About Joel.LOOKING FOR A SPEAKER BIO? CLICK HERE.
DOWNLOAD A HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO. FULL BIO. Joel is the second-born child of loving parents who emigrated to Canada from the Netherlands after World War II. He grew up in Chatham, Ontario, giving him an incredible foundation. He lives in Guelph and is married to the lovely and detail-savvy Christie: she's still his favourite person. They have adult children, and treasure being grandparents, curated on the #AdventuresofMamoandOpa. Joel loves time with family and friends, participating in social transformation, playing squash & golf, and composing or playing music. He also enjoys fresh-roasted coffee, travel, and art. He received his Undergrad (B.Th. 1994) from Emmanuel, took courses at Harvard Kennedy School, and Jerusalem University College, and received an M.A. in Global Leadership from Fuller School of Intercultural Studies (MAGL, 2022). He is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives (DLGP, 2026) through Portland Seminary. He has experience in local, national, and international contexts of leadership. After serving as a founding pastor with Royal City Mission in Guelph, Joel pioneered the Regional Minister role for the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada (EMCC), coaching a diversity of pastors and churches in Canada. He helped to shape the Way of Jesus, a simple framework for following Jesus in everyday life. Then, he was invited to lead and facilitate a revisioning of EMCC’s Global Mission arm. As a result, World Partners has become an integrated mission mobilizing service of the denomination, able to assist the EMCC to participate differently in God’s mission everywhere. He served as a Board member for both his alma mater, Emmanuel, and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. In partnership with the Evangelical Fellowship, Joel assists the Church in Canada in holistic mission, peacemaking and reconciliation. He is the Canadian Coordinator for the World Evangelical Alliance's Peace & Reconciliation Network (PRN), and the Director of Engagement with Lausanne Movement Canada (LMC). Although these part-time roles are Joel’s main focus, he is also working on his Doctorate, and consulting, assisting leaders and organizations in their strategic focus, informed by the wisdom and practice of the global church. |
All is gift” — Teresa of Avilla
