Credentials

The Clergy Support Memorial Church Board was in full agreement to appoint the Rev. Jesse Free to the office of Designated Minister-Life Celebrations Ministry in January of 2025. Rev Jesse’s extensive background in servant leadership and his natural abilities to guide others through life’s most significant moments make him an exceptional choice for pastoral care. We welcome him to our outreach ministry church

Academic Credentials

• Canadian Ministers Institute, Wedding, Baptism, End of Life May 2025
• Renison University College, Certificate in Christian Studies, 2011.

Community Pastoral Care

Rev Jesse has dedicated over 25 years to serving his community in various capacities. He was a military officer, a leadership mentor, a volunteer for his local police service and a Crisis responder.

Currently, he serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Township of Woolwich, where he provides pastoral care to fellow firefighters after traumatic calls and leads public education initiatives.

His commitment to service has been recognized at the highest levels, earning him the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General in 2019 and the Canadian Armed Forces Decoration in 2016 recognizing 12 years of service. Jesse has also worked as a friendly visitor for elderly residents, provided assistance in death care as a pallbearer and transport support, and regularly mentors younger adults in his firefighting program. His colleagues describe him as someone who excels in any environment, always ready to support others through life’s challenges.

Spirituality

Jesse’s spiritual journey reflects his deep belief in servant leadership and the inherent goodness of humanity. He embraces spirituality as an individual experience, believing that any faith teaching tolerance and love can guide the human experience. His philosophy centers on helping people find spiritual fulfillment regardless of their religious background. Jesse compares himself to someone who helps others find the water of spirituality, regardless of the condition of their cup.

Through his Certificate in Christian Studies program, Jesse was particularly drawn to Pastoral Care and Counselling, skills he has applied throughout his military leadership roles and community service. He believes in creating safe spiritual spaces where people can receive guidance and support. His training and experience have equipped him to guide others through personal conflicts using spiritual resources, and he maintains ongoing relationships with former peers and subordinates, offering encouragement and accountability.

Jesse’s approach to ministry focuses on facilitating life events such as Baptism, Weddings and End of Life ceremonies and ensuring each experience is memorable and positive. He sees witnessing someone’s life journey as a way of validating their path.

Closing Words

“I believe in the ministry of service through servant leadership. I believe human beings are inherently good and built with the desire to help others. I believe that everyone has the right to live however they desire (within the confines of local law), and to love whomever they choose.”