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.
Sean Dawdy has been a member of Forward Church since 2006. Sean accepted Christ as his personal Saviour at the age of twelve. Spiritual Gifts include leadership, encouragement and wisdom. Sean and his wife, Jennifer, have three children.
Nate is studying for a Bachelor of Pastoral Theology degree through Heritage College and Seminary. Nate desires to shepherd youth towards a life of Christ. Coming to Christ through youth group, Nate has experienced the power youth ministry can have in one’s life. He enjoys conversation with others and is always open to meeting for coffee at the nearest local spot to discuss deep theological topics or how the football game went on the weekend.
Clazina considers it a privilege to work in God’s Church with the amazing staff of Forward Church. She has a love for numbers, spreadsheets and budgets that makes others’ eyes glaze over and is very thankful for the finance team that she works with. She has attended Forward since 1991 and has worked at Forward since 2015. She has five amazing kids and three beautiful grandkids. She enjoys travelling, camping and spending time in her RV.
Verne has been a well-loved staff member here at Forward for 22 years and has been heavily involved in serving since 1986. Verne takes great joy in serving behind the scenes in his Facility Maintenance role. He is known for this wood working abilities and helping others. Verne’s favourite place to be is at home with his wife or anywhere that he can be surrounded by his 6 kids and 13 grandkids. Verne loves God and loves serving His people. Over Verne’s many years of working at the church he has quietly and softly invested into the lives of other staff and people within our church family. Verne loves diving into his Bible, taking what he has learnt and making sure that eternal consequences come from that. Need something done right? Verne is your guy!