Our pastors and staff members serve our church body by providing spiritual leadership and support as they work alongside the congregation through the various ministries of our church. They are passionate about encouraging and equipping people, and it’s their absolute pleasure to see a person enter into an authentic and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

So take a moment to learn more about the individuals who make up our staff and leadership team. Each of their life stories is a unique testimony and contribution to the commitment of our church to reach our city, country and the entire world.

Rev. Bill Buitenwerf

Senior Pastor

Rev. Bill Buitenwerf is the Senior Pastor at East Gate Alliance Church, and the founder of the International Community of Alliance Churches. He is passionate about leading people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, encouraging them to grow in faith, and equipping them to do the same. He is fully reliant on the Holy Spirit’s power for holiness. Key emphases of his ministry include evangelism, discipleship, leadership training, helping the world’s poor, and providing…

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Rev. Joshua Kahle

Youth Pastor

Josh was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, into a large family — he has nine siblings, and they are all from the same two parents! Along with his siblings, Josh has grown up and attended East Gate since he was a wee baby. During his high school years, alongside a few other members of the youth group, he had an opportunity to take part in a 10-day mission trip to Mexico City, and while…

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Jacques Lapointe

Pastor of French Ministry and Pastoral Care

Jacques Lapointe joined the pastoral team at East Gate Alliance Church in late 2015 as the Pastor of French Ministry and Pastoral Care. He brings many years of fruitful experience and a caring heart to our church family. Jacques grew up in Montréal, which is also where he met and married his wife, Juliette. Together, they have three children (Sylvie, Simon and Esther), and are now the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren. Jacques and Juliette…

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Jennifer Buitenwerf

Office Administrator

Jennifer has been an involved member of our church since 1993. She joined our office staff in 2011 and enjoys the fellowship with the pastoral staff (especially the senior pastor). Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Jennifer attended Canadian Bible College (now Ambrose University) in 1984, where she met her husband Bill. They were married in 1986 and entered ministry a couple of weeks later in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. During their time in British…

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Debbie Macphail

Director of Children and Family Ministries

Debbie has been on staff at East Gate Alliance since 2007 as the Director of Children and Family Ministries. She oversees the children and family ministries for both East Gate and the Ottawa Mandarin Alliance Church, and feels that joint ministry is a blessing! She enjoys serving and working alongside the families and volunteers from both congregations. Debbie previously worked for 16 years with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board as an Educational Assistant for…

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