Pastor Andrew Rutledge
I was born at East York
General
Hospital in the city of Toronto. From the beginning of my life God has
had His hand in it. There was some uncertainty as to whether or not I
would survive the Group B Strep blood infection I contracted during
birth. However, God, in His infinite grace, brought me through it.I was born
into a Christian home. My
grandmother was my first Sunday school teacher and laid the foundation
for my faith. I accepted the Lord when I was 5, was baptized at
Bramalea Baptist when I was 10 and rededicated myself to the Lord at
Pitch and Praise shortly before my 16th birthday. My father (who
is currently pastoring at Milton Baptist) has been a key
influence in my spiritual growth.
Coming out
of High School I had dedicated
myself to becoming a Veterinarian. After a year of study at Emmanuel
Bible College in Kitchener I entered my BSc. in Animal Biology at the
University of Guelph. At the same time I began serving at Youth
Director at KW Christian Fellowship. This was to be the start of God's
call in my life.
As that
first year progressed it became
very clear to me that vet medicine was just a hobby. I enjoyed the
studies but it was obvious that my real passion in life was youth
ministry. I left university after one year and returned to Emmanuel
where I subsequently completed my Bachelor of Theology in Youth
Ministry.
During my
studies I served as a Youth
Sponsor at Breslau EMC for one year and as the Youth Director at KWCF
for two years. Christiane and I have served together as Youth Directors
at KWCF
for two additional years, as youth sponsors at Royal City EMC
for one year and Youth Pastor at Plattsville EMC for three years.
Christiane Heigenhauser and I were married in May of 2002. She serves
as my partner in ministry, a mentor to our teen girls, JR Congregation
coordinator and an administrator in the youth office. Christiane is
also a Financial Service Rep at TD Canada Trust. We have had two boys (Isaiah
and Cian).
