Lead Minister Search
January 11, 2026
Cedar Park United calls its next Lead Minister: Rev. Dr. Michael Caveney
A message from the Search Team to the Cedar Park United Community:
At a special Congregational Meeting held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the members and adherents present and online confirmed the recommendation of the Search Team to call the Reverend Doctor Michael Caveney to be the next Lead Minister of Cedar Park United Church effective July 1, 2026.
The Search Team recommendation followed an extensive search process which began in February 2025.
Michael Caveney is a highly experienced minister with more than four decades of service in the United and Presbyterian Churches across Canada. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from the Toronto School of Theology (University of Toronto), with a focus on pastoral care and spirituality, along with extensive training in worship design, leadership, and conflict resolution.
Michael is drawn to Cedar Park United Church because its commitment to radical welcome, justice, compassion, and thoughtful theological engagement closely mirrors his own ministry. He takes the Bible seriously but not literally, and understands the gospel as a call to openness, reconciliation, healing, and inclusive community. Throughout his ministry, he has helped shape affirming congregations where diversity is celebrated, questions are welcomed, and faith is lived out through justice and love.
Currently Lead Minister at Kamloops United Church, Michael has led congregations of varying sizes through growth, transition, and amalgamation, including oversight of a staff team of sixteen. His leadership style is collaborative, relational, and grounded in discernment. He brings strong experience in governance, finance, and strategic planning through service on the General Council Executive and multiple national and regional committees. This background positions him well to support Cedar Park’s ongoing implementation of its Community Compass strategic plan.
Worship is central to Michael’s ministry. He is an engaging preacher and creative worship leader who weaves scripture, contemporary relevance, and music into meaningful worship experiences. He has contributed to national worship initiatives, written liturgy for the wider church, and developed creative expressions such as Jazz Vespers and thematic worship series. He also brings experience with livestreaming and multimedia, complementing Cedar Park’s vibrant in-person and digital worship life.
Pastoral care lies at the heart of his vocation. His doctoral research focused on spirituality and terminal illness, and he has extensive experience accompanying individuals and families through grief, illness, addiction, and major life transitions. He strongly believes in equipping lay leaders for pastoral care, a philosophy that aligns closely with Cedar Park’s congregational care cluster model.
Justice and community engagement have been consistent priorities throughout Michael’s ministry. He has led refugee sponsorship efforts, intercultural partnerships, addiction recovery groups, and community dinners for newcomers, and has worked with Indigenous, interfaith, and social justice organizations. He understands justice as relationship-based work that transforms both the congregation and the wider community, resonating deeply with Cedar Park’s strong public witness for inclusion and justice.
Grounded in intentional self-care, creativity, and lifelong learning, Michael brings a steady, compassionate presence and a joyful spirit to ministry. Cedar Park United’s call to be a progressive beacon of love, justice, and hope aligns closely with his own sense of vocation, offering a strong foundation for faithful partnership and shared leadership.
Rev. Michael introduced himself to the Cedar Park United community in the video above, which was shown during the Special Congregational Meeting on January 11.
If you would like to experience a worship service led by Rev. Michael, the link below will bring you to the service held on January 4, 2026 at Kamloops United Church.
