Church Credentials

Rev. Lisa Bynoe-Stevens has held the office of Appointed Designated Minister with Clergy Support Memorial Church since April 3, 2018. Over the past four years, she has proven herself a supportive, capable, and diligent Designated Minister and the Church Board unanimously agreed to raise her the rank of Ordained Minister of Counselling on August 3, 2022. She has dedicated her life’s work to counselling and social work from the early 90’s and has served people from all ages, economic statuses, faith backgrounds, cultures, races, sexual identities and gender. We look forward to the continuation of her ministry as an ordained member of our clergy. 

Academic background

• Graduate Certificate – Canadian Minister’s Institute (November 2019)
• Master of Divinity in Counselling, Tyndale University (May 2005)
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Social Relations, University of Guelph (October 1992)
• Adult Education and Training Certificate, Algonquin College

Ministry of Counselling

Rev Lisa’s desire to work in counselling began in the early 1990’s, from where she went on to study and train in Play Therapy, within both Canada and the United States.

After graduating from the Tyndale Seminary, she opened a private counselling practice and has been working part-time in it ever since. As of 2022, she is currently awaiting full designation with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and presently holds the title of Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).

Rev Lisa has worked with and helped many children, youth, young adults, women, families and couples.  She has and continues to serve people from all ages, economic statuses, faith backgrounds, cultures, races, sexual identities and genders.

At least four times a year, Lisa either develops and/or facilitates mental health-focused workshops, exploring various topics, such as: boundaries, children and anxiety, managers and mental health, assertiveness, and compassion and connection.

Pastoral Care

In 2018 she became a clergy member in Clergy Support Memorial and has loved every minute supporting the needs of couples and families in various Life Celebration ceremonies.

She continues to volunteer for the arts community, and for the past few years has signed up to help the Brott Music Festival and the Hamilton Art Gallery. Recently she has become a Hamilton Art Council Board member, a role she enjoys.

Just prior to the pandemic, Rev Lisa held a Children’s Minister position for one year with the Crown Point Community Church in Hamilton. She supported an active children’s ministry which included children from the nursery to grade 6.  Activities for the children included a week-long Vacation Bible School program and weekly Kids Club program, preaching on grief, as well as creating and directing a children’s Christmas play.   

During the pandemic, she also extended her ministry talents to the Life Community Church in Dundas, ON where she served as a Pastoral Intern. Some of her responsibilities were to lead a biweekly women’s Bible video and book study, assist with preaching at least once a week, and conduct outreach community-based activities. Prior to her departure, Rev Lisa developed an entire Vacation Bible School program for elementary-aged children for the church.

Following her heart-passion, Rev Lisa founded a non-profit organization called “Surrounded Services Canada” which will focus on supporting Aging-Out Foster Care youth (ages 17 to 24). She will be the Interim Executive Director of the organization’s team until further notice.

Closely related to the above, she published her first children’s book, “A New Song”, in August 2021, which is about grief, loss, foster care and adoption.

Personal Growth – Her practical and spiritual side

The practical side – As a therapist, she is required to complete yearly continuing education credits.  Each month she attends two to four counselling supervision team meetings, which are led by more senior therapists and psychologists. Once a year she gets to pack an overnight bag and join an all-staff team meeting, which is always a fun event.

The spiritual side – On a daily basis she participates in Bible studies on YouVersion Bible app.  So far, she has completed over 300 studies!  Each year she looks forward to attending an annual women’s ministry conference, where she can grow her knowledge and renew friendships.