Overview

This is the biography of Vern Heidebrecht, a highly successful Christian minister whose pastorates have been marked by long terms and remarkable church growth. After pastoring in Sawyer, North Dakota, Fresno, California, San Jose, California, and Visalia, California. His career culminated in him coming back to his home town of Abbotsford, Britsh Columbia, where he helped Northview Community Church grow into one of the largest churches in Canada. What is surprising about this autobiography is that it is not so much a listing of his achievements (which were many) but a frank description of his struggles, as well as what God taught him along the way. Along with a description of his Christian ministry, the book gives ample attention to his family life (he and wife Carol were blessed with four children) and his later struggles with Parkinson's disease.

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9780988146204

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Reviews

All theology is biography, noted Frederick Buechner. Vern Heidebrecht's autobiography is a marvelous presentation of the Christian theology which shaped and transformed his life. My life has been enriched by our friendship. Brian C. Stiller, Global Ambassador, World Evangelical Alliance What a delight to read the memoirs of our dear pastor, friend, and mentor. Vern Heidebrecht's character was shaped by his loving heavenly Father. Reading the story of this wonderful human being, we are being pointed heavenward. Warren and Susan Anquist, Abbotsford, British Columbia Vern Heidebrecht shares his memoirs in the warm, evocative story-telling way that is his trademark. This is the story of a servant who, even when successful, remembered that he was called to be faithful. Reading it invites us to our own life of faithfulness. That is why he can honestly say, The best is yet to be! Garry Schmidt, Spiritual Director and Pastoral Counselor

Author Information

Vern Heidebrecht was born into a devout family of Mennonite immigrants. The family soon moved from Alberta to Abbotsford, British Columbia. After graduating from Mennonite Educational Institute, he felt the call to Christian ministry and studied at Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He married his childhood sweetheart Carol, and they began their pastoral ministry in a Mennonite Brethren church in the farm community of Sawyer, North Dakota. After five years, they moved to Fresno, California, where Vern earned a master's degree from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary while serving as an associate pastor at Butler Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church. He then served as pastor of Lincoln Glen Mennonite Brethren Church in San Jose, California. There, he oversaw significant church growth and the building of a new church building. He did this while also earning his doctorate from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in San Francisco. He then moved to pastor the much smaller Neighborhood Church in Visalia, California. In 1982, he returned to pastor Northview Community Church, a church plant in Abbotsford, British Columbia, which under his leadership grew to become the largest church in Canada. He also maintained an international speaking ministry and was involved with many organizations, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he became an advocate for Parkinson's research sand support organizations.

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