Givens installed as new pastor of Canyon Hills Church Shafter

On Sunday morning, Shafter Mayor Chad Givens, along with his wife, Vanessa, were installed as the new pastors of the Canyon Hills Shafter Church. Formerly the First Assembly of God Church of Shafter, the church was taken over by Canyon Hills a couple of years ago. Canyon Hills has campuses throughout Kern County and elsewhere.

Givens said that he has been certified by both the Pentecostal Church of God and Assembly of God Church for a few years. Givens was part of the Jesus Saves International Church and had been very active in the Youth Department, as well as the community involvement programs of the church.

When asked how long he had been thinking about the move, Givens said that it really wasn't his idea at first. "I was approached by the Canyon Hills Church, who said that they were looking for someone from Shafter, who had a heart for the community and knew that they would be staying in Shafter and could build the church up.

"Venessa and I prayed long and hard about it, and came to the decision to take the position and challenge. We are very excited about the opportunity to serve the community of Shafter and help build this church into a strong and positive influence on the community and its youth."

Givens said that family has to be the focus of the effort, with the growing families in the community being a target for the growth of Shafter.

"With more families going to church together, it grows the community stronger and helps the city become one of the safest in Kern County, together with the other churches in town, law enforcement and the positive influence that our children enjoy in town."

The installation was attended by one of the largest crowds that they have had in 35 years, Givens said a parishioner told him.

Diane Givens, the new pastor's mother, said that they are excited about the future. "Their love for Jesus Christ, family and the Shafter community is evident in the way they live and work to help others. They have a vision to see families grow in God's kingdom and be strong and blessed. We look forward to seeing what good things are in store."

Givens has a full-time job, as well as serving as mayor. He also works with a new faith-based theater company, Shafter Theater Group, that he helps direct.

"With Givens' drive and desire to help the community of Shafter grow in a positive way, the future seems to be bright as they work to building a strong church that will reflect the light of the community," said Diane Weston, a church member.