We are excited to welcome Richard Tandirerung to our staff this fall as our Director of Ministry Development and Sunday Teams.
Over the last six months, our leadership team has been discerning how best to support and resource our growing church. As Westside continues to grow, we believe we need additional staff capacity to equip volunteers, strengthen ministries, and support the opportunities God is placing in front of us.
As part of that discernment, a new role emerged: Director of Ministry Development and Sunday Teams. This role will serve as an umbrella position that supports several important areas of ministry across the church.
Richard and Pebhe (and now Arlo) have been part of Westside for the past three years. During that time, Richard has been involved in worship, ALPHA, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, community groups, and more. He has also served on staff in churches in both Montreal and Toronto. Those who have served alongside him often describe him as collaborative and engaged.
In this new role, Richard will:
- Oversee and resource our Sunday gathering teams
- Provide additional leadership and support for ALPHA and post-ALPHA environments
- Help develop current and future ministries in alignment with our vision
- Equip volunteers and leaders across multiple ministry areas
Richard carries a deep passion to see people worship God through both song and service. He has a burden to see people find and follow Jesus and is energized by helping people of all ages discover meaningful ways to participate in the life and mission of the church. He is particularly passionate about helping the next generation engage with Jesus, the church, and God's mission in the world.
We believe this role will help cultivate and strengthen the relational, volunteer, and ministry culture of Westside.
As we continue to clarify our vision and strengthen our ministry foundation, our prayer is that people would:
- Be formed spiritually in the way of Jesus
- Encounter the presence of God in worship gatherings
- Experience belonging and develop meaningful relationships
- Discover opportunities for participation and ministry involvement
- Be equipped and released into the life and mission of the church
What About Other Staffing Needs?
What about our search for a pastoral role focused on youth, additional support for kids ministry, and other ministry needs? While we had hoped to move more quickly in some of these areas, the journey has not been linear.
We remain fully committed to resourcing these important ministries and continue to pray, discern, and explore the right staffing solutions. We would appreciate your prayers as that search and process continues.
In the meantime, we believe this step will bring energy, leadership, and support that will positively impact many areas of church life.
(read about our summer staff HERE)
Our Philosophy of Ministry
At Westside, we do not see staff as replacing ministry. We see staff as equipping and encouraging the whole body of Christ to participate in ministry and mission.
In many ways, this has always been part of Westside's story. Ordinary people serving in extraordinary ways. It is one of the reasons our ministry impact has consistently outpaced our size and staffing.
Our hope is that every staffing decision helps more people discover their gifts, step into meaningful service, and participate in what God is doing among us.
How You Can Support This Direction
First, PRAY. We depend on the Spirit to lead and empower our church.
Pray for Richard and Pebhe as they step into this new season. Pray for our pastor and staff, our leadership team, ministry leaders, group leaders, and everyone who serves faithfully at Westside.
We are in a season of growth. God continues to bring people into our community and entrust us with opportunities to help people find and follow Jesus. We want to become deeper in our faith, thicker in our community, and more sacrificial in our mission. We need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for what lies ahead.
Second, continue to steward your financial support of Westside through your GIVING.
Over the last 12-16 months, our church has grown by approximately 30%, while giving has increased by roughly 3%. We do not expect those numbers to move in lockstep, but growth does create new opportunities, responsibilities, and demands. Serving more people requires additional resources, stronger ministry systems, and increased staffing support.
Your generosity today—and throughout 2027—will help us move forward with confidence as we continue investing in people, ministries, additional staff, and the future mission of Westside.
Thank you for being part of what God is doing. We are excited for this next step and look forward to seeing how God continues to shape and strengthen our church in the years ahead.
