Leamington is growing—and so are we!
Associate Pastor Joel Giesbrecht, wife Courtney and son August. (Photo supplied)
From greenhouses to trucking, our town is changing fast, and God is doing something new. At Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church (LEMC), we are seeing young people, families, and new members coming together to worship, serve, and grow in faith. In a community full of opportunities and challenges, we are discovering that God’s work in our church reflects his work in our town.
Growth is all around us in Leamington. Our region has transitioned from being known as the tomato capital of the world to the greenhouse capital of Canada. With more than 4,500 acres now covered by plastic and glass, this shift has brought significant change to our community. The greenhouse industry supports thousands of migrant workers and a wide network of related industries.
Leamington remains a blue-collar town, shaped by fabrication shops, greenhouses, and trucking companies. As a church, we are excited about the opportunities God has given us in the midst of growth and change. With ongoing economic pressures, our community continues to support one another through volunteering, donating, and partnering with local efforts. In this way, the church is present in word and action.
LEMC is a diverse congregation. Many of our older members have Mennonite roots in Mexico, bringing with them an agrarian heritage and an entrepreneurial spirit. Alongside this, we are seeing people from a wide range of backgrounds participate. We also share our facility with a Spanish-speaking congregation. This community reflects the multicultural reality of our community.
The largest growth in our congregation has been among young adults aged 18 to 25. This past year, we welcomed approximately 23 new members after 200 people left to start another church in Leamington. God gave us a new mandate to grow. While there was some temptation to return to a single Sunday service, we sensed a call to continue offering two services. On average, 345 people now gather weekly to worship at LEMC. To support the growing younger population, we hired a new associate pastor, Joel Giesbrecht, who joined the staff on January 1, 2026. We are excited for Joel, his wife Courtney, and their young family to join us in ministry.
In the coming year, our focus is to develop a small group ministry. As growth increases, it becomes more difficult to know everyone personally. Small groups will allow us to connect more deeply, foster meaningful relationships, and share discipleship.
We have also been encouraged by the broader EMC family. Attending the EMC Equip Conference in London, Ont., was a positive experience for our leadership. It provided vision, encouragement, and practical tools that affirmed the direction God is leading our church.
Above all, we recognize that it is only by the grace of God and his mighty power that we are witnessing young people come to faith and grow in the Lord. We move forward with humility and hope.
– Written with Margaret Wall
