Staff
Ross Road Community Church (RRCC) is located in Abbotsford, B.C., and is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Churches of Canada. RRCC is built on relationships; relationships with one another and with God Himself. This is reflected in our church motto, "Helping people find and follow Jesus". The music is current with the day we live in. The teaching applies the truths of the Bible to the concerns of daily life.
Bob Friesen - Interim Lead Pastor
Bob joined us as Interim Lead Pastor in March, 2009. He is a graduate of MB Biblical Seminary and has been a pastor for many years including 20 years as Senior Pastor of the Broadway Church in Chilliwack. More recently he served for six years on the staff of the BC Conference of MB Churches where his primary responsibility was working with churches and leaders to help churches become healthier. He has a passion for seeing churches catch a vision for the mission to which God has called them so that they will be a positive influence in their own community and in the world. Bob is married to Joy and they have two adult children; Cynthia who is a missionary in Thailand; and Jeremy (who is married to Shefali) who is an economist in New York City. Bob was called to this ministry from out of our church where he and Joy have been members for seven years. He is excited about the privilege of working with the pastors, elders and the congregation to help people to find and follow Jesus.
Rudie Willms - MINISTRY TO SENIORS
Rudie & Louise have 3 married sons who have given them 11 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys walking, reading, coffeeing with people & watching sports events. Together, he & Louise love to have people in their home.
Rudie began his Seniors Ministry at RRCC in November'00. Rudie pastored the Salem M.B. Church in Winnipeg from 1960-1966. He was a speaker on the Gospel Light Hour in Winnipeg from 1966-1970. He then pastored at East Aldergrove M.B. Church from 1970-1984. He also went on to serve as pastor at Culloden M.B. Church in Vancouver from 1984-1995, and then at Scott St. M.B. Church in Ontario from 1995-2000.
Darren Petker - YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES
Darren began serving at Ross as a middle school intern in the fall of 2002. He became the student ministries pastor in January of 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Youth Work from Columbia Bible College.
Darren is joined in ministry by his wife Judi and three little children Caleb, Hannah and Morgan. He is an avid sports fan, who loves to golf, fish and build furniture in his basement shop.
Darren is passionate about seeing young people embrace a life altering faith in Jesus Christ and he counts it a privilege to be able to serve God in the local church.
Craig Thiesen - STUDENT MINISTRIES- Grade 6-12
Craig began serving as the Middle School youth intern under Pastor Darren's leadership in September 2007. He began full time youth ministry in August 2009. Craig attended Briercrest College from 2005-2007 and completed his BA in Youth Work at Columbia Bible College in 2009. Craig and Jenny were married in April of 2009 and together they are passionate about getting to know students and helping them to understand their role in the kingdom of God. Craig is a huge sports fan and enjoys playing a variety of sports, especially hockey. He also enjoys cheering vociferously for the Canucks and likes to use big words.
Merri Ellen Giesbrecht - KIDS MINISTRY PASTOR - Newborn to Grade 5
Merri Ellen began serving as full-time Interim Kids Pastor on June 10, 2007. She previously served as Administrative Assistant in Kids Ministry for one year under the direction of the former Kids Pastor.
Merri Ellen holds a BA in Sports Ministry from Briercrest Bible College and comes to us with a life experience working with kids from Sunday School to Summer Camping, Swim Instructing, Mtn Bike Instructing, Rock Climbing Instructing, Soccer Camps, Baseball Camps, College Women's Volleyball coaching and Girls Night Out (girls club). She gives support to the fabulous Kids Ministry Team at RRCC—helping them to do what they do best—helping kids find and follow Jesus! She loves Soccer, Baseball, writing and hanging out with her husband Scott and 2 boys.