Bethany is currently getting her Bachelor of Religious Education in Youth Ministry at Heritage College and Seminary. She has been attending Forward for nine years now and has served as a youth leader for four years. Bethany’s spiritual giftings are faith, shepherding and evangelism. She has a deep desire to see youth come to know God and to live holistically in Him. Bethany also loves photography, digital art and the great outdoors!
Rich Huisman has been married to Rachel for 28 years and has four kids:Joshua, Noah, Isaiah & Emma. They’ve attended Forward for 14 years and served in Kidztown, the Nursery and Alpha. The family is passionate about fostering and have fostered for over 10 years. Rich has recently completed a Masters in Christian Leadership program, authored a book called the “Leader’s List” and has a consulting business that helps businesses in terms of their leadership & vision.
Gord Jackson came to Christ at the age of 17 after a friend invited him to attend a youth group event, and has been attending Forward Kitchener since 2016. After more than 30 years in vocational Christian ministry, Gord transitioned to a career in Volunteer Management in 2017, and currently serves as the Coordinator of Volunteers at the Lisaard and Innisfree Hospice. Along with his wife, Liz, he serves on the Hospitality Team, and leads a Discipleship Group. Spiritual gifts include encouragement and leadership. The parents of three grown children, Gord and Liz are enjoying being new grandparents this year.
Craig Pilkington has been a member of Forward Church since 2003. At the age of five, Craig asked Jesus to come into his heart. He was baptized in his early teens in order to be obedient to the Bible and to publicly declare his relationship with Jesus. Craig serves in Forward’s Student Ministry. Spiritual Gifts include giving, administration and mercy. Craig has a degree in mechanical engineering and has industry experience in robotics automation and custom software development. He is a partner in Calculated Design, a custom software development company. Craig and his wife, Jaclyn, have three children. Craig has served previously as an Elder and has held the position of vice-chair and chair of the board.
Dave Van Wijngaarden is the blessed husband of Sue and father of two children on loan from his heavenly Father, John and Grace. They have attended Forward Church for over 9 years and are so thankful to be a part of this amazing church family. Dave has been a member of Forward Church since 2015. Dave accepted Christ at an early age but truly started to strive be a disciple of Christ in his early twenties. He grew up in the Reformed church and has served as an Elder, part of a pastor search committee, youth ministry, and other leadership roles within the church. Dave also serves by assisting a D Group in our Student Ministry.
Curtis Heaton has been a member of Forward Church since 2013. Curtis grew up in a Christian home where he made a profession of faith at the age of 4 and was baptized at the age of 11. He is married to Valerie and together they have three children, Kathleen, Evelyn and Sullivan. Both Curtis and Valerie have served together in worship ministries, discipleship groups and marriage ministries at Forward. Curtis has worked in the real estate and telecommunications industry for the past 12 years and recently completed a Master of Theological Studies degree and a Certificate in Biblical Counseling at Heritage Seminary. He is now serving in Forward’s biblical counseling ministry. Curtis is passionate about discipling others in their journey with Christ and is gifted in the areas of shepherding/counseling, wisdom and administration.
Peter Graham has been a member of Forward Church since 1994. Peter accepted Christ as Saviour after picking up a used Bible at a marina grocery store while on vacation and reading the New Testament for over two months. He has served on Forward’s Global Engagement Team and in Youth Ministry, Men’s Ministry, as current chair of the Finance Committee, as vice-chair of the Board for two terms and as a Bible teacher. Spiritual Gifts include teaching, encouraging and mercy. He was a partner of Graham Mathew, Chartered Professional Accountants, for 35 years. Peter and his wife, Nancy, have three adult children.