In August of 2007 the people of Laurentian Wesleyan Church welcomed me and my family with open arms knowing that this was my first full time call into ministry. At the time I had been a Licensed Minister for just over a year. Years before coming to Laurentian I started the process of becoming an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church while attending Southgate Community Church in Kemptville. For years I had juggled the demands of family life, my electrical job, my part time position as an Assistant Pastor at Southgate and my studies. In all I had to complete twenty-three courses. In the beginning the idea of completing these courses seemed so far reaching but as the years went by and course after course was completed the end seemed to just pop up. In a ceremony held at Silver Lake Wesleyan Camp on July 3rd, after our District Conference, I was ordained with three other individuals within our district.
A lot of people have congratulated me for all the hard work I did. I would like to say that I couldn’t have done it alone. I give thanks to my friend and mentor Rev. Mark Parker and the people of Southgate Community Church who encouraged me as I started the journey. I give thanks to the people of Laurentian Wesleyan Church who came along side me and encouraged me as I completed my studies. I give thanks to my wife Tina and to my family that encourage me also. Most of all I give thanks to God who called me and has given me the strength and ability to meet the call.
God bless, Pastor Chris
