CHURCH STAFF
Wayne Snider
LEAD PASTOR
Wayne was born in Invermere BC, and spent his growing up years in the Columbia Valley near Golden BC. Before being called to ministry, Wayne had a career as a Heavy Duty Mechanic and then as a department manager at Costco Wholesale in Calgary AB. Shortly after coming to faith in Christ he sensed a call to full time ministry and began Seminary at the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane AB in 1996. He graduated with an MDiv in 2001. Following a season of church planting in Alberta, Wayne served as pastor of the Cranbrook Fellowship Baptist Church in Cranbrook BC, then most recently, as pastor of Armstrong Bible Chapel, in Armstrong BC. In late 2020 Wayne stepped back from ministry and moved to Nanaimo, so along with his wife Rita, they could come alongside their daughter Sarah and her family as Sarah battled cancer. Wayne served FBC as Interim Pastor before being called to the role of Lead Pastor in 2023. Wayne and Rita have a son living in Victoria, a daughter in Calgary, and three grandkids. In his free time Wayne loves spending time with friends and family, drinking coffee with friends, riding motorcycles, and walking his dog Angel.
Dan Hetherington
PASTORAL CARE AND VISITATION COORDINATOR
Dan was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. After high-school he attended nearby Briercrest Bible College and then went on to Providence College near Winnipeg. He graduated with a Bachelor of Theology degree in 1973. Meanwhile, he had met Barbara Gillespie of Nanaimo, B.C. and they were married in First Baptist Church, Nanaimo, by Pastor Warren Hale in 1974. They then went on to serve as missionaries in France with The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) for 10 years, and then served in the home office of TEAM in Calgary until 2002. At this time, Dan and Barb came “full circle” as they moved back to Nanaimo and to First Baptist Church.
Since then, Dan has served in several positions in FBC including the Council and the Elders. In May of 2024 he was given the ministry of Pastoral Care and Visitation Coordinator for the church. He says, “I am looking forward to this ministry as we work together to serve the people of FBC and the community of Nanaimo”.
Dan enjoys music, golfing, gardening, e-biking and camping with friends when time allows.
Allison Rowell
ADMINISTRATOR
Allison was born and raised in Toronto and moved to Nanaimo in 1988 with her family. She’s so thankful for God’s faithfulness throughout the years and has devoted her life to passionately serving the Lord in full-time ministry. Her heart is to inspire, motivate and encourage others to live Christ-centered, joy-filled lives as we share God’s love with our community. Allison loves reaching out to others in practical ways and encourages people to serve the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind. Outside of work, you will find her connecting with students, walking, enjoying music, reading and most of all spending time with her delightful great-nephews.
Valerie Ransom
FAMILY MINISTRIES COORDINATOR
Valerie is a singer, worship leader, wife & mom with a heart for Jesus and His people. She loves to laugh, make music & connect with others. Valerie was born in Scarborough, Ontario and shortly after, moved to Vancouver Island. Her family settled into FBC when she was two-years-old and she has been serving & making music there ever since. From singing in Kid’s Choir and hosting charity concerts to currently serving as Worship Leader & Children’s Music Coordinator — music & ministry have shaped much of Valerie’s life. Valerie is also a recording artist, voice teacher and children’s book author. She spends most of her time singing, writing songs & making music while homeschooling her hilarious son & laughing at her husband’s crazy jokes. Their family enjoys music, art, movie nights & going for long walks with their chocolate lab, Coco.
Valerie has lots of creative ideas for Family Ministries at FBC and is looking forward to serving God & His people in this role.
Jayden Worth
YFC YOUTH WORKER
Jayden Worth was born in Victoria BC, but lived all over Canada throughout his youth - bouncing between his father’s military postings and living with his mother. Coming from inconsistent community roots and a broken family, God blessed Jayden by settling him in Victoria where he attended church for the first time. At the age of 15, Jayden found Jesus’ love and guiding light as well as his future wife on his first Sunday at Gateway Baptist Church. Realizing that God had provided him with beautiful gifts and talents throughout his youth, and understanding Christ’s all-encompassing sacrificial love and forgiveness, Jayden was inspired to become the faith mentor he wished he had.
Jayden interned in Victoria as a Youth intern and then Middle School youth worker. He left Victoria for Calgary to pursue Madelyn’s educational goals and found his calling as a youth and children's pastor in Calgary. The two finally settled in Nanaimo where he began volunteering with YFC while working as an EA in local schools. Continuing to feel God’s call toward ministry Jayden now serves Christ as a YFC Youth Worker at First Baptist Church and in Nanaimo’s youth community.
Bruce Hawker
TECHNICAL COORDINATOR
Bruce was born in Port Alberni and raised in Nanaimo. He has been a long-standing member of FBC and has served on the Elders Board and Council. He has also been intimately involved in Worship Arts for most of his life. Bruce and Fran have 2 married children living in greater Vancouver, both with careers in church work, and four granddaughters. Bruce studied Music at UVIC before joining a full-time Christian Music Ministry out of Seattle that travelled across the US and Canada. Bruce and Fran married in 1980 and soon returned to Vancouver Island to raise their family. After a 38 year career providing technical support on a wide range of Canon business products, Bruce enjoys combining his technical and creative skills in support of the FBC Staff, Volunteers and the ministries within FBC.
Bruce enjoys time with family, being a grandpa, riding e-bikes with Fran, container gardening, playing music and travel.
