Staff and Leadership

Rector / Lead Pastor

Reverend Allan Theobald

Allan has served as the pastor of Emmaus since 2024. He is passionate about helping people encounter Jesus in Scripture, worship, and everyday life. Originally from the United States, Allan was ordained to the priesthood in 2019 and relocated to Canada with his wife Katerina after spending over a decade serving the international church in Shanghai, China as a Pastor and Church Planter, and two years as both a Chaplain and teacher in South Korea. Allan’s extensive mission work and time in Asia has impassioned him for urban, multicultural, ecumencial ministry.

Allan holds an MSc in Philosophy of Science and Religion from the University of Edinburgh, an MA in Judaic-Christian Literature, and a BA in New Testament Studies, both from Oral Roberts University. His academic work focuses on the intersection of ecology and theology, Second Temple Judaism and apocalyptic literature, and patristic cosmology.

Allan’s ministry is shaped by a love for Scripture, the sacraments, and the life of the Church as a community on a journey with Christ. He draws on the wisdom of the early church, contemplative spirituality, and a heart for mission in diverse, global contexts.

Allan and his wife enjoy exploring Montreal’s many delicious bakeries and cafes. He has a deep love for good coffee, cannolis, baseball, lively conversation, and the hope of the gospel lived out in community.

youth coordinator

Jason wendel

I grew up in small-town Saskatchewan, where I completed a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies and an MA in Biblical Languages at Briercrest College and Seminary. I then moved to England, where I completed a PhD in New Testament at the University of Cambridge. My wife, Julie, and I recently moved to Montreal, where she is undertaking a PhD in English Literature at McGill. I previously worked with youth at a Christian boarding school and served as a chaplain at a Christian college. I currently teach New Testament as an adjunct professor for two small bible schools. I'm passionate about seeing young people encounter Jesus through the scriptures, prayer, and Christian community. 

Anita Tso

I was born and raised in Toronto.  I am married to Scott and have 3 children, Ava, Juliette and Isaac.  Scott and I have been attending Emmaus since 2009.  I am a social worker by training and have worked primarily with children and families.  Emmaus has always been a community of support and encouragement to me.  I am excited to be part of the life of Emmaus.  

Trustees

Rector’s Warden

Paul Huston

I was born and raised in St. Thomas Ontario, and met my wife Susan while studying in Ottawa. Since that time we've been blessed with two (now adult) children, as well as incredible memories of our family times in Montreal, Ottawa and London, England. We have been members of Emmaus since 2022, and have grown to deeply love not only its sense of community, but its devotion to a contemplative Christian experience.

People’s warden

Cynthia Morris

Originally from Detroit, Mi., Cynthia moved to Quebec in 1970 where she lived and worshiped in French until she came to St. Stephen’s (Mother church of Emmaus) in 1993, a refuge when her marriage was failing.  She is retired in 2020 after 30+ years as an adult education ESL teacher.  She has volunteered in Sunday School and on the missions’ support team for over twenty years.  Because of her passion for mission and teaching, Cynthia was able to use several sabbaticals to make mission trips to Latin America and be involved in Bible teaching there.  In 2020, she received her Master’s in theology, specializing in narrative analysis in the book of Luke.  Cynthia loves being part of a multigenerational community committed to a historical biblical faith which reaches out in compassion in the present and values our call to mission in the world.

Treasurer

Scott Halse

Scott Halse is a husband, a college teacher, and a father of three children. Originally from Ontario, Scott moved with his wife, Anita, to Montreal in 2005 to study at McGill. He has attended Emmaus since its inception in 2009 and was confirmed by Bishop Charlie Masters in 2012.

Secretary

Pamela Gebauer

I have been a member of St. Stephen’s Church and then Emmaus Anglican Church, since 1995. During that time, I have served in the prayer ministry and as a Lay Reader, as well as a trustee. I was also involved in directing the Steering Committee during the launching of Emmaus Anglican Church in 2009. I worked with an urban mission in Montreal from 1989 to 2018. I came to know the Lord while I was a university student in Buffalo, and shortly afterward, felt led to serve the Lord full-time in the Quebec context. I’m continually challenged by the mission field here in Montreal and have been greatly blessed by the spiritual encouragement of Emmaus church in my life. I look forward to what the Lord has in store for our church in its mission to Montreal.

member at large

Kathy proudlove

I have been involved in various ministries at Emmaus over the last 10 years, including children’s ministry, welcome team, designing the website and the youth ministry to name a few. What people might not know is that before coming to Montreal, I was a children’s pastor at two different large churches, and I was in a position of volunteer management at one as well. As Volunteer Resource Coordinator I supported the staff as we worked with over 800 volunteers. My job included recruiting, supporting and appreciating our volunteers as we worked within our church walls and in the community. I also have experience working on committees including capital campaigns and conference committees. My educational experience is diverse, as I have a BA with a major in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Theology, an MA in Child Studies and a PhD in Education. I also have a DEC in Special Care Counselling and a certificate in Volunteer Resource Management. I am also trained to train others in our abuse prevention plan. I have grown to love the Emmaus community over the last decade.