University Christian Ministries Emerge Conference

Mark Buchanan

Speaking on Reconciliation

This year we are blessed to have plenary sessions with Mark Buchanan.

Mark and his wife Cheryl live in Gibsons, BC. He is an associate professor of Pastoral Theology at Ambrose Seminary. They have three adult children. Mark is a pastor, teacher, and speaker. He enjoys scuba diving, fishing, and motorcycles. He is the author of ten books, including most recently the novel David: Rise (Book One of trilogy on the life of King David), and God Walk: Moving at the Speed of Your Soul. He and Cheryl lead New Story Community, a ministry that promotes the flourishing of Indigenous women.

Elyse Brouwer

Speaking on The Spirit: God's Presence & Power

Rev. Elyse Brouwer lives and pastors in Surrey, B.C. with her husband, Christian. She serves as the Community Engagement Pastor at WestWinds Community Church, sits on the General Executive of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and is working on her MA in Theological Studies at Regent College. She is passionate about connecting people to the local church, and empowering them to be who they were made to be in Christ.

Andy Gabruch

Speaking on Infobesity

Have you experienced Infobesity? Infobesity is when we are bombarded by information overload causing us to be paralyzed from purpose. This workshop is about understanding infobesity and how to live in purpose in a digital world.

Andy Gabruch has been in ministry for over 17 years in urban, suburban, and rural contexts. We have the pleasure of having him as one of our breakout speakers. He has worked with high school assemblies across Canada, city-wide youth forums, local governments, churches, national leadership boards, and speaks on culture, leadership, and ministry. He is currently a pastor of multiplication at Broadway Church in Vancouver, BC, Canada. He has a Masters Degree in Leadership and Management and is working on his Doctorate at George Fox University. His focus is to raise the next generation of ministerial leaders. He is married to Annick and has four children.

Kevin O'Coin

Speaking on Vocation

Kevin O’Coin is a graduate of ACTS Seminaries of Trinity Western University (Master of Divinity, ’09) and is currently at ACTS in the role of Assistant Director of Admissions. Kevin has served in pastoral ministry for eight years in Mennonite Brethren churches in Surrey and Winnipeg. He is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry project at ACTS, related to best practices for helping prospective students discern their enrolment in seminary. He is married with one son.

What Should I do with my Life? Discerning God’s Call

It is easy to get overwhelmed when wondering about the direction of your life and what causes you to dedicate yourself to. This workshop describes the kinds of ways God calls and provides some reflective tools for how to figure out your unique calling.