Our Pastors
Meet our pastors—dedicated leaders passionate about helping you embrace God’s purpose for your life. With love and a heart for service, they are here to encourage, support, and equip you on your journey of faith. Their prayer is to see you grow closer to Christ, walk confidently in His ways, and make a meaningful difference in Elmhurst and beyond. We’re honored to walk with you every step of the way as you Grow into God’s Purpose for your life!
PASTOR ARMAND & JULIE | LEAD PASTOR
Pastor Armand was born and raised on the Northside of Chicago, in Rogers Park. He started a relationship with God through Jesus Christ at the age of 15. He graduated from Central Bible College and has been in full time ministry since 1997. Pastor Armand has experience as a Children’s Pastor, Christian Education Director, and Youth Pastor. His previous post was Executive Pastor at the Chicago Tabernacle, where he served for 9 years. In May of 2011, the Lord called him to be the Lead Pastor of Bethel Assembly.
His wife, Julie, was born and raised in Osawatomie, KS. She came to know the Lord in 2000 and has been serving the people of God for the last 16 years in a variety of ways, and currently leads the Intercessory Prayer Ministry. She has a masters degree in Nursing and is a Nurse Practitioner. Her primary ministry continues to be as a help-mate to her husband and raising their three daughters: Sofia, Sydney, and Stella.
Together, Pastor Armand and Julie are passionate about helping people grow into God’s purpose. They love Jesus, love people, and believe the best is yet to come for Bethel and the city of Elmhurst.
PASTOR DANNY & VENESSA | EXECUTIVE PASTOR
Daniel Cancel was born and raised in the Logan Square area of Chicago. Since he came to know the Lord at the age of 12 years old his desire was to reach people with the Gospel. Prior to attending Bethel Assembly, he served on staff at the Chicago Tabernacle in different capacities for 7 years. In 2013 he felt the Lord leading Him to come alongside Pastor Armand and join Bethel Assembly.
Since then he has completed his studies through AG Global University and is an ordained minister. He is currently bi-vocational, working for the Chicago International Charter Schools and serves as Executive Pastor at Bethel Assembly.
His wife, Venessa, born and raised in Chicago, serves alongside and is a full time staff member at Bethel Assembly. She serves in several capacities with her primary roles being church administration and worship director. Pastor Danny and Venessa have 2 children, Haley and Ethan, who love the Lord and are also actively serving in ministry.
Together they have a heart to serve and see all people come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and grow into the purpose that God has for their lives to advance the Kingdom of God.
DEREK BURGIN | YOUTH PASTOR
Derek was born and raised in Moline, Illinois, and has been deeply committed to his faith since he seriously embraced his relationship with God at 18. Driven by a passion to connect with and inspire young people, Derek pursued a degree in Church Leadership and Psychology from North Central University in Minneapolis, graduating in 2024. Since then, he has been faithfully serving as the Youth Director at Bethel Assembly.
In June 2025, Derek married his beautiful wife, Ellie, who is a Registered Nurse and has also joined him in ministry at Bethel. Together, they are excited to serve and support the youth and the broader church community.
Derek’s heart is to empower the next generation to follow Jesus wholeheartedly—through meaningful worship, intentional devotion, and authentic discipleship. He is dedicated to guiding young people as they grow in their faith, live out their worship daily, and boldly impact their communities for Christ. His vision is to see youth not only embrace their identity in Jesus but also become passionate leaders who make a lasting difference in the world around them.