Things are changing in Student Ministries!
You may have heard the big news: we’re planting a church! Pastor Jeff Potts and his family are starting Hope Community Church in the greater Snohomish area. In preparation for this exciting transition, Pastor Jeff’s role will shift to Hope Community Church full time. This means there are some changes for the leadership at Canyon Hills, particularly in Student Ministries:
Pastor Jon Walker is taking on Pastor Jeff’s responsibilities for the Residency Program. This program trains future ministry leaders to make more and better disciples of Jesus Christ. Pastor Jon is passionate about investing in young people–to equip them in their walks with the Lord so they can be leaders among their peers, church, and community. The Residency Program will serve as a further extension of his calling to prepare future leaders in the body of Christ. In addition to his new role, Pastor Jon will continue to oversee Student Ministries as the Lead Pastor.
With this transition for Pastor Jon, Pastor Henty Van Der Merwe is now the High School Ministry Pastor. Formerly the Assistant Student Ministries Pastor, Henty loves providing Christ-centered and Bible-saturated discipleship for students, as he himself was saved as a sophomore in high school.
Our newest addition to the Student Ministries leadership, former resident Conner Renstrom, is now the Assistant Student Ministries Pastor. Conner officially joined the pastoral leadership in early April. When he was still in the Residency Program, Pastor Conner served in Student Ministries with a focus on Middle School. Now, he helps oversee both High School and Middle School Ministries.
With all of these shifts, MSM will stay the same. Pastor Matt Maas will continue as the pastor over Middle School Ministry. Pastor Matt is enthusiastically committed to reaching students with the Gospel, training followers of Jesus in the Word while connecting them in meaningful relationships with peers and adult leaders.
We’re incredibly thankful for this wonderful team of pastors committed to sharing the Gospel with our students and discipling them through middle school and high school. Please help us welcome these men in their new positions as they faithfully follow their God-given calling and serve the next generation!