Our Staff and Leadership

Terry Janke • Lead Pastor

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Terry has been the lead pastor of Whyte Ridge Baptist Church since 2009. Besides pastoral ministry in two other Baptist churches in NW Ontario he has served as Global Field Staff with Canadian Baptist Ministries in Bolivia for 7 years where he and his wife (Pat) taught Spiritual Formation.  Terry and Pat have a love for the Latin American culture and Pat is a High School Spanish teacher.

Terry has a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Winnipeg Bible College (Providence), a M.Div. from Acadia Divinity College in Nova Scotia, and a D. Min. from Carey Theological College in Vancouver. He and Pat enjoy travelling to other cultures, home renovations and yard work, as well as music and history. Terry is also a big fan of hockey.

Terry and Pat have three adult children; daughter Emily (married to Tory Walker with one son (Finley)), and sons Joel (married to Holly (Schroeder)) and Jonathan – who all currently reside in Winnipeg.

 

Doug Friesen • Associate Pastor – Discipleship and Outreach

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Doug came to Whyte Ridge in 1998 after graduation from Providence Seminary, Otterburne, MB.  He has recently completed a degree (Doctor of Ministry/Leadership in Community Spiritual Formation) from Denver Seminary, Littleton, CO.

Doug enjoys connecting with friends and family. He likes working out, playing racquetball/squash, golf, jogging, and biking. He is an avid traveler, and enjoys reading at Starbucks or Tim’s as well as playing games. He even likes to work on projects around his house when time permits.

 

Kevin Klassen • Associate Pastor – Worship & Care

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Kevin started attending at Whyte Ridge in 1995 and has been on staff since 2006, currently serving as Associate Pastor of Worship and Care. In this role, he coordinates and provides leadership for worship gatherings, oversees care ministry and engages in counselling and visitation. Kevin received a Master of Arts in the counselling program at Providence Theological Seminary in 2002 and was recently ordained in the North American Baptist conference.

Kevin is married to Lynelle and they have two children – Josh and Beth. He loves spending time with his family, likes playing and writing music and also always enjoys a road trip!

 

Rudy Wall • Associate Pastor – Student Ministries

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Rudy came to us at Whyte Ridge Baptist Church from Leduc Alberta in the Summer of 2020 as our Youth and Young Adults Pastor. He is working on his Masters of Divinity with Taylor Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta and is excited to put his studies into practice.

Rudy loves experiencing new things, building lasting friendships, and is an avid Tea drinker. He loves games of all different genres and enjoys being active.
 

Sheilla Taylor • Director of Children’s Ministries

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Sheilla started attending Whyte Ridge Baptist Church in 2007. She took on the role of Nursery Coordinator in 2011, Children’s Ministry Leadership Team Member in 2015 and came on staff in January 2019. She is passionate about helping kids develop a relationship with Jesus in a fun and creative environment.

Sheilla loves spending time with her husband Colin and their 3 children (Leo, Wyatt & Annelise). She enjoys coffee, a good book, camping, playing soccer and upcycling furniture!

 

Karen Owzarek • Director of Administration

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Karen and her family started attending Whyte Ridge in 2013.  She has served in various ministries and enjoys being part of the JAM (Justice and Mercy) team and playing piano.   She became the Director of Administration in 2022 and loves organizing and planning and building relationships with staff and volunteers!  She has a B.Ch.M. from Winnipeg Bible College and her A.R.C.T. in piano.  

Karen is married to Gerald and they have three wonderful daughters (Rebecca, Amy, Julia).  She loves travelling, piano, reading, football, windsurfing and a good cup of tea.

 

Kathy Kornelsen • Administrative Assistant

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Kathy came to Whyte Ridge in 1999 and has been on staff since 2004. Along with her family, she has lived in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Minnesota, and now Manitoba. She likes to quilt, spend time with her family, read books on her iPad, and go for early morning runs.

Kathy is married to Gerald and they have two married sons, Matt and Jon, both living in Manitoba.

 

Leadership Team • Board of Church Governance

Contact Our Board

Our Board of Church Governance is the governing body for Whyte Ridge Baptist church, consisting of a moderator, the lead pastor, church clerk, a representative from finance and deacons, as well as additional members from the congregation.  Feel free to contact our board if questions or concerns about the ministry or future plans at Whyte Ridge Baptist Church!