Pastor Chad Houghton has 7 years of experience as an associate Pastor and 17 years as a Lead Pastor. He holds a Master of Divinity as well as a Doctor of Ministry.
Chad was raised in a Christian home, and growing up he felt his calling through Christ. He attended Moody for his bachelor’s degree and became associate pastor of youth in the fall of 1998 at Maple Hill Baptist in Keswick, Ontario. He completed his Master of Divinity through Grace Theological Seminary in 2001. After 7 years of successful ministry at Maple Hill, he was asked to step into the senior pastor role. He received his Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in 2013. In 2017, he felt called to accept the role of lead pastor at Fellowship Baptist in Cobourg, which he started in 2018.
In 2022, Chad took leave from ministry in Cobourg. It is because of this we believe his availability to us has been possible. In 2022, Chad experienced an intense series of trials, having to deal with the death of a daughter as well as being the target of political attacks. God led him through a deep time of grief and struggle and restored him so that he is now ready to lead a church with even greater empathy and compassion.
In 1998, Chad married Shelley Delaney, and they have 7 living children (four are adopted, and three of whom are still at home). He is currently active with Children’s Aid Society leadership both local and regionally. He describes his top priorities as “equipping the saints for ministry through the faithful and accurate preaching and teaching of God’s Word; leading the church to fulfil its unique calling; and shepherding its people.” He and Shelley regularly have people into their home, as well as making it a priority to visit or counsel those in need. Shelley is a gifted counsellor to our military in a secular setting, always excited to speak when asked about her source of hope.
Chad is team-oriented and has been described as a mentor who intentionally develops the giftings in others through reflective experience and training. He has offered Bible college courses in the church, using the pulpit to explain and apply the Word in being a disciple of Christ.