Meet Our Pastors
Lead Pastor
Zeke Nelson
An unexpected encounter with God at the age of 15 changed the course of my life. God's clear guidance led me to study at Whitworth University on the other side of the state of Washington (in the USA), where I grew up.
My wife and I met at university and were married in 2000. We spent a few months in Mexico and a year in Honduras with the Latin America Mission, then I studied at Fuller Theological Seminary in the Los Angeles area. We then spent over ten years doing ministry in California's neglected Central Valley. In 2017 we moved to Antwerp to lead and serve this wonderful church.
Shortly before moving here our second of four children died from cancer. The pain we have experienced is beyond words, but we also experienced the goodness and love of God, which are also beyond words. I have tried to put the experience into words at
www.explorationandcontemplation.com.
I enjoy the variety of work I get as a pastor: study, prayer, preaching, teaching, leadership, and lots of time with people. My sport is ultimate frisbee. Our family enjoys exploring the Antwerp area by bicycle. I love to hike, especially in the mountains.
Assistant Pastor
Jan Witsel
During my teenage years, I embarked on a journey of evangelism and ministry, particularly focusing on assisting refugees. This path ignited within me a profound calling to dedicate myself fully to serving in God's kingdom, prompting my pursuit of theological studies. Following the completion of my bachelor's degree at Ede Christian University in the Netherlands, I have spent recent years combining practical ministry with the part-time pursuit of my master's degree from Evangelical Theological Faculty in Leuven, Belgium.
Antwerp International Protestant Church holds a special place in my heart and since 2014 has become a cherished home for both myself and my family. I’ve served the church in various capacities, currently in the role of Assistant Pastor. Next to preaching and pastoral care, I am involved in leading various parts of ministry, including refugee outreach, young adults ministry, and overseeing many of our Sunday teams.
Next to my commitment to the church, I am one of the co-founders and leaders of Lifeline Belgium, a thriving young adult organization based in Antwerp. I also am the initiator of Gastvrij Geschenk, an initiative to encourage Christians to show hospitality to newcomers in the city.
Together with my wife Zinash and our three children, I enjoy living in Antwerp. I love going to the seaside and often cross the Dutch border to visit my hometown, see my family, and eat kebabs at my favorite place. I'm interested in anything to do with migration, and every now and then pick up my good old habit of listening to reggae music and making graffiti art.