Our Staff
South Langley Church is caring community filled with awesome people and friendly staff who help us walk through life and explore our faith together. Here are some of them:
Lead Pastor
Rob Ayer
I joined the SLC team in September 2022. I love Jesus and His church. I've been a Pastor for more than 27 years because I have felt called to challenge and encourage Christians in their faith so that they would know and share the love of Christ.
I was born in Ontario but always felt like I was born in the wrong province. Me and my family moved to BC in 2004 and have not looked back - as if to prove the saying, "Wise men come from the east, and fools go back!" I have been happily married to my best friend, Jackie for 31 years, and I am the proud father of our son Joshua (married to Katie) and our daughter, Cailey.
I love listening to all kinds of music, I love to sing, and I try to keep beat (from time to time - see what I did there?) on the drums (like a human metronome). I enjoy hiking the rivers of Chilliwack BC, riding my bike, shooting hoop on our laneway, watching movies (fav. = Raiders of the Lost Ark), and reading fiction and non on my back porch sipping a diet coke, jazz music in the background. And (like everyone else on the planet, it seems) I'm learning how to play pickleball.
Pastor of Next Generations & Worship Ministries
Bryan Penner
I’ve been a youth worker in both churches and parachurch ministries for most of my adult life. In my role here at South Langley I get to work alongside an amazing group of people to plan and implement our youth and young adult programming both on-site and in our community.
I married up, and now my amazing wife Jillian and I are proud parents of SLC’s only pastor’s kid. His hobbies currently consist of eating, sleeping, pooping, and being cute for a few minutes occasionally.
Music and food have always been a big part of how I spend my time. Occasionally I moonlight as a guitar player, and I’m currently re-learning the piano. I also enjoy cooking, and I’ve recently become passionate about cast iron care. I won’t include any other hobbies because they tend to shift, so by the time this bio is published they may have changed.
Administrator/Graphic Design
Dawnelle Guenther
I am SLC's Administrator and Graphic designer. My parents are charter members of South Langley Church and so I have been a part of this church family since my birth. My roots here go deep and I consider it such a blessing to work at a place that I love.
I've been married to Tony for over 40 years. We have three adult daughters, 2 sons-in-law and five grandkids! As my husband would say, "Our quiver is full!"
When we're not working or spending time with family, Tony and I love exploring British Columbia. I also enjoy knitting, gardening, playing Munzee with people from around the world and creative writing. My life-long dream was realized in July 2021 when I published my first novel!
Custodian
Rod & Ruth Bahnman
I am the Custodian at SLC. My responsibilities cover the cleaning of the indoor spaces and keeping them in readiness for used by the various groups and activities which occur over the week. I joined the staff in July 2021.
My husband of more than 40 years, and I began attending SLC in 2017, after a move into the Langley area. We become members in 2022. Rod has been an occasional and much appreciated assistant for me in my duties.
We have two adult children and one very energetic grandson. Our senior dog is also a very important family member. In our free time we enjoy walking our dog, gardening, feeding the local birds and spending time near water and relaxing with family and friends. Baking is something I really enjoy doing and Rod & I are on the volunteer team for coffee time after church on Sunday morning.
Life Teams Youth Worker
Aidan Rettich
I'm here to cause a ruckus and make long-lasting connections with South Langley's youth (If you're a youth and you're reading this, say the word "splat" next time you see me.) I've worked on staff with Youth Unlimited in Mission and volunteered at Northview's youth group for several years and over time I have discovered a passion for youth that God has given to me to use in this ministry.
I could wipe the floor with anyone at this church in Super Smash Brothers, and if you hear a hauntingly beautiful voice echoing down the corridors it's probably me belting whichever Broadway tune I have in my head that day. Most of my time nowadays is spent in class with my fellow Lifeteamers (Hi Olivia) or rewatching Pixar movies. I'm really looking forward to serving you this year!
Stay fresh!
Life Teams Youth Worker
Olivia Spoelder
I have been working with youth and children at my own church for years before coming to school at lifeteams. As my placement opportunity, I got the chance to be working with and alongside amazing people like Bryan Penner and Aidan Rettich, planning and running the youth programs this year. I’m from a small town in Ontario called Delhi, and I am happy to be somewhere with a better view than just tobacco fields.
Lately, I have been doing lots of homework and assignments for future events and ministry projects coming up. I have also been reading different novels for our regular book clubs that we do at life teams, currently reading friendship at the margins and honestly, not my favourite, I wouldn’t start up a conversation with me about it. But I do love the book Love Does by Bob Goff!
In my free time, I enjoy reading, going for hikes, cleaning (I know I am weird) and playing instruments. I am a ukulele player, but I am also currently re-learning piano, and guitar just to keep myself busy. I am super excited to see what God does with this year, and super excited to get to know you all!
Address: 20098 22 Ave, Langley, BC V2Z 1X4
General inquiries email: info@southlangleychurch.com
Phone: (604) 530-2646
Office Hours: 9am - 4pm, Monday to Friday
On Site & Online Sunday Services: 10am - 11:30am