Michael Pawelke, DMin

Professor of Leadership and Pastoral Studies

President

Teaching Philosophy

Whenever I read God's Word I ask myself three questions: What does the text say (observation)? What does the text mean (interpretation)? What does the text mean to me (application)? That's how I study; that's how I teach. Information should lead to transformation.

Background

I came to know the Lord through reading a little Gideon New Testament when my parents were going through their divorce. I was very young in my faith journey when I started to sense a pull to ministry. Following my education at Briercrest and Dallas Seminary I served my home church as their associate pastor. I would later be involved in church planning in Winnipeg for eight years and then serve as senior pastor of Compass Point Bible Church in Burlington for 19 years. I love to learn and along the way I participated in the Arrow Leadership Program and later earned a Doctor of Ministry degree.

My love for the local church is profound and I cherish opportunities to teach God's word, whether it is in a discipling context, in the class, from a pulpit, or in public settings. I like to explain my personal vision statement in this way: My calling is to love, lead, feed, and seed. It is my deep desire to continually grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ and to love and empower others to reach their highest potential as disciples of Jesus Christ.

My wife, Linda, and I have two adult children, Breanna and Matthew. Our daughter is married to Jonathan and together they have Eli, our wonderful grandson!

Education

DMin Leadership, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 2002
DD (hon.), Briercrest Biblical Seminary, 2001
Diploma Arrow Leadership Program, 1998
MABS, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1983
BRE, Briercrest Bible Institute, 1981

Publications

Disciple. Winnipeg: Word Alive Press, 2010.