trinity baptist church // new haven

Dr. Ian Maddock, Associate Pastor

Ian is a native of Sydney, Australia, and became a Christian at the age of 21 through the faithful witness of a number of dear brothers in Christ. A former teacher at Sydney Grammar School, he is married to Pam, who grew up in the Boston area, and together they have one baby son, Lachlan. Ian’s responsibilities include preaching during Trinity’s morning services and overseeing a variety of educational ministries, including the Adult Sunday School, small groups and children's ministry. He has earned degrees from the University of New South Wales (B.Sc.), the Australian College of Theology (M.Div.), Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and the University of Aberdeen, Scotland (Ph.D.). His dissertation focused on the preaching ministries of two prominent leaders of eighteenth century transatlantic evangelical revival, George Whitefield and John Wesley.

Nick Lauer, College Minister

Nick and his wife Beth have lived in New Haven for over three years as active participants in university and city life. He is thrilled to see what God is doing in New Haven and the surrounding universities and is excited to be a part of that work at Trinity. Originally from Pennsylvania, Nick received his B.A. from Messiah College and M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. As College Minister he is engaged in discipleship and outreach with undergraduates from the local universities. In addition, Nick currently coordinates the Evening Service and Youth Ministries.

David Derksen, Intern (Small Groups, Preaching)

Born and raised in Minnesota, David and his wife Laura moved to New Haven in the summer of 2007 upon Laura’s graduation from their alma mater Carleton College.  David is currently finishing the last year of his Masters in Divinity at Yale Divinity School and is looking forward to serving the Lord as an associate pastor after graduation.  Over the years, David has gleaned experience in starting and leading small group ministries—especially with collegiate athletes.  He has a heart to see the Good News of Christ’s work of reconciliation and healing go forth through healthy, vibrant small group ministries.

Michelle Hixson, Administrative Assistant

Originally from PEI, Canada, Michelle holds a BA from Maritime Christian College. Michelle married her husband Brent and moved to CT in 2007. Michelle has over 6 years of office management experience and is excited about using her administrative abilities to serve in the Church Office.

Andrew Gilson, Intern (College Ministry)

Andrew grew up in New Hampshire, and graduated from UNH in May of 2007 with a B.A. in Spanish. He and his wife Rachel were married in August of 2007 and have been living in New Haven since. He is a part-time middle school Spanish teacher here in the city. Andrew will spend the other half of his working life doing a college ministry internship at Trinity with a focus on Yale for this academic school year. He is looking to build a good foundation of ministry skills as he and Rachel have a heart to serve the Lord with Campus Crusade for Christ doing vocational college ministry.

Kris Shaffer, Ministry Staff (Sunday Morning Music Coordinator)

Kris Shaffer is a Ph.D. candidate in music theory at Yale University. He is the husband of Colleen, a freelance musician, and the father of their new son, Ciaran (born Dec. 2008). Kris grew up in the Chicago area and holds a bachelor of music degree from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, a master degrees in music from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and Yale University. As music coordinator, he is responsible for selecting music for the Sunday morning services, coordinating volunteer singers and instrumentalists to help lead congregational singing, organizing special events like the annual Christmas Carol Service, and composing and arranging music as necessary. He hopes that the music ministry can help lead the congregation in vocal worship on Sunday mornings which, together with the teaching of the Word, inspires whole-life worship and an increased depth of understanding and appreciation for what God has done and has promised to do for us.