Church Leadership

Canadian Leadership

Sam Smalldon
Bishop of Canada
Director of Shared Services
[email protected]
888-411-7537 ext. 34
519-822-4150 ext. 34

Mission Centre President of Record
Mission Centre Financial Officer
Executive Director and Treasurer for the Canadian Corporation Board
Stewardship Education and Disciple’s Generous Response
Oversees operations, asset, and risk management for Community of Christ Canada
Oversees Affiliates and Congregational Financial Officers and Recorders in Canada

Vonda DenBoer
Director of Camping & Campground Sustainability
[email protected]
888-411-7537 ext. 101

Develops and guides long-term strategic plans and initiatives in line with Community of Christ’s mission and vision
Implements a shared camping strategy across Canada
Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal regulations
Provides leadership in collaborating with our camps and campgrounds
Supports operational sustainability

John Hamer
Director of Outreach & Innovative Mission
[email protected]
647-348-7755

Develops and implements outreach strategies, tools, and programs for connecting with seekers
Fosters innovative ways of living the church’s mission
Oversees emerging congregations and new expressions of the church
Publishes resources that foster church identity formation among members and seekers
Co-directs the “Beyond the Walls” global ministries
Manages the “Revitalizing Canadian Congregations” and “Canadian Mission Strategies” projects
Serves as historian for Community of Christ in Canada

Leandro Palacios
Director of Communications
[email protected]
647-348-7755

Develops and implements Canada-wide communications strategies
Coordinates the creation, publication, and distribution of content that supports ministry and mission

Manages the online presence of Community of Christ in Canada
Promotes member and seeker engagement by ensuring timely awareness of key announcements and events.
Communicates the church’s value proposition to current and new audiences.
Promotes adherence to visual standards, and the Community of Christ Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs.
Co-directs the “Beyond the Walls” global ministries

Lanette Vawter
Director of Leadership Development
[email protected]

Shannon McAdam
Field Apostle
[email protected]
877-411-2632 ext. 2

Minister for Community of Christ
Member of the Council of Twelve Apostles.
Assigned to Field 4, which includes the Canada, Australia, British Isles, Western Europe, Eurasia, and Pacific Islands Mission Centres, as well as the All Nations Congregation.
Shannon is grounded in a deep sense of the Holy all around us. Her ministry flows from her love of people. Shannon believes our strength is in our differences, and every voice is important.
Read full bio at www.cofchrist.org

Lachlan E. Mackay
Field Apostle
[email protected]

Minister for Community of Christ
Member of the Council of Twelve Apostles.
Assigned to Field 4
Passionate about church history, Lach is a former president of the John Whitmer Historical Association and has contributed articles and essays to various scholarly publications.
Read full bio at www.cofchrist.org

Karin F. Peter
Senior President of Seventy
[email protected]

Senior president of the Community of Christ Council of Presidents of Seventy.
This diverse council calls and supports the ministry and mission of the seventy around the globe.
President of Seventy assigned to Field 4.
Karin has served as a youth minister, pastor, missionary coordinator, field missionary coordinator, and president of seventy.
Read full bio at www.cofchrist.org

Joelle Wight
President of Seventy
[email protected]

Director of Temple Ministries
President of Seventy assigned to Field 4
With a background in education, social work, and theology, Joelle brings a deep commitment to peace-building, reconciliation, and the transformative vision of God’s upside-down Kingdom.
Joelle has served as teacher, Latter-day Seeker minister, Invitation Support Minister, and Mission Center President
Read full bio at www.cofchrist.org