Avonglen Gospel Mission

Position: Lead Pastor

Term: Long-Term Ministry
Location: Irma, AB

Ministry Info

The Avonglen Gospel Mission
We are seeking a full-time pastor who is committed to faithful expository preaching and teaching
of the Bible and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Church Profile
We are a Bible-believing, non-denominational country church located in eastern Alberta 24
kilometers northeast of Irma, AB and 30 kilometers northwest of Wainwright, AB. We are a small
congregation with a mix of older members, singles, and young families. Attendance is
approximately 30-65. Currently, we have the following ministries: Sunday morning worship
services, children’s church ministry, mid-week Bible study and prayer, junior youth group, ladies’
Bible study, outreach to seniors’ lodges and long-term care facilities in Wainwright, support of
missionaries serving in Canada and overseas. Housing and utilities are provided on the church
grounds.

Qualifications
Professes faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and demonstrates this in personal life
and ministry
Fulfills the biblical qualifications of an elder (1 Timothy 3:1-7/Titus 1:6-9)
In full agreement with the doctrinal statement and constitution of the Avonglen Gospel

Mission
Faithful in prayer
Educational requirements; theological degree or pastoral training from an evangelical
college or seminary

Responsibilities
Provide spiritual leadership to the church, in conjunction with the elders, through
preaching, teaching, visitation, prayer and intercession (2 Timothy 4:2-5)
Provide biblical counsel and pastoral care
Build relationships within the congregation and community
Train and mentor leaders

HISTORY OF THE AVONGLEN GOSPEL MISSION CHURCH

Realizing the need for Christian teaching in the Avonglen district, some local farmers started the
Avonglen Gospel Mission in 1945. It began as a Sunday School, then became a nondenominational
church the following year. Francis Ford Sr. And his son George Ford along with Richard and Annie
Schieck (Francis’ daughter) were instrumental in the founding of the church. Church services were
held in the Avonglen schoolhouse.

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, alternate midweek meetings were also held at the Roseberry School
and the Auburndale School (north of Wainwright)

The Avonglen School closed in 1952, but church services continued there until 1954 when the
Avonglen School building became part of the Albert Centralized School. Services were then held at the
Roseberry School, and later, at the Passchendale School. In 1955 Sam and Joyce Eeles started the first
youth group.

The Jarrow schoolhouse was purchased by the congregation on May 25, 1961, and moved to SE 2-47-8,
a piece of land donated by Frank Ford Jr. A service of dedication was held in November of 1961. An
addition to this building was completed in 1981.

In 1969 the church was incorporated as The Avonglen Gospel Mission.

A Nelson home package was purchased in 1973 and a parsonage was built.

After much prayer and discussion, construction of a new church building began in the spring of 2000.
With God’s faithful provision of finances, a many hours of volunteer labour, we enjoyed our first
Sunday in a new debt-free church building on February 3, 2002. The original Jarrow School bell was
installed as part of the new building. Many former pastors and members, along with community
friends, celebrated with us at a reunion weekend in August that culminated with a dedication service
on August 22.

Contact Info

Please send resume (including personal testimony) to Rachelle at
rockyridgeflowerfarm@hotmail.com along with names and contact information for 3 references.