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Dr.
Charles Svendsen Rev.
Roché Vermaak Dr.
Charles Svendsen
Charles is already known to some BPC members. He conducted Interim Pastor workshops at BPC in August 2005 and from June 2005 to through March 2006 he served as the Acting Moderator of the BPC Session. To learn more about the interim time at BPC, please read Vol. 3 of "From Session to You." Rev.
Roché Vermaak While growing up in South Africa, Roché (pronounced "Ro-shay") was drawn to the church at an early age and became a follower of Jesus Christ when he was just six years old. Throughout his elementary and high school years, Roché excelled at math and the sciences, but felt he was being called into ministry. Enrolling in the University of Pretoria's Theology program, Roché graduated with a B.A. in Theology in 1988, followed by a bachelor's degree in Honors Greek, a divinity degree (valedictorian) and a masters in Divinity with a specialization in New Testament Studies, all cum laude.
From 2001 to 2005, Roché was solo pastor of First Presbyterian Church, a small community church in Brawley, California. Among his many accomplishments were launching a Bible school, various study groups, and new children's programs. Roché's hobbies
include golfing, snowboarding, reading, traveling and camping with
his family. Roché is married to Kobie (pronounced "Kwibie") and they have two children, Cara and Leo. They love adventure and experiencing new environments and cultures, and have traveled extensively in Europe, Canada and the United States. Kobie, also a native South African, received her bachelor's degree in Theology, a postgraduate degree in Greek and a masters in Early Church History from the University of Pretoria, all cum laude. Always active in church, Kobie loves working with children and doing mission work. She plans to one day become an elementary school teacher in the public schools. Says Roché,
"I'm passionate about Jesus Christ and about life - my family,
work, teaching, preaching, playing, my friends. I love to see people
grow into their faith and their ministries."
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 Copyright 2001, Brentwood Presbyterian Church 12000 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Phone: 310-826-5656 Fax: 310-826-5272 Email: info@bpcusa.org |
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The
Reverend Doctor Charles Svendsen has served as an interim pastor
for more than 26 years, bringing his gifts to congregations across
the United States as well as in four other countries. He received
his bachelor's degree from Wheaton College in Illinois, his Master
of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania,
a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School
of Christian Education in Virginia. 
Before
immigrating to the United States in 2001, Roché served for five
years as one of several co-pastors at a 2,800 member church in suburban
Pretoria, South Africa. Prior to that call, he served as head of
staff of a 750 member inner city church, and as associate pastor
of a 1,200 member suburban church.