Provincial Elders’ Conference

The Provincial Elders’ Conference (PEC) provides the executive leadership for the Northern Province. It administers the governance of the Church under the rules and regulations adopted by the Provincial Synod. The PEC includes eight members, including the president of the PEC, the presidents of the Eastern, Western and Canadian Districts and four lay members. Members are elected by the Provincial Synod, with the exception of the district presidents.

Current members of the Provincial Elders’ Conference are Rev. David Bennett (PEC President); Rev. Melissa Johnson (Eastern District President); Rev. Jason Andersen (Western District President); David Jones (Canadian District President); Susan Dreydoppel; Ralph Wanamaker, Jr.; Ruth Ricketts; and Keith Gohdes.

 

Provincial and District Presidents

 

Rev. David Bennett
Email: [email protected]

The Rev. David E. Bennett serves as the president of the Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church, Northern Province. Dave holds a Master of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary and has served the Moravian Church in many roles before being elected the Northern Province PEC President in 2023: as the pastor of congregations in Alberta and Indiana, as the chaplain of Moravian University & Theological Seminary and later of Morningstar Living, and as president of the Eastern District Executive Board.

 

Rev. Melissa Johnson
Email: [email protected]

The Rev. Melissa L. Johnson serves as the president of the Eastern District Executive Board of the Moravian Church, Northern Province. She is a graduate of Moravian College. In 2001, she received her Master of Divinity degree from Moravian Theological Seminary and was ordained in the Moravian Church the same year. She has pastored congregations in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as serving as the Director of Admissions and Student Life at Moravian Theological Seminary.

Originally from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Melissa lives there once again with her husband, Frank, and their children, Morgen and Quincy.

 

Rev. Jason Andersen
Email: [email protected]

The Rev. Jason Andersen serves as the president of the Western District Executive Board of the Moravian Church, Northern Province. After 20 years in parish ministry Jason was elected President of the Western District Executive Board in April of 2024.

Jason lives in Windsor, Wisconsin with his wife Amy and their two sons, Sol and Seth.

 

 

David Jones
Email: [email protected]

David Jones serves as the president of the Canadian District Board of Elders of the Moravian Church, Northern Province. David has been a member of Millwoods Moravian Church since 1988. In addition to serving on church boards, he enjoys sharing his musical talents with his congregation as a praise band drummer. Before his election as President of the Canadian District Executive Board in 2021, David built a career in education, having served as a teacher, athletic director, and principal at junior and high schools in Alberta. He has also been involved in community sports and athletic coaching for many years.

David lives in Edmonton, Alberta and is the CEO and owner of Edmonton Volleyball and Pickleball Center in addition to his work with the church.