Alpha Leadership Tour
Leadership Tour Details
Join together with Canadian Church Leaders on a perspective-shifting trip featuring the Alpha Leadership Conference at the Royal Albert Hall and rare opportunities to connect with and learn from key churches and faith leaders in the beautiful and historic city of London.
Guests & Speakers
Here are some of the incredible leaders we have had the privilege of sharing intimate time with on previous tours.
Nicky & Pippa Gumbel
Archie & Sam Coates
N.T. Wright
Stephen Foster
Al Gordon
Bishop Ric Thorpe
Pete Hughes
Katherine Chow
Simon Ponsonby
Draft Schedule
Overview
Day 1 | Tuesday, April 28
Canadian Welcome Gathering (afternoon)
Day 2 | Wednesday, April 29
Leadership sessions with Nicky & Pippa Gumbel, Pete Hughes, Katherine Chow and more
• Canadian Leaders Dinner
Day 3 | Thursday, May 30
Tour of Oxford, and exclusive leadership sessions with Stephen Foster, N.T Wright, and Simon Ponsonby.
Day 4 | Friday, May 1
Leadership sessions with Sarah Jackson, Wole Agbaje and more. Plus the SAINT story with Al Gordon, followed by the all-night joint prayer gathering with SAINT, Imprint and KXC Church.
Day 5 | Saturday, May 2
Leadership sessions and prayer with Sandy & Annette Millar followed by a free day to tour London
Day 6 | Sunday, May 3
HTB Church Service followed by an afternoon Canadian Reception
Day 7 | Monday, May 4
Leadership Conference 2026 at the Royal Albert Hall
Day 8 | Tuesday, May 5
Leadership Conference 2026 at the Royal Albert Hall
Day 9 | Wednesday, May 6
Rising Generation Event for Senior Church Leaders and Youth Pastors followed by a Canadian Leadership Tour debrief
Meet your hosts
Ryan Moffat
National Director of Strategic Partnerships, Alpha Canada
I’m honoured in my role as the Director of Strategic Partnerships to be able to work closely with some of the brightest and most influential Church leaders across Canada. I also have the privilege of aiding in the leadership development of Alpha International staff and sit on the Executive Team at Alpha Canada.
Pam Aramburu
Associate National Director, Alpha Canada
Originally from Mexico City, Pam transitioned from Broadcast Media to ministry after hearing God’s call. For 17 years, she served at Centre Street Church in Calgary, most recently as Pastor of Communications and Technical Ministries on The Senior Leadership Team.
Pam, her husband, and their two sons, Fernando (10) and Diego (7), are passionate about helping people become part of Jesus’ story.
Ed Zadeiks
National Director of Catholic Church, Alpha Canada
As National Director of Alpha in a Catholic Context for the past six years, I’m grateful to serve and equip the Catholic Church across Canada in its mission to evangelize and bring people to Christ. I sit on the Alpha Executive Strategy team. I’m a lifelong practicing and proud Catholic, born and educated in Vancouver, BC.
My wife Shawna and I, along with our 3 kids, have been actively involved in our parish, Christ the Redeemer, since 2004. We are leaders in C.C.O’s Faith Studies, and since 2012 have personally led 30+ Alphas in our parish as well as across the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Tim Teakle
National Alpha Youth Director, Alpha Canada
Tim has served 20+ years in ministry and is currently the National Alpha Youth Director at Alpha Canada. He was a youth pastor for 10 years and has been with Alpha for another 10, serving in the youth department, overall church experience and strategic development.
He and his wife Carolyn have 4 children and a cat named Archie. In his spare time, Tim enjoys custom carpentry and refinishing, movies, and hanging out with his kids.
Jason Persaud
National Director of Church Engagement, Alpha Canada
Jason oversees an incredible team responsible for training, equipping, and coaching churches, pastors, and leaders nationwide in the Alpha course. He has been in ministry for over 32 years, serving as a pastor, home missionary, and itinerant speaker.
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Attendees
Albert Chu
Albert is the Lead Pastor of the Tapestry Church, a multi-campus church in the Lower Mainland.
