Darrel Toews
Lead Pastor
On leave
Experiencing the call of the Spirit early in his life, Darrel was afforded numerous opportunities to test emerging leadership skills in church, school and conference settings. Formal educational thrusts yielded Bachelor degrees in Religious Studies and Education, and a Master of Divinity at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries in Elkhart, Indiana.
Continually reading and integrating expansive theological thought aid in shaping his faith trajectory. Ordained on November 28, 1982, Darrel served as youth pastor at Gospel Mennonite Church in Winnipeg, then ministered for 25 years (to the day) in southern Ontario with Tavistock Mennonite Church and then Breslau Mennonite Church (Kitchener).
Married to the lovely Lucille Harms Toews, Darrel also enjoys sharing the journey with three adult children and as Opa to four young grandsons. Appreciative of good literature, music, drama, sport, ballroom dancing and stimulating conversation, he seeks to remain abreast of both past and current world movements shaping our collective human experiences. Still longing for love to infuse the world…
Musings from Darrel
Word to the Bethel congregation, Oct. 31, 2021
Dear Friends,
Today I stand before you to announce my impending retirement. My last day of work as the lead pastor of Bethel Mennonite Church will be December 31, 2021. And then, beginning January 1, 2022, I will utilize the short term disability or sick leave program as provided by the church. So while my last day of work is only two months away, technically my official retirement date is April 30, 2022.
Having consulted with a few trusted leaders and friends, and knowing my own physical travails, this day has come much quicker than initially imagined. While my plan had been to serve Bethel for a decade, that possibility is now out of reach.
Over 20 years ago, I was officially diagnosed with a Muscular Dystrophy that would eventually work its troubles within my body. Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy is a rather prominent strain in my mother’s family – there are some symptoms which thus far I have not encountered, but my voice has lost its former timbre. More than a few of you have commented on the decline of my ever quieting voice. The Muscular Dystrophy is simply weakening the pharyngeal muscles in the throat, and as yet, there is no cure – hopefully that will yet change for subsequent generations.
Since I was ordained in 1982, almost 40 years will have elapsed. I am now well into my 8th year here at Bethel. It’s been a deeply treasured time, and together, we have worked in wondrous ways. It’s so interesting to discover how the church shapes its ministers and how ministers shape the church in mutual fashion.
I hold this remaining time to be precious. From this point forward, with this announcement of my anticipated retirement, we as ministry partners must know that the relationship profoundly changes.
Having been led to Bethel, we trust that the Holy Presence has shaped our communal experience together along the life giving splendiferous paths of love, joy and peace. Announcing my retirement on Hallowed Eve, the day before All Saints Day, raises the spectre of trick or treat. Oh, let’s share the treats of honour, dignity, and gratitude.
Pastor Darrel Toews
