OUR TEAM

Pastoral Team

Philip Whealy
Overseer/Elder & Senior Pastor

Philip was brought up in a Christian family and knew how to act like a good Christian kid on the outside, and yet it wasn’t until the age of 15 that God saved him, utterly transforming his life and his heart. Since that day, the Lord placed a deep desire in him to share the gospel and see the light of God enter the hearts of sinners.

Married to his childhood sweetheart, Rachel, since 1990, together they have three children: Danielle, Gideon, and Hannah.

Philip has been pastoring full-time at Living Hope Church since January 2022, and holds full, “Open Credentialing“ with the British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, as a licensed minister

Philip loves studying scripture, praying in the woods, playing piano, composing music, and occasionally skiing.

Derek Van Ryckeghem
Overseer/Elder

Derek was drawn by the Lord at a young age. His faith solidified and strengthened after a near death experience in the Mediterranean in his early twenties. This experience launched him into seeking to know the Lord deeper and undergoing missions training. A short term mission trip to Philippines turned into a 25 year long call and commitment to serve oversees.

Derek and his wife Jenn served as missionaries full time, founding and leading the Ministry of Hope for the island within Philippines and Borneo. The couple have two adult children, Makana and Brison.

Back in Canada the adventure of living by faith has continued as Derek and Jenn serve and call to faith those entrenched on the streets.

Derek enjoys withdrawing and spending time exploring in nature.

Gideon Whealy
Deacon (Elder in Training)

Gideon was born again at the age of 14 whilst at a Christian summer camp called Soul Survivor in the UK. At 21 he began leading at another Christian summer camp here in BC and felt God calling him to become a pastor.

He is currently studying for his theology degree through Summit Pacific College, whilst teaching systematic theology and preaching at Living Hope Church.

Gideon longs to see the saints grounded in the Word of God.

His hobbies include rock climbing, reading, skiing, and paddleboarding.

Ministries Team