Northview Staff

Executive Pastor of Ministry Development

Ezra Okoti

What I do: I am the Interim Executive Pastor of Ministry Development.

Wisdom or bit of advice: A.W Tozer says it best; “For not only does sound reason direct us to refuse the guidance of those who do or teach anything wrong, but it is by all means vital for the lover of truth, regardless of the threat of death, to choose to do and say what is right even before saving his own life.”

Spouse: Tamara Okoti

Favorite preacher: I have a long list of preachers whom I enjoy… here is my short list…
John Piper – he is diligent in teaching the text.
Tim Keller – Has a deep awareness of cultural trends and has a beautiful way of contextualizing the gospel message to challenge cultural trends.
Alistair Begg – Always challenging, always passionate, always down-to-earth.
John Neufeld – A student of the word. Has a deep commitment to expositional preaching.

Favorite author: I love reading biographies, classics by men like J. Edwards, J. Calvin, M. Luther among many others plus a variety of contemporary authors such as D.A Carson, John Piper, A. Mohler, N.T Wright and others.

I like this quote: “Involuntary ignorance is not charged against you as a fault; but your fault is this—-you neglect to inquire into the things you are ignorant of.” Augustine

Hometown: Nairobi Kenya

Executive Pastor of Multiplication

Mark Burch

Mark Burch – Executive Pastor for Multiplication: (AKA the church planting guy). I have the great privilege of helping put feet and structure to Northview’s vision to plant churches locally & nationally. Our leadership development pipeline, including internships, Immerse, and our yet-to-be-built church-planting residency come under my area or responsibility.

Ministry Background: Karolyn & I met at Briercrest Bible College and plunged into local church ministry as newlyweds. We’ve been privileged to serve in both small and large churches in both rural and urban settings for over 20 years. Additionally God blessed us with the gift of 8 years in a national church planting ministry (C2Cnetwork) that gave us a glimpse of what the Spirit of God is up to from sea to sea in Canada!
Personal Stuff! I’ve been married to Karolyn for over 30 years and God has blessed us with three (now adults) children and they have given us 6 grandkids (so far!). Karolyn & I chose Psalm 34:3 “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together” as our wedding verse and its been a joy to serve side by side in ministry for the past 30 years.

How I got involved with Northview: Northview’s new multiplication vision; raising up leaders, establishing new congregations, sending out launch teams of missionally minded people has really captured my attention. I have believed for a long time that local churches should be leading the church planting movement in North America, and its cool to see Northview stepping into this vision!

Hope and vision of Northview: Bottom line – more and better disciples resulting in more and better churches and ultimately a gospel-transformed nation! That’s audacious and obviously larger than just one local church….but I’d love to see Northview be a catalytic leader in calling many other churches into this vision….working together to see the Spirit of God transform our nation, one life at a time.

A few of my favorite things: Reading, reading, reading has to top my list of favorite activities. I’ve been an avid runner for most my life until a knee injury forced me to transition to road-biking. Day’s off will often find Karolyn and I on a long walk, a favorite coffee shop, and (if it’s a good day) enjoying a massive cinnamon bun! And my retirement dream is to be a barista in Maui!!

Favorite Music: – An eclectic mix of all styles & genres – anything except country western (that no good Christian should admit to loving!!). In worship music I love trying to keep up with so many great new songs being written but also love the old “tried & true” hymns of the faith, and on occasion I can even take a small dose of the Gaithers!!

Favorite Author: Too many to list!

Executive Pastor of Administration

Jonathan Giesbrecht

What I do: I am the Executive Pastor of Administration – which basically means I’m the pastor of “things”. My role is to support all our ministries by overseeing finance, human resources and facilties, etc. My goal is to take as much of the stress of the details and nitty-gritty of ministry off our pastoral staff and leadership so they are free to engage in the ministry God has called them to.

Spouse: Breanna

Children: Elijah (2015) and Maisy (2017). Unbiased fact, easily the cutest kids to walk this earth.

Education: Masters in Business Administration from Abilene Christian University. Bachelors Biblical Studies from Columbia Bible College. Also Northview Intern Program Graduate – my crowning achievement.

How I got involved with Northview: I started out at Northview as an intern back in 2012, and I’m like that really bad foot fungus you can never get rid of. I’ve loved being a part of Northview – it really has become home.

