Alynne has served as pastor of Sanctuary Church since February 2025. Alynne and her husband David have served in churches in the Pacific Northwest since 1974. For eleven years, Alynne taught at Portland Bible College in Portland, OR before returning to Chilliwack BC to teach at Highroad Academy. Dave and Alynne have four children and 10 young adult grandchildren. They became a part of Sanctuary Church in 2022, helping with worship and hospitality and have served on the Sanctuary Church Advisory council.

Scott and Naomi Gaglardi, high school sweethearts, have been involved in local church ministry for over 30 years, and have lived in Chilliwack since 2014. They have three grown children: Mercedes (and Andrew), Emerson, and Hudson (and Kenzie), who provide them with great joy and lots of laughter. In early 2025, Scott stepped aside from his role as lead pastor of Sanctuary Church to focus on his position as executive director with Ruth and Naomi’s Mission in Chilliwack. Scott and Naomi serve on the church Advisory Council, and Scott continues to contribute as part of the teaching team. It is through their leadership and hospitality that many have been added to our Sanctuary community.

Sanctuary Church is a nondenominational church focusing on creating an environment where people can come into a safe space and experience the life-changing love of Jesus. Our structure is a lead pastor supported by an Advisor Council, whose members vote on items that support and strengthen the church. Current members are Scott and Naomi Gaglardi, David and Juliette Schlacter, Hannah and Dave Mackie, and David Shinness.
Instead of a church model in which the senior pastor does most of the preaching, our model is to hear from a diversity of voices and perspectives on a united theme. Presently our Teaching Team includes Scott Gaglardi, Hannah Mackie, and Alynne Shinness. Occasionally other voices from our church or community are invited to teach as well.