Meet the Directors
Under the overall executive leadership of Jeff Bonzelaar, the Directors have responsibility for managing specific areas of Life Challenge. They represent the “public face” of our ministry. In addition to the Directors, over 30 staff and volunteers are engaged to manage operations, maintain facilities, teach and supervise students at our two campuses in Detroit and Flint.
Jeff Bonzelaar, Executive Director
Jeff Bonzelaar is the Executive Director of Life Challenge of Southeastern Michigan, overseeing 2 Campuses in Detroit as well as Flint, Michigan. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He holds a Masters Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Bachelors Degree from Southeastern University. Adjunct Professor at Central Bible College , Sectional Presbyter A/G Michigan District, and the proud husband to Lori for over 20 years, and the proud father of 4 sons (Joshua, Luke, Jordan and Jonathan).
Ken Keene, Men’s Division Director
Ken Keene is the Director of Education and of the Men’s Division at Life Challenge of Southeastern Michigan. He earned his Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) from Michigan Theological Seminary (now Moody) and a Certificate in Bible from Central Bible College, Detroit extension. He was a church-planter with the Assemblies of God for 3 years and a Deacon at Revival Tabernacle A/G for 5 years. He has been the proud husband to Rachel for nearly 19 years, and the proud father of 1 daughter (Chloe) and 3 sons (Noah, Zion and Ezra).
Dr. Sheila Burrell, Women’s Division Director
Sheila Burrell is the Director of Development and of the Women’s Division at Life Challenge of Southeastern Michigan. She holds a Doctoral degree in Theology from United Theological Seminary, a Masters Degree in Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary, a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences, and is a Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor; Adjunct Professor for Spring Arbor University and Ashland Theological Seminary; and the happily married wife of Brian with two daughters (Melisa and Montique) and five grandchildren (Monquese, Marquis, Humphrey, Nicholas, and Sire).
Joel Dubiel, Director of Operations
Joel has been at Life Challenge since 1983. Immediately upon graduating from the program, he became an intern and shortly thereafter was named Work Coordinator. He learned his position through the help of God working through friends and coworkers. Being thrifty and resourceful are two gifts that Joel has found to be invaluable in his work. These giftings led to his appointment as Business and Operations Manager in 1994. Joel has his builder’s license which has been necessary in the many renovation projects he has directed at Life Challenge. He married Judy in 1985 and they have 2 adult children.
John Richardson, Director of Development
John Richardson is a branding and new media consultant. He is the founder of ad agency Eidos Group, Inc., the new media services company Digital Chicken, and president of Xynapx, a new media consulting company. John is a writer, graphic designer, video producer, grateful husband of Brenda and father of Ian and Colin. He has taught at the University of South Dakota and the University of Toronto.
From Pastor Jeff Bonzelaar
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