Baptist church welcomes new pastor
Welcome - Joseph Steeves is the new pastor at Faith Community Baptist Church, giving his first Sunday service on Sept. 16. Photo by Rob Vogt
By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
Faith Community Baptist Church has a new pastor, and he has been busy introducing himself to the congregation and the community.
Pastor Joseph Steeves moved to Claresholm on Aug. 16, and had some transition time before giving his first church service on Sept. 16.
“I’m getting to know people in town and see the needs of the town,” he said.
Originally from Calgary, Steeves attended Rocky Mountain college from 1998 to 2003, where he met his wife Sherri.
In 2005, he received the call to his first church, located in Whitewood, Saskatchewan.
“I spent 12.5 wonderful years there,” Steeves said.
Then something happened.
“I sensed God leading me here,” he said.
Steeves received the job description for Faith Community Baptist Church, prayed on it, had mentors in his life look at it, and submitted his ministry in profile, which outlined his beliefs.
The church community contacted him in March, checked references, and proceeded to have two interviews with him via Skype.
An emotional intelligence test was also done.
“That was very gratifying and encouraging,” he said.
Then he came to Claresholm the first weekend in June for a candidating weekend where he had informal interviews on the Friday, formal interviews Saturday, preached Sunday, had an informal congregation interview, then the church and congregation voted.
Now, Steeves and his family are settling in nicely in Claresholm.
They have three children, Rachel who is seven and in Grade 2 at West Meadow Elementary School; Sophia who is four; and Rebekah who is five months.
“We’re transitioning,” Steeves said.
They have connected with the school, and are meeting people around town.
He had his first ministerial association meeting last week, and has visited the town office.
“It’s important to have a good connection with those in political office and pray for them,” Steeves said.
His goal in the first year is to have a listening heart and mind to hear where the church is at and get to know the community’s hurts, tragedies and triumphs.
“To see where my gifts can be used in the community,” Steeves said.