SASKATOON, Sask.—On Nov. 27, 2022, the executive committee of the Manitoba–Saskatchewan Conference elected Francis Douville as executive secretary. The position was most recently filled by Christine Bergen, who has carried out the duties of both executive secretary and treasurer with diligence for the past three years. She lifted the Manitoba–Saskatchewan Conference from operating in a deficit to a healthy financial position. Bergen will continue to serve as the conference treasurer.
Born in Trois-Rivières, Que., Francis has attended Sandy Lake Academy, in Bedford, N.S., and Burman University, in Lacombe, Alta. He has also obtained a master of arts in pastoral ministry from Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, MI, and now plans to pursue a doctorate in strategic coaching/leadership.
Prior to engaging in full-time ministry, Francis had worked for seven years as an athletic therapist in Montreal, Que. In the summer of 2000, he felt that God was leading him to a different purpose in life, and he responded by making the decision to attend Burman University (then Canadian University College), where he earned a degree in religious studies. From there, he went on to serve as associate pastor at Church in the Valley (formerly Aldergrove Adventist Church), in British Columbia.
For the past 13 years, Francis has served as lead pastor of Really Living church, in Hamilton, Ont. Under his visionary leadership, Really Living has become a model centre of influence. Speaking to the concept of what a centre of influence should be, Pastor Douville says, “I have a passion to see our churches become destinations for our communities, places where they can find meaning and purpose at their own pace.” The current church facilities were built from the ground up to accommodate the vision designed by Francis and local church leadership.
Paul Llewellyn, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada, states, “Throughout his ministry, Francis has been exposed to various settings, cultures, and challenges. He has lived and served in different parts of the country, which gives him a rich background and the understanding of how to meet the needs of God’s children right where they are.”
In his spare time, Francis enjoys golf, strategy board games, nature walks, and watching the occasional Montreal Canadiens hockey game. He is also a great singer, possessing a beautiful voice in the tenor vocal range. Francis and his wife, Tina, will soon relocate to the Saskatoon area, where he will begin his duties as executive secretary in the first quarter of next year.
The Manitoba–Saskatchewan Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church comprises approximately 4,100 members in 36 churches. It operates schools, nursing homes, retirement centres, and a camp. Their mission is to develop a disciple-making culture to create healthy, vibrant churches that actively connect the people in their communities to Jesus.