Rev. Leon Friesen was born and raised in Red Deer, AB. Leon grew up participating in the local Nazarene church his entire life. At age 19 he had an audible call to “…..prepare to preach the gospel” which led him to attend and graduate both from Canadian Nazarene College in Winnipeg, BSL (1978) and Nazarene Theological Seminary, M Div. (1982)
Leon met his wife Pam his last semester of Seminary and together they moved to Winnipeg to pastor the Maples Church of the Nazarene that had recently started. Over the years Pam and Leon have been involved in pastoring, church planting and church leadership in various capacities. Most recently they started and pastored a church in NW Calgary for 13 years with Vineyard Canada. Pam and Leon have 3 children, their spouses and 5 grandchildren, which they love to spend time with.
Leon has spent most of his pastoral career being co-vocational, working in various construction related jobs to support the family. He understands what it is like to be in challenging work environments. His heart is to help people discover and grow in the freedom that comes by having an ongoing flourishing relationship with Jesus. Discipleship, Evangelism, and Community, are at the top of the list for his values and priorities.