, Associate Pastor West Vancouver Baptist Church
Pastor JunDe Yu (John) was born in China. He studied at Shanghai Medical School and became a surgeon.
He is married to his lovely wife, XiaHua Bao (Karen), and they have two adult children and four beautiful grandchildren. John and Karen moved
to Toronto, Ontario in the 1990s where he worked as an acupuncturist at West Toronto Acupuncture Clinic.
In 1994, both he and Karen gave their lives to Christ and were baptized in the Mississauga Carmel Alliance Church.
He went on to study at the China Evangelical Seminary in 2005, obtaining a Master of Pastoral Degree in 2009. He served as an elder in the Toronto Chinese Bible Church whilst studying. Pastor Yu then joined the Mississauga Chinese Baptist Church as Inter Pastor where he worked from 2009 to 2011.
In 2011, they felt called to missionary work in Japan. From 2011–2020, Pastor Yu worked in ministry, pastoring a Chinese congregation in a Japanese church (Tokyo Yodobashi Wesleyan Holiness).
In 2018, Pastor Yu became an instructor of the Life of Christ theology extended education through S.E.A.N (Study by Extension for All Nations). He is still actively involved in this ministry education.
In 2018, he was ordained as Reverend JunDe Yu in Tokyo, Japan.
Pastor JunDe Yu joined West Vancouver Baptist Church (WVBC) in November 2022 as Interim Mandarin Pastor, and in January 2024, he became an Associate Pastor at WVBC.
Pastor Yu is passionate about sharing the gospel and the study of God’s word.
He leads Bible studies, preaches the word weekly, and spearheads numerous outreach programs—including home groups and a senior’s ministry. Pastor Yu enjoys jogging, table tennis, swimming, travel…
Aldo Zeng, Associate Bethel Baptist Church
Aldo grew up in mainland China, became a Christian in San Francisco in 1996 and immigrated to Canada in 1999. Right after landing in Vancouver, being led by the Lord, he immediately came to Chinese Tabernacle Baptist Church and served there until now. Aldo majored in Spiritual Formation at Carey Theology School. He graduated in 2022
and served as a half-time assistant pastor at Bethel Baptist Church on the Sunshine Coast, from the beginning of January 2024.
Aldo graduated from medical school in China. However, after coming to North America, he became an IT guy. He met his lovely wife and got married in 2006. God blessed them with three children, two daughters, and a son. He has served as Sunday sermon translator, adult Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader since 1999. He is also a “choir spiritual director”—giving the choir a short speech after each practice every Sunday. The choir will have some spiritual guidance and encouragement. Literally, he was “preaching to the choir” for over 24 years.
Aldo always prays for the revival of God’s people. Seeing the lack of daily/regular spiritual practices (prayer, Bible reading, etc.) from brothers and sisters, especially among the Chinese Christians, he has the burden to pursue an education in the field of spiritual formation in order to be “a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season” (Matt 24:45).
Moving On–a heartfelt thank you for your ministry! Wishing you God’s richest blessings for the next chapter in your life.
- Jack Borchert, Lead Administrative Director, retired from Summerland Baptist Church on December 31, 2023.
- Christopher Chu, Associate Pastor, is no longer at Grace Community as of January 31, 2024.
- Awlwyn Balnave concluded his time as interim pastor at Berea Baptist on February 29, 2024.
- Michael Cheng, Associate Pastor at Grace Community Baptist Church, concluded his ministry there on February 29, 2024.
- Greg Pearson, Lead Pastor, will conclude his ministry at FBC Victoria on March 31, 2024.
- Stephen Bell, Executive Director and Lead Pastor, resigned from the Mustard Seed Church effective April 31, 2024.
This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca