On Saturday, October 31, (Reformation Day) 2009, our pastor, Paul Van Stralen was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Christian Reformed Church!
Paul was called by God into the ministry in 1992. His calling was confirmed in 1993 while on tour with the Continental Singers. In 1994 he began the process of preparing for ministry by enrolling in a B.A. program at Calvin College. After graduating from Calvin in 1998, Paul worked as a youth leader in Salmon Arm, B.C. as well as gaining valuable experience as a farmhand.
In 2001 Paul, Renee and their 1 year old son set out in faith to Calvin Theological Seminary. After 2 years of classroom study, Paul served the Edson-Peers Christian Reformed Church as a summer intern. Immediately following he served Rehoboth CRC (Bowmanville, ON) as a year-long intern. While at Rehoboth, the Edson-Peers Church offered Paul a contract to serve as their pastor for 5 years. Included in this contract was a commitment to assist Paul in completing his education at Calvin Seminary.
Five years later, with encouragement from Renee, parents, family and friends, the support of the church and Classis Alberta North, Paul graduated from Calvin Seminary this past May. Paul is excited that with this ordination he will finally be the "official" pastor of this wonderful church. He is looking forward to a minimum three more years of serving this church family. Please pray that we may grow in our knowledge and service of God and one another!
Paul was called by God into the ministry in 1992. His calling was confirmed in 1993 while on tour with the Continental Singers. In 1994 he began the process of preparing for ministry by enrolling in a B.A. program at Calvin College. After graduating from Calvin in 1998, Paul worked as a youth leader in Salmon Arm, B.C. as well as gaining valuable experience as a farmhand.
In 2001 Paul, Renee and their 1 year old son set out in faith to Calvin Theological Seminary. After 2 years of classroom study, Paul served the Edson-Peers Christian Reformed Church as a summer intern. Immediately following he served Rehoboth CRC (Bowmanville, ON) as a year-long intern. While at Rehoboth, the Edson-Peers Church offered Paul a contract to serve as their pastor for 5 years. Included in this contract was a commitment to assist Paul in completing his education at Calvin Seminary.
Five years later, with encouragement from Renee, parents, family and friends, the support of the church and Classis Alberta North, Paul graduated from Calvin Seminary this past May. Paul is excited that with this ordination he will finally be the "official" pastor of this wonderful church. He is looking forward to a minimum three more years of serving this church family. Please pray that we may grow in our knowledge and service of God and one another!
