Richard Froese
South Peace News
The Nazarene Church of High Prairie has expanded its ministry since Tracy Stewart became the new pastor.
“My main goal and vision is to be a church that supports the local community both spiritually and physically,” says Stewart, who started as the pastor on March 17.
She values the opportunity to serve in High Prairie. It is her first role as a lead pastor.
“I was looking for a small church to minister for about one year and I love the north,” Stewart says.
“High Prairie Nazarene came up as a possible place and after meeting the people here, I felt it was a great fit for all.
“I am very happy to be here.”
She wants to lead the church to meet the needs in the community.
“We would like to host events that serve families and youth,” Stewart says.
“We just started a Wednesday night youth group.”
Stewart also offers free counselling to help people overcome difficulties.
“I would like people to find a safe and encouraging place at our church where they can join us in serving others and get help they may need,” Stewart says.
In the past few years, she served in pastoral ministry in Medicine Hat at Glenview Church of the Nazarene as a leader in children’s ministry and started a youth group.
“I developed some community programs for families during holiday times,” Stewart says.
“I also visited people in hospital and helped homeless people connect with local resources.”
She also worked many years at the Medicine Hat Public Library as a library clerk.
“It was while working there and seeing some of the neediest people in our community coming to use the library that I felt I could best help others as a minister, praying for them and just listening to them,” Stewart says.
“It was in my free time that I learned about how to help people, first in my family, then friends, struggling with addictions or other challenges,” Stewart says.
“I never aspired to be in ministry like this.”
That was until she had a dream that changed that and inspired her to go into church ministry.
“If I could help people, then yes, I would become a minister,” Stewart says.
“And that is still my passion, to help others, no matter the age.”