Governance

The General Operating Bylaw, approved by the CBAC Assembly in 2010 (amended in 2011, 2012 & 2013, 2016, 2021, 2025), is a document which governs the activities of the CBAC in Assembly, and its Council between assemblies. The Bylaws document also sets out a general mandate for, and the composition of, each Board that the Assembly appoints.

Links:

• General Operating Bylaw (updated August 2025)

The role of the Council is to carry out the mandate given to it by the CBAC as outlined in Section 4 of the General Operating Bylaw.  Acting as the agent of The CBAC between assemblies, the Council is entrusted with the responsibility to:

• Administer, manage, and give oversight to the spiritual, temporal, and administrative affairs, activities, business, and property of the Convention between Membership Meetings.

Current Board

Dr. Crystal Todd – President
Rev. Michael Palmer – Vice President
Rev. Mitchell Foley – Past President
Rev. Renée MacVicar – Executive Minister
2026 – Rev. Dr. Danny Smith
2026 – Rev. Colin Cook
2026 – Mrs. Beth Drummond
2026 – Rev. Dr. Brian MacArthur
2027 – Rev. A. Sasha Cheprasov
2027 – Ms. Linda Matthews
2027 – Rev. Dr. Elias Mutale
2027 – Rev. Dr. Perry Hanley
2028 – Rev. Dr. Alexander Scott
2028 – Mr. Andrew Hopper
2028 – Ms. Anne Johnson-McDonald
2028 – Mr. Don Stevens

Links:

• View the current Council Policies Manual (PDF).

The role of the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College is to carry out the mandate given to it by the CBAC, which is to be responsible for the administration of the College including, but not confined to, staff appointments and removals, salaries and tenure, and have charge of all property, revenue and business affairs.

Board of Trustees, Acadia Divinity College

2026 – Mr. Mark A. Jelley
2026 – Mrs. Mercy Mutale Motey
2026 – Mrs. Kathy E. Watt
2026 – Dr. Susan Crouse-Crompton
2027 – Rev. Andrew Anderson
2027 – Rev. Emmanuel Batumbya
2027 – Rev. Dr. Chi Wan Helen Chan
2027 – Rev. Scott Kohler
2028 – Mr. Greg Cox
2028 – Mrs. Airdrie Miller
2028 – Mr. Ken Reimer
2028 – Mr. Garnet Wheaton

Ex Officio
President and Executive Minister, Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada

Links:

• Acadia Divinity College

The Board of Governors of Acadia University is constituted as described in Chapter 134 of the Statues of Nova Scotia 1891, as amended. The powers of the Board of Governors are outlined in the By-laws. The other Board members are appointed by various groups (the Alumni, Faculty, Students and the Provincial Government) with varied interests and perspectives on Board matters, and they bring those perspectives to Board meetings.

The Governors of Acadia University

Appointed by the CBAC (complete list available here: http://board.acadiau.ca/Board_Members.html):

Members

Retiring 2027

• Colpitts, Gale
• O’Connor, Dr. Candy
• Tod, Rev. Judith
• Tolliver, Cora
• Thomas, Stan

Retiring 2030

• Barrett, Edward
• Daye, Melinda
• Fleckenstein, Shelley
• Green, Rev. Dr. Daniel

 

Links:

• Acadia University

The role of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Baptist Foundation is to carry out the mandate given to it by the CBAC, which is to provide financial services for the benefit of the Churches, Council and Agencies of The CBAC.

The mandate also requires that the Bylaws of the Atlantic Baptist Foundation be approved by the CBAC.

Current Board

Members
2026 – Rev. Kimberly Beers
2026 – Mr. Stephen S. Drost
2026 – Mr. G. David Eldridge
2026 – Ms. Sheila Lucas-Cole
2026 – Mr. Lawrence J.B. Pelletier
2026 – Mr. Peter Graves
2027 – Mr. George Doak
2027 – Rev. Craig Minard
2027 – Mr. Jeff Waddell
2028 – Rev. Derek Geldart
2028 – Mrs. Marie Kenny
2028 – Mr. Rick Kirkbride
2028 – Mr. Dan Marr
2028 – Mr. Steve Shaw

Ex Officio
President and Executive Minister, Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada

Links:

