Rev. Del Stewart, who has more than 40 years’ experience serving the United Church of Canada, brings a fresh and refreshing approach to professional ministry.
Convinced that Christianity must change or die, he is a passionate advocate of Christian renewal and revitalization. He is confident that institutional and theological renovation, including church growth, are real possibilities if contemporary Christianity is willing to focus on the life and teachings of the real, flesh ‘n’ blood, historical Jesus: which, in a congregational setting, means he emphasizes ethical living rather than demanding a slavish adherence to frequently incomprehensible and less-than-credible traditionalist religious beliefs.
As a consequence, Westminster’s progressive minister assures spiritual seekers, who can no longer accept a tired, old (indeed, worn out) Christianity wrapped in ancient creeds, doctrines, dogma and so-called correct beliefs, that Jesus of Nazareth’s proclamation of the kin-dom of God was much more about right values than right beliefs; more about unity than conformity.
As a 21st century follower of Jesus, Rev. Del champions inclusion, community, social justice, human rights, loving and compassionate human relationships, building bridges between disparate peoples, as well as eco- and climate justice.
He is a member of the Progressive Christian Network and Westar Institute (the home of the Jesus Seminar) and co-founder of Canada’s SnowStar Institute.
Rev. Del and his spouse Wilma, along with their Shih-Tzu ‘Scout’ and two cats, live in Kingsville, ON. In his spare time, Rev. Del is an avid amateur photographer. He is also a fervent, lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs’ hockey fan, a testimony to his unwavering faith and hope.