Caring Ministries
Director Dick Hiebert
My Passion
It is truly a privilege for me to share my passion for Caring Ministries at Central Heights Church. A dramatic turn in my life began in 1991, at the age of 44. After successfully leading a family company for 21 years, and thinking my marriage of 21 years was also on solid ground, I found myself in shock and despair when my wife said she didn't want me anymore. I cried out for help, and my Christian family surrounded me with gentle correction, and unconditional love. I was so fortunate. I chose to get real with the God I had known for many years (most likely on a rather superficial level) by sharing my plight with a good Christian counsellor and Pastor. I learned that how I was treating my wife was in fact in an abusive, manipulative way and I didn't know really how to "Love" her as God had called me to. God had consequences in my path. I lost my business,and family; the very focus on where my misplaced priorities had been for many years. God wanted my heart, not my stuff. I slowly learned the lessons in Second Timothy 3:16-17 , "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work". I learned God still loved me, and wasn't done with me, even though I thought that of myself.
My emotional healing continued for the next four years, on a weekly basis, through professional counsellors, Pastors, and as a single person attending three church services each weekend. A weekly Christian care group was also something I enjoyed. I found people who really cared, and my self esteem began to be pulled out of the "ditch". My Pastor introduced me to a Divorce Care program, and we quickly chose to make it part of our own continued healing, while at the same time helping others in the same "separated or Divorced" situation begin their healing journey. Since 1995 some 1330 participants have been part of this process. God does HEAL our emotional wounds and answer our prayers. HE really does.
I returned to School (Columbia Bible College) at age 53, trusting God to help me complete the requirements of a two year counselling diploma. I graduated in 2005, after realizing that studying for me was much harder work than running a successful business with 18 employees. God was still at work. HE encouraged me to apply to our conference for the accreditation as Pastor in the Spring of 2006. The elder board of our church approved my application. This could never happen, I thought, a divorced man being a Pastor in the MB Conference. My parents shared that when I was conceived, they had prayed that God would make me a Pastor. I never knew.
God will also Love to remake you, into HIS creation, in HIS time. Please allow HIM that privilege.
Our current Caring Ministries programming consists of:
Choosing Wisely - A five week personal evaluation of 'should we divorce, or should we reconcile, as a couple'.
Call the church office at 604.852.1001 or home number at 604.855.4529.
Divorce Care - A weekly support group for persons going through separation or divorce. Wednesdays 7-9 pm (Room 3003)
DC4K - Divorce Care for Kids. A weekly support group for the children of divorce. Wednesdays 7-9 pm (Room 3013)
Boundaries - An eight week course. Thursdays 7-9 pm (twice per year)
Effective Relationships - A nine week course. Alternate Thursday evenings 7-9 pm. (Room 3003)
Touched by Divorce - The family touched by divorce teaches concrete tools for the family members of people going through separation or divorce.
Step Family Course - See column on the left for details and next start date.
Personal Pastoral Care and counselling - For those needing one-on-one care.
Call the church at 604.852.1001 or home number at 604.855.4529, or email dynamicleadership@telus.net.
We would love to connect you with other ministries of this church. e.g. women's ministry, Bible study and care groups, and invite you to attend our Sunday service at 10:15 am.
We care because someone cared for us, and we want you to experience the same.
Are you ready for the adventure?