About Us
We are a diverse church serving a multi-ethnic community in North Etobicoke. We’ve been serving this community for over 60 years with the mission to connect Rexdale to Jesus and His mission as a member of The Alliance Canada.
WHO WE ARE
Our Mission
Connecting Rexdale to Jesus and His Mission
Our Vision
Transformed by Jesus, Transforming Communities
Our Values
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We depend on God—Proverbs 3:5-6
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We thrive in community—Romans 12:5
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We live in the light—1 John 1:7
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We put others first—Philippians 2:1-4
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We walk by faith—Acts 20:24
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We prepare and release for ministry—2 Timothy 2:2
Since our founding in 1961, we have been shaped by a legacy of bold faith, spiritual unity, persistent prayer, global mission, and multicultural community. Born out of a willingness to trust God in the face of risk, we have grown as a church through seasons of challenge and opportunity—always grounded in a desire to follow God’s leading.
From early steps of faith like building an auditorium against the odds, to launching global outreach efforts in places like Mali, Turkey, Cambodia, and Malawi, Rexdale Alliance has continually prioritized prayerful discernment and obedience. Unity has marked church decision-making and worship, even through transitions that threatened to divide. Today, our diverse congregation represents over 45 nationalities, bearing witness to God’s grace and hospitality at work among us.
We believe our history is not a destination but a foundation—one that calls us to keep trusting, praying, and going where God leads.
Our Story
RAC is committed to supporting and growing Rexdale’s community
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Our Statement of Faith identifies the core beliefs of The Alliance Canada.
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There is one God, who is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures.
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The Holy Spirit is a divine Person, sent to indwell, guide, teach and empower the believer, and to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment.
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The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of people. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice.
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Humankind, originally created in the image and likeness of God, fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All people are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The destiny of the impenitent and unbelieving is existence forever in conscious torment, but that of the believer is everlasting joy and bliss.
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Salvation has been provided only through Jesus Christ. Those who repent and believe in Him are united with Christ through the Holy Spirit and are thereby regenerated (born again), justified, sanctified, and granted the gift of eternal life as adopted children of God.
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It is the will of God that in union with Christ each believer should be sanctified thoroughly thereby being separated from sin and the world and fully dedicated to God, receiving power for holy living and sacrificial and effective service toward the completion of Christ's commission. This is accomplished through being filled with the Holy Spirit which is both a distinct event and progressive experience in the life of the believer.
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Provision is made in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the healing of the mortal body. Prayer for the sick and anointing with oil as taught in the Scriptures are privileges for the Church in this present age.
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The universal Church, of which Christ is the Head, consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and commissioned by Christ to go into all the world as a witness, preaching the Gospel to all nations. The local church, the visible expression of the universal Church, is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together to worship God, to observe the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, to pray, to be edified through the Word of God, to fellowship, and to testify in word and deed to the good news of salvation both locally and globally. The local church enters into relationships with other like-minded churches for accountability, encouragement and mission.
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There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; for the former, a resurrection unto life; for the latter, a resurrection unto judgment.
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The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal and visible. As the believer’s blessed hope, this vital truth is an incentive for holy living and sacrificial service toward the completion of Christ's commission.
He is now at the right hand of the Majesty on high as our great High Priest. He will come again to establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace.
MEET OUR TEAM
Pastoral & Ministry
TJ Syroteuk
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TJ is originally a Canadian prairies boy before spending some time in the States for university and graduate school. After getting married, he relocated to Edmonton to help with a church plant. Over the years, along with a wide range of diverse and random jobs, he has served as the Director of Youth Ministries at Spruce Grove Alliance Church, the Director of Discipleship at Bearspaw Christian School in Calgary, and a regular camp and conference speaker. Since 2020, he has been the Lead Pastor of Rexdale Alliance Church.
TJ is married to his favourite person, Joanna. They have two sons, Dominic and Mylo, who are now TJ’s other favourite people. He is a fan of sports, music, food, BBQ, travel, and YouTube fail videos, and is also a lifelong Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan (yes, he is enjoying Toronto). TJ loves to help people expand their thinking so they can expand their life. He believes anyone who is on a faith journey and searching for God should be able to do so in community in the local church.
Cheryl Guinness
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Raised in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, in a Christian home, Cheryl committed her life to the Lord around the age of 8 through a Christian comic book. During her first week at the University of Waterloo, she discovered the IVCF group where she experienced many leadership opportunities over her 4 years on campus that strengthened her passion for serving Jesus.
In coming to RAC in 2000, she served on the Women’s Ministry Leadership Team and eventually became volunteer Director. After one year in this position, she came on staff in 2011 serving in Women’s Ministry, Discipleship and eventually the role transitioned to Pastor of Spiritual Formation. Cheryl is passionate about the local church and seeing believers become growing and healthy followers of Jesus Christ knowing Him intimately through spiritual practices.
