We welcome Marc McAlister, Director of Church Health

marc-mcalisterIt is a distinct honour and privilege for me to announce the appointment of Rev. Marc McAlister as the Director of Church Health of the Free Methodist Church in Canada. The Board of Administration met by teleconference on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 and approved the recommendation from the Director of Church Health hiring task force.

Marc has served in pastoral ministry with the Free Methodist Church in Canada for over 20 years, and is currently serving as lead pastor of Sault Ste. Marie Free Methodist Church. Marc and his wife Laurie have been pastoring at the Sault Ste. Marie church for the past 11 years. Marc previously served as an Associate Pastor in Kamloops British Columbia, and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Marc is a graduate of Aldersgate College, where he graduated Cum Laude winning the Governor General Award and served as class valedictorian.

Marc has served in a number of roles within the national church. Marc recently completed a nine year term on the Board of Administration where he served as a sub-committee chair and member of the board executive. In his role as a member of the BOA executive, Marc was deeply involved in the System Analysis Task Force in the lead up to the 2011 General Conference. It was during this work that the concept of a Director of Church Health was developed. Marc has recently been serving on MEGaP and as a Network Leader.

Marc’s fellow board members and the references describe him as being personable, a good listener, visionary and a strong team player. Everyone noted his sense of humour in addition to being insightful. Marc is seen as someone dedicated to “coming along side” to support and assist others, in addition to supporting their personal growth. Marc has exhibited a strong passion for the development of healthy, godly leaders within the church, and strong healthy churches serving the Lord.

The hiring task force believes that Marc has been genuinely prepared by his various ministry experiences to excel in the role of Director of Church Health.

I am pleased to introduce Marc to you in this new role on our National Leadership Team and hope you will join with me in prayer for Marc’s continued success as he assumes his new responsibilities over the coming months.

Please note that the finalization of certain details (Marc’s official start date for example) will await the return of Bishop Keith Elford.

Greg Ford – Chair Board of Administration 
On behalf of Bishop Keith Elford