Hello, my name is Judy Hearn and I have been serving as chair of WPA’s Search Committee. I am pleased to introduce to you the Lead Pastor candidate joining us on Sunday, September 18: Pastor Chris Padiath and his wife Kylie.
Over the past ten years, Chris Padiath has served as a Music & Young Adults pastor, a Worship and Creative Arts pastor, and most recently as Assistant Pastor at a church similar in size to WPA.
Chris has a Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies degree from Tyndale University, a Master of Theological Studies, Pentecostal Studies degree from Tyndale Seminary and is currently mid-way through his Doctor of Educational Ministry, Christian Worship degree through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He is ordained with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He has been married to Kylie for 10 years and they have two daughters, Olivia (8) and Sadie (6). Kylie has been an Ontario Certified Teacher with another school board in Ontario for the past 13 years. They are big Blue Jays fans, love to travel and love people.
Chris has a vision for the church that aligns remarkably with our vision, to be theologically, spiritually and missionally vital. In his own words, here is how he explains his heart for the future of the church, and hopefully, our church:
“I envision a corporate gathering of the body of believers dedicated to Spirit-empowered preaching and Spirit-led worship. I envision a body of believers who place a priority on discipleship that increases biblical literacy and heightens a sense of accountability through small group fellowship. I envision a body of believers captivated by a passion to serve and bless their community and connected to their world through missions. I envision a multi-ethnic and multi-generational body of believers where people from all over the world, no matter their age, gather in a spirit of unity to worship the Lord. I envision a body of believers invested in protecting the family unit by equipping parents, strengthening marriages and celebrating spiritual milestones.”
Staff and volunteers will have a chance to connect with Chris and his family next Saturday afternoon (September 17). The Padiath family will also be in the foyer next Sunday morning (September 18) between 8:30 and 9:30 for another meet and greet opportunity.
Chris will be preaching the morning service next Sunday, September 18. The Board of WPA invites you to a special congregational business meeting following the service where members will be asked to vote regarding inviting Pastor Chris Padiath to become WPA’s new Lead Pastor.
We encourage those of you who are voting members of WPA to arrive early to pick up your name tag which will identify you as a voting member during this special business meeting.
Please be in prayer this week for the Padiath family as they prepare to visit with us next weekend.
Thank you!