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This summer, the Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church had the privilege of hosting its first-ever ministerial intern, Henrique Pieper Silva, a theology student from Burman University. During his nine-week internship, Henrique was mentored by Pastors Alex Golovenko and Edwin Darius and was intentionally immersed in every aspect of pastoral ministry.

Rather than simply observing, Henrique became an active member of the pastoral team. He taught Adult, High School, and Collegiate Sabbath School classes; preached at the Windsor Church, the Ubuntu Company, and the Leamington Spanish Company; visited members in hospitals, palliative care, and their homes; conducted Bible studies; and participated in the daily life and leadership of the church. His involvement also included worship planning, elders' meetings, anniversary planning, recording weekly Sabbath School podcast, and collaborating with the church's web designer on the development of the new church website. In a memorable milestone, Henrique also chaired the June Church Board meeting.

Following the completion of his internship, Henrique travelled to Europe before returning to Saskatchewan, where he resumed his work at Sunnyside Adventist Care Centre in Saskatoon. He will then return to Burman University to complete his final year of ministerial studies.

This interview introduces Henrique Pieper Silva, a third-generation Seventh-day Adventist from Brazil who is preparing for pastoral ministry in Canada. I had the privilege of interviewing him about his calling, his journey of faith, and the experiences that shaped him during his internship in Windsor.

His reflections offer a refreshing glimpse into God's leading in the life of a young minister. We pray that his testimony, commitment to ministry, and deep love for Christ will inspire and encourage our church family while reminding us of the importance of investing in the next generation of gospel workers.

INTERVIEW WITH HENRIQUE SILVA

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Henrique Silva, and I am originally from Brazil.  I have been living in Canada for the past seven years. While my family remains in Brazil, they visit me every couple of years. When they come, we enjoy travelling together and spending time in cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, often gathering around holidays and special occasions.

Q: How did you become a Seventh-day Adventist?

I am a third-generation Seventh-day Adventist, so I was raised in the church and grew up in the Adventist faith. However, there was a period of about ten years when I was away from the church.  Five years ago, I was re-baptised in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. That experience marked the beginning of a renewed journey with God. Looking back, I can say that my relationship with God truly restarted at that time, and it has been a meaningful journey ever since.

Q: What inspired you to pursue pastoral ministry?

One of the biggest influences was my pastor, Raymond Triguero, who was willing to mentor and support me.  Shortly after my baptism, he asked me: “In what capacity can you serve the Lord?” That question challenged me deeply. I had just been baptised and felt inexperienced, but his encouragement helped me step into service.   As I became involved in ministry, I began to sense God’s calling more clearly. I believe that through serving, God shaped my heart and directed me toward pastoral ministry.

Q: Were there other people who influenced your journey?

Yes, my mother and grandmother played a very important role. During the ten years I was away from church, they prayed for me every single day. Their faithful prayers made a tremendous difference in my life. There is a real power in consistent, faithful prayer. I truly believe they were instrumental in bringing me back to God.

Q: What has your experience been like serving in Windsor Church?

The Windsor church is very active, with many ministries and opportunities for service. It is a diverse congregation, and my first impression was of the many cultures and languages represented.  I remember counting over 54 flags on my first Sabbath. It was a powerful reminder that the church is global and united in Christ despite differences.

Q: What has been your most meaningful experience here?

Being ordained as an elder was one of the most meaningful experiences. I was originally scheduled to be ordained five years ago, but had to move unexpectedly.

Being ordained in Windsor felt like a fulfilment of something long delayed, and it was very special to be recognised in this way while serving here. And then, on the same Sabbath, I was leading the Holy Communion Service for the first time. And I chaired the first board meeting, and I had not done any of these before.  The Windsor Church gave me this opportunity.  Those are the interesting experiences. I was privileged to do it here.

Q: What have you learned from this congregation?

This is a very, very active church.  I have learned that we can minister to people, even when they think differently or we do not agree on everything. Jesus calls us not to uniformity, but to unity.  I feel compelled to be always ready to serve.  The ministry calls for it.  The field experience gives room and opportunity to grow in our relationship with Christ as well.  There is strength in diversity, and the Windsor church reflects that beautifully.

Q:  What would you like to say to our church family?

Serving in Windsor Church has been a huge blessing.  And I think, for my first and last church, I couldn’t have chosen a better one than Windsor church, which is very inspiring.  This church would continue to be a channel of blessing in Windsor, and I want to come back to see the plans that are coming up…

Q: In your opinion, how can church members support and encourage young pastors entering ministry?

Given the space and opportunity to serve, even though they don’t have the experience yet, more and more young people should be involved in the church… getting the youth involved.

Q: What Bible verse guides your ministry?

1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and purity.”

Q:  What advice would you give to the young people who are considering becoming pastors in future?

Being grounded in the relationship with Christ is the very first thing.  I don’t see ministry as a job, but primarily as a relationship.  And making sure you have a daily routine of studying the Word of God and investing the time is crucial. You may know and learn everything that is in the Bible, but if you are missing the foundation, it’s going to be a failed ministry

Q:  What are your goals and hopes for your future ministry?

I want to be ordained as a pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and pursue education as a chaplain. Chaplaincy, as part of the ministry, is one of my favourite aspects.

Q: What challenges did you face in your journey toward ministry?

There were several challenges, especially related to immigration, finances, and education. At one point, I could not afford to attend Burman University due to my visa situation.

However, step by step, God opened doors. I received permanent residency, became eligible for student support, and secured housing in Lacombe. Every obstacle was resolved in God’s timing.

Q: What has been most valuable in your training at Burman University?

One of the most valuable aspects has been the opportunity for hands-on ministry through chapel, vespers, youth programs, and church involvement.  I am a regular Sabbath School teacher.

Each summer, students participate in a nine-week field experience, shadowing pastors and gaining practical ministry experience. This has been extremely valuable in preparing me for pastoral work.

Q: What aspect of ministry brings you the greatest joy?

Visiting people and having one-on-one conversations. I especially value chaplaincy work—listening, encouraging, and praying with individuals.  These personal interactions are often the most meaningful part of ministry for me.

Q: What challenges still lie ahead in ministry?

One area in which I continue to grow is conflict resolution within the church. In a diverse congregation, people bring different perspectives, and learning to navigate that with Windsor is an important skill.

Q: How do you maintain your personal relationship with Christ?

Through daily Bible study, prayer, and devotional reading. I am currently reading through the Bible and take time to reflect deeply on Scripture.  Prayer is essential in ministry—it is what sustains everything.

Q:  What kind of pastor do you aspire to become?

I think I want to inspire other people to serve in the church.

Finally, when asked for advice to young people considering pastoral ministry, he emphasised the importance of a strong personal relationship with Christ and maintaining a daily habit of prayer and Bible study. He believes that ministry is rooted in one's walk with God and that a solid spiritual foundation is essential for effective service.

Looking to the future, he hopes to become an ordained pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and continue his education in chaplaincy, an area of ministry for which he has a special passion. He aspires to be a pastor who inspires others to become actively involved in serving God and the church.

He also encouraged church members to support young pastors by giving them opportunities to serve and gain experience. He stressed the importance of involving young people in church life and leadership, helping to prepare the next generation of pastors and ministry leaders.

At the end, the intern pastor, Henrique Silva, reflected on his time at Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church and expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve such a supportive and inspiring church family. He hopes the church will continue to be a blessing to the Windsor community and looks forward to seeing its ministries continue to grow.

Ruby Chand
Communications Correspondent,
Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Church