Assembly 2016 Keynote speakers

Chris Stevens is a passionate follower of the person and ways of Jesus. He is the proud father of Sparrow (10) and Eden (8) and husband to the 2nd greatest love of his life, his brilliant and beautiful wife Adrienne. He has a 4-year BA degree in Commerce and Psychology, a Bachelor of Religious Education in Theology with highest honours, and some masters-level courses in finance.  He is a graduate of the prestigious Arrow leadership program at the Masters level and was awarded the Top 35 Christian Leaders Under 35 in Canada award in 2007.

Chris is currently the lead pastor and teacher at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church, where he gives leadership to a staff of 23 people.  Here his teaching ministry takes the form of sharing from his life experience in the business world with the TD bank and the federal government, as well as his counselling experience, theological training, and deep love for Christ.


Bill Hogg helps leaders and established churches think and act like missionaries. He is available to inspire, equip and coach leaders and churches following Jesus into the Canadian mission fields.

He is a former radio host and has served as a a pastor, professor, evangelist and a movie extra! He was involved in pioneer evangelism in his native Scotland where he launched Youth For Christ. He has served as part of the Arrow Leadership Ministries faculty for the past ten years, offering congregational and Para-local church leaders training in evangelism. He is currently pursuing doctoral research in the area of leadership approaches to congregational renewal and missional renaissance. Hogg is a published author who has written books on prayer and on youth culture and is currently writing an evangelism primer for leaders.

He is married to the girl of his dreams, Morag and has two amazing adult kids- Naomi and Peter. Bill enjoys English Premier League Football (“Soccer” to North American Philistines) and he admits to being a fan of Master Chef and Kitchen Nightmares. Bill enjoys grocery shopping and browsing in bookstores while savouring gourmet coffee.


Born in Brazil and raised by missionary parents, Elton DaSilva has a heart for the global and local Church. Elton planted Christian Family Centre (CFC), located in the Elmwood area of Winnipeg, Manitoba. During that time CFC brought the mission of the Church into the neighbourhood, starting breakfast programs at nearby schools and opening their doors to foster community groups.

Elton began working as Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba’s Executive Director in 2010. In his first five years in this role, Elton focused on church health and leadership development, creating resources for church leaders and planters not just in Manitoba, but across Canada. More recently Elton has been instrumental in the development of the Conference’s four core service areas: Building Community, Resourcing Churches, Developing Leaders and Multiplying Churches.

Elton has experience as a business owner and as a financial advisor. His wife Ana works in education. Together they have three children who share a passion for music and worship. They attend Eastview Community Church in Winnipeg.