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

“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

“If anyone would come after me, they must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me,” – Jesus

Clint brings a varied ministry experience to his role of Director of Field Engagement and Support. Recently he served as Executive Pastor at Foothills Alliance. He has also served in two previous denominational roles with the Canadian Baptists in Ontario and Quebec and with the Eastern District of the C&MA.

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

Jerin Thomas

Global Mission Catalyst

As the new Global Mission Catalyst, Jerin Mathew Thomas has a passion to see the church equipped and mobilized for global mission. He is sensitive to God’s call on his life towards multiplying leaders, developing ideas, and empowering mission. 

Prior to joining the WCD team, Jerin has served in many roles over the past 10 years with Inter Collegiate Prayer Fellowship (ICPF) in India and the Arabian Gulf, as well as serving as the Youth Pastor at Kerala Christian Assembly in Toronto for 4 years. He has also traveled and served in several different nations. Jerin’s diverse background has allowed him to gain a deep understanding of mobilizing the church to harness her God-given potentials to fulfill the Matthew 28 Kingdom mandate.

Jerin is married to Nisy and they have two lovely children – Jaydin and Hosanna. Jerin is a huge foodie and has several interests and hobbies such as sports, photography, reading, and coffee. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New Theological College and Union Biblical Seminary. He is also currently pursuing a Doctorate in Homiletics and Hermeneutics from Biola University, LA.

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.

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. 

Yuki Erb

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

“It is such an honour and joy that I get to be a part of God’s ministry here in the WCD office. It excites me to get to know the pastors and to know how Christ is working/living within and beyond this community”

Yuki is the receptionist at WCD office and also an assistant to Doug Balzer who is a Director of Innovation, Leadership & Thought Development . Yuki also oversees the administration for New Ventures as well.

Yuki loves going into nature and exploring God’s beautiful creation, also chilling at home with her husband Julian, watching movies, playing board games and talking about random theological/Bible topics. She enjoy cooking, loves eating and trying new foods. Having friends over at home is always a treat for her as well.

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 along side Clint Mix, Ken DeMaere and Tim Beadle with Field Engagement and Support. She also works with the Youth Pastors, Worship Pastors and oversees Bylaws.

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 with a good book!

Shelby Keith

Office Assistant

“I’m excited to work closely with our pastors and support them in their ministries.”

​Shelby oversees everything related to licensed workers in our district as the Personnel Administrative Assistant. Her job starts with the resumes of potential WCD workers, and then continues on to the Licensing and Core Training/Ordination of new workers. She also handles subsidy requests, clergy licenses, and annual credentials. If you have any questions about your license, Shelby is the one to ask. 

Shelby enjoys reading books, drinking tea, and petting other people’s domestic mammals.  

Julia Kricken

Administrative Assistant

“To be able to watch God move in his Church as he guides us through each season as they come is a beautiful thing. I love that I get to be apart of a team that comes alongside churches and individuals to cheer on, learn from, and guide in God’s grace and strength. I am blessed to be apart of a work family that truly seeks to see Jesus manifest in each other’s lives both in and outside of the office.”

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.