Jason Goertzen serves as a chaplain in the BC Legislature for Leading Influence Ministries. Two-term MLA Simon Gibson recently interviewed Goertzen to find out more about his role in Victoria. Simon Gobson was recently elected to Abbotsford Council but continues to take an interest in Goertzen’s ministry.
How long have you been serving with Leading Influence Ministries?
I was mentored by my colleague and friend, Tim Schindel, in the fall of 2016 and started full-time in January 2017
What motivated you to consider this ministry?
After 22 years of pastoral ministry, I felt led to engage with people in a context outside the walls of the church. From a young age I’d always been interested in politics, and I know our political leaders face extraordinary pressures and need emotional and spiritual support. It has been a perfect fit for me.
What does an average day look like?
Every day that the BC Legislature is in session, I’m there. I observe Question Period daily, visit MLAs in their offices (and in the Legislative dining room), connect with staffers around the building and correspond via email and social media. One could also say I’m also a “professional hall wanderer” (a skill perfected at Godson Elementary in Abbotsford in the 70s). Positive conversations in the adversarial political world are my way of encouraging our leaders.
What are the biggest challenges?
There is no substitute for building relationships and trust, and every three or four years there is an election. Some MLAs choose to retire, others get defeated – I must start over again. It can be frustrating but it is just the nature of my role. In some cases, I also have enduring relationships with former MLAs.
What gives you the greatest satisfaction?
Without a doubt, visiting MLAs in their offices – that’s where I can be the most effective. Cameras off, door closed, politics on the outside. I’ve had so many significant moments with members in that context. I can’t get into specifics, of course. but I can tell you God loves the MLAs and I’m honoured to serve them.
Do you feel accepted in this role?
By many but not all, and that’s to be expected. I realize some MLAs require more time to be comfortable with me. I am patient and continue to seek opportunities with those Members who are more reticent. At Leading Influence, we have a chaplain’s prayer: “Lord, give me the wisdom to know which doors to boldly walkthrough, discernment to know upon which doors to only lean, and patience knowing there are some doors which must simply be left for another day.”
How has the role changed since you started?
It’s become more missional. Even the title “chaplain” is not understood in the same way it was when I started. (I was once called a “spiritual guru” by a staffer not quite sure how to address me). Our province is now made up of people from many faith backgrounds and that’s reflected in our legislature. I believe chaplaincy will continue to make a significant contribution to the lives of our MLAs and their staff in Victoria.
For more information: https://leadinginfluence.com
Simon Gibson was a former MLA for Abbotsford/Mission and has served on Abbotsford Council. He was an instructor/professor at Trinity Western University and UFV. He and his wife Joy attend church in Abbotsford.
Thankyou ,for Your work as chaplain