Photo Credit: Josh Walsh
Photo Credit: Josh Walsh
Pastor John Garner, Lead Pastor
John was born in Lindsay, Ontario and adopted at the age of one month by Jim and Olivia Garner.
He was raised primarily in St. Catharines and 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 has been married to Peggi for almost 30 years. Peg is an R.N They are grateful parents to two adult sons, Peter and Jordan and three grandsons.
John enjoys golf, a life- long passion. He and Peg enjoy travelling and opening their home to friends. 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.
Pastor Paul Smylski, Pastor of Family Ministries
Paul was born in Niagara Falls and actually grew up here at Redeemer. He has been serving in youth ministry since 2003 and in children’s ministry since 2011. He received his Bachelor of Religious Education with a concentration in Church & Youth Ministry from Emmanuel Bible College in 2005.
Paul has been married to his wife Robyn since 2006 and, so far, together they have two children, Avery and Cody.
Paul has a wide variety of passions including hockey, frisbee golf, and watching movies. He also plays the drums and the guitar and, unlike the other pastors at Redeemer, Paul does not drink coffee!
Paul’s passion and desire is to see young people recklessly surrender their lives to Jesus, and passionately pursue and love Him with everything they are and live out their faith boldly in the world they live in.”
Photo Credit: Josh Walsh
Photo Credit: Josh Walsh
Louisa McLeod, Children’s Ministry Director
Louisa was born and raised in Niagara Falls, and has attended Redeemer Bible Church her whole life. She has been involved in various ministries at Redeemer for many years including the children and youth ministries. Louisa recently graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies and is excited to apply what she has learned to her work here this summer. Louisa enjoys baking, hiking, and playing sports with friends. Louisa is looking forward to a great summer as the Family Ministry Intern and being a part of the staff team at Redeemer.
Janet McLeod, Worship Director
Janet was raised in a pastor’s home and is the youngest of 3 girls. She was born in NB, lived outside Vancouver for several years and moved to Toronto in 1989. Janet grew up singing in the church and has enjoyed participating in numerous musicals, dramas, and choirs. Since coming to RBC in 1992, she has been involved in a variety of ministries and has been leading worship for the past 9 years. Janet loves using her gifts to lead people to grow closer to God through worship. Janet has her BRE from Ontario Bible College (now Tyndale University) and her BA from Brock. She has been married to Colin since 1992 and has four wonderful kids (Hannah, Louisa, Joel and Jacob), an incredible son-in-law Curt Warkentin and two adorable grandchildren Benjamin and Claire. Every chance she gets, she tries to visit her grandchildren in Winnipeg and loves hosting them here. Janet enjoys spending time with friends and family and cheering her youngest son on at whatever game he’s playing in:)
Photo Credit: Josh Walsh
Photo Credit: Josh Walsh
Kathryn Smithyman
Kathryn has been working at Redeemer since September 2019, when she stepped in to help connect people to adult learning opportunities, journey groups and Bible studies, and to one another through various initiatives. She is a freelance editor who has worked at various publishing companies in Niagara and Hamilton. Her experience includes serving a church by coordinating worship and adult ministry. Kathryn’s faith journey includes a significant experience at Alpha. It ignited a passion and gratefulness that prompts her to coordinate and co-lead Alpha at Redeemer.
Kathryn and her husband Steve Cruickshanks love hanging out with their kids (4 wonderful couples) and grandchildren. Together, they share a lot of laughter and love. Kathryn also enjoys reading, walking, and working out.
Roger Poirier, Administrator
Roger grew up in a Christian home and was the first of three children born to Raymond and Grace Poirier. After leaving England and immigrating to Canada he attended Calvary Church Boys Brigade in St. Catharines where he accepted Christ at age 14. After high school he completed an electrical apprenticeship, attended Brock University and joined General Motors retiring as a General Supervisor of Maintenance. Roger joined the staff at Redeemer Bible Church as administrator in March of 2005. His responsibilities include overseeing budgets, policies and office administration. Roger is married to Judy, the love of his life and they have a wonderful blended family of six children and eight grandchildren. Roger has many varied interests including photography, astronomy, travel, hiking, reading and classical music. His desire is to faithfully serve Christ and grow daily in the knowledge of his Lord and Saviour.
Photo Credit: Josh Walsh
Photo Credit: Josh Walsh
Lori Foster, Secretary
Lori was born and raised in Niagara Falls, the third of four children born to Harold and Kathleen Mason. She grew up in a Christian home, and made a personal commitment to the Lord in her teen years at a youth rally. After High School, Lori went to Brock University and then worked at various jobs in the city. It was at youth group that she met her husband Marv and together they have been blessed with 4 wonderful children: Matthew, Eric, Emma and Lauren. She has worked at the church doing administrative duties and has loved every minute of serving the Lord in this way! Lori’s interests are centered around her family and her most precious times are doing things together – whether it is going to soccer games, hiking, picnicking, playing tennis or watching a good movie at home. Lori’s favourite Bible verse is found in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Sharon Reinaerts, Custodian
Sharon grew up in a Christian home, the firstborn of 3 children. She was born in Newfoundland and moved to Welland, Ontario with her family at the age of 13. She accepted Christ at a very young age and has always had a desire to serve the Lord. She has her BRE from Eastern Bible College. After graduating from college she was involved in various ministries and served with YWAM for a year and has done a lot of inner-city work. She worked for 8 years at Christian Horizons before she met her husband Peter and they have been blessed with 2 wonderful children; Ashley and Luke. Sharon loves being a wife and mother but also enjoys walking, scrapbooking (when she has time) and reading a good book with a cup of tea and a piece of chocolate. She enjoys her job as custodian and the various ministries she is involved in at Redeemer.
Photo Credit: Josh Walsh
