The Meeting Place Nanaimo - Church For Everyone

This Nanaimo church is simply an ordinary bunch of people who have joined together for a spiritual journey to learn about and follow Jesus Christ. You'll find The Meeting Place to be an open place where people with questions of all kinds are welcome and are encouraged to participate. We believe that church can be different -- and if our casual, friendly atmosphere, compelling multimedia, great coffee and comfortable seats don't convince you...we're sure our message will!

Who's organizing all this, anyway?

Originally from Richmond, BC, Pastor Dave Koot holds an undergraduate degree from Trinity Western University and a Masters of Arts degree in Counselling from Denver Seminary.

Dave is married to his best friend Colleen, and loves to spend time with his three daughters. Dave is passionate about his love for God, family, friends and a certain football team in Denver. His family has enjoyed the pristine beauty of living on Vancouver Island for the last 15 years.

Dave Koot – Lead Pastor

Lauren has always been passionate about God's transforming work in the lives of individuals. From the very first time the Whitworth family attended in 2000, the mission and vision of TMP resonated with Lauren’s background in international missions. Lauren spent 9 years with Mercy Ships, and the passion of being a part of God’s transforming work became a part of the fabric of her life.

Lauren’s role at TMP includes, Director of the Board and the chair of Leadership Team. She provides leadership for all the kid’s ministries at TMP, encouraging a love and dedication for connecting with kids at a level that creates life change. Lauren is also a part of the speaking team.

A business owner and hair designer, Lauren has a hair studio in Nanoose Bay. Lauren enjoys walks on the beach with her husband Stewart and kids, Steven (& Kait), Mario, Ciara & Jackson, and two Labrador retrievers.

Lauren Whitworth –
Leadership Team Chair

Rod has spent most of his life on a journey attempting to understand theology, politics and why his computer acts the way it does. Most of the time he can be found sitting at his Mac, working out at the gym, building something in the garage, or smiling at his family and friends. He loves good books, coats with lots of pockets, and fine cutlery. He hopes to never stop learning, growing and getting stronger.

Rod finds it incredibly rewarding to experience life change with people at TMP who are encountering God in their day to day life. Seeing all sorts of different people using their God-given abilities together in the creation of something powerful and meaningful is one of the highlights of his life – and it happens all the time right here at TMP!

Rod Kolke - Communications

Brent has been on the leadership team since 2006 and has a heart and passion for helping others. He tries to live a balanced life by taking care of himself spiritually and physically. Brent works full-time in the field of addictions and is continuing his education through the University of Victoria. Working as a counselor can be emotionally draining at times and thus he is a big believer in playing. He loves both playing hockey and watching it. Running marathons teaches him about commitment and tenacity and the importance of following through with commitments. Playing tennis with Mr. Koot is a highlight of his week as he can have a lot of fun and enjoy candid heart-to-hearts about leadership and how to utilize the gifts that God gave us.

Brent loves TMP and the people who make it work; it is an honor to see people grow. He finds it a a struggle at times trying to be real and vulnerable; however the rewards are amazing. For Brent, “faith without work is futile.”

Brent Lloyd – Leadership Team

	Warren is busy typing out his bio…
Warren Schmidt – Youth

As music director at TMP since July of 2006, Mark spends his time helping people think about and experience God in new ways through music and the arts. He is excited about bringing the colourful variety of artists in the Nanaimo area together in the goal of sharing God’s love creatively with the world around us.

Beyond his obvious passion for tunes and lyrics, Mark is an avid hoarder (and occasional reader) of books, and can often be seen on a mountain bike or in a coffee shop, viewing the former as a form of penance for the guilty pleasures of the latter.

Mark Lee – Music Director

Justin has been serving as head of the multimedia team and responsible for TMP website upkeep since 2006. Computing and web design have been recent additions to his ‘hobbies’ list which also includes pusuing his Masters in Educational Leadership, golfing, mountain biking, coaching and otherwise choosing activities which frequently cause him personal harm. His most recent self-inflicted injury included busting up his ankle to the point where reconstructive surgery was needed. His better half has now informed him that he must refrain from such hazardous pastimes!

His passions include; in his every action honoring God, being absolutely absorbed and challenged in any activity, and pastas of any sort. He has a beautiful loving family including his wife Danyelle and his two sons.

Justin Green - Webmaster
and Multimedia Guy

Kate longed for the feeling of belonging and having purpose in her life that she had lost when she moved to Nanaimo from her hometown of Clearwater 5 years ago with her husband Brent and two daughters Ariel and Cali. God knew better than her the plans he had in store for her when she found The Meeting Place Church.

Educated in the Early Childhood field Kate has always gravitated to working with children. As Kidz Place Director Kate feels privileged to teach, play and learn with her fantastic volunteer team and of course amazing kids. In her ministry she hopes to be an encourager for children and to provide an atmosphere where children can be inspired, make a connection with God and feel safe to be their unique selves while having tons of fun!

In her spare time Kate loves to be with nature (especially kayaking in the ocean on a hot, sunny day), gardening, playing sports, working on home fix-it projects and being a part of the Alpha course.

Kate Lloyd – Kidz Place Director

Having traveled around the continent as a sound technician for a number of famous bands and musicians back in the day, Mike now lends his fine ear and nimble fingers to tweaking the sound at the Avalon Theater complex on Sunday mornings. Known for his great sense of humor and colorful footwear, Mike can usually be found standing resolutely behind the sound board, soundwave shock-blown hair streaming behind him. While others crumble at the merest hint of audio dissonance, the rare appearance of feedback elicits only a wry grin and a flick of the correct switch from Mike and those on his team.

Michael’s skill, great attitude and commitment to the team helps to create an environment where everyone can experience the touch of something profoundly meaningful every Sunday morning.

Michael Donegani –
Sound Tech Coordinator