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.
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.
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.