Andrew Wood
Born & Raised in Mississauga in 1991. Married to Ashton for 9 years, girl dad to Winona (6) Adelina (4) and Junia (5 months). Lead Pastor at Southside@Main, an Alliance church in Milton, ON. Captain of the Milton Co-ed Softball league back2back champs. Coffee, YouTube & Lego on trend.
Anthony Greco
Senior Pastor of Calgary LIFE Church, founder of Mission316, married to Madeleine. Four children, two married, and one granddaughter.
Anthony james
I live in an old farmhouse with my wife and two dogs in Wickham, New Brunswick, on the east coast of Canada. I attend Atlantic Community Church, where I have developed a stronger connection with God than ever before.
Aurea Sadi
Born and raised in Halifax, Aurea has worked for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth in a variety of capacities for over 20+ years. Currently she serves in the Office of Pastoral Life and New Evangelization and as the Communications Lead for the diocese.
Ben Karuhije
Ben Karuhije is the Senior Pastor of Cities Church with locations in Winnipeg and Brandon, where he lives with his wife Sarah and their two children, Moses and Cienne. The Karuhije family is excited to be moving to Saskatchewan in mid 2025 to plant Cities Church in Regina.
Betty Reinders
Betty has lead the Alpha Course in her home and church for more than 20 years. She loves offering hospitality to and creating a welcoming environment for those who are searching for the truth. She and her husband Phil currently serve at ClearView Church in Oakville, Ontario.
Brandon Rabideau
Brandon works at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish in Dartmouth, NS.
Brandon Richardson
Brandon is an adventure-seeker at heart. He loves to see people encounter the life-transforming message of Jesus. Alongside his wife Emma, they lead Base Church in Ontario, Canada where their mission is to worship God, equip the saints, and reach Ontario.
Brent Coulter
Husband of Nicole, Father of Avery & Paris, Lead Pastor at The City Church Mississauga.
Brett & Kristen Ashton
I’m married to Kristen for 20 years this coming July, and have two kids: 14 & 12. I’ve been at Southview Alliance Church since 2009. I’m a musician, and I oversee Family Ministries alongside Worship & Arts. Born and raised in BC, so a Canucks fan.
Brian Suggs
I am a married father of 4 and an Anglican priest in the west end of Toronto.
Bryan Ferguson
I have been Pastoring for 30 years and all within the cities of Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario. The first 17 was with one Church in the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada. Now I am a part of the leadership team of two healthy Churches that merged to become one stronger presence in God’s Kingdom.
Caleb Groeneweg
Husband to the wonderful Alex Groeneweg whom I have the privilege of leading Local Church Ottawa with. She is English & we lived in the UK for the first 10yrs of marriage. We planted a church in Tamworth UK before God calling us to Canada in 2015. We have 3 kiddos. I enjoy film, comedy & running.
Catherine Kriekenbeek-Lee
Catherine Kriekenbeek-Lee is the Managing Director of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Vancouver, BC. In her 10 years at the parish, she’s been involved in various discipleship and evangelization ministries. Married with two sons, Catherine is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies.
Chris Vacher
I’m very grateful for the privilege to work with churches around Canada and the US – many of them running Alpha as a key part of making a real difference in their community. I spent 20 years working in church ministry and now I run Clearway full time. Looking forward to learning from all of you!
Christana Graham
As a ministry spouse I have taken on many roles in the church, both employed and as a volunteer. My heart is for those outside of the church and I actively pursue relationships and opportunities to be engaged in the broader community and my neighbourhood.
Chung Yan (Joyce) Chan
Joyce is the principal of Canadian Chinese School of Theology (CCST) in Vancouver, BC, an ordained minister in the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, and a certified art therapist in B.C. Joyce’s teaching area includes church history, spiritual formation and interdisciplinary ministry reflection.
Cody Barendregt
I am the Youth and Young Adults Pastor at Kamloops Alliance where I have served for a little over 7 years. I have a heart for the next generation and my prayer is that we would see a whole high school in our city come to know Jesus.
Dan MacDonald
Senior pastor , Grace Toronto Church
Danny MacKay
Equipping the church to evangelize the lost, locally and globally. Especially among unreached people groups.