• Atlantic Baptist Foundation

The role of the Board of Directors of Atlantic Baptist Housing (legally continues to be called Atlantic Baptist Senior Citizens Homes Inc.) is to carry out the mandate given to it by the CBAC and the Letters Patent of Incorporation issued by the Province of New Brunswick under the Companies Act, which is to:

1. Build, construct, establish, maintain, and operate dwelling and boarding accommodations and accommodations for nursing home care and therapy for the aged or infirm and such other persons who may desire or reside in or be cared for or accommodated in any establishment of Atlantic Baptist Senior Citizen Homes Inc.
2. Assure the good reputation and faithful ministry of the facilities to the glory of God,… emphasize a concern for the quality of life as well as for the length of the life, … and administer the facilities for the benefit of the whole person, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. (Preamble to the General Bylaws)

Board of Directors, Atlantic Baptist Housing

Members
2026 – Ms. Sally Basque
2026 – Mr. Terrance (Terry) G. Bentley
2026 – Mrs. Cathy Blades
2026 – Mrs. Janice Bond
2026 – Rev. Michael Trites
2027 – Ms. Margo Hall
2027 – Rev. Gordon Horsman
2027 – Rev. Gordon James
2027 – Rev. Wayne Johnson
2027 – Mrs. Judy A. Parsons
2028 – Rev. Jonathan Beers
2028 – Rev. Dr. Aaron Kenny
2028 – Mr. Michael Lewis
2028 – Mr. Jon Pitman
2028 – Rev. Dr. Roger Graham

Ex Officio
President and Executive Minister, Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada

Links:

• Atlantic Baptist Housing

The role of the Atlantic Baptist Mission Board is to carry out the mandate given to it by the CBAC, which is to provide a “central guiding vision and leadership to the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada in the areas of evangelism, church planting, intercultural ministries, and other mission endeavours. (Article 2 – Purpose, Constitution of the Atlantic Baptist Mission Board.)

The mandate also includes the following:

1. In cooperation with the Associations, to make decisions regarding Pastoral Ministry Grants,
2. To work closely with the Council to achieve the goals of The CBAC, and
3. To assume responsibility for the property matters, trusts and investments of the previous Home Mission Board.

Members

• Rev. Brandon Thompson
• Mr. Jim Verboom
• Rev. Angela Wade
• Rev.  Kevin Vincent, Director, Atlantic Baptist Mission
• Mrs. Joan Peacock, Home Missions Coordinator, Atlantic Baptist Women

Links:

• Atlantic Baptist Mission

Role: The role of the Baptist Historical Committee is to collect, sustain and reproduce various historical resources of our Baptist Heritage. The Board also appoints the members of the Baptist Heritage Series Editorial Committee. The members are responsible for deciding on the use of the budget of the committee, responding to issues important to the history of Baptists, encouraging authors and collectors of material and seeking to share enthusiasm for our history with our people.

Baptist Historical Committee

 Members:
R 2026 – Mr. George Gray (1st term)
R 2026 – Ms. Shirley Soleil-Day (1st term)
R 2026 – Rev. Ruth Tonn (1st term)
2027 – Dr. Robert Forsey (2nd term)
2027 – Mr. Sterling Huskins (1st term)
2027 – Rev. Dr. Scott Kindred-Barnes (2nd term)
2027 – Dr. Robert Wilson (1st term)
2028 – Lic. Alex McMorine (1st term)

Ex Officio Professional Members:

• Crandall University (History): Dr. Keith Grant
• Acadia Divinity College (History): Dr. Melody Maxwell
• Acadia University Archivist: Patricia Townsend
• Acadia University Librarian

Ex Officio CBAC Members:

• CBAC Executive Minister, CBAC President

Co-opted Advisory Member – (to be updated)

 

Links:

• The Atlantic Baptist Built Heritage Project, is an initiative that catalogues historic Baptist church buildings in Atlantic Canada. It includes photographs and historical descriptions of dozens of churches. The BHC plans to expand this resource, and you can help their efforts by submitting data using the form  on the Built Heritage Project website.
• Atlantic Baptist Archives
• View publications by the Baptist Historical Committee.

