MEET OUR MINISTER

 Rev. Deborah (Deb) M.K. Stanbury, B.A., M.Div, Th.M, was inducted to the two-point pastoral charge of Knox Burgoyne and Tolmie Port Elgin in November of 2022.

"We just love her!" was an emotion expressed by one parishoner recently and the feeling has been demonstrably mutual.

Rev. Deb has a love for all God’s beloved ones, that inspires her to reach out with inclusive embrace and a commitment towards social justice in particular. As a minister in The Presbyterian Church in Canada she has been engaged in ministry with street-involved youth and individuals involved in the sex trade since 2007.

She grew up in Richmond Hill, attending Sunday School and Youth Group at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. She was a camp leader and later staff member at Glen Mhor Camp, active in Presbyterian Young People’s Society, attended Canada Youth and Presbyterian Youth Triennium. Through the empowerment and mentorship of her minister, Deb began to discern God’s Call upon her life as a teenager. Grateful for opportunities to explore this Call in open and supportive ways.

Deb studied Religion and Culture at Wilfred Laurier University (B.A., 2005). Desiring an ecumenical learning environment, strong Hebrew Bible teaching, and passion for social justice Deb was led to Vancouver School of Theology (M.Div. 2008). While at Vancouver School of Theology, she was active on the Student’s Association, served on the St. Andrew’s Hall Board, student representative to General Assembly, and a Residence Life chaplain for St. Andrew’s Hall.

Before graduating from Vancouver School of Theology, Deb began serving as a drop-in worker at Yonge Street Mission’s Evergreen Centre for Street Youth. Considering that to be her gospel Call, the aspiring Presbyterian minister's role at Evergreen expanded and in 2010 she was ordained to her ministry at Evergreen Centre for Street Youth.

In 2012, Deb began studies at Knox College in the area of pastoral theology (Th.M. 2016). Her Master of Theology is in Pastoral Theology and her thesis was titled “A Pastoral Approach to Juvenile Prostitution in Canada.”

Beginning in 2013 as the executive and founding director of ARISE Ministry, a Presbyterian Mission within the bounds of East Toronto, fostering hope and empowering individuals involved in the sex trade, the initiative grew under her passionate leadership.

Deb has served the wider church in various ways, in her own Presbytery as an Interim Moderator, member of the Business Committee, and committee convenor. She has served as preacher and chaplain at General Assembly, and cares deeply about connecting the local congregation to the wider church. Deb has represented the denomination on various committees.

Rev. Deb loves her dog Poppins and the precious ones who call her “Auntie”. She enjoys painting, quilting, and journaling in mixed media. She likes being outdoors and getting out on the water to relax; rafting through the Grand Canyon is her dream. Eggs upset her stomach, cheese is lovely, and a cup of tea makes anything a little bit better.