Darren Herbold
In July 2022, The Alliance Canada appointed Rev. Darren Herbold to serve as President of The Alliance Canada. Darren has served The Alliance Canada for over 15 years.
Darrick Tam
David Adams
Dave was born in Banbridge, Northern Ireland and grew up during the troubles. Dave is the Senior Pastor at StoneRidge. Dave and his wife Jen have 4 married sons and 10 grandchildren.
David Krause
David Manafo
Grew up in Montreal; Have a wonderful wife and two young adult kids I’m proud of. Love our city, deeply called here. Planted and continue to pastor Westside Gathering here in 2003.
Enjoy outdoors – biking, landscaping, exploring cities, reading, movies, Italian roast espresso or cortado.
David Tin
Attending LC since 2012. First Alpha in 1996 (English, Chinese, Youth, Marriage course, marriage preparation course, parenting course).
Dean of Toronto and Chairperson Chinese Ministry Conference, ELCIC
Vice Chair, Ambassador For Christ (student campus ministry)
Senior Pastor, Rhenish
Desiree Baker
My husband Ron and I have been in full time ministry for over 30 years. I’ve worked for the church for 24 years, but have been at my Creative Arts position at Vitalpoint Church for 11 yrs. I lead a team of young creatives, and love it! Two young men call me Mom, and three grand babies I adore.
Donavan Friesen
I’m married. 4 kids. 2 dogs and a grandchild on the way! We love our city and country and believe God has asked us to equip and send many to plant churches or help rebirth churches
Elisa Humphreys
Elisa is an Associate Youth Pastor at Beulah Alliance Church, with a deep love for the Church and a passion for guiding the next generation to be the body of Christ. She’s married, owns a toy poodle, and is excited to welcome a baby boy soon.
Emma Richardson
Hey there! My name is Emma, a pastor at Base Church and business owner/Registered Psychotherapist at Ember Counselling. Married to Brandon and mom to four kids, I thrive off of a full life, passionately following the direction that God has set before me.
Father Jean-Marie Bilwala
Born in Kinshasa (RDCONGO), Fr. Jean-Marie served in several countries as pastor and as humanitarian projects coordinator, chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces. Fr. Jean-Marie is an episcopal vicar of Montréal. He speaks French, English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish.
Fr. Alex Colautti
Born and raised in Windsor, ON. Member of an order of charismatic Catholic priests founded in Ottawa, ON called the Companions of the Cross which focuses on parish revitalization. Currently lives in Detroit, MI where he serves in recruitment and formation of future priests.
Fr. Bryan Sabourin
Fr. Bryan is the Director of Ongoing Formation for the Companions of the Cross, a religious community in the Catholic Church. In his role he helps to develop priest leaders for missional multiplication in their ministries. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2014.
Fr. David Bergeron
Fr. Tim Devine
I had a beautiful experience of Jesus when I was 21 years old in 1996. I am blind from birth. I am 50 years old. I was born in Kitchener Ontario. I was ordained in 2002. My recent assignment began in the summer of 2023.
Gillian Thompson
Wife to Paul (Alpha Canada board member); mom to 4 adult children; church and community volunteer; home baker and cookie-decorator; local Alpha helper and meal team
Glenn Peterson
Greg Barker
I’ve been a youth pastor in Ontario for nearly 10 years, serving at two churches. I also help organize youth retreats and conferences for my denomination and coach hockey and track at three local high schools. My wife and I are excited to welcome our first child in July.
Isaiah Simms
Isaiah Simms is a follower of Jesus, husband to Desirae, father to Emerson and Elsie, and Lead Pastor of Spruce Hills Community Church (Paradise, NL). He has a growing burden for Newfoundland and Labrador and longs to see God move in the province once again.
Jadon Parsons
I’m a Cobourg Ontario Youth Pastor who co-leads with my wife Miriam. Coming up on nearly 3 years of ministry and loving every minute of it.
Jadyn Duff
I’m Jadyn (kiwi). Married to Emelina (Canadian). I’ve been working at Local since 2019. I recently went back to Uni to study Psychology and will be on my way to doing a Masters in Counselling.
