AN AFFIRMING CHRISTIAN
COMMUNITY
Our Story
Who We Are
Birthed in the mid 90’s at Lambrick Park Church, The Place Community has been a unique congregation, celebrating Christian tradition and faith through newer expressions of art, music, deep thinking, and cultural engagement. The Place seeks to foster a community of grace (loving kindness), authenticity (being real) hospitality (nonjudgemental acceptance) and mystery (seeking Christ in all things).
After moving to Grace Lutheran Church in 2016, and then to the United Commons (former First Metropolitan United) in 2024, we continue to be that refuge for believers who love God but are embarrassed by much of Christian history and behaviour. We are a refuge for atheists who need to keep talking it out, for thinkers, dreamers and artists who lose their religion each morning only to find a more beautiful one each day. And, we are a family church with lots of small children too.
Some useful big words: we are evangelical in style but non-fundamentalist, we are progressive and yet orthodox, we are non-denominational (for now) but submit to the traditional creeds of the Christian tradition. And like Jesus, we are inclusive of all.
Meet the Pastors
Paul Teel
Paul brings a lifelong love of teaching, theology, and thoughtful inquiry to his ministry at The Place. His preaching experience includes St. Barnabas Anglican Church and Saanich Community Church, where he also served as interim teaching pastor.
Paul has spent much of his career teaching at Pacific Christian Secondary School, with a focus on Calculus, Philosophy, and Biblical Studies. He later earned an MA and PhD in Philosophy from the University of Victoria, exploring the relationship between Christian theology and modern science. His academic work also led to many years as a guest lecturer at Regent College in Vancouver, including teaching in a program designed to help church leaders engage thoughtfully and positively with questions of faith and science.
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Paul brings his curiosity, warmth, and love of teaching to the pulpit, inviting people to explore faith with both depth and openness. He and his wife, Heidi, are proud parents and grandparents and enjoy life with their growing family.
Andrea Lubberts
Andrea has been part of The Place since 2019 and has served in leadership roles since 2021. As Executive Pastor, she helps guide the life of the church, supporting its people, programs, worship, communications, and day-to-day ministry.
With a background in youth programming and mentorship, Andrea is especially passionate about creating spaces where children and families feel known, valued, and connected. Her vision for Place Kids is to give children room to ask honest questions, explore faith, and discover their own connection with God within a safe and welcoming community.
Andrea also brings music into her ministry and can often be found singing on Sunday mornings. She values thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and helping people find meaningful ways to participate in the life of the church together.
Andrea shares life with her husband, Ben, and their two children. Family, music, hospitality, and community are deeply woven into the way she approaches ministry and leadership at The Place each week.
Pamela Welle
Pamela is The Place’s longest-serving pastor and has played a significant role in shaping the life of the church through many seasons of growth, transition, and change. Her steady presence, pastoral wisdom, and deep care for people have helped the community navigate both challenges and new possibilities with grace and faithfulness.
While now partially retired from her role, Pamela continues to serve with a particular focus on pastoral care, creating space for people to feel known, heard, supported, and welcomed. A lifelong Victorian, Pamela holds a BEd from the University of Victoria and a Master’s in the Arts of Spiritual Formation from Carey Theological College. Her journey has also included teaching, homeschooling her four children, and serving with her family at Ministry of Mercy Orphanage in Nigeria.
Pamela and her husband, Paul, have four grown children. Her legacy at The Place is one of care, resilience, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to community.
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