Sherman Lau began serving as part-time associate pastor at The Life Centre, Abbotsford, B.C., Sept. 1. He studied history at Trinity Western University, Langley, B.C., and has an MA in church ministries from MBBS-ACTS. He has previously worked as English ministries pastor at Pacific Grace MB Church, Vancouver, and in IT for Focus on the Family Canada. He will continue working part-time for graduate admissions at MBBS-Canada. Sherman and Shari have one daughter.
Steven Bock began as youth pastor at La Salle (Man.) Christian Fellowship in late September. He has a BA from Steinbach (Man.) Bible College, and previously served as volunteer youth leader at Manitou (Man.) MB Church for 3 years. He has also worked summers at Pembina Valley Bible Camp and Winkler (Man.) Bible Camp. Steven is married to Karen.
Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, is transitioning into a multisite church, which means some adjustments in staff positions. The first off-campus site will be in the Broadway area of the city, where Don Froese, pastor of young adults, takes the lead as campus pastor. Delores Derksen, who served as primary receptionist, will devote three-quarters of her time to the role of care ministry director, giving leadership to seniors’ ministries, funeral care, visitation, and crisis care. Harry Strauss, pastor of adult discipleship/small groups, now also assists Delores with funeral care and leads the marriage mentoring program. Karen Willms, serving in office administration for 15 years, has taken on the primary receptionist duties. Kevin Wiens, senior high youth pastor, adds part-time responsibility as family ministries supervisor, in the departure of Abe Klassen to Fourth Avenue Bible Church, Niverville, Man. Dale Dirksen, director of pastoral integration since 2009, now also serves as coach for multisite development and as a resource for corporate worship. Additionally, a Spanish-speaking congregation meets at the main Forest Grove Community Church Attridge location on Sunday evenings.
The U.S. Conference of MB Churches hired its first part-time social media coordinator, Justin Salters. Salters is responsible for launching and managing USMB’s social media presence on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and developing additional web strategies to facilitate online community among USMB members. Salters graduated from Bakersfield College, Cal., with a degree in political science and is continuing his studies at California State University, Bakersfield. Salters attends The Bridge Bible Church (MB), Bakersfield, where he serves the congregation’s young adult ministry as worship leader.