Cheryl and Paul have 3 amazing adult children and 2 awesome in-law ‘kids’: Joshua (Sophia), Daniel, and Emma (Derek). Some of her favourite things include sandy walks with Paul on the beach at the cottage, having her adult kids drop by for last minute dinner or chats, vacations to explore gorgeous new landscapes and delicious cuisine, or a cup of hot coffee with sweet friends.
Melad Markos
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Melad was born in Egypt. He accepted Christ as his Saviour when he was 12 years old. Melad graduated from the Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1994. He became the senior pastor of Komobo Evangelical Church in 1995 for sixteen years, and Al Zagazig church for 4 years.
In 2004, Melad married Azza and God has blessed them with Sam and Reuben. Melad has continued his studies and holds B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology, a MA in counselling, as well as certificates in Conflict Management and problem Solving, Christian Leadership and Advanced Leadership Skills. Currently, he is in the process of attaining a M.Div. in clinical Counselling from Tyndale Seminary.
In 2013, Melad and Azza came to Canada where God called them to start Love Unending Ministries. Melad loves the Word of God. He is passionate to reach out to newcomers to invite and integrate them into the local church.
Dan Ryan
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Dan was born in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, and grew up in Mississauga, Ontario. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Toronto, where he studied voice and conducting. While in university, he gained ministry experience alongside his teaching and performing.
After Dan and his wife, Alison, began dating in late 2013, he became involved in music at Rexdale Alliance and has remained active in worship ministry ever since. They made RAC their home church in 2019, deepening their involvement in worship while Dan also served in day camp, youth, and young adult ministries.
Dan and Alison became Worship Coordinators in 2021 and helped transition RAC back to in-person services after the pandemic lockdowns. In 2022, Dan transitioned to the role of Worship and Engagement Pastor after serving as a Seminary & Graduate Admissions Counsellor at Tyndale University since 2019.
Dan met Alison in university, and they were married the weekend following their commencement in 2016. They welcomed their first daughter in 2020 and their second in 2021. Dan loves being a girl dad and is currently in the throes of the Pre-K and Kindergarten years. The Ryans live in the Rexdale area with their two dogs and two cats.
Jessica Nguyen
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Jessica comes to RAC with a heart for children and missions. After completing a Bachelor of Education in Primary/Junior Education (2010), a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (2016), and a Post-Diploma Certificate in Early Childhood Management (2024), she began her role as RAC’s Director of Family Ministries in response to God’s leading 2024.
Her work experience includes serving as a missionary ESL teacher in Cambodia in 2010, and spent two years teaching a grade 1/2 class at Asian Hope International School. Upon returning to Canada, she spent 7 years as an occasional teacher for the Toronto District School Board and running her own home daycare for five years. Her family has joined RAC since 2020 and they have been members since 2023.
In her leisure time, she enjoys hosting family and friends over good food, going to the gym, reading biographies and memoirs, dancing to music, and spending time outdoors in solitude.
Lisa Njau
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Lisa Njau serves as the coordinator of Neighbourhood Connections (NC) at Rexdale Alliance Church. Raised in Etobicoke, Lisa developed a heart for the Rexdale community through her work with UrbanPromise during her post-secondary years. Following University Lisa went on to (and continues) work as an acute pediatric nurse.
While living in Rexdale (approx 15 years ago), Lisa first visited Neighbourhood Connections and left with a sense that God had a role for her there, even though she did not yet know what it would be. After beginning to attend RAC in 2020, she started volunteering with NC in 2023 and quickly fell in love with the guests, volunteers, and meaningful work that happens each Tuesday.
In 2024, Lisa stepped into the coordinator role, where she helps support the volunteers, guests, and activities that make NC possible. She is passionate about meeting people where they are, serving the community, and helping make NC a welcoming place for all who come through its doors. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys being outdoors, walking along the Humber River trail, and cheering on her kids at dance competitions.
Operations
Solange Werners
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Solange Werners moved from Curaçao to Canada in 1982 on a national scholarship to pursue her studies. A year later, she found her church home at Rexdale Alliance Church (RAC), where she quickly became involved in small groups, children's ministry, and student ministry. After completing her education and marrying, she moved to the Netherlands, earning graduate degrees in International Business and Marketing with a concentration in Business Law.
Returning to Canada in 1994 with her family, Solange built a 17-year career in the financial industry on Bay Street while faithfully serving at RAC, particularly in children's ministry. Over the years, she has served in numerous ministry and leadership roles, including children, youth, young adults, and church committees. In 2013, she became Director of Family Ministries, and in 2024 transitioned into a senior leadership role, combining her business expertise with a servant's heart.
Passionate about equipping and empowering the next generation, Solange is a results-driven, collaborative leader who values people and purposeful ministry. Her family is her greatest source of joy, God is her strength, and she enjoys traveling, nature walks, and living by her favourite reminder: "Jesus loves me, this I know!"
