Our Staff
Bill Shoemaker - Lead Pastor
Pastor Bill was called as Pastor of West Church in 2020. He first trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1980. He shares out of his experience, strength and hope that arise from his faith in Jesus. He teaches God’s word in a practical, clear and transparent way. He is a servant-leader, with a heart to help people grow in their faith and learn how to pass it on to others. He loves the people and the community of West Church.Pastor Bill and Donna have been married since 1986 and came to us from Manahawkin, NJ. Donna has significant experience in the medical field. Bill also has work experience in the auto sales industry. They enjoy spending time with their family, walking their dogs, hiking, biking and visiting the shore. They have two adult children and two grandchildren. Pastor Bill holds a Masters of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia, PA) and a BA from Northeastern Bible College (NJ). You can reach him at bill.shoemaker@westchurchpeabody.org.
Rick McDonnell - Associate Pastor
Pastor Rick came to faith in Christ during his junior year at Boston College through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. After graduating, he joined the Campus Crusade staff, serving in campus ministry at the University of Connecticut—where he met his future wife, Kathy. They married soon after.
Rick later earned his Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1982. He pastored two congregations in Vermont before being called to West Church in June 1992, where he continues to serve with joy and gratitude.
Married since 1978, Rick and Kathy are blessed with two wonderful children and four grandchildren, and they treasure every moment together as a family. Rick enjoys daily walks, time at the gym, and cheering for the New England Patriots—but most of all, he and Kathy are thankful for the loving church family they call home.
You can reach him at wc4rick@westchurchpeabody.org
Becky Brown - Office Administrator
Becky Brown has been serving as the Office Administrator at West Church since 2019. She and her family have been part of the West Church of Peabody community since 2008, when they moved from Virginia to Massachusetts in search of a new adventure and a supportive church home.
Over the years, Becky has loved being involved in many ministries, including KingdomKids, Sunday School, Pioneer Girls, Vacation Bible School, and the Women’s Retreat Committee. She especially enjoys seeing kids grow in their faith and helping events and ministries run smoothly behind the scenes.
Becky met her husband, Matt, while attending Messiah College. They’ve been married for over twenty years and are proud parents to two fun-loving and caring young adults, Samantha and Daniel. They enjoy spending time together, whether it’s playing a board game, listening to music, or just catching up around the dinner table.
Becky brings a warm smile, a heart for people, and a knack for organization to the church office. Whether you’re new to West Church or a longtime member, she’s always happy to help or point you in the right direction.
Patrick Bourckel - Worship Director
Patrick grew up in the Baltimore area and studied music education at Wheaton College, where he met his wife Jen. He graduated from Gordon-Conwell Seminary in 2012 with a degree focused on the theology of worship, and has served in church music and operations roles since then. The family lives in Saugus with their 4 joyful children. They love to make food, take walks, and sing together. 
Wendy Jacobson - Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Wendy has been a part of West Church Peabody for many years, bringing energy, creativity, and a deep love for children and teens to her role as Director of Children’s and Youth Ministry. She holds advanced degrees in education and special education from Gordon College and has spent her career teaching and mentoring students of all ages.
Beyond her work at the church, Wendy enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband, Joel. She is a dedicated Scouting volunteer and proud mom to four Eagle Scouts—Jeremy, Jared, Justin, and Hayley. Together with her family, Wendy loves hiking, camping, exploring new places, and spending time around the fire pit.
Wendy is deeply passionate about fostering community, leadership, and faith development in young people. She is committed to helping them grow in their relationship with God and build confidence in their God-given potential, whether she’s helping organize a youth event, supporting volunteers, or pitching a tent at a weekend campout. She's also a big fan of sunrises, good coffee and engaging conversations.
Dave Moniz-Accounts Manager
Our Leadership Team
(Team includes the Pastors Above)
Rick grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts. He married his wife, Julie, in 2001, and together they’ve made their home in Beverly, where they enjoy life with their five children.
A part of West Church for over 30 years, he counts it a true blessing to serve in a variety of ways during that time. He especially enjoys singing with the Praise Team and leading the Welcome Team, where his love for music and people come together.
Outside of church, Rick enjoys making things… whether it’s a design, a custom T-shirt, or something built from scratch. He finds satisfaction in bringing ideas to life and using his God-given abilities to create.
Rick finds great joy in being part of a church family that continues to grow in faith and community.