Rev. David Sutherland has been appointed to the 1 Service Battalion at Edmonton (Alberta) Garrison, making him the first Christian Reformed chaplain to serve in the Canadian Forces.
Sutherland joined the Christian Reformed Church through a Home Missions church plant, East City Community Church in Orleans, Ontario, just outside Ottawa. He has served in the Canadian Forces for 20 years as both a naval officer and an officer with the Military Police.
Ordained in November 2003, Sutherland served his calling church, Kentville (Nova Scotia) CRC, for two years as pastor. Sutherland, 41, now ministers with a team of chaplains to the 5,000-plus military members of Edmonton Garrison, its units, and their families.
“Ministry in the [Canadian Forces] is diverse and challenging,” Sutherland said. “But despite the challenges, bringing the awareness of our Lord’s presence into some of the darker corners of war and disaster relief is what it’s all about. We take Christ with us into whatever areas or situations where soldiers are called.”
