2025 Annual Report - Available on november 23rd, 2025
Governing Council election notification
First Assembly is a self-governing congregation with a member-elected Governing Council that constitute the organization’s Board of Directors. The Governing Council is composed of the Lead Pastor as chair and eight elders elected by the congregation from nominated Elders. Proverbs 11:14, 15:22, and 24:6 instruct us on the importance of different perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge for wise decision making. First Assembly is benefited by the election of Governing Council candidates that reflect our church members’ diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, age, and professional abilities.
Governing Council key accountabilities
The role of the governing council is outlined in Section 6 of the By Laws and includes the following key areas of accountability:
Vision, strategy, planning
Organizational oversight
Decision making
Administrative stewardship
Financial stewardship
Risk management
Regulatory and legal matters and obligations
Governing Council Candidate Profile
Governing Council members form First Assembly’s Board of Directors and have legal, fiduciary, and governance responsibilities. As such, strong Governing Council candidates’ background will include some of the below competencies and professional experience:
Visionary leader experienced in strategic advisory
Demonstrated problem-solving abilities
Proven ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
Consensus building team player respectful and open to the ideas of others
Experience in one or more of the following specialties:
Strategy, planning, and performance management
Governance, policies, and procedures
Financial management
Operational management
Legal and regulatory industry
Healthcare industry
Construction and engineering
Information technology
Project management
Human resources
Entrepreneurship
Marketing and Communications
Fundraising
Other not for profit board interaction experience, committees work, and operations
What is expected of a Governing Council Member
Governing Council members are expected to:
Devote approximately 5 to 10 hours per month of their time for monthly meetings, document review, discussions and other special meetings as required.
Participate in specific committees like the budget committee, constitution committee, and other working groups as needed.
Adhere to the Governing Council role and responsibilities.
Be active members in First Assembly's congregational life and ministry.
2025 CANDIDATES
Tosin Oladeji
It’s coming up on 9 years that my family and I have been attending FA and from the beginning it was so clear to us that the heart of our leadership is in the right place; this Church prioritizes all the right things and is deliberately on mission in Canada and around the world. It will be my privilege to continue to serve alongside these committed leaders and partner with our members to continue to bring this life transforming gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to a world in need of it.
Funke Ibraheem
My name is Funke Ibraheem. I am a wife and a mother to 2 lovely daughters. I have been attending First Assembly since 2012. I love this family of God because of global impact (mission) FA has made and continues to make, and also the spiritual growth I and my family are experiencing here. Ministry to me is the expression of my faith through serving where I extend Christ’s love. I firstly served in the Children Ministry for 4 years. I moved to Next Steps Ministry right after where I still serve along with the Ministry Team. I derive great joy in seeing the church grow and people coming to Christ. I am also currently serving in the FA Cares Ministry. As an HR professional with great knowledge of strategies and organizing, (able to accurately explain policies and protocols, results oriented, great managerial and leadership skills), I will be able to serve well as a member of Governing Council.
John Vasquez
I’ve been part of First Assembly for four years now, and what I love most is our diversity, people from all walks of life united by one purpose: to impact Calgary and the world with the life-transforming presence of Jesus. I currently serve on the Culture Team, FA Kids, Young Adults, and the Prayer Team, and I believe it is a privilege to be part of what God is doing here! If I was given the honour to serve on the Governing Council, I hope to bring discernment in decision-making, peace in challenging seasons, and faith that inspires hope when things don’t seem to go as planned. My heart is to be a voice for the young generation and to help build bridges that set FA up for lasting success.
Todd Payne
During our time at FA I have developed a deep appreciation for our 100 year history and the legacy of faithfulness from those that have served in the past. I love our Pastoral Leadership team and admire the example they set for all of us. I believe we are well positioned to follow God’s direction to achieve V100.
My wife Debbie and I have been leading a Financial Stewardship small group here at FA called The Path Forward. Over the past 25 years of leading this program we have watched God transform many lives as people step out in faith and apply the financial principles found in His Word. More recently I have also had the privilege to work with Pastor Ben and Dave Taylor to initiate the Kingdom Builders Network, and am excited about the momentum that is building.
I am a CPA and have served as a Chief Financial Officer for various companies over the past 23 years. I currently serve as CFO for BrandSafway Group Canada, a global industrial services company employing over 5,000 people in Canada and 35,000 globally. I’ve also served on four different church boards in Canada and the U.S, in both leadership and treasurer roles, and have been part of multiple church fundraising, expansion, and construction projects.
It would be an honour to serve on the FA Governing Council and to contribute toward the amazing vision God has given our Pastoral staff, Council, and congregation.
Brett Shenk
My family and I have been part of First Assembly for a little over two years. I love how FA functions as a unified body, leveraging the gifts and leadership of many to reach deep and wide into our city. This church is steadfastly Christ-centered, intentional in its ministries, and dedicated to raising leaders and making disciples. The fruit of that faithfulness is evident, and I’m grateful to be part of it.
I currently serve with the Culture Team and am passionate about contributing to FA’s mission of advancing the Gospel in meaningful and lasting ways.
Professionally, I serve in senior leadership for a chemical manufacturer, where I lead several teams and develop strategies that enhance lives both locally and globally. The Lord has given me opportunities to grow in leadership, collaboration, and strategic development, and it excites me to bring these experiences to serve His church. It would be an honour to support the Governing Council and work alongside this amazing team in their faithful pursuit of God’s Kingdom vision.