matt + lisa tapley

GUEST SPEAKERs

Together, Matt and Lisa Tapley have dedicated the past three decades to serving Jesus by serving the local church. They have been happily married since August 1994, finding joy and fulfillment in their shared journey of faith and service to their congregation at Lakemount Worship Centre, since 2003.

Matt, a gifted leader, has been at the helm of Lakemount Worship Centre since 2008. His leadership style is characterized by a commitment to developing leaders within a culture of dependence on the Holy Spirit and a steadfast devotion to the unchanging Word of God.

Lisa's primary pastoral focus lies in overseeing and nurturing the internship program at Lakemount. She is deeply passionate about fostering a vibrant and healthy community within the Church, believing that the Bride of Christ should exemplify the Kingdom of God on earth in its most attractive and life-giving form.

HANNAH DIXON

WORSHIP LEADER

Hannah is passionate about many things and wears a few different hats in order to do what she loves - most of which revolves around walking alongside people as their built-in cheerleader! Hannah has been leading worship in the local church since her youth pastor saw and invested in the call on a goofy teenager’s life. God has radically transformed and redeemed Hannah’s life and in response, she is devoted to worshipping Him for the rest of her days! Activate is Hannah’s favourite part about the Summer - she can’t wait to see you there!! 

MITCH BLACK

WORSHIP LEADER

Mitch is the Young Adults/Production pastor at Gateway Church in London. Mitch has a passion for seeing young people discover their purpose and identity in Jesus, and being a part of church community. Mitch has been married to his wife Ally since 2018, and they live in a small town called Watford Ontario. Mitch loves music, good food, and bonfires.  

tricia lane

guest speaker - sunday am

Tricia serves as an Assistant Pastor at Bethel Church in Sarnia, Ontario where she led the Children’s and Youth Ministries for 13 years. Her greatest passion is to equip the next generation, helping them become life-long, Holy Spirit empowered, followers of Jesus. This summer she’s excited to travel with her husband, spend time by the water and most of all, be part of Activate Next Gen Retreat.

CHARLES KARUGU

Guest speaker - FRIDAY AM

Charles serves as the Alpha Youth Associate for Alpha Canada. He has a genuine love for people and a passion for seeing the next generation experience the transformative love of Jesus. Charles has been married to his best friend and better half, Ashley, for 4 years. He strongly believes in the incredible potential of young people. Charles envisions a future where they lead with compassion, faith, and resilience, creating a world that embodies the love of Jesus. He is excited to be at Activate and looks forward to inspiring and being inspired by the leaders of tomorrow.

kerby stivene

WORKSHOP SPEAKER - STUDENT LEADErs

Kerby has served as a Sr. High Student & Young Adults Pastor at Bethel Church in Sarnia since 2020. He has a passion for training and equipping the next generation of youth and young adults, igniting a fire in them to live and lead their lives for the cause of Jesus and His Kingdom. He is excited to be a part of ACTIVATE this summer to see this passion come to life among the students and leaders. One of Kerby's favorite things to do is to connect with people and chat over coffee. He is the proud husband of Marie and father of three children: Bryanna, Deborah, and Timothy.  

JANA MINDLE

WORKSHOP SPEAKER - STUDENT LEADERS

Jana is the family ministries pastor at Broadway Church in Orangeville. She is married to her amazing husband Sean, and together they have 2 daughters and a Frenchie named Oakley. She loves snowboarding with her family, shoe shopping, good music, and feeding people. Jana is passionate about empowering young people to become the leaders God has called them to be.

ETHAN ELKA

WORKSHOP SPEAKER - STUDENT LEADERS

Ethan has been the Youth and Young Adults Pastor at Freedom in Christ Church in Kitchener, ON since the beginning of 2020 and is passionate about seeing the next generation come to Christ and helping them realize their God-given gifts and calling. He is also passionate about the spread of the Gospel around the world, having worked and lived in Ethiopia, training leaders and teaching around the country. In his spare time he enjoys cheering on the Buffalo Bills, getting outside on the water and getting out to the mountain to snowboard!

Vanessa Meshack

WORKSHOP SPEAKER - STUDENT LEADERS

Pastor joyfully serves at Cedarview Church in Paris as the Youth and Worship Pastor. Her deepest passion is to worship and grow in relationship with the Lord and see those around her come into their own relationship with Him, be equipped and go out to serve Him as He has positioned them. She is excited for the opportunity to share with student leaders again this year at Activate and dive into prayer!