Senior Leadership Team
When it comes to its leadership, rather than forming a hierarchical structure, Eastgate operates in a relational wineskin. Brian and Kristen Olynick are the Senior Leaders of Eastgate, and they have formed a Core Team around them to serve as their leadership team.
We feel that this model of leadership is best suited to meet the needs of our body, and to position us for all that God has called us to. A relational wineskin creates an environment of investment and commitment, an environment of covenant. Rather than being governed by lists of rules and regulations, we are free to be governed by relationship. This creates greater accountability, in an environment of greater freedom. There is no fear of failure or punishment. Rather, we create a natural balancing mechanism in which each persons weaknesses are balanced out by another’s strengths.
This leadership wineskin creates ownership as each person is responsible for the success of Eastgate's initiatives. Each member of the body, in fact, is vital for the fulfillment of our large vision. And it will require the ‘buy in’ of each person to see our mandate and mission come to pass.
The security that results from this type of leadership structure alleviates the push to be agenda-driven, and gives us the freedom to be passion-driven!
We are so excited about the future as we all continue to get on the same page, and ‘build according to the pattern!’
Here's the Team!
Brian & Kristen, Senior Leaders
Brian & Kristen have an immense appetite for FUN! Whether that is co-laboring with like-hearted Kingdom friends to see a Revival Centre built in their city, or stepping out in new and exciting entrepreneurial ventures, or getting in their vehicle and hitting the open road… they love to do things that have never been done before!
Surrounded by an amazing group of loved ones, Brian & Kristen have been pioneering East Gate for more than 7 years! Their team of Core Leaders have been together for years, and the deep relationships formed have become the foundation for the relational wineskin that continues to facilitate the growth of EG.
John & Lona, Pastoral Leaders and BSSM Facilitators
John & Lona Lowe are pillars. Not only at Eastgate, but in their family and among their friends. Their unwavering conviction and their tried and true character combine to make them a force to be reckoned with. With a genuine love for people, and a charismatic passion for our beautiful God, they have been reminding people of the truth about who they are for generations. Fear, doubt, insecurity and depression don’t stand a chance around this powerful couple; one hug from the Lowes and all will be made well with your soul! Don’t believe us? Just try it for yourself!
Randi Strickland, Associate Leader, Social Media, Administration
Randi's entire life can be summed up in one word: Celebration! She has been absolutely convinced of the beauty of God, and of His beauty reflected in everyone and in everything! She can't help but see HIM in the wonder of everyday. Randi has an insatiable desire for adventure, and she lives her life enjoying the journey. Persuaded of Christ and His absolute defeat over sin & death, Randi champions the reality of our singlehanded salvation from all Sin and of our unbroken union with God. Whatever realm of society, and with whatever sphere of humanity, she is discovering and celebrating goodness everywhere that she can find it! Defined by Grace and forever lost in what Christ has done for her, Randi spends her days drinking down the effortless salvation Jesus has provided for her - and inviting others to do the same! Celebrate!
Michael & Ashley Peters, Associate Leaders, Outreach, Graphics
Michael & Ashley are passionate people; their exuberance for life is contagious! They have made a decision to live their lives fully alive and have never looked back! Their passions are expressed in many different spheres - from art and media, to print and design, to writing, and the fashion industry - but it all flows from one source: their passion for Jesus and their exuberant thankfulness for all that He's done! Raptured forever by His love, MIchael & Ashley have set sail on the endless ocean of His Grace!
Jared & Jamie Kulmatycki, Sound Department, Skate Ministry
Jared is one radical man! Together with his new bride, him and Jamie are adventure-seekers living their beautiful lives to the fullest. Hanging out and fathering young guys, overseeing our sound and technical department, or doing kickflips off an insanely high object in the streets of cities all across BC - it doesn't really matter to Jared, he's just going to do it like it's his last day on earth! Leaving no stone unturned, the Kulmatyckis live their lives to experience the fullness of God in every dimension possible. Powerful exhorters, both publicly and privately, Jared and Jamie are passionate about fathering a fatherless generation into an unshakable conviction about their identity, and an unwavering determination to walk in the fullness of their destiny.
James & Heidi, Healing Rooms, General Leadership, Hospitality
James & Heidi Maclaren are passionate about freedom! As a matter of fact, it oozes right out of them and, if you're not careful, it will get all over you! Whether it's freedom from your own fears and insecurities, freedom to love life and the people around you, or freedom from your sin, sickness and disease - you are bound to get FREE hanging out with them! Watch out: these just may be your final days of bondage!
Stephen & Leah Kleyn, Worship Department Leaders
Stephen & Leah Kleyn live with breathtaking authenticity. With a singular heart for God, they keep things pretty simple: living life to know Jesus, and to glorify Him on the earth. At Eastgate, this authenticity is beautifully expressed at they lead our Family in passionate worship! They have been our Worship Leaders for several years now; we are so thankful for the gift we've been given in the Kleyns!
Kurt & Alesha Bruneski, Prayer, 7M initiative, General Leadership
Have you ever been around a couple that makes your heart come alive with dreams and desire? Have you ever walked away from sitting in the presence of two people and known, just known, how amazing and valued you are? And how unlimited in potential your life is? If so, then chances are you have spent some time with Kurtis & Alesha Bruneski. Two of the most passionate, creative and innovative people you will meet, the Bruneskis engage life head on. And provoke you to do the same. Facing each day with creativity and conviction, this couple is going after their dreams and they’re not going to let anything stand in their way; and rallying around those they love, they won’t let anything stand in yours, either. These are two people that bring their entire beings to the table of life, and it’s not difficult at all to see the face of God laughing in great pleasure over them.