I love a good saussage roll & a pint – so we’re going to the perfect place.
Jamie Holtom
I have been at NBUC (North Bramalea United Church) for 26 years and continue to feel blessed to be in ministry here and in the city of Brampton where we are very involved. Alpha has become a key way for us to help people encounter Jesus and appreciate the work of HTB/Alpha!
Jared Moore
I’m a husband to Beth Moore, father to our three kids Vivienne (3), Jude (2) and Rosalie (1). Those are their ages not birth order… Beth and I are the location pastors of our City Location at Base Church.
Jayson Tam
Jennifer Halbgewachs
Professional Counsellor. Co-Lead Pastor at the Neighbourhood Church. Married, 4 Adult Children.
Jenny Andison
A former Area Bishop for the Diocese of Toronto, Bishop Jenny is the Rector of St. Paul’s Bloor Street and St. George’s Grange Park. When not busy at the church, she enjoys reading biographies, meals with friends and family, and playing with her two miniature dachshunds.
Jeremy MacDonald
Jeremy has pastored in large and small churches in Moncton, Miramichi, and Orillia. He is now the Director of Operations at the Youth Worker Community, Professor of NextGen Ministry at Kingswood University, and the Teaching Pastor at Tidal Church in Moncton, NB. Jeremy and Chantal have three kiddos.
Jim Christian
Supports Leadership team at NBUC, active in Life and Leadership of the church
Jims Thomas Alackel
I am the Director of Evangelization at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Dartmouth, NS, coordinating Alpha, small groups, and leadership development. I also serve as the National Coordinator for Jesus Youth. Blessed with my wife, Evelin, & our daughter, Miriam, we strive to live our faith and mission
Joe Choi
I grew up in Montreal. Never imagined God would call me to leave MTL, to be in ministry & to serve in downtown Toronto.My wife Michelle & I have been married for almost 12 years with two very active boys(7 & 9). Our motto: love God, love family, & love sports – in that order, most of the time 🙂
Jonathan Miller
Jonathan and his wife Adrienne live in Burlington, ON, along with their 4 teenage children, and are members at Wellspring Church. Jon served for 12 years as a pastor, 7 years at Prison Fellowship Canada, and currently serves as Chief Ministry Officer at Scott Mission in Toronto.
Jonathan Webster
Jono & Nicole Zantingh
Jono & Nicole were married in 2000, and have chased after God’s calling in ministry together ever since. Throughout the years, they have pursued consistent fruitfulness, bold faith, a genuine love for people. In 2018, Jono and Nicole moved to Edmonton with their 3 children to plant Evolve Church.
Joryli Romijn
Josh Carsola
Juli Wenger
Pastor of Communities and BTI (Beulah Training Institute) at Beulah Alliance in Edmonton, AB. You can also find me leading worship. Before this role I was an entrepreneur (Author, Speaker, Coach). I have two littles who are 10 and 7, and it will be my 20th anniversary on May 7.
Julia Zantingh
Hello, My name is Julia Zantingh! I live in Edmonton Alberta and I recently stepped onto staff at Evolve Church overseeing Youth, Young Adults and our new campus at the University of Alberta. I am very passionate about bringing Jesus to the next generation.
Kayley Dickson
Kent Williams
Kent joined St. Paul’s Bloor Street in early 2023 as the Executive Director. Previously he was a CFO for a Toronto-based chemical company and has worked in finance over his 25-year career. He started attending St. Paul’s Bloor Street in 2016 with his wife, Cecilia, and their two children.
Kris Corbin
Serving in the Alliance Canada for 15+ years, Kris is the Envision National Coordinator. He is passionate about equipping and releasing next-gen leaders for ministry both locally and globally. He’s also a Leadership Coach and Birkman Professional.
Laura O’Reilly
I am currently the Director of Faith & Mission at my parish in Ottawa, ON and have been passionate about evangelization ever since my years as a NET missionary and time on staff with Catholic Christian Outreach. My husband, Pierre, and I have been married for 28 years and have 6 wonderful children.
