I’ve been a resident of the DTES for the past 20 years, and live here with my wife April and our three daughters, Anna, Dorothy and Junia. Prior to becoming a pastor with the Strathcona Vineyard, I studied and taught Philosophy at UBC.
I’m passionate about connecting with other people who are dissatisfied with conventional life paths and who find themselves longing for something more — people more interested in truth than in making a comfortable life for themselves. I am passionate about being in community with others interested in following Jesus wherever that may lead them and whatever that may cost.
I have been a member of the Strathcona Vineyard for the past 14 years. For the past 7 years I have also served as Associate Pastor with the church, and am involved in teaching, small groups, recovery support groups, kids programs, pastoral care, and theological and philosophical discussion groups.
Strathcona Vineyard is a very welcoming community that feels like a big family. Nearly all of the members of the church live within a few blocks, so it is deeply rooting in the life of the Strathcona/Chinatown/DTES neighbourhood.
Even if church in general doesn’t feel like a super familiar or comfortable space for you, I think you will find the Strathcona Vineyard easy to visit. It’s warm, informal, and made up of a wide variety of people and life experiences.