Gerry and Beth Skanderup are the new associate pastors at McLennan Christian Fellowship. The couple, originally from Brooks, officially started the shared position in June of this year and are enjoying their new life within the community.

McLennan Christian Fellowship is pleased to announce the arrival of Gerry & Beth Skanderup as the new associate pastors. The couple, originally from Brooks, moved to McLennan in June of this year after accepting the dual role under the direction of head Pastor Luc Portelance. “We’re very pleased to be a part of the community,” Beth tells the Express. “The culture here is truly unique and the people are open and friendly.” The Skanderups, who have five children (all adults) and 13 grandchildren, made the decision to move to McLennan from Grande Prairie earlier this year after successfully completing their leadership training program through Victory Ministry Training Centre in May of 2008. “The primary focus of the program is on practical training of leadership and leadership principles as a pastor,” says Gerry, adding that “after 20-plus years of volunteering and lay ministry we chose to improve our skills by serving within the ministry on a full-time basis.” The Skanderups say their new position at McLennan Christian Fellowship has been “busy, challenging and truly rewarding to say the least.” “In McLennan Christian Fellowship we found people with a passion to see the community and northern areas transformed. We share in the conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is critically needed here.” Their new roles and responsibilities within McLennan Christian Fellowship consist of preaching and teaching in addition to direct involvement with youth ministry, outreach and pastoral care. “Our passion and desire is to see people become everything God created them to be,” says Gerry, whom along with his wife, experienced salvation and transformation through their own our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “Until we took a step of faith towards God’s will we faced discontent and countless closed doors in our lives.” We know from our own experiences that whatever troubles or pain we may face in life, He will never leave us and will give us the power to be victorious.” It’s a message which they both remain devoted to through their active involvement and key roles as associate pastors at McLennan Christian Fellowship. “Our goal is to continue to serve within the church,” says Gerry.