Leadership

Joel Coppieters

Director of Scripture Resources

Raised in a ministry home in Quebec's Eastern Townships, Joel's early business involvement allowed for part time pastoral ministry while honing the management skills needed to eventually direct several Christian non-profits, including a summer camp and a religious publisher.

Personal tragedy led to a crisis of faith and a deep re-examination during which God just wouldn't let go. The difficult rebuilding process led to the Presbyterian Church he now calls home, and left Joel with keen insights on the faith/reason paradox and an even stronger commitment to the Word that helped draw him home.

As a writer and business consultant Joel has pursued particular interests in marketplace ethics, theology and church and business history. His 600 published credits include several books and articles in academic, trade and general interest publications. Two decades in book and software publishing prepared the way for ongoing responsibilities with the Canadian Bible Society's distribution ministries.

As the Director of Scripture Resources at CBS, Joel serves the production team that prepares Bibles and related resources for printing. Together with his colleagues in the acquisition and distribution departments, he maximizes use of the internet, direct mail and collaborations with hundreds of bookstores and other key partners to make the Bible accessible to every Canadian.

He lives in Toronto and Montreal, where he owns two small businesses, and is currently completing a Masters of Divinity part time at McGill University in preparation for ordination. He is a regular speaker at conferences and in churches across Canada.

Along with his wife Debbie, a kindergarten teacher, Joel finds particular joy in two young granddaughters with whom God has blessed them.