Hope and vision for Northview – to see people grow in their knowledge of God, that their knowledge of God would have a direct impact on their love and passion for God, and that that passion would spill over into all areas of their lives. My prayer is that people would be excited to come to church and to be the church!

A few of my favorite things: My family! I absolutely love and adore them all! I’m a big fan of Liverpool FC, the Seahawks, and the Canucks. Also, gluten… because let’s be honest, gluten-free stuff wouldn’t be so bad if it just had a little gluten in it.

Favourite kind of music: I’m a product of the 90’s, so anything grungy will suit my fancy just fine. I’m also a closet fan of 80’s glam rock, which I guess is no longer a closet passion, seeing as how it’s on the internet now. But actually, the only genre I really can’t listen to more than 1 song per-day of, is country – it’s just depressing.

Favourite author: CS Lewis was my favourite during my formative years in my faith. Also Trevor Throness, author of “The Power of People Skills” – the man is a genius.

HR Director & Office Manager

Val Bosch

Executive Assistant

Carrie Klassen

Young Adults Pastor

Vinh Doan

What I do: Pastor of Young Adult Ministries

Spouse: Laura Doan

Children: They are Young, Angry and Reformed (Grace & Aubrey)

Education: B.Th (Morling), M.Div (In Progress)

How I got involved with Northview: I was in the middle of shoveling the snow in Calgary when God used the pastors I love and respect at Northview to call me to put down my shovel and pick up my umbrella.

Hope and vision for Northview: My hope and vision for our Young Adults is that they would take hold of their faith and that they would hear the Gospel proclaimed and be equipped to proclaim it themselves. And as a church, we continue to plant healthy churches.

A few of my favorite things: Family, reading, movies, documentaries, Top Gear (The Grand Tour), coffee, Liverpool FC, Mariners, and Seahawks.

Favourite kind of music: Depends on my mood but right now it would be Movie Soundtracks (Star Wars, Interstellar, Tron Legacy, The Dark Knight, The Joker, 1917, Dunkirk).

Favourite author: C.S. Lewis, Timothy Keller, and many others.

I like this quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky” – Michael Scott.

Favourite scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Hometown: Sydney, Australia

Discipleship Pastor

Kristal Toews

What I do: Pastor of Discipleship

Spouse: Bob Toews

Children: 3 children and a daughter-in-law (Clayton & Taylor, Jessica, Trevor)

Education: BA from Simon Fraser University, Currently completing my Masters of Arts in Theology at Regent College.

How I got involved with Northview: We started attending Northview on Saturday nights in 2008 because our boys were hockey players and Bob coached their teams so they were often busy on Sunday mornings. After a few months I applied for a job at Northview and we have been here ever since.

Hope and vision for Northview: To make disciples who trust in the Lord and do not cease to bear fruit in the midst of heat and drought (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

A few of my favourite things: Reading, Running, Relaxing with family and friends, Cheering for my kid’s sports teams, Camping, Waterskiing, German Shepherd Dogs

Favourite kind of music: Keith and Kristen Getty

Favourite authors: JI Packer, Wendell Berry, Jane Austen, George Eliot

I like this quote: “At crucial moments of choice, most of the business of choosing is already over.” Iris Murdoch

Favourite scripture: Psalm 34:8 – Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hometown: Bradner BC

Middle School Pastor

Dan Sparrow

What I do: I oversee the Middle School Ministry @ Northview

Spouse: I cannot imagine another person in the world who would put up with all of my craziness besides my wife, Lena, LOL!

Children: My wife & I have seven children. We were blessed with 4 girls first & then 3 boys. We kinda got stuck on the “A” page in the baby naming book for our daughters as their names are Amy, Amanda, Anita, & Allyson. Then our boys are Daniel Jr., Jonathan, & Liam. With ages ranging from 30-9 yrs old we are always guaranteed a household of perpetual excitement & noise. Just the way we like it!!

Education: I have a degree in Youth Work from Columbia Bible College but my real education comes from being surrounded by youth & immersed in their world on an ongoing basis.

How I got involved with Northview: My oldest daughter was attending the middle school youth group and asked if we could attend the church as a family. My wife and I were immediately drawn to the worship and especially the preaching of Pastor Vern. God led us to a perfect fit!

