On Oct. 21, 2021, the Oregon Conference Executive Committee elected Pastor Jana Lee as the new director for Children's and Family Ministries. For the last 10 years, Pastor Jana has been an associate pastor responsible for ministry to kids and families at Meadow Glade Adventist Church in Battleground, Washington. She'll begin her new responsibilities in mid-January.
She fills the role that will be vacated by Shirley Allen's retirement at the end of this year. With its new director, the department also receives a new name and focus: Children's and Family Ministries. "Shirley has been building this idea for a while," Pastor Jana explained. "She has been building toward empowering and encouraging families, and caregivers. It's the caregivers that are in the best position to reveal Jesus to the kids, so I'm excited to be in a place where I can encourage and disciple parents, caregivers, and their children."
For years, studies have shown that the most influential people in the lives of young children are the adults with whom they live. Over the past two years, the reality of this research has been laid bare. "If the pandemic has shown us anything," Pastor Jana shared, "it's that church attendance is not the only marker of a faith walk. What happens in the home is more influential and accessible for children." This makes ministry and mentorship in the family more important than ever before. Now, updating the name of the department more clearly signifies the impact of the ministry in the church.
“Pastor Jana Lee has served with excellence and passion as she has effectively led ministries for children and families," said President Dan Linrud. "The Oregon Conference has been blessed by her active vision of helping children in her churches and families in her communities know, love, serve and share Jesus. We are thrilled that the Lord has led Pastor Jana to do this on a conference-wide basis from her new position as director for Children's and Family Ministries. We anticipate big blessings ahead!”
Pastor Jana looks forward to getting around to Oregon Conference churches to get to know ministry leaders and what they do best. "I can't wait to get out to the churches," she says. "But you don't have to wait for me to come. Don't be afraid to reach out and get acquainted. I can't wait to learn how I can support you in your ministry to children and families."
Pastor Jana is married to Adam Lee, business development executive at Adventist Health Portland. They have two sons, Roux (14) and Finn (11).
Join us in praying for Pastor Jana as she transitions to this new role.
Pastor Jana is married to Adam Lee, business development executive at Adventist Health Portland. They have two sons, Roux (14 years) and Finn (11 years).
On October 21, the Oregon Conference Executive Committee elected Pastor Jana Lee as the new director for Children's & Family Ministries.