Louis Halbgewachs
Lead Pastor of The Neighbourhood Church in Saskatoon. Married, 4 adult children. Interests: Mountain Skiing, Hunting, Board Games, etc…
Lucio Choi
I was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Vancouver in 2016 and have served as pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in North Vancouver since 2022. I enjoy cooking, traveling, and fly fishing, but what fulfills me most is journeying with people in faith and witnessing God’s love at work in their lives.
Madeleine Greco
Mardi Dolfo-Smith
Martina McLean
Martina McLean serves as Director of the Office for English Pastoral Services at the Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal, Quebec, Canada and assistant to the Episcopal Vicar for the English-speaking faithful. She is a professed Secular Franciscan since 2007.
Matt Wilkinson
Matt Wilkinson serves as Director of Next Gen. Ministries for CBOQ, Exec. Director of Camp Kwasind and the Director of Today’s Teens Conference. He’s married to Charity with two kids (Grace & Josh) & loves the Maple Leafs, Tim Hortons and creating random adventures.
Mavis Kwan
Melissa Lunn
Born and raised in Halifax. I have worked for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth for 14 years. I have been married 17 years and have four children. I am an active member of my parish community specifically with Family Faith Formation and Livestream.
Meredith Hawkins
Mike Racinsky
Mike is a devoted husband to Sara and father to Hope (9) and Theo (7). A Heritage College and Seminary graduate, he has 15 years in youth ministry and has been part of the FEB Youth team for over a decade. He now leads as FEB Central’s Next Gen Catalyst.
Nathan Borbe
Nathan serves as the High School Youth Pastor at CA Church. He’s married to Christina, and together they have a son named Malakai. Raised in Surrey, BC alongside his three brothers, Nathan grew up with a love for basketball and is a fan of Christian hip-hop.
Nathan Lambert
I’m a pastor at Base Church, leading the University District location alongside my wife Emily. We get to serve an evening church location, right near the university campuses in our city, that’s primarily young adults. We have one son, Augustine, who is a year and a half old.
Nathan Turner
I was born in England and moved to Ontario, Canada when I was 13. I’ve been married to my wife, Cecile, for almost 24 years and have 4 children. I’m the discipleship pastor at Base Church in Kitchener-Waterloo, where I’ve been part of the Bloomingdale location for 35 years.
Nick Ferguson
My role at Base Church is split between Youth Pastor and Location Coordinator of our Kitchener location.
Nicole Coulter
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, I have pastored alongside my husband for 30+ years in Mississauga Ontario at the City Church. Creative at heart, Mom to Avery and Paris.
Paris Coulter
I recently graduated with a degree in Christian leadership, I am passionate about music and I am excited to begin my new role at The City Church in Mississauga Ontario as creative director this spring.
Paul Thompson
After a career with E&Y and then with a publicly-traded, Swiss-based, medical device company, Paul’s “retirement” involves working mainly with privately-held tech companies. Last year, Paul joined the Board of Alpha Canada and also enjoys leading Alpha courses from his home and church.
Pearl Leung
Church board of directs, and the council member of Chinese congregation; I have been a youth ministry counsellor for more than 10 years, now is serving the Chinese young people from HK pathway. Glad to see people’s lives being transformed in Alpha course.
Peter Duraisami
Phil Reinders
I’m husband to Betty and Dad to Owen and Lily, pastor (served churches in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto). I love to write, authored a daily prayer-book, Seeking God’s Face, and my side-hustle is leading a dispersed community of Christians living out a common rule of life (the Habitus Community).
Pia Ocenar
I’m Pia Ocenar, a Youth Coordinator at Annunciation of the Lord in Ottawa, originally from Calgary. I’m passionate about creating engaging programs that help young people grow in faith, leadership, and community. I am excited to attend the Alpha Leadership Conference!
Rev. Raffaele Salvino
Born, raised, educated, and lived in Vancouver, BC, so naturally I wanted to serve this same city! Ordained in 2021, I currently serve at Corpus Christi Parish as the Assistant Pastor, helping to implement an Alpha-based church renewal program.
Rick & Cheryl Boyes
Rick and Cheryl have journey with our Gateway Church family close to 30yrs. During this we have witnessed God’s faithfulness and His goodness as it continues to grow and reach others in our community and develop our nextgens into strong leaders.