A few of my favorite things: While I do have a kinda manic personality & there’s nothing I like better than a high energy youth night, I also really enjoy just chillaxn at home with Lena & the kids. I also really enjoy a good cup of coffee accompanied by a tasty pastry, hmmm.

Favorite author: Due to the nature of youth ministry, I am always doing research on youth culture and ministry. Books, blogs, magazines, podcasts…I devour them all!

Worship Pastor

Andrew Geddert

What I do: I oversee the worship ministry of Northview and though my visible role is leading weekend services, my greater role is to empower and equip other leaders so that the family of Northview will flourish in their love for the Triune God.

Spouse: Brittany

Children: Penny Brooklyn (2017) and Bowen Peter (2019).

Education: Worship Arts Graduate with a focus in Pastoral Worship Leadership from Columbia Bible College; certificate in ministry from Hillsong Leadership College.

How I got involved with Northview: I have been attending Northview since 2013, I went through the internship program in 2017, and started as the Director of worship in 2018.

Hope and vision for Northview – To see our community overflow with passionate disciples of the Triune God.

A few of my favorite things: I love my family with all my heart – I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. Music is so much a part of my life – I love to write, compose, and arrange. I also love staying active – I play hockey and soccer regularly, as well as cycling when I get the opportunity.

Favourite kind of music: My favorite artists growing up were Coldplay, Mutemath, and Relient K – now my favorites include Kings Kaleidoscope, Citizens, and The Band Camino.

Favourite author: I really enjoy David Peterson, James Torrance, Paul David Tripp, and Robert Webber.

I like this quote: Guess what, I have flaws. What are they? Oh, I don’t know. I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I’ll hit somebody with my car. So sue me.” – Michael Scott

Favourite scripture – The book of Hebrews.

Hometown: Born in Columbia, South Carolina – raised in Kamloops – home is Abbotsford.

Care Pastor

Vic Schellenberg

What I do: My role is called Pastor of Care. Some of the things that I do are visitations, counseling, care funding as well as overseeing ministries such as Care Courses, Memorial Care and Seasons (Seniors).

Spouse: My wonderful spouse’s name is Sandy, whom I met at bible school in Saskatchewan. We have been married for 35 years. She currently works part time at Trinity Western University in the Wellness Center assisting international students in their transition to university.

Children: Nicole and her husband Scotty live here in Abbotsford and are raising three incredible boys. Rachelle (my middle daughter) lives in Vancouver, working and pursuing her Masters in Leadership. Finally, my son Jesse is married to Bradyn and they live in Camrose, Alberta where they pastor as a couple and have the task of raising their three children.

Education: I graduated from Abbotsford Senior Secondary School. Then after working several years went to Bethany Bible Institute intending to only go for one year but, however, felt a strong call to return to school and graduated after three years. While youth pastoring in Ontario I went to Ontario Bible College and Seminary.

How I got involved with Northview: After returning from Ontario we joined a small church that was just starting up called Northview. That was in 1983. We have been involved since that time starting as youth workers, care group leaders, Sunday school teachers, Children’s pastor, and now Care pastor.

A few of my favorite things: I love challenging situations. I enjoy working with my hands, doing things like renovating and carpentry. My leisurely past times are golfing, riding bike, playing tennis and hiking with Sandy and friends.

Favourite author: Paul Tripp

I like this quote: “At the heart of the problem is a problem of the heart.”- Unknown

Children's Ministry Pastor

Dwight Stephen

Spouse: Amanda Stephen

Children: We’ve got three beautiful and busy kids (Micah, Aaliayh, & Norah)

Education: After high school (Burnaby Central) spent four and a half years studying Christian Ministries at Briercrest College.

Hope and Vision for Northview: My hope is that Northview would remain a community committed to loving God and making Christ known while at the same time seeing parents transformed by the power of the Gospel, seeing broken relationships restored, seeing men, women, and children come to know Christ personally, and being relentless in our pursuit of reaching those who do not yet know Christ.

What I do: I live out my passion: equipping moms & dads to know and live out their responsibility as laid out in Scripture while at the same time making sure every boy & girl knows the saving grace of Christ!

