Lead Pastor (Elder)
Ross Odnokon
Ross was born in a land of vivid sunsets, golden wheat-fields, and flatness – Saskatchewan. Ross grew up as a skateboard punk in Regina, eventually coming to Christ in high school through a friend’s faithful witness.
He completed his bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies at Peace River Bible Institute in northern Alberta, married his sweetheart Kara and then began life together back in Saskatchewan. Ross went on to get his Journeyman ticket as a Carpenter and work in the trades to provide for his growing family, which now includes (Adelaide, Peter, Isabelle, Emma, and John). Feeling the need for more training and preparation for ministry, they moved to Louisville, KY for Ross to get his Masters of Divinity at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Through his time in seminary God put Kelowna on Ross’ heart and began to give clarity for a vision to plant churches in the Okanagan. Ross and his family moved to Kelowna in 2019 and have been delighted to see God’s leading and grace in planting Redeemer Baptist Church in 2021. Ross began serving bi-vocationally with a carpentry business on the side, but as Redeemer has grown, Ross is now able to serve the church full-time.
Vince Kuipers
Vince was born in Kelowna with deep roots in the area as his family immigrated to Kelowna from Holland in 1921. Vince grew up on a fruit orchard with a passion for riding dirt bikes and downhill skiing when not helping out on the farm. Vince eventually came to Christ in high school after hearing the gospel from many different people over a number of years. He met his beautiful wife Connie while they were both in college and married a few years later. Vince spent over 20 years in the consumer electronics and outdoor sporting goods industries in both B.C. and Alberta, mostly in management roles. Vince eventually moved back to Kelowna to the family farm where he and his wife run a you-pick agro-tourism business.
Vince has a deep passion to see God’s Kingdom advance through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and strongly believes this is accomplished by building strong healthy churches that boldly proclaim the good news of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. The local church being the centre for equipping every Christian for gospel ministry in service to the Lord Jesus.
Lukas Dojan
Lukas was born in Germany and spent the early part of his childhood in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. In 2004, his family immigrated to Canada and settled down in a rural Manitoban community. He spent the latter part of his childhood and early adult life helping out at the family hobby farm and woodworking business. The grace of God found him at an early age and he developed a deep desire for biblical preaching and the supremacy of Christ over all things. During the crazy Covid era, he transplanted yet again to Kelowna where he tied the knot with his beautiful wife.
Currently, Lukas is working in electrical utility design alongside serving at Redeemer. His young and precious family now includes 3 sons and one daughter.
Jeremy Shuba
John Holman
John is Kelowna born and raised, living most of his life in the rural community of Joe Rich. He spent most of his youth exploring the woods, riding bikes, and skiing in whatever fashion was available. Growing up in a Christian household and regularly attending church encouraged a deep faith in God from a young age.
John is married to his lovely wife Jerine, has 3 children (William, Daniel, Alina). Joining Redeemer Baptist spurred him on in faith and has encouraged him to lean into service and love the church.