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Our Staff

Say hello to the leadership team at East Coast Bible College

Meet our Staff

Say hello to the staff at East Coast Bible College. Got questions for the team? Contact us by clicking here.

Pastor Julia Benwell - College Director

Julia Benwell has been serving as one of the Pastors on staff at Rock Church Halifax since 1990. She is the children's pastor and currently directs Rock Kids at Rock Church, Tiny Treasures Nursery School, and East Coast Bible College. Her decision to commit her life to Christ as a young child greatly influenced her decision initially to work with children.   


Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s University, a Bachelor of Education from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Bible School Diploma, Early Childhood Education, and a Masters of Theology from Acadia University. 


Julia’s heart is to see people of all ages discipled and trained in the things of God. Julia is married to Rick and they have three children, Marc Andrew, Christopher, and Anna.


Email: jbenwell@rockchurch.ca


Pastor Chris Ivany - College Professor

Originally from Newfoundland, Pastor Chris Ivany has been on staff at Rock Church since 2008, taking on the role of lead pastor in 2018. He has a heart for Biblical truth and reaching the seven regions of Nova Scotia with the Gospel.


Pastor Chris has been married to his wife Jennifer for 21 years and together they have five children. 

Major Terrance Hale - College Professor

Terence Hale has been in Christian ministry for 24 years, serving in pastoral ministry, children and youth work, denominational leadership, and most recently social mission; working with people struggling with addiction and facing homelessness and other challenges. He has been married to Jennifer for 23 years and has two children. He enjoys triathlon, being active, and playing music. 


He is a graduate of Tyndale University (BRE '11) and the University of Western Ontario (MA '19). He is an Arrow Leadership alumnus and has a passion for seeing the holiness of God reflected and lived out missionally in the people of God.

Professor Jennifer Hale - College Professor

Jennifer Hale has served in Christian ministry for more than 23 years, primarily in various roles with The Salvation Army. She is a graduate from Tyndale University. Jennifer loves to serve her local church and partner with God in his redemptive work in the world. Having completed the Arrow Leadership Program she has a deep desire to be led more by Jesus, lead more like Jesus, and lead more to Jesus.


Jennifer is married to Terence and they have two children, Micah and Leah. In their free time they are fitness enthusiasts and love to spend time outside.

Pastor Mike Poworoznyk - College Professor