Youth Pastor Carley Toews

Pastor Carley Toews joined St. Mark’s Vancouver in 1988 as Youth Pastor. During his ministry, he greatly expanded youth and confirmation work. Friday night youth group, ski retreats, weekend camps, and confirmation classes shaped a whole generation of young people.

 

His joyful, humorous spirit made everyone feel welcome and valued.

Carley often spoke with deep gratitude for his mentor, Pastor Adolf Gerber, saying that the greatest lesson he learned from him was: “Always embrace everyone with God’s love.”

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He is remembered for his stories and sense of humor—like Pastor Gerber’s advice to him: “Carley, you must never be late for a wedding – but for a funeral, it’s OK, the people aren’t going anywhere!”

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Alongside his service at St. Mark’s, Carley founded the Missions Fest Youth Programs, which for more than two decades have inspired countless young people to enter the mission field.

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Eventually, Carley himself followed that call. Today, he serves as a missionary in Mexico and Haiti, looking back with gratitude: “St. Mark’s changed my life, enriched my life, challenged my life and brought me closer to Jesus.”