Three Questions is a semi-regular series introducing individuals across the NAB by asking them about their story, their ministry, and what they are learning. These features on members of our NAB family also provide great opportunities to pray for them as we get to know more of their story. This week, we hear from C. J. Tubig, pastor of Children’s Ministry and Community Outreach at Grace Baptist Church in Calgary, Alberta.
What’s your story?
I was born in the Philippines and spent the first fourteen years of my life there before my family moved to Calgary, Alberta. Looking back, I can see how deeply my upbringing influenced my identity, values, and faith. Growing up in the Philippines taught me the importance of family, culture, and community. It also gave me a greater appreciation for the sacrifices my parents made to provide opportunities and a better future for our family.
Faith was always present in my life. I was raised in the church and from a young age I understood the importance of knowing Jesus. However, it was not until I was thirteen that my faith became personal. I realized that following Jesus was not simply about being part of a Christian family or attending church; it was about having a relationship with him for myself. This realization marked the beginning of a deeper desire to seek God and become more like Christ.
At sixteen, I first sensed God calling me into ministry. While I had a desire to serve him, I also wrestled with fear, uncertainty, and doubt. For several years, I tried to avoid or negotiate my way out of that calling, but God remained faithful and persistent. Looking back, I am grateful he never stopped pursuing me. Eventually, I said yes and began my theology degree at Ambrose University. From the moment I started, I knew I was exactly where God wanted me to be. It became clear he had not only prepared the path ahead of me but had also prepared my heart to walk it.
What’s ministry like for you?
I began working at Grace Baptist Church in March 2023 as the director of Children’s Ministry in a part-time role. After graduating the following year, I transitioned into full-time ministry as the pastor of Children’s Ministry and Community Outreach. Serving at Grace has been both a privilege and a source of growth.
My role allows me to minister both within the church and beyond its walls. Through children’s ministry, I have the opportunity to disciple young people and support families in their faith journeys. Through community outreach, I get to help create spaces where people can experience care, belonging, and connection, regardless of their religious background. This overlap continually reminds me that ministry is not confined to church programs but is about building relationships and demonstrating God’s love in practical ways.
One of the things I appreciate most about our church is the community we serve. Our neighbourhood is filled with people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have overcome significant challenges and made tremendous sacrifices to build a life in Canada for themselves and their families. Being part of this community has broadened my understanding of what it means to love our neighbours and serve people with compassion.
As a church, we desire to become deeply rooted followers of Jesus who steward our gifts for God’s Kingdom. Reflecting on the last two years, I have seen both the challenges and joys that come with pursuing this vision. Shifting a church’s focus toward loving and serving its neighbourhood requires intentionality, patience, and perseverance. Yet, it has also been deeply rewarding to witness people embrace the call to be good neighbours and to see our church growing in its understanding of God’s heart for the community around us.
What are you learning?
In this current season, I sense God teaching me what it means to trust him beyond the boundaries of my comfort zone. Grace Baptist is in a season of growth and opportunity, and there are many possibilities for how we can continue serving our congregation and community. While this excites me, it also challenges me because much of what God is inviting us into feels uncertain and beyond my control.
As I reflect on this, I realize how often I want clarity before taking a step of faith. Yet, God continues to remind me that following the Holy Spirit requires trust, even when the path ahead is not fully visible. I am learning that spiritual growth often happens in places of discomfort, where my abilities and experience are no longer enough and where I must depend more fully on God.
This season is teaching me that effective ministry is not primarily about skills, strategies, or accomplishments. It is about remaining attentive to the Spirit’s leading and trusting God’s presence in the unknown, and in doing so, my understanding of God continues to deepen. I am learning that both ministry and mission begin with Jesus and that serving others well requires a continual dependence on him above all else.
What a blessing it is to be part of the great North American Baptist Conference community. Would you please take a moment to pray for C. J. Tubig and Grace Baptist Church?