MEET OUR TEAM
Russell and Nancy Knowles
Lead Pastor
Rev. Russell Knowles and his wife Nancy have been leading FGC since September 2016. They have pastored churches throughout the Maritimes, most recently in Saint John, N.B. Russell also worked out of Truro for several years assisting with the oversight of churches and ministries at a denominational level. They bring a love for God’s Word, a passion for prayer and a hunger for a fresh demonstration of God’s power in this generation!
Russell and Nancy are real “people persons”, and enjoy the outdoors and an active lifestyle. They cherish their family, and have grown children who are passionate Christ followers and actively engaged in local ministries across Canada.
Shaun Slauenwhite
Associate Pastor
Pastor Shaun joined FGC in August 2018 as our new Next Generation Pastor. Shaun comes to us with tremendous experience in both business and church settings, most recently as the Associate Pastor - Family Ministries at Essex Gospel Community Church for the past 10 years.
Shaun oversees FGC's Family Ministries for all ages from toddlers through young adults and families, as well as directs our LifeGroups program. Shaun is also a passionate worshipper and leads one of our main service worship teams.
Shaun and his wife Michelle also have a passion for missions, working with organizations such as Metro World Child in New York City, Loads of Love Ministries working with orphans in Ukraine, as well as having been part of and lead teams around the world to places such as Dominican Republic, Ukraine, India and throughout Europe.
Creative, energetic and a true team player, we are blessed to have Shaun, Michelle, and their daughters as part of our church family!
Michelle Slauenwhite
Children & Family Ministries Pastor
Church Life Pastor
Michelle joined our team as FGC's Children's & Family Ministries Pastor in September 2018. Michelle has been involved in kids ministry for almost 20 years, and has had the privilege of both leading kids and training Children's Ministry leaders.
Michelle is a real "people person", with a contagious laugh and an engaging leadership style. She is a gifted worship leader and musician, and her talents will contribute to various aspects of the church. We are blessed to have Michelle, her husband Shaun, and their daughters as part of our church family!
Kurt Arnold
Youth & Young Adults Pastor
Pastor Kurt and his wife Tanya joined FGC in January of 2022. Father to Emma, Ethan, Toby and Chloe, Kurt brings an energetic family who love to serve in any way needed. The Arnold family has always been actively involved in every church they have attended.
After serving 20 years with the Royal Canadian Navy Regular Forces, Kurt has answered the call to follow the next stage of what God has for his life. He has a passion to see teens and young adults grow deep in their walks with Christ. He is also continuing to pursue his Theology Diploma at Master’s College and Seminary with online classes.
Kurt continues to keep a connection with the Navy Reserves, serving with the HMCS Scotian, and building relationship with that significant part of our Halifax community.
Kurt also has a heart for connection with his church family - he loves to cook, never knowing when he has made enough. He believes we are better together and would love to connect with you and your family over a meal, a board game or outside with a geocaching adventure.
Norm Longard
Operations Manager
Norm has ministered in music since age 13, and is passionate about leading people into an authentic worship experience. He worked across Canada in the Christian publishing industry for over 30 years, then committed to full time ministry here at FGC in 2014. Norm oversees the music program, as well as facility maintenance, rentals and business administration. Norm “works hard and plays hard”. His thoughts are never too far from the ocean, and connecting with God through the beauty of His creation. Norm and his wife Sheryl have three married sons and six grandchildren.
Marilyn Snow
Congregational Care Director
Marilyn joined our leadership team in 2020 and maintains it is a "privilege to serve others wherever God places you and in whatever capacity you are equipped."
Her varied education in nursing, administration and Bible school, prepared her for a career of over 40 years in health care. Following her family’s example, ministry has always been a focus which continues into her retirement years. You will find Marilyn working in Congregational Care as well as engaged in Senior’s, Children’s and First Impressions ministries.
Malcolm Banfield
Facility Maintenance
"Mack" joined our staff to help maintain a safe and tidy environment in light of a growing congregation and facility usage. Always cheerful and optimistic, Malcolm has had years of experience maintaining a church property. He is a member of the “Gideons International Canada” and is always willing to serve God and others. Malcolm is married to Janis.