Pastor Renee Kanagy

Renee Kanagy is our pastor. She is a graduate of Associate Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. Her responsibilities include tending to spiritual formation, worship, pastoral care and developing the ministry of the congregation.

Other pastoral tasks are handled by various church members on a rotating basis. We are fortunate to have many gifted, willing people who give of their time and energy to serve the church.

Leadership is provided by a group of three overseers. The overseers are chosen from the church members on the basis of gifts and the calling of the Spirit.

I began as lead pastor of New Creation Fellowship in September 2008. As lead pastor, I am responsible to the church council and overseers for the overall administration of the church. I work with a variety of serving groups, made up of members from the congregation. My job is to encourage and equip the members of our church as they minster to each other and the wider world. I am also responsible for tending the spiritual formation of children and adults alike.

While I do a significant portion of the preaching and worship leading, many gifted lay members also participate in the preaching and worship leading of our services. Together we create sacred spaces in worship and fellowship to share how God is working in our lives, praying, singing and eating together.

Prior to stepping into pastoral ministry, I worked in the social service field, walking alongside disenfranchised people. In this work, I learned much about mercy, love and generosity. A gradual pulling toward pastoral ministry eventually sent me to study at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana, where I completed a Master of Divinity degree in May 2008. I am privileged to lead, learn, pray and play among the innovative and vibrant community that is New Creation Fellowship Church.

In addition to pastoral work, I explore parks with my preschool-aged daughter, travel the road of life with my husband, read as often as I find time and relish the company of good friends around the dinner table.