Brent Trask

District Superintendent

“It’s incredible to see the bigger picture of the amazing ways God is at work in our region, nation and world. I enjoy being with our leaders; listening and loving, troubleshooting, dreaming, praying and supporting. I love helping and resourcing our pastors/churches to see and realize their God given vision. It brings me joy to invest in our key ministry partnerships within and beyond the Alliance to be effective in glorifying God and advancing His purposes. I am privileged to work with a wonderful WCD team!”

Brent has been serving Christ and His Church in the Alliance since 1984; 1 year pastoring at Southgate Alliance (Edmonton), 25 years pastoring RockPointe (Calgary) and since August 2011 ministering as the District Superintendent of the Western Canadian District of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Calgary, Alberta.

Brent is passionate about the local church and he longs to see the church well led by surrendered, skilled and godly leaders ~ pushing back the darkness, redeeming lives, blessing local neighborhoods and multiplying the gospel to the least reached people groups near and far.

In his role as District Superintendent, Brent develops, casts, and implements our vision for church health and pastoral effectiveness. He works together with our District Executive Committee (DEXCOM) to efficiently and effectively administer the affairs of the District in order to fulfill our purpose, vision, and values, as well as to ensure it aligns with our denominational mandate. On a day-to-day basis, Brent spiritually mentors and provides pastoral care to our congregations and pastors. He works with church Elder Boards in finding godly, capable pastoral leadership in local churches and to foster a healthy and spiritual working relationship between pastors and boards.

Brent is married to Mandy and they have three wonderful kids: Rebecca, Stephanie (Martin) and Michael. When he has leisure time, Brent loves visiting friends, sports, adventure, travel, reading and searching out new places to enjoy a fine coffee.

Sheri McKenzie

Director of Operations

Sheri was raised in the Christian and Missionary Alliance family and graduated from Canadian Bible College with a Bachelor of Theology degree.  Today, she is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in both pastoral ministry and business management roles.

Sheri began her journey with the Western Canadian District as Office Manager in February of 2018.  In June of 2019 she became the Director of Operations where she oversees Finance, Asset Management, Office Management and Communications.

Sheri enjoys writing, reading mystery novels, and when there’s time for a vacation –  relaxing on a Jamaican beach and swimming in the ocean.

Doug Balzer

Director of Innovation, Leader and Thought Development

“I love what I do because I get to see darkness being displaced by light; both in the lives of our official workers as well as in neighbourhoods where new faith communities are being established.”

Doug came to serve with the District Office in September 2008 after 10 years as Lead Pastor in High River, Alberta. Prior to that he and his wife, Teri spent 4 very memorable years on staff at Fort McMurray Alliance Church. Part of his time is spent raising up and assisting church planters.

He is currently involved in renewal ministries, leading events such as Holy Spirit Encounters and working alongside Church Planters. Doug completed his undergrad at Canadian Bible College, his M.A. in Leadership and Ministry at Ambrose University, and earned his Doctor of Ministry at Alliance Theological Seminary, New York. In his spare time Doug enjoys building acoustic guitars and hosts a monthly podcast: reKindle: renewal.

Clint Mix

Director of Field Engagement and Support

Luisa Castiblanco

Finance Manager

Wendy Ng

Systems and Administration Manager

“Seeing the passion of pastors who seek and bless others who are in need or, who have not heard, and who are being transformed – that to me – is affirming what I do on a daily basis.”

Ken DeMaere

Church Effectiveness Coach

“I love what I do because I get to connect with so many great people who are making significant Kingdom differences on a day to day basis. What could be more meaningful and fun?!”

Ken is one of the Church Effectiveness Coaches at the Western Canadian District.  He coaches our District churches that are in Calgary, Edmonton, and up in Peace Country in northern Alberta.  

As church coach, Ken gets to work with churches – their staff and leadership – to set direction and focus for their ministry context. Ken’s responsibilities also include the District Representative for Youth Pastors, Worship Pastors, Women in Ministry, Clergy Spouses and Grip Birkman (a personality and spiritual gifts inventory).

He is enjoying being a new Grandpa and having his family close.

Tim Beadle

Church Effectiveness Coach

“I have a deep love for the body of Christ and a high respect for those who serve in it.”

As a church coach, Tim comes alongside church leaders, asking them meaningful questions, listening to God with them, and making strategic decisions as they lead their churches forward into exploring God’s will and adventure for their church and their personal lives.  Tim coaches churches as far north as Yellowknife, to Lethbridge and Medicine Hat in the south, and many points in between!

Tim is the founding member of the Rural Church Pastors Network, offering support and encouragement to rural pastors from 29 denominations throughout western Canada and is also the district representative for children’s pastors and disciple-making.

Tim married his high school sweetheart, Heather. They became first time grandparents in 2016.  Tim cheers for the Blue Jays and enjoys camping each year.

Nick Kadun

Domestic Mission Catalyst

Sarah Hunter

Discipling Environments Catalyst

As the new Discipling Environments Catalyst, Sarah gives specific focus to discovering, developing and providing access to multiple streams of disciple-making within the Western Canadian District. She also gives point leadership to the various leader development environments that we engage in. 

