Our Team

MINISTRY TEAM

CHRIS WESTBY – LEAD PASTOR

Pastor Chris and Sherri Westby are originally from Regina, SK and together they lead Sonrise Church in Surrey, BC. in the Metro Vancouver area on Canada’s West Coast.

They were married in 2009 and have three children. Their wonderful son, Ezekiel, from Chris’ first wife who tragically passed away in 2007 after a three-year-long battle with cancer, and their two beautiful daughters, Eden and Esther.

Pastor Chris is a gifted and passionate preacher and teacher of the Word of God and does so in a way that is accessible for everyone. He also enjoys working with teams of volunteers and staff who are dedicated to carrying the hope and purpose of Jesus through their skills and gifts. He is apostolically gifted and yearns to see the Church on mission.

Sherri is a specialized labour and delivery nurse who has a passion for seeing women raised up in the calling of God over their life and lead themselves in whichever sphere they are in. She is the leader of the local women’s ministry, SHE at Sonrise Church and SHE international, a burgeoning network of women leaders across Canada. She is fiercely protective over the body of Christ and she has a big heart for the local church.

Pastor Chris holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Management with honours, and they have both completed the Arrow Leadership Program and function as high level leaders. Pastor Chris in an adjunct Professor at Eston College and Pacific Life Bible College, and serve our fellowship (ACOP) as a Trustee.

BRADEN DEAGLE – ASSISTANT PASTOR

Braden and Lisa moved to BC to commence an internship in August 2020 from Eston College, located in Eston, SK. Lisa and Braden both have their Bachelors of Biblical Studies from Eston College. In August of 2021, Braden completed his internship and transitioned into the role of Assistant Pastor. Braden oversees Community Groups, and Young Adults. Together they love serving the Lord and enjoy their daughters Adley (2020) and Ayla (2022).

CHRIS BOYKO – DIRECTOR OF YOUTH AND COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION

Chris is an energetic and passionate follower of Jesus. He is married to Lonette, and they have two beautiful, talented daughters, Kiana and Tayja. He worked for the BC Lions for 13 years as the strength and conditioning coach. He is also currently completing his Leadership degree at TWU and coaches youth athletics for Langley Mustangs. He has a heart for the younger generation, and desires to see all youth come to know Jesus and find their purpose in Him. He oversees SC Youth as well as partnerships with community programs and ministries, coordinates our Growth Track, preaches, serves and helps in any capacity.

JONATHAN MALAMURA – PASTOR APPRENTICE

Jonathan, alongside his wife Rachel and their daughters Aliyah and Haven, joined Sonrise Church in 2022. In October 2023, he embarked on his pastoral apprenticeship, actively contributing to the church through his gifts of teaching, preaching, and shepherding. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Theology through Portland Bible College and is passionate about discovering his call to ministry. Beyond his involvement, he enjoys reading, listening to podcasts like the BibleProject, and cherishing moments with his family.

MARGIE JANZEN – WORSHIP DIRECTOR

Margie grew up singing, both for fun and professionally, and has had a passion for music since a young age, but it was when she had an encounter with the Holy Spirit at 16 that she heard the call of the Lord on her life to become a worship leader. She has been leading worship for most of her life, and her passion for calling others into an encounter with the living God continues to grow daily. It’s her desire that worship be authentic and pure and never a performance where everything in our lives becomes worship.

Margie is married to Dan, and they have twin teenage daughters. She is currently studying for her master’s in Christian Leadership.

SCOTT McGOWAN – TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Born and raised in Richmond, BC, Scott grew up in the Christian and Missionary Alliance and has served on the Worship Team at his previous church for well over a decade. He met his wife, Karen, while putting on a church play – and they got married four years later. Scott knows firsthand the transformative power of God’s gift of music, and he is passionate about the all-encompassing freedom that worship provides. While not behind the board, he plays electric guitar and is a professionally trained vocalist, but can also “get by” on drums and bass guitar (his words exactly).

Scott graduated from the prestigious Studio 58, Langara College’s professional theatre program, and has since delved into the world of music production and live shows with his band; while his wife Karen works as a Recreation Manager in a long-term care facility. The two of them enjoy roaming the outdoors, roller coasters, and travelling.

VICTOR DELA SERNA – GROWTH TRACK DIRECTOR  

A passionate disciple-maker; creative in finding opportunities that allow believers to realize the “DNA” of making disciplers and ignite their passion for excellence in serving the body of Christ as mandated in Matthew 28:19-20 and described in Ephesians 4:11-16. He believes that the core definition of the word “church” {ekklesia} is DISCIPLESHIP. He holds a bachelor’s degree in theology (Manila Bible Seminary), and a master’s degree in leadership studies (Cincinnati Christian University, Ohio).

BETHEL WITT – EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PASTOR CHRIS AND BOOKEEPER 

Bethel worked part-time as a contracted bookkeeper for Sonrise Church. She brought a calm presence and was crucial to the function of the church. In summer of 2022 Bethel was promoted to be Pastor Chris’ executive assistant. She is married to Sheldon and they have two kids, Judah and Elliana.

SUMMER DHILLON – ADMINISTRATOR AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR 

Summer joined Sonrise Church in February 2022 after hearing the beckoning call from Jesus multiple times and decided to get Baptized by Pastor Chris at our Easter service. Summer loves serving at church and is grateful to be given the opportunity to be able to serve as a part of Sonrise. She thanks her mother for encouraging her to follow and love Jesus.

PAM OUELLETTE – CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR 

Pamela Ouellette has served as a Children’s Ministry Director for over 20 years and has a passion to see kids not only experience the love of the Father firsthand but also grow in the knowledge of biblical truth and build a very personal relationship with Jesus Himself. Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Pam along with her 2 Adult daughters, have served in the mission field and led over 10 mission trips internationally and into First Nation Communities in Northern Quebec.

SHALAN WIEBE – VOLUNTEER PRAYER DIRECTOR & ELDER

Shalan is a mighty prayer warrior who loves the Lord and has a heart for the lost. She is married to Gary and they have three children Jacob, Derek, and Vanessa.

ANDREA YORK – VOLUNTEER PROPHETIC DIRECTOR

Andrea is a sold-out lover of Jesus. She values the supernatural life in the Spirit through Jesus and pursues the revelatory gifts as part of normal Christianity. She is a worship flag maker and serves worshippers around the world through her business, Catch the Fire Worship Flags. Andrea joined Sonrise in June 2021 to develop prophetic ministry in order to help others know who they are in Christ and what He plans for them. She is married to Gary and they have one son, Max.

 

KEY LAY LEADERS

RACHEL MADU – CHAIR OF THE SOCIETY DIRECTORS

Rachel is a dynamic woman of God whose heart is for people. This is evident in the work she does in the church and outside of the church. She is married to Brad, who served as a director for many years, together they serve as Elders at Sonrise. They have three children together: Caleb, Elijah, and Flora. Brad and Rachel have led Alpha at Sonrise for the last few years and their heart is to see people have a life-changing relationship with Jesus.

AL MILLER – ORPHAN CARE LEADER

Al has provided leadership to our Sonrise Africa Orphan Care ministry projects. Through his leadership, local African pastors are caring for orphans, leading churches and developing sustainable projects to provide funds for current and future ministry.

 

SHIRLEY LIPPMANN – BENEVOLENCE TEAM LEADER

Shirley is committed to helping people who find themselves in difficult situations, she works with her team to ensure that needs are met and the gospel is delivered in practical ways.

AND MANY MANY MORE…

There are many more fantastic key lay leaders at Sonrise: Worship Leaders, Children’s Ministry Leaders, Elders, the list go on and on…