Our Leaders
SENIOR PASTOR
Dr. John Harrison
Pastor John grew up in Saskatchewan in a small town just northeast of Regina. After graduation, he started studies in electronic engineering but felt called into church ministry. He received his Bachelors of Religious Education through Canadian Bible College in Regina (now Ambrose in Calgary); his Masters of Arts in Theological Studies at Prairie Graduate School in Calgary; and his Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership: Organizational Systems at Bethel University Seminary in St. Paul, MN and was awarded the “Dissertation of Distinction.” He has written a commentary on Revelation, two books on prayer, several faith articles in a local paper, and founded Disciples Matter (www.disciplesmatter.com).
Pastor John has served as a pastor in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba for over 25 years in a variety of roles: youth pastor, associate pastor, executive pastor, and lead pastor. Having served in all three prairie provinces, he sometimes refers to himself as the “Prairie Pastor.” On September 1, 2019, Pastor John began his ministry at Grace in Airdrie. He and his family love the church, community, and surrounding area that they are now part of.
He has been married to his beautiful, energetic, humorous, and creative wife Marcy since 1995. Together they have three children—two daughters living in Vancouver, BC, and one son who is in grade 11. He loves to collect books and coins, go to the symphony and sports games with his wife, travel and see new things, play the saxophone, kayak, bike, play racket sports, and spend time reading and writing.
PASTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRIES
Pastor Shane Dell
Pastor Shane Dell is originally from Manitoba but has resided in Alberta since 1989. Coming from a farming family, Shane loves seeing the canola and wheat fields with a mountain and blue sky backdrop.
After high school, Pastor Shane went to college and received a Power Engineering certificate. A few years later, Pastor Shane went to Peace River Bible Institute where he received a Bachelor of Religious Education in Pastoral Studies with a Youth minor. For the last 12 years, Pastor Shane has been engaged in youth and young adult ministry serving as a Youth & Young Adults Pastor and as the Dean of Men and Dean of Students at Peace River Bible Institute. Recently, Pastor Shane has graduated from Ambrose Seminary with a Master of Arts in Leadership and Ministry and currently serves as an adjunct faculty at Peace River Bible Institute teaching a variety of youth ministry courses.
Pastor Shane and his wife, Danni, met at Bible school and were married in 2008. They have three children, Jack, Raemie, and Lara. Pastor Shane enjoys being creative with his bbq and smoker, fishing, losing golf balls, writing, and cheering on his Dodgers.
DIRECTOR OF PRETEEN MINISTRIES
Debbie Contos
Debbie Contos has been attending Grace for over 12 years. In that time, she has been a children’s and youth ministry volunteer and a former AWANA Commander.
Debbie is excited to be Co-Director of Children's Ministries. The opportunity to share the love of Christ and teaching children/youth that God’s word is the truth is something she is passionate about.
Debbie is a homeschool mom and has been married to Peter since 1988 and together they have been blessed with seven children.
DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL MINISTRIES
Dana Bayduza
I grew up on a farm just outside of Wetaskiwin, AB, and as a result have a deep passion for being in creation- whether that be through mountain visits, gardening, or my 30+ houseplants.
I moved to Calgary in 2017 to attend Ambrose University, which is where I met my amazing husband Connor. We got married in August 2020, and we are so grateful to love and serve the Lord together. I recently graduated in spring of 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Christian Studies.
I have been involved in kids’ ministry in various volunteer capacities for the last six years, and I have a deep passion for working with kids and teaching them about the indescribable love of God. And it brings me great joy to be able to take biblical truths and present them to children in a way that is fun and engaging.
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & WORHIP MINISTRIES 
Connor Bayduza
YOUTH MINISTRIES
WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Connor Bayduza is a recent 2020 English graduate of Ambrose University, and a 2022 Education graduate of Ambrose University.
Connor has been married to his lovely wife Dan for 2 years; together, they love to serve the Lord by providing hospitality and peace to others.
Connor has a passion for ministry, and has been the youth pastor at Grace Baptist church in Airdrie since September of 2020.
Extroverted and eclectic, Connor is a pastor's kid and has moved over 10 times; he has had the privilege of being involved in various ministries and jobs (seniors, children, youth, disability services, camp, worship, etc.). Because of this, he has picked up a number of quirks along the way. From puppetry, to unicycling, to public speaking, to singing and playing guitar, to running and implementing programs, Connor is not afraid to try new things and learn new skills.
His life missionary motto Is: “Where you lead me I will follow, what you feed me I will swallow.”
CUSTODIAN (Contract Worker)
Mary Rempel
Mary Rempel is Grace Baptist Church's Custodian, and helps out wherever she can . Her past involvements have been with the nursery & toddler rooms, and has done some catering. Mary has also volunteered for 6 years in the kitchen doing cooking & baking for Manna House at Airdrie Alliance Church. She home schooled her children, has taught Sunday School for 10 years at a former church, and has done 18 year of market gardening of vegetables and flowers. Mary enjoys quilting, knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Mary is also the "Young @ Heart Seniors" Group Coordinator at Grace Airdrie Church.
GRACE AIRDRIE CHURCH BOARD OF ELDERS
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Brian Balson: Chair
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Chad Hardy: Vice-Chair
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Elvis Doucette: Treasurer
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Rob Simerson: Secretary
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Tim Holgerson: Building & Grounds