The role of the Board of Ministerial Standards and Education is to carry out the mandate given to it by the CBAC, which is to:

1. Individually interview ministerial candidates who are considering training for the Baptist ministry with ordination in view … to determine their fitness for the pastoral office; to direct them in their course of study; to consider with them the financial obligations involved; and to assist in any way which lies within the jurisdiction of the Board. Further, the Board of Ministerial Standards and Education shall review the progress of the preparation of candidates from time to time and report the same to the appropriate Association committees.
2. Review the cases of ministers who leave the ministry to enter secular callings outside the denomination … to determine whether their names shall or shall not remain on the Accredited List of Ministers within the CBAC. This will be done with notice and right of appeal to the Executive of Council.
3. Meet with ministers who are ordained, and recommended by a body in fellowship with the Baptist World Alliance, and recommend that they be placed on the Accredited List of Ministers, after ensuring that they have met the conditions set forth in the Recognition of Prior Ordination document.
4. Meet with ordained ministers coming from church bodies not affiliated with the Baptist World Alliance, and recommend that they be placed on the Accredited List of Ministers, after ensuring that they have met the conditions set forth in the Recognition of Prior Ordination document.
5. Be the keeper of the standards on behalf of the churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Any minister or pastor appointed, inducted, ordained, installed, recognized, or employed by a church or agency of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada and who is accredited by CBAC, and any candidate for ministry who has been accepted by the Board of Ministerial Standards and Education for the purpose of pursuing preparation for the ministry and is currently working toward that goal, are accountable to the CBAC Assembly through the Board of Ministerial Standards and Education for maintaining and upholding Biblical and professional standards of Christian ministry. Any complaint of sexual or professional misconduct shall be dealt with by the Board according to the procedures set forth in the Moral Failure document approved by the CBAC Assembly.

Current Board

Members
2026 – Mr. George Gray
2026 – Mrs. Wendy G. DuBois
2026 – Mrs. Pam G. Smith
2027 – Rev. Gordon Cook
2027 – Mrs. Mennie Alba
2027 – Rev. Gail Whelan-Dunn
2028 – Rev. Nathaniel Drover
2028 – Rev. Darren Millet
2028 – Rev. Carolyn Steeves

Ex Officio

• President, Crandall University or designate
• President, Acadia Divinity College or designate
• CBAC Executive Minister
• CBAC Directors

Canadian Baptists choose to unite as churches, denominations (Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, Union d’Eglises Baptistes Françaises Au Canada and Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada) and women’s organizations (Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec, Atlantic Baptist Women and Women in Focus) to give leadership to their local and regional ministries. As well to give leadership to their national and global ministries Canadian Baptist through their Canadian Baptist partners and Women’s Organizations have also chosen to establish Canadian Baptist Ministries. It is important that these organizations relate to each other in an effective and harmonious way on behalf of the Canadian Baptists and in service to the Lord Jesus.

The Atlantic Section of Canadian Baptist Ministries is composed of three members appointed by the CBAC, plus the President of Atlantic Baptist Women, and the Executive Minister (who is an ex officio member without vote). These people comprise the full Board of Canadian Baptist Ministries, along with equivalent appointees from the other conventions/unions and women’s organizations.

Current Board

Members
2026 – Ms. Nikki Leftley
2028 – Mrs. Joy Cook

Ex Officio

• Executive Minister, Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada
• President of Atlantic Baptist Women

Links:

• Canadian Baptist Ministries

Role: The role of the Board of Governors of Crandall University (formerly Atlantic Baptist University, Atlantic Baptist College, United Baptist Bible Training School) is to carry out the mandate given it by the CBAC and by the Act to Incorporate Crandall University, which is to provide for persons of any race, colour or creed, university education with a philosophy and viewpoint that is Christian.

The above mandate also includes but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

1. To have the whole management of the financial affairs of the University,
2. To receive and disburse all moneys,
3. To control, keep and manage all its property,
4. To transact all business relating to property and moneys committed to its care by the CBAC or otherwise, and
5. At all times and in all things observe and obey those orders and instructions of the CBAC that are in harmony with the religious and educational policies of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada.

