LEADERSHIP TEAM
Landon & Brittany Zabolotniuk
Lead Elder ("Lead Pastor")
While working mainly with youth and young adults, Landon and Brittany bring a spiritual dynamic to the whole church through their passion for seeing people born again, set free from hang-ups, and growing in relationship with Jesus. Both Landon and Brittany were born and raised in Vernon, and spent three years in Bible college studying the Scriptures, theology and church history. When Landon is not preparing for a Sunday sermon or a young adults’ meeting, you might find him looking after their three girls with Brittany or else roasting, brewing and sampling coffees from around the world (the former perhaps requiring the effects of the latter).
Charlie & Judy Whitley
Elder ("Pastor")
Following a multi-faceted background that included serving as a police officer in Oxford, England and as a teacher in Harare, Zimbabwe, Charlie spent seven years as Associate Pastor at West Coast Christian Fellowship in Vancouver before he and Judy moved to Vernon in 2013. They met in Bible College in 1984, married the following year, and went on to raise five children. Charlie’s ministry currently focuses on church leadership, pastoral care and Biblical teaching, while Judy is involved in areas such worship-leading and women’s ministry. Together they are committed to seeing God glorified in their own family and in their church family, with each member responding to the Lord’s voice and growing in maturity and effectiveness.
Leighton & Andrea Coombs
Administrator/Elder
Leighton is often seen here, there, and everywhere in his role as admin for VCF, but Leighton and Andrea most enjoy any chance they can encourage people. Leighton and Andrea were raised in VCF, with Leighton joining staff in 2019 and the team of elders in 2023. If you don't see Leighton with a clipboard or Andrea leading worship, you'll find them meeting new people, reading, or Leighton at volleyball and Andrea at choir.
Paul & Linda Danielson
Elder
Paul is one of the “elder statesmen” of our church, having been sent in 1980 from West Coast Christian Fellowship (formerly St. Margaret’s Church) in Vancouver to help establish Vernon Christian Fellowship. He became a Christian at the age of 30, and went on to function as a home group leader and elder while pursuing his occupation as a skilled carpenter. Linda’s background includes serving as a Salvation Army officer pastoring a church in the Kootenays. Paul and Linda have been married since 1975, and have four children and nine grandchildren. Both are music aficionados with a love for jazz and the “standards,” but an even greater love for people, especially those who need to be introduced to Jesus and the wonders of His word, grace and power.
Bryan & Donna Reid
Elder
Bryan grew up in Lethbridge, moving city-to-city before Vernon in 1986. He obtained his BA in psychology and a post-grad in counselling, serving as a probation officer for almost four decades, retiring as Regional Manager for BC’s Family Justice Services. He retains a life-long enthusiasm for playing, coaching and officiating volleyball. Donna did her degree in economics and then supported Bryan in his career while raising their two children. She also played a key role in his own journey to faith during his early 30s. Currently Donna leads the intercessory prayer team. Bryan has served as an elder at VCF since 1994, and remains passionate about building and maintaining relationships—whether in the church, the community or in the family including their many grandchildren.
Dan & Rebecca Reinhardt
Elder
Dan was born and raised in Vernon, but attended Bible college in Portland, Oregon and worked in construction sales and management in the Fraser Valley for ten years before moving back to Vernon in 2007. He and Rebecca have been married for over twenty years and have two daughters. For the past decade Dan has partnered with his mom in real estate sales here in Vernon, while Rebecca looks after their daughters and works with Dan. Apart from work, home and church-related activities, Rebecca loves to read books (paper or Kindle), while Dan pursues sports like skiing, hockey and flying.
Matt & Michelle Brunelle
Elder
Born and raised in a Christian home in Vernon, Matt responded to the call to serve as an elder in 2015. He and Michelle were married in 2001 and have four children who are being home educated. Michelle has a degree in Fine Arts from UBC and works as a free-lance graphic artist and web designer. Matt obtained a Journeyman ticket from OUC and became co-owner and manager of a local collision repair facility in 2007. His business acumen and management experience help bring a practical perspective to church leadership issues including financial matters. Matt and Michelle are passionate about healthy marriages, family (multi-generational) discipleship, and godly vision (what would God have His Church look like?).