Fiaz Masih
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Fiaz was born into a Christian family in Lahore Pakistan where he served as an elder in his home church and worked at OM Pakistan (Operation Mobilization Pakistan). He has completed a graduate degree in Math and Physics, post graduate studies in Management & Information Technology and has an MBA.
He moved with his family to Malaysia in 2014 after experiencing severe persecution for his Christian faith in Pakistan. The family escaped miraculously from their home after it was set on fire. He later served at Open Doors Malaysia, serving the persecuted Christians in Southeast Asia.
Fiaz moved to Canada in September 2021 and began working at RAC shortly thereafter. He currently lives in the GTA with his wife Naomi and their two children. He served first on a part-time basis and now is our full-time Accounting Clerk. We are so happy he has decided to use his many talents in this current role.
In his spare time Fiaz enjoys playing table tennis, cricket and watching movies.
Marilyn Spagnolo
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Marilyn was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area in a family deeply involved in the life of the church. She came to faith at a young age and grew up serving in her home church, where she also met her husband, Steve. Over the years, she has enjoyed serving in a variety of ministries, including Christian education, small groups, Vacation Bible School, worship, and women's ministry.
After earning a Diploma in Community Work, Marilyn spent 10 years working at a local long-term care and retirement home, primarily as Director of Activation. She later stepped away from full-time work to focus on raising her family.
In 2018, Marilyn and Steve relocated and made Rexdale Alliance Church their church home. Since then, she has served in several ministry roles, including LOFT Moms Ministry, Family Ministries Coordinator (2018–2024), worship ministry, and now as RAC's Office Manager.
Outside of ministry, Marilyn enjoys spending time with Steve and their four children, travelling, discovering great food, and spending time in nature. She especially loves hiking the Humber River Recreational Trail, where she enjoys photographing the beauty of God's creation—from colourful skies to the wildlife she encounters along the way.
Priscilla Loo
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Priscilla was born and raised in Hong Kong before moving to Canada with her family in 2006. Since then, they have attended Hamilton Chinese Alliance Church where Priscilla served in various ministries, including children and youth, as well as worship and tech.
Following her passion for the arts, Priscilla completed a BFA in Studio Arts at McMaster University. In 2022, after COVID threw a wrench in her plans for further education in Theatre Production, she entered Humber College's Advertising and Graphic Design Diploma program instead. It was then that God brought her to Rexdale Alliance Church where she later began volunteering on the tech team in response to the sermon series Rated E for Everyone.
Outside of church, Priscilla enjoys reading manga/webcomics, watching musicals, and seeing squirrels run around the yard.
David Boerger
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David is one of Rexdale Alliance Church’s custodial staff. He can be found all over the building, maintaining the property both inside and out. He came to know of Rexdale Alliance Church through the Road Hockey outreach. In his free time, David can normally be found at the movie theatre, gaming or out on the golf course.
Curtis Taylor
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From tearing around these hallowed halls as a youth making as much mess as he was making memories, Curt is happy to be back after living in BC for a decade, taking care of the same building he grew up in. When he isn't patrolling around the church, you can find him gaming online with friends, painting miniatures or engaging with the tabletop gaming community at his local game store.
Elders
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![Portrait of Elder Peter Pascal van Alphen]()
Peter Pascal van Alphen
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![Portrait of Elder Edgar Crowdy]()
Edgar Crowdy
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![Portrait of Elder Wayne Deering]()
Wayne Deering
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![Portrait of Elder Stetson Ford]()
Stetson Ford
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![Portrait of Elder Suresh Gunaratnam]()
Suresh Gunaratnam
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![Portrait of Elder Dave Mullings]()
Dave Mullings
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![Portrait of Elder Sean Vandeweerd]()
Sean Vandeweerd
GLOBAL PARTNERS
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The Alliance Canada
The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada is a growing evangelical denomination, founded in the 1880s. We are people committed to Jesus. With more than 430 local churches in Canada, engaging in justice and compassion work in Canada and around the globe, we long to be a movement of churches transformed by Christ, transforming Canada and the world.
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The Eastern Canadian District
The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) in Canada is organized into six geographic districts. Each district office oversees the licensing, ordination, and supervision of the workers located in that geographic area. Each district has a District Superintendent and together with a team provide resources and guidance for local Alliance churches in areas of growth, leadership, Christian education, missions conferences, multicultural ministries, pastoral care, and church-planting.
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National Workers
National Workers engage locally to introduce people to Jesus and be His hands and feet in our city. Here are those that we are partnered with and support financially, listed alphabetically by last name.
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International Workers
International Workers engage globally to bring access to Jesus all around the world. Here are those that we are partnered with and support financially, listed alphabetically by last name.
