TORONTO, Ontario — (CANADIAN CHRISTIAN NEWS SERVICE) — The Board of Governors of the Canadian Bible Society (CBS) is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Joel Coppieters, B.Th., M.Div., as Deputy National Director of CBS.
As Deputy National Director, Rev. Coppieters will bring oversight to CBS’ Canadian ministries, leading Regional and District operations, planning, risk management, and the staff administration functions of the Board of Governors.
Rev. Coppieters will play a vital role in re-establishing a regional presence across Canada, building on the strategic plan of CBS to create a more unified and cohesive ministry involvement in every province and territory. He will help strengthen and build regional teams with existing and new staff, contractors, and volunteers to breathe fresh vision into this kingdom work for CBS.
Rev. Coppieters previously served CBS as the Director of Scripture Resources from 2008 to 2012. He is a Quebec-raised graduate of Theology from McGill and holds a Master of Divinity with distinction from Presbyterian College in Montreal, where he received the Calvin Medal upon his graduation in May 2012.
Coming from his most recent role as Minister of Word and Sacrament at Côte-des-Neiges Presbyterian Church in downtown Montreal, Rev. Coppieters is well prepared to strengthen the CBS partnerships with Canadian churches and other partners, to help fulfill the Bible Society’s mission and strengthen the Canadian Church. Joel is also an accomplished author with experience in not-for profit organizations in Canada. His published credits include several books as well as more than 800 articles in magazines and newspapers, including strategic papers that have helped shape policy for the United Bible Societies.
“I am honoured by this new and exciting responsibility as Deputy National Director,” says Rev. Coppieters. “I look forward to working closely with Dr. Jonathan Dent, the National Director, the Board of Governors and most of all, the staff and volunteers across the country, who continue to be the very heart of this ministry and with whom I share the firm conviction that God still speaks through His Word, now more than ever.”
In its 110th year, the mandate of the Canadian Bible Society is today as it always has been: to promote and encourage, without doctrinal note or comment, the translation, publication, distribution, and use of the Bible, and to co-operate with the United Bible Societies in its worldwide work. CBS is a uniquely inter-confessional organization that transcends denominations to partner with individuals, churches, and para-church organizations who similarly believe that God’s Word changes hearts and lives.
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High-resolution photo of Rev. Joel Coppieters
For more information or interviews,
Contact: Shelley D. McLagan, Communications Consultant
Email: smclagan@biblesociety.ca
Phone: 1-800-465-2425 x3424
Web: www.biblesociety.ca