Prior to joining the WCD team, Sarah pastored at Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton for over 9 years in the Groups Ministry context.

Sarah and her husband Andy have two loving and encouraging teenagers, who have a heart for Jesus and enjoy serving in the areas of their unique giftings. Prior to starting a family, Sarah spent 6 years working in the tech sector as a test and systems engineer.

The Hunters enjoy camping, cooking meals together and playing board games as a family.

Dan Ibsen

Interim District Missions Coach

Dan and Melodie are in their final year with Global Ministries on home assignment.  As part of their ministry, they will serve our district in two primary ways: 

1. 1. Providing Member Care and Coaching for WCD International Workers on Home Assignment
    
2. 2. Broker Coaching and Mission Resources for WCD Churches

Dan will serve out of his home office in Spruce Grove while serving in this part-time role. Both he and Melodie bring a wealth of experience and depth of relationships within the CMA mission world and we are most grateful for the Lord’s continued service through them!

Steven John

Development Consultant

Steven’s role within the District is to provide leadership and support to both our local churches and the overall District in the acquisition, development and disposition of real estate, as well as in the construction and major renovations of church facilities.

His education includes an Engineering degree from the University of Alberta and the completion of an Executive Business Leadership Program at The Wharton School in Pennsylvania. He is a Professional Engineer registered in Alberta and recently retired after a 30-year career within the Oil & Gas industry. Professionally, Steven has experience and skills in commercial and light- industrial construction and maintenance, project management, real estate acquisition and development, project financial evaluation, strategic oversight of large property portfolios and he has also had senior responsibility for significant contracting and procurement activities.

Steven was born and raised in central Alberta and has been attending and/or serving in various C&MA churches over the past 40 years. Married to Laureen, they have four adult children. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors with family and friends (hiking, camping, shooting sports and fly-fishing) and loves creating and working with his hands (woodworking, home renovations, and automotive repair and maintenance).

Lawrence Stalder

Bylaws/Constitution/Governance Consultant

Lawrence’s role within the District is to provide support on changes to bylaws, constitution and orderly governance.  Lawrence has corporate experience having worked as a business consultant for over 45 years and is “mostly” retired from the energy industry.  Lawrence graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario. Lawrence is an advocate of mentoring future leaders to further Christ’s kingdom and serves on a number of boards including Ambrose University, reSource Leadership International and is an Elder at Foothills Alliance Church. 

Lawrence’s family is from Switzerland – he was actually born at sea during their journey over to Canada – and he has dual Canadian and Swiss citizenship. Lawrence is married to Joy, and they have two adult children: Natalie, married to Ryan, and Paul, married to Briana.  Lawrence’s  interests includes spending time with family, cooking, anything electronic, research and hiking with the grand dog. 

Katherine Trieu

Administrative Assistant

“I especially enjoy hosting and serving the pastors that stop by our office.”

Kat is our resident go-to girl for all questions and items related to Ordination, and Core Training. Kat also assists our Missions Coach, Ron Brown & our bylaws process.

Kat enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children.  In her downtime (what’s that??) she loves to hang out with friends, enjoying a good laugh and rich conversation over a meal or coffee.

Jake (Jacquie) Fraser

Administrative Assistant

“I have a lot of fun getting to know the pastors in our District.  It’s a kind, grace-filled group of people and I get to journey with many of them for quite some time.  I’m blessed to get to know them.”

Jake works in our administrative department assisting Doug Balzer with Renewal Events and New Ventures. 

In her spare time Jake loves to have one on one “deep bonding” time with friends, do something “crafty,” hike in the mountains, take leisurely bike rides or get her step count up during a night of line dancing! And she’s always up for some introverted time reading a book at home!

Shelby Keith

Office Assistant

“I like working on this team to support and love our churches. I like knowing that they feel we are on their side!”

Shelby is the voice you hear on the phone and face you see when visit our office. She ensures that all databases are updated, everyone receives their yearly credentials, and she oversees Licensing for our new workers. If you have a miscellaneous question or don’t know who to be directed to; Shelby can help you!
 
Shelby enjoys reading books, drinking tea, and petting other people’s domestic mammals.

Julia Kricken

Administrative Assistant

Julia will be taking over as Brent Trask’s Administrative Assistant and will serve as a support to Brent, Sheri McKenzie and Wendy Ng. Julia graduated from the University of Calgary gaining a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Development Studies. She loves hiking and climbing with her husband Will, painting with Bob Ross, and reading and listening to podcasts on Biblical Theology.

Zona Wilson

Financial Assistant

“I’m excited that God chose me as one of the support staff in spreading His word throughout the world.”

Zona is the Accounting Assistant and can answer all your questions about your Great West Life Benefits!

In her free time, Zona can be found with family, quilting, camping, or volunteering somewhere. She shares her home with 3 feline fur-balls who answer to Aleta, Barney, and Peanut. She also loves to travel with short-term mission trips and for holidays.