Welcome New Pastors!
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P.O. Box 50004 Clareview RPO Edmonton AB T5Y 2M9 |
APD Office E-mail: office@albertaparklanddistrict.ca Superintendent Phone: (780) 920 8298 Superintendent E-mail: apdefcc@telus.net |
Greetings New Pastors,
Let me take the opportunity to welcome you to the Alberta Parkland District (APD) of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada (EFCC). As a new pastor in one of our district churches, I look forward to getting to know you and to help you transition well both into your church ministry and into the EFCC. As district superintendent, please note that I desire to come alongside you and your spouse to be an encouragement, support and resource to help in creating a successful ministry. Enclosed with this letter are some initial items for you to be aware of. If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call or drop an email to the above contact info.
The Alberta Parkland District (APD) is a regional association within the EFCC, including 30 member churches across central and northern Alberta. APD churches are united by a shared commitment to serve Jesus Christ, a common Statement of Faith, and a dedication to the Word of God. Check out our APD website for more district info: www.albertaparklanddistrict.ca.
Below is a resource to help you get to know the EFCC:
I encourage you to explore the following resources that will help you integrate into the APD and EFCC:
My wife Colleen and I deeply enjoy the wonderful team of pastors God has given to us within our district. We plan pastors and wives retreats annually to help resource you, and we pray for you in your ministry places. Our joy is to see God blessing you in your church and home life to His honor and glory.
In Christ,
Marvin Penner
APD District Superintendent
Let me take the opportunity to welcome you to the Alberta Parkland District (APD) of the Evangelical Free Church of Canada (EFCC). As a new pastor in one of our district churches, I look forward to getting to know you and to help you transition well both into your church ministry and into the EFCC. As district superintendent, please note that I desire to come alongside you and your spouse to be an encouragement, support and resource to help in creating a successful ministry. Enclosed with this letter are some initial items for you to be aware of. If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call or drop an email to the above contact info.
The Alberta Parkland District (APD) is a regional association within the EFCC, including 30 member churches across central and northern Alberta. APD churches are united by a shared commitment to serve Jesus Christ, a common Statement of Faith, and a dedication to the Word of God. Check out our APD website for more district info: www.albertaparklanddistrict.ca.
Below is a resource to help you get to know the EFCC:
- The EFCC’s ‘A Closer Look’ brochure.
I encourage you to explore the following resources that will help you integrate into the APD and EFCC:
- EFCC Canada Benefit Plan (Information, Program and Price Schedule): available to pastors serving with the EFCC. The cost of the plan may be part of your compensation paid by the church, or you may choose to enroll yourself. Please contact Laura Kehler, Payroll and Benefits Administrator for the EFCC, to apply. She can be reached by email at laurak@efcc.ca, or by phone on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the EFCC head office at (604) 513 2183. Please note that you are required to enroll within one month of beginning employment to waive a medical insurability test.
- EFCC accreditation: a process of encouragement, learning, accountability, and affirmation as a minister in the EFCC. Here is a PDF copy of the EFCC accreditation process. You will also find this information on the EFCC website, here: https://efcc.ca/efcc-resources/ministerial-accreditation/.
- EFCC Pastors Service Manual.
- EFCC RRSP Information.
- The APD supports three Church Health & Effectiveness Teams (CHET). Chet teams are groups of APD pastors who meet regularly for mutual encouragement, learning, and prayer. Your CHET leader will contact you to invite you to the next meeting.
- Letter to your church's Board Chairman. This letter is meant to express to your church board how they can encourage you, as the new pastor, to take advantage of several valuable resources created to helping you build a strong and healthy ministry.
My wife Colleen and I deeply enjoy the wonderful team of pastors God has given to us within our district. We plan pastors and wives retreats annually to help resource you, and we pray for you in your ministry places. Our joy is to see God blessing you in your church and home life to His honor and glory.
In Christ,
Marvin Penner
APD District Superintendent
Letter to New Pastor's Board Chair
| BOARD CHAIR LETTER - Same as letter below, just in pdf format.pdf |
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P.O. Box 50004 Clareview RPO Edmonton AB T5Y 2M9 |
APD Office E-mail: office@albertaparklanddistrict.ca Superintendent Phone: (780) 920 8298 Superintendent E-mail: apdefcc@telus.net |
Dear Board Chair,
Congratulations on welcoming your new pastor! This is an exciting season for your congregation—one filled with anticipation, new opportunities, and the joy of seeing how God will continue to work through your ministry in the days ahead. Beginning this new chapter together brings both promise and purpose, and we join you in praying for a fruitful journey for your pastor and your church family.
The reason for this letter is to encourage you and your board to come alongside your new pastor by making use of several valuable resources designed to support and strengthen pastoral leadership. These opportunities can make a meaningful difference in your pastor’s long-term effectiveness and well-being.
Please know that Marvin Penner, District Superintendent for the APD, is available to provide assistance or guidance at any time. He would be happy to speak with you, your pastor, or your church board about any of the information mentioned above.
Once again, congratulations on this new beginning. May the Lord bless your partnership with your pastor and continue to guide your congregation as you serve Him together.
Warm regards,
Marvin Penner
APD Superintendent
Congratulations on welcoming your new pastor! This is an exciting season for your congregation—one filled with anticipation, new opportunities, and the joy of seeing how God will continue to work through your ministry in the days ahead. Beginning this new chapter together brings both promise and purpose, and we join you in praying for a fruitful journey for your pastor and your church family.
The reason for this letter is to encourage you and your board to come alongside your new pastor by making use of several valuable resources designed to support and strengthen pastoral leadership. These opportunities can make a meaningful difference in your pastor’s long-term effectiveness and well-being.
- Pastors and Wives Retreat: This retreat is a time specifically set aside for pastors & pastoral couples to refresh and recharge. After the challenges of full-time ministry, it provides the perfect opportunity to rest, gain new perspectives, and build lasting connections with others in the APD pastoral community. Participants often leave encouraged, inspired, and better equipped to continue serving with renewed vision and joy.
- District Conference: The APD District Conference offers vital opportunities for growth, unity, and development. Church leaders attending these gatherings benefit from leadership training, exposure to new ministry resources, and inspiration from gifted speakers and denominational leaders. These conferences cultivate collaboration, equip leaders for informed decision-making, and strengthen ties within the larger church body—all of which bless your local congregation.
- EFCC Ministerial Accreditation: Accreditation affirms a pastor’s calling while demonstrating both theological and practical competence. Encouraging your pastor to engage in the EFCC Ministerial Accreditation process supports their ministry development and reinforces accountability and excellence. This process benefits not only your pastor but the entire congregation through strengthened leadership and a shared sense of mission and integrity.
- Salary Guide: Determining fair and equitable compensation for your pastor is important yet often complex. The newest edition of the EFCC’s Salary Guide is included for your reference. We hope it serves as a helpful tool for supporting your pastor and any family members that may depend upon them, ensuring they can serve with stability and peace of mind.
Please know that Marvin Penner, District Superintendent for the APD, is available to provide assistance or guidance at any time. He would be happy to speak with you, your pastor, or your church board about any of the information mentioned above.
Once again, congratulations on this new beginning. May the Lord bless your partnership with your pastor and continue to guide your congregation as you serve Him together.
Warm regards,
Marvin Penner
APD Superintendent
Benefits Resources: