Evangelical Free Church Artist Jake Fretz Ordained as Reverend Jacob Fretz

Jake Fretz, a Made in Manitoba artist, has been ordained in the Christian and Missionary Alliance, marking his transition to Reverend Jacob Fretz. The ordination represents a long-held calling that Fretz has felt throughout his life. “This is really an affirmation of a calling that God’s put on my life for as long as I can remember,” he shared. The ceremony was a meaningful moment for Fretz, as he reflected on the support of his church family and the recognition of his ministry.

Fretz was not the only one receiving ordination; two other members, Reverend Chris Kehler and Reverend Lydia Stoesz, were also ordained. The trio completed a two-year process involving extensive research, writing, book reports, and interviews. “It was the three amigos,” Fretz said, highlighting the shared journey and the significance of the final affirmation within their church community.

The ordination process within the Christian and Missionary Alliance involves theological and historical research, as well as the ability to articulate one’s beliefs and convictions. Fretz emphasized the importance of aligning these convictions with the denomination’s teachings. “Generally speaking, it’s going to involve theological research, historical research, and then the ability to articulate what you’ve learned and what you believe,” he explained.

The final stage of the process involved a rigorous interview with nine ordained pastors. Fretz described the experience as a deep exploration of how one applies their faith in local ministry. “It’s not just do you know the right answers, but have you been living the right answers?” he said. The interview focused on equipping others and helping them live out their faith, reflecting the denomination’s emphasis on practical ministry.

Fretz acknowledged the challenges he faced in his academic pursuits, noting that learning differences in his family and a lack of discipline in his younger years made the process difficult. “For me to come back, 20 years later, and to do this academic work, it was quite meaningful,” he said, expressing gratitude for the time and effort invested in the research and articulation of his convictions.

As an artist, Fretz found that his experience as a songwriter played a significant role in his academic journey. “Being a songwriter was one of the most helpful things to becoming an essay writer,” he noted. The discipline and focus required in songwriting helped him organize his thoughts and stay centered on a single idea, ultimately enhancing his academic work.

Fretz has always felt a dual calling to music and ministry. “Six years ago was actually the marrying of those two things,” he said, recognizing that his music ministry must flow from his local church ministry. This integration of his artistic gifts with his spiritual calling has been a pivotal part of his journey, reflecting a commitment to using his talents for the glory of God.

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