Seven people have received new EMCC credentials since May 2021. Some may be familiar to you and others have an EMCC credential for the first time and so their names are new. It can be a challenge getting to know each other in such a large and spread-out extended family as the EMCC. We hope these short bios will help.
Jordan Cavanaugh – Ordained Minister, July 2021
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Jordan moved to Surrey, BC with his parents while he was in his teens. He enrolled at Prairie Bible College in Three Hills and after graduation in 2008, he began his first ministry position at CrossRoads Church in Red Deer, Alberta. Jordan and Julie are parents of three girls, aged 8, 5 and 3. He has used his gifts in the service of children, teens, young adults and their families. His current role is Pastor of Community Life and he works with small groups and mid-sized communities. Jordan feels a call to the Ministry of Presence, and loves meeting with people of all ages, getting their stories, finding out what God is asking of them and praying with them to discern how the church can equip them.
Rosemary Flaaten – Licensed Minister, July 2021
Rosemary is pursuing her Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Working as a freelancer, she teaches at numerous Bible Colleges on the topics of leadership, sexuality, and spiritual formation, and is available as a spiritual director or life coach. A published author of two books, Rosemary also enjoys pulpit supply, conference speaking and teaching, and volunteering at her home church, Centre Street Church in Calgary. Rosemary and Norlee are parents of three grown children. As an EMCC Enrich Facilitator, Rosemary offers help for pastors and groups navigating the complexities of sexual and gender identity. Rosemary is passionate about the church being a place where people feel like they are a family gathering together. A place where everyone has a voice around the table, men and women working side by side as a full reflection of what it means to rule together in the Kingdom.
Edith Green – Licensed Minister, July 2021
Edith has attended Bonavista EMC since she moved to Calgary for work following college. During her four children’s formative years she was a stay-at-home mom. Edith’s husband Florian died following heart surgery in 2010, leaving her with three at home in various stages of high school and post-secondary, and one recently married. Edith decided to pursue religious training, which had been a dream for many years. God opened doors and she completed a Spiritual Formation Degree at Carey Theological College in Vancouver. She re-entered the workforce as Church Administrator at Bonavista in 2013, and is now Executive Pastor, overseeing office and financial administration. An additional role that will give her opportunity to use her spiritual formation training is being developed. Helping people really know Jesus in a deep, soul-nourishing way is Edith’s ministry passion.
Josh Jacob – Certified Minister, August 2021
Josh was involved in Youth Ministry at Centre Street Church in Calgary for eight years before officially accepting a position in Youth Ministry and Grade School Coordination in 2019. After a time of fasting and prayer, Josh and spouse Danae discerned this was the next step in God’s call. He has learned a lot while working in this 50/50 split position and is currently in transition to a full-time position in Youth Ministry at CSC’s newest campus, Bearspaw. Josh was born and raised in the Middle East and has lived in Calgary for 15 years. He and Danae have a young son and a newborn daughter. Josh is passionate about walking alongside youth through life stages and helping them to find their purpose and identity in Christ.
Tracy Minke – Ordained Minister, May 2021
Originally from the Seattle, Washington area, Tracy spent 10 years in community development and disaster management in East and Central Africa. While in Dadaab, Kenya she met Adam who was also responding to the Horn of Africa famine. Tracy left Africa and was pulled to Alberta first to serve as Pastor of Outreach Missions at CrossRoads Church in Red Deer and then to marry Adam. They are parents to Makena and hope to adopt. Along with being CrossRoads’ Missions Pastor, Tracy also serves as a facilitator for Simply Mobilizing’s Kairos Course, which inspires people to live on mission with God. Tracy serves as an Enrich Facilitator to help pastors and churches maximize their global engagement, and also on EMCC’s National Board. Tracy is passionate about networking and loves connecting people to resources or each other to further them along as they pursue life on mission.
George Phiri – Licensed Minister, June 2021
George Phiri is originally from Malawi and is a pastor at Living Waters Church International in Ottawa, Ontario. The congregation is African, from different backgrounds. Living Waters International is an organization with churches in many countries. It is their practice that the churches become established with long-serving denominations. A colleague recommended EMCC and an email introduction led to George’s eventual Licensing. George and Chipiliro have two boys, ages 9 and 3. The couple serves together in the church; both preach, minister to needs and Chipiliro helps in Sunday School. They have spent over half their lives in different countries. As such, they speak several languages and have learned to live and minister in a variety of contexts. George is passionate about sharing the gospel holistically; taking care of spiritual and emotional needs, giving practical assistance and guidance.
Glenn Runnalls – Licensed Minister, July 2021
Glenn is Executive Pastor at Hillcrest EMC in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Previously, he enjoyed a 30-year career as a teacher, developer, VP of Student Development and VP of Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan. Glenn and Kathryn have two married sons. They moved to Medicine Hat when Glenn joined a tech start-up in the City. They began attending and using their gifts at Hillcrest and soon felt an affinity with the church and with EMCC. In time, he applied for the Executive Pastor position. Glenn is passionate about helping Hillcrest fulfill its mission to make disciples, giving everyone in their area the chance to meet Jesus. He sees himself as a steward of the church’s resources, supports the preaching pastor and helps keep their mission front and centre by being strategic and intentional about where they put their attention and money so their mission will be sustainable now and in future.
This article is featured in the Fall 2021 edition of The EMCC Together Newsletter.
Download a PDF copy of the newsletter and previous EMCC Together publications here.
