This week CLA begins a new chapter of ministry as two full time pastors join our pastoral team of twenty (about half of our current team is part time or working two jobs to supplement their income). The pastoral team is the backbone of ministry at CLA. Each works with volunteers to facilitate Gather (worship opportunities), Grow (discipleship), Serve (ministry and leadership development) and Go (living missional lives).
Our new Gather Pastor is Chad Langerud. Chad and his wife Jillian come to us with four beautiful young girls and their family is excited about this new opportunity. Chad grew up in Ft St John and Wetaskiwin, Alberta. He went to Summit Pacific College for his pastoral training and has worked for 18 years at Christian Life Community Church in Abbotsford. Jillian is a community public health nurse, and their daughters attend public school in Abbotsford. Pastor Chad was a Youth Pastor, Worship Pastor and Campus Pastor at CLCC. He brings this experience and ministry passion to CLA to help us in areas of worship, overseeing Sunday Gatherings at Langley Campus and serving on our MLT (Ministry Leadership Team). He looks forward to building a bridge to the millennial families and to helping CLA emerge from the pandemic in a place of strength.
Garrett Markham has been hired as our new Youth Pastor in Maple Ridge. Garrett is no stranger here at CLA. He worked in Maple Ridge during his college experience and most recently was on a summer employment grant. Part of Garrett’s work will be facilitated through a Canadian Tire fund for community sports. This is an amazing opportunity for our Maple Ridge Campus. This summer there were new outreaches that reached dozens of youth and new families. I also deeply appreciate how Garrett was proactive in working together with Pastor Breanne and Pastor Mark for Rev on the Weekend. What a great team these three make along with Sam Stanley. The future is bright for youth ministry in both campuses. We continue to celebrate the 50 youth who have indicated a desire to be baptized in water as they deepen their faith in Jesus Christ.
As CLA opens up and begins to rebuild ministries this fall there are needs for volunteers in many areas; worship, tech, Kids Ministry, nursery, Recovery Church and Café. Thank you to the many who are giving consideration to ministry involvement. Pastor Jenni told me that in August we had 43 new kids registered for Sunday morning ministry from 27 new families! Imagine! We expect September to be even more significant. Therefore, the need for 65 new volunteers in Kids Ministry is vital. Appreciate all who are stepping up.
