Where are they now?

Four EBC Alumni Serve as Part of One Pastoral Team in St. Catharines

"This is the best team I've ever had", said Lead Pastor Larry Shantz referring to the current complement of staff at Bethany Community Church. And it just so happens that three of them, in addition to Larry himself who studied at EBC for a year, are graduates. Mike Hotson, B.Th. '92, Director of Group Life Ministries, Phil Kaethler, B.R.E. '94, Director of Support and Recovery Ministries, and Martin Nieuwets, B.Th. 2000, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries are all part of a dynamic team serving the community of St. Catharines and God's Kingdom. Mike, who was hired in 2009, is honoured to be part of this team. "It's amazing because no one is in it for themselves. I'm learning things from the other staff. We are different people but we converse and learn from each other. It encourages me to press on and do better."

Walking into Bethany Community Church one immediately feels welcome with the large new and relationship-centred foyer, café, classrooms and a wonderful sanctuary that has theatre-styled seating for over a thousand people.

But more impressive than the facility, are the people who make the mission a reality. The people of Bethany own their mission more than most churches and some of them even know it by heart. It rolled off Larry's tongue as the other guys nodded: "Our mission is: 'To be a caring community, growing in Christ, and serving a hurting world'. It's our DNA".

Around 1200 people attend on an average weekend, and over 2000 people would call Bethany their home. There are nearly180 youth coming out to youth weekly and 300 children attend associated programs. This is a large and vibrant church. At age 24 Larry Shantz came to what was then called the

 

St. Catharines United Missionary Church to shepherd a group of 70 people. They've never looked back. While Larry is surprisingly unassuming for a lead pastor of a church the size of Bethany, he is a visionary and has a knack for knowing nearly everyone's name. Because he loves the church, and her people, he has been able to stay refreshed and lead through many ups and downs. "If you don't love the church, you won't last. That love will get you through the tough times. I also have to say, my wife partnering with me has made all the difference in terms of longevity."


Mike Hotson, Martin Nieuwets, Phil Kaethler, Larry Shantz

Our conversation then turned from Bethany to memories of EBC. As we reminisced together, each thought of people or moments that have deeply impacted them. Larry remembered Dr. Tom Dow as the most influential person in his life. "His course on church history inspired me. It caused me to go to Wheaton College and pursue further studies. He taught us not to waste people's time on a Sunday morning. Be prepared. You need to be ready when they give their hour." Then Mike spoke up saying “Ray Deitz was a pastor to us. He really loved us. "With a chuckle, he continued: "He used to say 'ok, that is free of charge' after a side track" which apparently happened regularly.


 

Martin smiled and said seriously, "For me Dr. Virgil Gingrich was the most influential because of his love for the church and preaching. I don't do it [preach] exactly like him but I learned a great deal. He said that even after many years of preaching he gave 30 hours to each sermon." Inspired by the others remembering their favourite professors, Phil referred to former College Librarian Hugh Hill saying his influence "was huge for me. He explained things to me 8 or 10 times with the same passion and patience. I had no idea how to study, but he was so generous to me. I felt I could come back to him with the same question over and over. It was invaluable." Clearly EBC has had a profound effect on their lives.

As we rounded out our conversation I asked each of them to share advice for others considering church ministry. Mike said "Be purposeful. Seek a mentor. Choose one, or more than one, and don't wait." Then with the quick wit of a youth pastor Martin suggested: "Apply at Bethany!" but went on to say more seriously: "Reflect on your motivation and your own weak spots. Work with your church and people in your church. Learn about and dig into the Word. Love it because that will never be a waste of time. Really care for people. Even if you are a youth worker, don't shy away from seniors. You need to care about what's going on in their lives." Phil then reminded us that "Everyone has been called. The calling is there. Dreaming is always free. Approach people and start dreaming. Don't take no for an answer when you are convicted. Live out your calling. Find more people around you who want to be going the same direction."

My prayer is that all of us Alumni want to be going in the same direction.

By Ryan Erb
Director of Institutional Advancement.