Pastor brings passion for children, families to town

By David Gale
By the time Shaelyn Swanson arrived in Claresholm on Oct. 31 of 2025, she already knew she was stepping into more than just a new job – she was stepping into a calling.
Swanson is the new child and family ministry pastor at Claresholm Pentecostal Assembly.
While she has only been in the community a short time, she says the love she has experienced, immediately made Claresholm feel like home.
“Everyone has just been so welcoming and warm,” Swanson said. “Whether you’re walking around town or gathering inside the church, people are sincere, helpful and genuinely caring. Getting to know their stories and their strengths has really been a highlight for me.”
Swanson’s journey into ministry began when she became a Christian at the age of 16. That experience sparked a passion for youth and children’s ministry that would shape the next chapter of her life. She first became involved as a junior high youth leader at a church in the Edmonton area before eventually moving to Edson, where she helped build a youth program from the ground up.
Those early years were filled with creativity and energy, town-wide youth events featuring glow-in-the-dark dodgeball, escape rooms, laser tag, and Amazing Race-style challenges, drew hundreds of young people.
“I’ve always loved creating spaces where kids feel excited to show up,” she said.
Swanson later returned to the Edmonton area, where she worked as a children’s ministry intern running summer day camps, before enrolling at Vanguard College in Edmonton. There, she earned a bachelor’s degree in theology, specializing in children and family ministry.
Her experience expanded further in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, where she worked as an educational assistant supporting children with special needs. That role, she says, continues to influence how she approaches ministry today.
“It really taught me how to adapt programs so every child feels included and supported,” she said. “That’s something I still use every day.”
While studying at Vanguard, Swanson connected with Alberta-wide children’s ministry leadership through the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. It was through that connection that Claresholm first came onto her radar. After several visits and meetings with lead pastors Joachim and Nancy Chisanga at the Claresholm Pentecostal Assembly, she felt confident the move was right.
“I just genuinely felt called here,” she said. “I felt passionate about this community, about the church, and about what we could build together.”
Now settled in Claresholm, Swanson oversees children, youth, and family ministries, serving pre-schoolers aged two to five, elementary students aged six to eleven, and youth from 12 to 17. Her approach emphasizes fun, faith and family connection, with curriculum focused on storytelling, games, and hands-on activities.
Beyond weekly programming, Swanson is also passionate about creating intergenerational experiences that bring families together.
“I really believe everyone has something to learn from each other,” she said. “Kids can learn from seniors, and seniors can learn from kids.”
That philosophy extends to how adults are involved in ministry as well. Swanson highlights the importance of volunteers using their unique skills – whether that’s carpentry, baking, organizing or simply offering prayer.
“Everyone has something to offer,” she said. “Even giving an hour here or there makes a big difference.”
Looking ahead to the new year, Swanson says there are plans in the works for Easter events and future community outreach, with a continued focus on making the church a place of safety, compassion, and belonging.
“I want people to know they can come here and feel loved,” she said. “I want families to feel safe, supported, and encouraged – no matter where they’re at.”
As Swanson continues to settle into her role, she says she is simply grateful to be part of the Claresholm community.
“The move here has been amazing,” she said. “And honestly, the view of the mountains doesn’t hurt either.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the church, you can visit the Claresholm Pentecostal Assembly Facebook page.