OUR PASTORAL STAFF
Pastor Dressler grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and was saved at a young age as a result of the bus ministry at Cleveland Baptist Church. Before coming to Maple City, Pastor Dressler worked as the Youth/Assistant Pastor at First Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Michigan for 10 years. In July of 2001, he was called by God to move his family to Chatham to pastor a church struggling with only 23 people. He, his wife, Kim, and their boys trusted the Lord and made Canada their new home. His plan was simple: preach the Word of God and exalt the Lord Jesus Christ. Over the years God has honoured this biblical strategy and the church has grown immensely both spiritually and physically. Pastor’s wife, Kim, does a wonderful job setting an example for the ladies of Maple City and teaching at the monthly ladies' meetings. Their four boys are all actively involved in Christian service. Each week Pastor preaches straight forward, practical, biblical messages; the Lord has been working in wonderful ways in the hearts and lives of His people here at Maple City. Pastor firmly believes that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not only the most important message for unbelievers, it is the focal point of the entire Christian life. For this reason, every Sunday the gospel is clearly taught. The once-dying church is now a place of excitement and anticipation as we watch the Lord work. Pastor Dressler and his family invite you to come and see what God is doing here at Maple City Baptist Church.
Pastor Rick Dressler
Pastor Dan Christiaans
Pastor Andrew McCombe
Pastor Dan Christiaans grew up in London, Ontario and was raised in a loving Catholic family. At the age of 16 Dan attended a Christian camp called Camp Y.E.S. It was there that he trusted Christ as his personal Saviour. He began attending Harvesters Baptist Church and soon felt God leading him to train for Christian ministry. He and his wife, Tara Christiaans, attended FaithWay Bible College of Canada before moving to Chatham to work at Maple City Baptist Church. He completed his Bachelors Degree in Religion through Liberty University Online.
Dan and Tara have been blessed to work under the mentorship of Pastor and Kim Dressler at Maple City since May of 2005. Dan has taken on several diverse roles at the church; however, his main passion lays in impacting the hearts and lives of young people with the truth found in Jesus Christ. Dan and Tara have invested their lives in the spiritual growth of our teens. Each youth meeting includes activities and Bible studies filled with the teach of God's Word, challenging applications, excitement, games and fun. Their message is simple – teenagers can and should take a stand for Christ and bring glory to God now. Young people at Maple City learn to live out their faith and enjoy a life of real purpose and joy. Since 2005, both the youth group and the Christiaans family have grown tremendously; Dan and Tara now have six beautiful children and open their home up as a foster family. They look forward to spending many more years serving at Maple City.
Follow Dan on Twitter: @danchristiaans
Facebook: Dan-Tara Christiaans
Email: dchristiaans@maplecitybaptistchurch.com
Andrew McCombe grew up in London, Ontario. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with playing sports, specifically hockey, and attending church. He attended Liberty University where he received his teaching degree and met his wife, Stacey, who also grew up in London. Surprisingly, their paths didn’t cross until school in Virginia.
Andrew enjoyed the opportunity to teach at Chatham Christian School for 8 years, where his burden for the students and church grew. God developed a strong yearning within him to serve in full-time ministry at MCBC. As the church grew, so did the need for additional pastoral leadership. He is currently pursuing his Masters of Divinity and thankful for the opportunity to learn under MCBC’s faithful pastors.
He has spent the last 8 years serving here in various ministries. He has a special burden to encourage families to take a stand for truth, even in the midst of uncomfortable times. He sees the value of growing a strong foundation and preaches and teaches the Word with conviction. He and his wife, Stacey have four children. They have loved serving alongside the saints at MCBC and hope to do so for as long as God allows.
Elder Tom Olsen
Tom and Beth Olsen grew up in Tilbury East and still live there on the Olsen farm. Beth was raised in the Presbyterian Church and Tom in the United Church. Both were born again at the age of 17. Tom attended Ontario Bible College(Tyndale) and earned a Bachelor of Theology and then University of Waterloo for a B.A. Beth attended University of Western Ontario (B.A.) and London Teachers College (B.Ed.)
Tom began seminary in Toronto but returned home to farm when Beth’s Dad received a cancer diagnosis. Beth taught in Blenheim and Tilbury before their children were born. They have 7 children and 11 grandchildren with 2 more coming.
Tom and Beth have always been involved in ministry with Tom preaching at many churches in the area and leading Home Bible studies, Marriage courses, Child-rearing courses teaching Sunday School, working with youth groups, children’s ministries, directing Christmas Concerts etc. They love to serve wherever needed.
Deacons:
Greg Dressler
Justin Egan
Dennis Floin
Mitch Floin
Herb Groenwegen
Jeff Mardling
Dave McKinlay
Steve Peters
Travis Peters
Bruce St. Jean
Paul VanKesteren