Meet the Pastors

Rev. J.W. Beesley - Lead Pastor

Pastor Joe Beesley is an innovative thinker who has committed his life to inspiring others.

He is the senior pastor of Sunset Church, a multi-denominational church in New Brunswick's capital city.

Pastor Beesley has a natural gift for communicating and as a public speaker, he utilizes his sense of humour and over 40 years of pastoral life experiences, to effectively reach audiences of all ages.  He holds Bachelor and Master degrees in Theology. His ministry

has allowed him to share Christ and priciples of Christian leadership in 20 countries around the globe.  In addition, he has recently served four years as chaplain for the City of Fredericton.  In 2011, he received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award; an honour bestowed by the Rotary Club of Fredericton.

Joe works hand in hand with his life-long partner in ministry, Colleen.  They are proud parents of four grown children and blessed by ten incredible grand children.

Rev. Richard Bragdon - Associate Pastor: Care

Pastor Richard and Crystal became part of the staff of Sunset Church in 1996 at the invitation of Pastor Beesley, with whom Richard had served for a year and a half at a previous pastorate. Richard and Crystal have been blessed with two children Vada(6) and Walker(4).

Pastor Richard’s responsibilities at Sunset include, but are not exclusive to, such things as: teaching, pastoral counselling, hospital visitation, overseeing Native Outreach Ministries, drama, benevolence, baptism, prison ministries, etc. His education includes one year at Northeast Christian College, courses at the University of New Brunswick, several Pastoral and Leadership Training Conferences, etc.

Pastor Richard, Crystal and their family pray that you and yours find our church to be a truly safe, inviting, compassionate and inspiring place, where real people can find real hope.

Dale Riley - Associate Pastor: Children

Pastor Dale Riley, a longstanding member of Sunset Church, began his ministry here as a student Pastor 12 years ago.  His portfolio has varied at times during the past 12 years but he is happy to be currently serving as the Children’s Pastor of six years.   Dale married the love of his life, Lisa, 8 years ago.  Lisa works for School District 18 and also shares a love for children.  Dale and Lisa have been blessed with two beautiful children, Jacob 3 and Isabella 1.  The Riley Family loves Sunset Church and are delighted to be a part of the ministry team here.

 Andrew Ecker - Associate Pastor: Youth

The most recent addition to the Sunset staff (June, 2011), Andrew is a young man with a passion for God and young people but also for the church as a whole. In 2008, he graduated from The Master’s Commission Discipleship Training School in Chilliwack, BC returning for an internship until 2009. He then studied Criminal Justice at NBCC Miramichi for two years, graduating as valedictorian in June, 2011.

Andrew is excited to be involved full time at Sunset Church, eager to spread his enthusiasm for Jesus Christ through Sunset’s youth programs, Campus Alpha, and several multi-church outreaches. He would describe himself as deep-thinking, musical, and quirky and absolutely loves to worship God.

Andrew was married in August, 2011 to Sarah, a Blue Ridge Bible College graduate and University of New Brunswick student. They are thoroughly enjoying ministry together and are looking forward to what God is going to do in Fredericton. Andrew’s message to young people is to never settle for the lie that you have to have “rebellious years” while you’re young. Love God, love people, and stand firm in your faith… that is time well spent.

Ron Austin - Associate Pastor: Discipleship

· Attended Faith School of Theology in Charleston, ME (1996 – 1999)
· Was married July 1999 to Renee Drost
· Two children, Chantelle 10 & Marcus 7.
· Pastoral ministry for 13 years.
· Member of ACOP for five years.
· Served on Florenceville – Bristol Chamber of Commerce for two years.
· Served on Pastoral Committee at Riverview manner in Bath for three years.
· Served on Pastoral Committee at Carleton manner in Woodstock for one year.
· Served on Pastoral Care Committee at the Upper River Valley regional hospital.