About Us

My favorite conversation begins when someone tells me “I’m not religious’, because my response is always “me neither!” This usually causes a raising of eyebrows because I’m a pastor and supposedly a “religious” person. My passion in life is to guide and teach people to follow Jesus in ways that are real and authentic and not necessarily bound by the tradition of what we call religion. Jesus once said something like “I’m here now, and everything changes!” I’ve discovered that’s true; everything is still changing in my life and all around me.

I grew up in Northern Ireland, having been brought here by my parents as a teenager. I’ve lived and worked as a pastor across North America, first in school in Philadelphia and Vancouver, then Ontario. I’ve been busy with my wife AnnaBeth, raising a family; a daughter and 3 sons who now who are parents themselves of our 6 grandchildren. We love family gatherings and trips!

At 200 Main Street I love to hang out with a cup of coffee and chat. We say that there is no conversation that is out of bounds, or over, while there are still ideas to consider. But be warned: I might bring up something Jesus said or did!

Ian@southsidemilton.org

Watch this space for more information on Breanna
Breanna@southsidemilton.org

I grew up in Burlington, Ontario as a part of a non-christian family I never got to hear about Jesus at home. However, I heard about Jesus in Catholic school and instantly felt his presence in my life and surrendering control of my life when I was seven. The Lord really placed on my heart a desire to uplift and look after the future of his church. Over the last six years ahead of coming to Southside Church I was apart of 3 different Elders teams that planted 3 different churches in Guelph and Burlington. While completing my Bachelor’s of Commerce w/ Honour’s in marketing and leadership from the University of Guelph I also studied seminary courses from; Heritage, Tyndale, and Redeemer seminary’s.

During my time in Guelph I coordinated with all of the campus ministries but mainly with Power 2 Change and Athletes in Action by; leading bible studies, discipleship relationships, evangelizing, planning outreach, prayer meetings and preaching. I also went on global mission trips where learning to speak French and Spanish were the least of my worries. Graduating as a student who originally came to Guelph on a varsity Basketball scholarship expecting to be a professional before graduating but ended up spending most of my time in ministry, I learned how God reveals our true callings in his perfect timing.

At Southside I create the curriculum for the Beloved Kid’s ministry and assist Ian in other Pastoral duties outside of directing our Children’s Ministry and Outreach initiatives. I long to see the day that every child get’s the opportunity to grow up engaging with the life changing message of Jesus Christ.

Dillon@southsidemilton.org

I came to ministry later in life (better late than never – you might say!) after a career in the information technology field. I discovered my ministry calling while attending Heritage Seminary shortly after the conclusion of that career. After graduating from seminary in 2009, I was offered the position of Associate Pastor here at Southside, which my wife, Audrey, and I had attended since 1995. Several members of the congregation came alongside me since connecting with the church to encourage me in taking a lead role in ministry, starting with Men’s Ministry, then Small Group leadership and subsequently Care ministry. Looking back and connecting the dots it was clearly a divinely ordained path to realizing my giftedness, and that all important calling of pastoral ministry.

I retired in March 2014 but continue in a pastoral role at Southside, and in the community as a volunteer chaplain at Milton District Hospital. I’m occasionally asked to officiate at funerals and lead chapel services at long term care and retirement residences. My wife and I were married in 1969 and emigrated from the UK in 1971. We have two children, who have blessed us with four delightful grandchildren!

john@southsidedemilton.org

I’m generally the first person you talk to when you call the church, and the first one you see when you come in the front doors on a Sunday. I’m the person who knows everything around here! ☺
I grew up in a Christian home and made a commitment to Jesus at a Billy Graham crusade when I was fifteen. I was scared to walk forward when they offered the invitation, but I knew then what I still believe… that I would follow Jesus all my life.

I’ve been married to Ian for 26 years and we have two grown children, Ethan & Maisie. As a family, we moved to Canada from England in 2009 and have been attending Southside ever since.
Along with working in the office and leading the worship team on Sundays I also teach violin and piano and play in the Milton Philharmonic Orchestra. Got questions? I’ve got answers….call me!

bethany@southsidemilton.org