Our Leaders

At Calgary First Mennonite Church our ministries are coordinated by our paid pastors and by our volunteer leaders.  As Anabaptists we call people to special roles of spiritual leadership in the church.  

The purpose of such chosen leaders is not to relieve other believers of responsibility, but to represent Christ and the church in the congregation and on the church's behalf in the world 

Meet the team!

Ed Kauffman Ed Kauffman, Pastor

Pastor Ed began his term at our church in September 2010. He comes to us from Indiana where he completed his undergraduate degree in Sociology at Valparaiso University. He later studied at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana, where he received his M.Div. Pastor Ed has held pastorates in Ontario, Indiana and Nebraska, most recently serving as the Conference Minister for the Central Plains Mennonite Conference from 2001-2010. Pastor Ed and his wife Gay, have two grown sons and 3 grandchildren.

 

Rob Ratzlaff Rob Ratzlaff, Chairperson

Rob is currently the Chairperson at Calgary First Mennonite. He has suggested and spearheaded a number of new initiatives in 2009, and has led the church through a period of significant change. Rob has an ability to describe issues in elegantly simple terms, and a talent for guiding productive discussions.

 

 

 

Alissa Bender Ruth Griffeth, Chair of Deacons

At Calgary First Mennonite Church, deacons exercise leadership through a ministry of caring, visitation and reconciliation.  Deacons work closely with the Pastors, in providing spiritual direction for the congregation.

As Chairperson of the Deacons, Ruth is ‘first among equals’, and serves as the official representative and coordinator of the deacons’ efforts.  Ruth encourages us to hear and listen to all voices with open minds and hearts.  Ruth brings talents in discernment and insight; sharing from history while discussing and imagining our shared future together.