How I got involved with Northview: Through the providence of mentors the Lord has placed in my life.

A few of my favorite things: Playing with my Kids /Writing/being in nature / cooking great tasting food for others / watching NFL football / listening to good music

Favorite preacher: Matt Chandler / Francis Chan / Tim Keller

Favorite kind of music: Folk / Bluegrass / Alternative

Various other Sentient Beings in the Household: With three kids in the house we don’t feel the need for pets. Kids are enough!

Hometown: Burnaby

Communications Assistant

Alexis Ratzlaff

Administrative Assistant

Allison Ryall

Video Production Coordinator

Amber Wallin

Discipleship Ministry Assistant

Analea Friesen

Administrative Assistant

Carla Siemens

Contributions Bookkeeping Coordinator

Chrissy Fehr

Community Pastoral Intern

Colin Fast

Young Adults Pastoral Intern

Daniel Markin

Facilities Project Director

Dave Baerg

Administrative Assistant

Diana Dyck

Community Pastoral Intern

Fredy Orozco

Imagine Ministries Coordinator

HiIlary Squire

Finance Director

Kathy Letkeman

High School Pastor

Luke Friesen

Technical Director

Lyndon Toftager

Administrative Assistant

Stephanie Warne-Lang

Facilities Director

Tim Buhler

Communications Director

Adam Wormald

Administrative Assistant

Haley Friesen

Associate Campus Pastor

Frank Sawatsky

What I do: As the Associate Campus Pastor (Mission Campus), I get to wear many hats. I manage the day-to-day and make sure things run smoothly between departments here in Mission. My visible roles include leading worship on the weekends, facilitating Men’s Bible studies, and helping out with Youth and Special Events. But I also get the joy of working in the Kitchen, helping design and decorate the campus, participate with Mission Kids, along with lots of other odds and sods.

Spouse: The amazing, Nicola Sawatsky.

How I got involved with Northview: I’ve attended Northview since 1998, and always had a love for worship. In 2015, while completing my undergrad at CBC, I applied to serve on the worship teams at the Downes Road Campus. Within a few days a part-time role opened up and I joined the Mission crew.  In 2016,  full-time work opened up and I took on more responsibility across campuses overseeing set design and drama. Most of my attention these days is devoted to the many happenings at the Mission Campus.

Hope and vision for Northview: That we would be a consistently worshipful body of people, committed to loving radically and impacting the world around us for Gospel renewal. That we would have fun in the process and enjoy the journey that the Lord leads us on; even if it means struggles, pain, or uncertainty.

Some of my favorite things: Traveling, cooking, swimming, listening to and playing music, having a camp fire, playing board games, and watching the seasons change.

Favourite kind of music: Christmas music!

Favourite song: “I Will Follow” -Vertical Worship

Favourite scripture: Matthew 5:16 “So let your lights shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven”.

Hometown: Abbotsford, BC

Care Pastor

Thaleia Sawatzky

What I do: Pastor of Care

Spouse: Married to Mark, an accountant in Abbotsford.

Children: 2 young adult kids – Ava and Carter.

Education: I have my Masters degree in Counselling from TWU and I have the privilege of working with women, couples and families that are facing a variety of difficult situations.

How I got involved with Northview: We have attended Northview as a family for over 20 years. 6 years ago, I was asked to join the Care Department. It is a privilege to be able to teach and counsel from a Biblical perspective, and to pray with people about their struggles.

Hope and vision for Northview: I want everyone to know that we all have “muck” in our life – so welcome here with your “muck”!

A few of my favourite things: my family, a good book or tv show, walking or going for coffee with a friend.

Favourite kind of music: Spotify – mixed worship playlist.

Favourite author: too many to name since I read a lot!

I like this quote: He>I (John 3:30 (ESV) He must increase, but I must decrease)

Favourite scripture: Colossians 1:28, 29 “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me”.

Hometown: North Vancouver.

Pastoral Intern

Crystal Loewen

Technical Assistant

Josh Ryall

Administrative Assistant

Yvonne Funk

Administrative Assistant

Tessa Tangen

Bookkeeping Assistant

Allessandra Poletti de Janzen

Central Abbotsford Campus Coordinator

Carrie Motz

Campus Pastor

Joshua Scott