When Pastor Peter Ruel and his wife, Tara, moved to Timmins in July of 2022, they left mighty big shoes to fill. Gary Burt, who had been the former pastor at Bethany Pentecostal church until 2013, returned as the temporary leader of the Manitouwadge congregation until a new pastor could be found.
After months of interviews, prayers, and much consideration, the Manitouwadge Pentecostal Chapel’s new leadership has finally been selected. It’s a double blessing, too, as Pastors Reuben and Beth Bierworth, both long-time members of Bethany, have stepped up to the pulpit to lead the flock.
The couple moved to the town in 2013 when Reuben, an OPP officer, was posted to the Manitouwadge detachment. Soon, Beth found work at the public library, where she served as head librarian from 2016 to 2023. Their two children attend the local schools, and the whole family is very involved in the community.
Both Reuben and Beth have been following the principals of Christianity from a young age, both having been baptized in their youth, and both have been involved in ministry for over 20 years in a variety of roles. The Manitouwadge leg of their spiritual journey began as soon as they arrived in town. They joined the worship team; Beth playing bass guitar and singing, and Reuben playing drums. Always open to new opportunities to serve, Beth took on the role of Children and Youth Pastor in 2019, and Reuben became an assistant pastor in 2020.
Wanting an even deeper relationship with God and the church, the pair enrolled in the online Master’s Bible College and Seminary of Peterborough, Ont., earning their Bachelor of Religious Education degrees. These diplomas meet the educational requirements for Recognition of Ministry (ROM) or Licensed Minister credentials (LM), with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, the administrators of more than 1,100 churches nationwide.
When the position at Bethany Pentecostal Chapel became vacant, they listened for God’s leading and took the step they felt He was leading them to. The Pastoral Search Committee received several resumes, and conducted interviews for the position of lead pastor, and the couple was invited to guest-preach for the congregation; an audition, so to speak. Following the service, a congregational meeting was held, and the members voted to appoint them to the position.
“We love our church and this community,” Pastor Beth said. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve the church and the people of Manitouwadge in this new role. We are excited to see what God has in store for us here.”
Pastors Reuben and Beth are settling into their roles. Together with their daughters, they continue to lead the worship team and bring the Word on Sunday mornings, and are involved with various programs, such as KIDS CONNECTION (JK – grade 5) and the youth group (Grades 6 – 12), as well as the Men’s and Women’s ministries.