Our Lead Pastor, Jacques van Bommel, is a South African native who grew up in Pretoria. After completing his term in National Service in 1993, he entered the ministry, working with kids and students, leading the youth ministry at Western Christian Centre. In 1998, Jacques transitioned and began working as Assistant Director to Jackson’s Ridge Children’s Ministry Training Centre.

After serving Jackson’s Ridge for 5 years, Jacques accepted the call to found a Children’s ministry in South Africa that would invest its time and resources to assist the local church to further disciple the children in their communities in the most effective way possible. Since then, Reaching a Generation has thrived, empowering churches and children’s ministry leaders and advocates across Southern Africa.

In 2019, God began speaking to Jacques about putting down roots within our local community – Mokopane. That is when the launch process for Celebration Church began. The vision for this church is to be a local expression of Christ and a ministry hotspot for Mokopane and beyond. In 2025, Jacques received a Doctorate Degree from Trinity Bible College.

Outside of the church, Pastor Jacques can usually be found painting, reading, or outdoors cycling, hunting, or fishing. Jacques also holds a pilot’s license and enjoys flying. He and his wife, Lizzy, have two kids, Nicole and Jacques, and two dogs: Cara + Cody. Pastor Jacques and Lizzy are passionate about reaching people who have not met Jesus yet, empowering the local church to develop thriving children’s ministries, and building God’s kingdom through missions.