Board of Governors, Crandall University

Members
2026 – Mr. Jim Dixon
2026 – Rev. Dr. Raphael Iluyomade
2026 – Rev. David H. Morehouse
2026 – Mr. Douglas E. Schofield
2026 – Mr. Darren K. Smith
2027 – Ms. Kim Adair-MacPherson
2027 – Mrs. Sheila E. Cummings
2027 – Dr. William Morrison
2028 – Mr. David Campbell
2028 – Ms. Danielle Delong
2028 – Mr. Dave McComiskey
2028 – Ms. Autumn Tremere

One-Year Appointment
Rev. Rob Nylen – Alumni Representative
Mr. Sebastien Emmerson – Student Representative
Mr. Graeme Ching – Faculty Representative

Ex Officio

• Executive Minister, Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada
• President, Crandall University

Links:

• Crandall University

Role:The role of the Nominating Committee is to prayerfully prepare a list of suitable candidates for service on boards, committees and the offices of Vice President and President. This list of nominees is presented to Oasis Assembly for their consideration each August. More information about the Nominating Committee can be found in Section 8.04 of the General Operating Bylaw.

Nominating Committee Process

1. The presentation of a name for a particular position must be accompanied by a completed Information Sheet for Prospective Nominees. The presentation of a name may be made by another person or by the person themselves. A person’s name may be presented for consideration by the Nominating Committee for more than one position.
2. Individuals who are presented for nomination must in every case be a member of one of the Churches of the CBAC and a believer who has been baptized by immersion.
3. Names suggested for nomination must, in every case, be sent to the Regional Representative. The Regional Committee will meet to consider names for the various positions. This Committee will consist of Regional Representatives and Moderators of the Associations in the Region (with power to add). Their work will be to prioritize the names presented and then to bring the list (the Regional Representative), along with all the names of the individuals that were considered, to the CBAC Nominating Committee.
4. The CBAC Nominating Committee will consist of nine persons, one from each Region. The Executive Minister and the Past President will be ex officio members without vote. The Past President will serve as Chair of the Committee. This committee will prepare the Nominating Committee Report for presentation to Assembly. The Assembly always has the prerogative to nominate additional names in any category.

Regional Representatives

Region 1: Southwestern, Saint John-Kings Associations – to retire 2027
Rev. Dan Sentner, Saint John NB

Region 2: Northwestern, York, Queens-Sunbury Associations – to retire 2028
Rev. Craig Woodcock, Woodstock NB

Region 3: Miramichi-North Shore, Westmorland-Kent, Albert Associations – to retire 2027
Rev. Brock Symonds, Moncton NB

Region 4: Prince Edward Island Association – to retire 2027
Rev. David Dubois, Charlottetown PE

Region 5: Newfoundland and Labrador, Cape Breton Associations – to retire 2027
Mr. Paul House, St. John’s NL

Region 6: Cumberland, Northeast Nova, Halifax Associations – to retire 2028
Rev. Dr. Frank Guinta, Dartmouth NS

Region 7: African United Baptist Association – to retire 2028
Rev. Andrea Anderson, Dartmouth NS

Region 8: Eastern Valley, Annapolis-Digby Associations – to retire 2026
Rev. Andrew Conrad, Berwick NS

Region 9: Yarmouth, Shelburne, Lunenburg-Queens Associations – to retire 2026
Mr. Roger Bleasdale, Chester Basin NS

Nominating Committee Chairperson – Dr. Lois Mitchell, Past President

Related Documents:

• New Regions and New Nominating Committee Process
• Information Sheet for Prospective Nominees
• 2011 Board and Committee Information

The role of the Pension and Benefits Board is to carry out the mandate given to it by the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, which is to serve the CBAC by:

1. Providing financial assistance in cases of need for our pastors, their spouses, widows, widowers, or orphans, and returned missionaries residing in the Atlantic Provinces;
2. Administering a CBAC Retirement Plan for CBAC employees, pastors, and others who qualify under the Regulations of the Board; and
3. Administering a Group Insurance Plan or Plans for CBAC employees, pastors and others who qualify under the Regulations of the Board.

Current Board

Members
2026 – Mr. Robert H. Young
2026 – Mr. Toby M. Bodechon
2027 – Ms. Cindy Dockendorff
2027 – Mr. Ben Dunnett
2028 – Mr. Daryl MacKenzie

Links:

• Pension and Benefits