Ron Baker
Ron Baker has been Pastoring for over 30 yrs and is the Lead Pastor at a multi-site church in Ontario Canada. He’s married 35 yrs to his amazing wife Desiree. They have two married son’s and three incredible grandkids. He’s passionate about seeing churches thrive in small towns.
Ryan Graham
I’m the Senior Pastor of Southview Alliance Church in Calgary. Prior to my current role I was the National Vice President of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Christana and I have been married 28 years with three adult kids and one son in law.
Sam Romijn
Sam is the Lead Pastor of CA Church, a multisite church located in Coquitlam, British Columbia. He is married to Joryli Romijn, and together they have two daughters.
Sam Wong
Sam is the Senior Lead Pastor of Vancouver Chinese Baptist Church, the only church that he has ever been with. Sam is passionate in developing the future generation of leaders for God’s kingdom. He has been married to Florence for over 23 years. Currently, he’s pursuing his D.Min. degree at Gateway Seminary.
Sean Luellwitz
My wife, Alison, and our three boys now live in a country where none of us were born- my wife and I were raised in Milwaukee, while our boys were born in Ethiopia, Congo, and India. We moved to Toronto in 2020 for my current role as Executive Pastor at Bayview Glen Alliance Church.
Shane Gould
Rev. Shane Gould serves as the District Superintendent, Central District, the Alliance Canada. Previously a senior pastor for 12 years and has been serving in the Alliance since 1994. Shane has a passion to see churches become renewed in Word and Spirit. He is married and has three children.
Shauna Archer
I am the Associate Pastor at Living Hope Alliance Church in Regina, SK, overseeing global missions, local outreach, small groups, and adult ministries. I’ve been a camp director, a dorm mom in Malaysia, and a missions consultant before joining the Living Hope staff. I’m married to Tim and have two adult kids who live nearby. I love to bike ride, cheer for the Riders, spend time at the cottage, and do my best to make the name of Jesus famous.
Shawna Rose
Shawna was recently named Executive Director of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s church planting initiative, and is actively leading efforts to establish a registered charity focused on multiplying mission-driven Catholic parishes through strategic church planting.
Sheela Duraisami
Sheela serves as the Lead Pastor of Church on the Rock Toronto and also enjoys teaching in a local bible college. Her passion is two-fold: to see revival sweep across the nation of Canada, and to help the next generation rise up as strong disciples of Jesus Christ.
Sheila LeBrun
The gospel of Jesus has been the joy and light of my life. An Occupational Therapist , I pivoted to owning and running a Christian Summer camp, a student campus ministry and most recently helping my husband with 12 Neighbours, a ministry to house and support people experiencing homelessness.
Sonia Friesen
I am a Toronto-born, prairie-grown, BC-living girl! I serve as the Alpha & Prayer Pastor at Coquitlam Alliance Church & am married to my favourite person, Rylan! A few of the things I love are live music, exploring walking trails, the ocean and local shops.
Suzie Hodgson
Suzie is the Alpha Lead at St. Paul’s Bloor St and Pastor at St. George’s Grange Park, a recent church plant in the heart of downtown Toronto. Originally from Australia, Suzie moved to Toronto with her Canadian husband, Nathan, after living in London, England where she worked with Alpha and HTB.
Tyler Fitch
I’m Tyler from Ottawa! Dad to Charlie (#2 on the way!). Husband to Jane, my much cooler half, who I met in Oregon while studying at Bible College. I love a good run, good food, good friends, & being a part of a GREAT church like Local where I serve as the worship pastor.
Tyler Tavares
Lead Pastor at Cobourg Alliance Church in Ontario, husband and father of four, love Alpha and what it’s done to help people at our church
Tyler Wigg-Stevenson
I serve as Associate Priest at St. Paul’s Bloor Street, a large Anglican parish, and as Vicar of St. George’s Grange Park, our church plant in the heart of downtown Toronto. My wife, Natalie, and I have three young daughters (11, 9, 7). Originally Californian, but Canadian since 2011.
FAQs
