Plenary Sessions

Paul Bramer is Professor of Christian Formation and Leadership at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. He has a long career in teaching at all levels, including teaching Christian Education at Ontario Bible College in the early 90's and then directing the MA in Christian Formation at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago before coming returning Canada to develop Tyndale's new Doctor of Ministry program in 2008.

He has helped develop a Center for Youth Ministry Studies, a certificate program in Spiritual Direction, and a DMin program in leadership and spiritual formation.

Paul has a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Education Studies focusing on spiritual formation, a Masters in Educational Administration from Brock University, and undergraduate degrees from the University of Toronto. He has further theological studies at a variety of seminaries and spiritual direction training through Shalem Institute, Washington, DC. He is ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church.

John was born in Lindsay, Ontario and adopted at the age of one month by Jim and Olivia Garner. A ‘God thing!’

He was raised primarily in St.Catharines  and was enjoying a career in men’s wear retailing when he experienced a definite call from God to begin training for pastoral ministry. He studied at Central Baptist Seminary in Toronto and graduated with a Bachelor of Religious Education. For over 30 years John has served in pastoral ministry, currently serving at Redeemer Bible Church in Niagara Falls as Lead Pastor. John was the founding Director for Willow Creek Canada and has spoken at conferences for Willow Creek, Focus on the Family and Promise Keepers. John and his wife Peggi have spoken as a couple in different workshop settings on the theme of ‘Marriage and Ministry.’ 

John has been married to Peggi for over 30 years. Peg is an R.N. who serves Christ in the work setting as well as more pastoral, missions and leadership settings. They are grateful parents to two adult sons. 

John has a passion to help see people become and grow as courageous and passionate followers of Jesus Christ. He yearns to see the local church as a place that radiates the heartbeat of Jesus which is marked by an abundance of grace and truth.

John enjoys golf, a life- long passion, having scored his first hole in one in 2008. He and Peg enjoy travelling, opening their home to friends and enjoying  good food and drink. Biking and walking are a consistent part of John’s fitness commitment.  Reading a wide variety of books, newspapers and magazines keeps John well stocked in’ food for thought’ and message illustrations.

Paul Bramer is Professor of Christian Formation and Leadership at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. He has a long career in teaching at all levels, including teaching Christian Education at Ontario Bible College in the early 90's and then directing the MA in Christian Formation at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago before coming returning Canada to develop Tyndale's new Doctor of Ministry program in 2008.

He has helped develop a Center for Youth Ministry Studies, a certificate program in Spiritual Direction, and a DMin program in leadership and spiritual formation.

Paul has a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Education Studies focusing on spiritual formation, a Masters in Educational Administration from Brock University, and undergraduate degrees from the University of Toronto. He has further theological studies at a variety of seminaries and spiritual direction training through Shalem Institute, Washington, DC. He is ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Pat Nixon was plunged into homelessness at twelve years old, eventually rescued by Christian outreach workers who introduced him to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. He began a journey of renewal that eventually led him from being a resident of the Solicitor General to being an honoured guest of the Governor General. He has been a top leader in the development of ministries of compassion, peace and justice all across Canada. Though most of his work has been in the development of the Mustard Seed Street Ministry in Calgary today he is in a new role as National Coordinator of Street Level Canada.

Alana Walker Carpenter is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Intriciti, a ministry for business leaders.

Her passion is to inspire business leaders to integrate their faith and business through innovative events, individual and group coaching, roundtable discussions, leadership development, and philanthropic initiatives.

Ms. Walker Carpenter holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario.  She also completed her post-graduate degree in Human Resources Management.

Paul Bramer is Professor of Christian Formation and Leadership at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. He has a long career in teaching at all levels, including teaching Christian Education at Ontario Bible College in the early 90's and then directing the MA in Christian Formation at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago before coming returning Canada to develop Tyndale's new Doctor of Ministry program in 2008.

He has helped develop a Center for Youth Ministry Studies, a certificate program in Spiritual Direction, and a DMin program in leadership and spiritual formation.

Paul has a PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Education Studies focusing on spiritual formation, a Masters in Educational Administration from Brock University, and undergraduate degrees from the University of Toronto. He has further theological studies at a variety of seminaries and spiritual direction training through Shalem Institute, Washington, DC. He is ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Nigel Paul is the Founder and Director of MoveIn, a movement of teams of Christians who bring transformation to high-needs neighbourhoods through prayer, presence and action.  He lives in a high-needs East Toronto neighbourhood with his wife Jessica, who is passionate about mobilizing health professionals for God's glory.

Nigel grew up in Zambia, Pakistan, Kenya and came to Canada to attend the University of Waterloo. He graduated with a degree in Internet Business. In 2006, Nigel served as the traveling assistant to the Founder of Operation Mobilization, George Verwer.

Nigel founded MoveIn in January 2009. An entrepreneur at heart, he runs a small book publishing business while leading MoveIn. He uses his passion for the Kingdom of God, prayer, and discipleship to encourage regular Christians with jobs to move into the least-reached communities of Canada and beyond to bring transformation.