08 Jul Exciting Staff Update
We are grateful for the many ways God is at work through our mission of multiplication. A wonderful example of this is Ian Havercroft’s calling to serve as Lead Pastor at Forest City Bible Church beginning in August. Ian and Amy, along with about 50 of our people, are heading over to join that church (just north of Fanshawe Road on Wonderland Road). We are excited to see how God will continue the work of revitalization at Forest City through the faithful congregation already there and these new brothers and sisters who are putting their hands to the plow for the furtherance of the gospel in our city.
While Ian’s departure from our staff — along with many other faithful servants who are moving with him — creates some real needs, we knew this would be part of the risk and joy of multiplication. As people step out to serve in other ministries, new opportunities open up here at Redemption. This is a good thing, and something we have been praying for. We are asking God to raise up others to fill the vacated serving roles and to stir the hearts of people to give generously — whether for the first time or at a greater level — to help make up for the financial support moving with those heading to Forest City.
A key need created by Ian’s transition has been filling his staff role. We are thrilled to announce that God has provided wonderfully for us: Jon Sodeman is joining our staff as Associate Pastor, overseeing small groups, discipleship, and multiplication. Rather than simply replacing Ian’s former role, this transition has allowed us to reshape the position to better align with our renewed commitment to multiplication made in 2025.
Jon brings significant gifts as a strategic and visionary leader, strong relational skills, a deep love for the gospel and the people of Christ, and a joyful, encouraging presence. Many of you already know him well as he served on our staff for 13 years in the early years of Redemption, overseeing youth ministry, global missions, and many other areas before leaving full time ministry in 2018.
Jon is married to Christa, and they have three children: Justus (working at Fair Havens and marrying his fiancée Charlotte this fall), Juno (starting at Fanshawe this fall), and Adelaide (attending St. Thomas Community Christian School). They are dearly loved members of our church family, and we are beyond thankful for how God has been preparing Jon and their family for this return to full-time ministry. We see His hand so clearly in the timing and details of this move as we take the next steps in discipling and equipping many men and women for gospel-centered church ministry in the years ahead.
Because of his current role Jon will need a longer transition, so he will officially join our team in mid-January 2027. When he does, he will provide leadership to our vision of multiplying disciples, multiplying leaders, and multiplying churches. This is a broader and strategic focus, and we believe Jon is uniquely gifted and experienced to help us pursue the calling God has given us.
Please join us in thanking God for His faithful provision and in praying for the months ahead. Scott Vanderform, who will step into the role of Senior Pastor here at Redemption in winter 2028, led this hiring process with the full support of the elders and Norm. God continues to build a strong team here. As He sends some out (like Ian to Forest City), He graciously brings others in — like Jon — to help us faithfully advance His kingdom at Redemption, in our city, and beyond.
