Scott Turnbrook

I grew up in the United Church and have served congregations over the past 2 1/2 decades in the cities of Langley, Burnaby, Prince George and Vancouver (both Kerrisdale and the Downtown Eastside). My greatest joy is accompanying people as they explore and express their faith through worship, group gatherings, and in one on one settings. My studies were in Psychology and Philosophy (B.A.) at Simon Fraser University and in Theology (M. Div.) at Vancouver School of Theology.

Throughout my practice in ministry, I have sought to continue growing. I have been blessed to attend a number of the Homiletics (preaching and worship) events in the USA as well as many of the local courses offered at the Vancouver School of Theology and the United Church. I recently enjoyed a year long accreditation as a Mindfulness Meditation Practitioner through the Pacific Northwest Mindfulness Institute in Washington.

My hopes and dreams of being in ministry with the folks of Northwood commenced in 2016. Together, we have navigated through a pandemic and many other challenges, hopes and dreams! We are now a 'hybrid church' offering many of our minsitries via both online as well as in-person. I am excited with our dreams of becoming a "Program Church" as we look further into the redevelopment of our property. I share their vision that we must be a church that offers a myriad of programs to serve the expanding spiritual needs of the multicultural community of Surrey. Alternative expressions of worship, study, spiritual practice, and service will continue to be introduced as people feel called in these areas.

In my role of leadership development, it continues to be my honour to support existing leaders as well as guide new leaders forward. I am excited to be part of the discernment of the direction that God is calling us to proceed with respect to our building’s future. As I look ahead, I am aware that these will be times accompanied by tremendous change; however, I believe they will also be ones of blessing and opportunity.  

In my private life, I seek to find a balance amidst my profession. I am a proud solo-dad to two amazing young adults! My daughter, Mikayla (24), is a competitive powerlifter, a Political Science graduate from Simon Fraser University and now works with the Federal Government in the area of Indigenous justice. My son, Ethan (20), is a competitive bodybuilder, and is in the BCIT Insurance and Risk Management Program. I am very proud of my children and am blessed to have a cordial relationship with their mother. In my spare time, I enjoy playing ice hockey, cross-fit training, reading, and meditation.  

I am proud to be part of the Northwood Spiritual Family!