“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped” Psalm 28:7.
Thank you for your encouragement, prayer and for the tangible ways you help the next generation hear and know God through Christ Jesus. The part you play is foundational to what the Spirit has created…
Summer is a busy time as CLA prepares for camps. So many are working so hard to make our annual events powerful expressions of love, friendship and spiritual encounter. In the midst of that, you may have heard there are changes coming to Rev. I want to acknowledge those changes and let you know how we are embracing them.
First, Pastor Breanne announced a pastoral transition in her life as she and her husband Nathan are moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia at the end of August to take up new ministry duties. I am so grateful for Breanne’s story and faithful service as a student and then a full-time pastor. She has loved well and laboured hard to leave a Gospel legacy in the hearts of kids. We honour her for all she has done.
At the same time, Pastor Brendan Meade is making an internal ministry adjustment at CLA, moving with his wife Kendra to our Maple Ridge Campus. They have just announced they are pregnant and are about to enter a new chapter of life. This new role will be as Assistant Pastor of our Maple Ridge Campus. This opportunity will grow his skills as a leader, but will allow his influence to remain with Rev in the autumn semester until taking on full-time duties in Maple Ridge at the start of 2026. We are grateful for him.
Constellation of Leadership – this fall an excellent team of leaders will work together to help Rev “Gather, Grow, Serve and Go”. I’m grateful for Sam Stanley who has 15 years of experience in youth ministry and is our administrative anchor. Her stability will be so beneficial for the team. Our Young Adult Pastor, Matt Bender, is going to be taking a more active role in both oversight and being the direct report for this team. He will build an excellent bridge to the grade twelves as they will soon graduate and connect with his ministry on Thursday nights. As mentioned, Pastor Brendan will remain involved with High School ministry in the fall. His availability will be beneficial for Jonah Inman, a current leader and SPC (Summit Pacific College) student, who will be working part-time as the interim High School Pastor. Joining him from SPC, and in her graduating year, is Katie Shimmin, who will be coming on as a part time interim Middle School Pastor. Both of these individuals have been mentored at CLA and will be a huge blessing on Tuesday nights and for special events. Behind these leaders are a backstop of student leaders, hub leaders, and influential parents who continue to be devoted to our middle and high school students to make this year of transition an excellent year of discipleship and outreach.
The next generation is a huge priority for me, and I have given considerable time and energy to this. I will personally continue to monitor the health and vitality of this constellation in 2025 and 2026. CLA places significant resources on the table to empower this ministry and to aid it towards health.
