Do pastors relax? This is a million dollar question, I suppose. Most pastors work long, sometimes exhaustive hours where time for personal recharging and reflection falls to the bottom of the heap. For Pastor Glenn Fretz, cows have literally become his saving grace.

Pastor Glenn, or simply Glenn as he likes to be called, was born in Vineland, a small community on the Niagara Peninsula that is blessed with mild winters. It is known for its orchards, vineyards and wineries. “I grew up on a fruit farm and we grew things like cherries, plums, grapes, peaches and other soft fruits. The Okanagan reminds me a lot of where I grew up,” he said. Summers were spent picking fruit. That was just a way of life for Glenn and his eight brothers and sisters. “My father’s philosophy was that nobody ever got hurt working so that’ll pretty much tell you how work was viewed in our household,” he smiled.

While the Fretz farm was predominately a fruit farm, they also had a number of cows and chickens. “I suppose we could have been considered a mixed farm. Dad was really into his chicken boilers and I was quite involved in the 4H Calf Club,” he said.

The Fretz family was a strong, church family. “Mom kept us all on track. Dad was a quiet man who had a strong faith but he didn’t necessarily openly demonstrate that fact. If he was asked a question he would answer it but he was by no means an extrovert with his faith.”

Shortly after graduating from high school, Glenn began working at his uncle’s grocery store and within a year decided to attend Emmanuel Bible College to take a couple of years of Christian education training. “My intent was to return to the farm to work alongside my father but I began to feel a strong call to pastoral work,” he admitted. Glenn resolved to remain at the College for another two years and gave up his dream of life on the farm.

After his college graduation, Glenn began his pastoral ministry in Kitchener, Ontario. In 1987, he moved to Red Deere where he took over as pastor of the Missionary Church of Canada.

In 1996, he became a director of INetwork, a group that is involved with evangelism and discipleship at the community level. Two years later, Glenn decided to move to Aldergrove to head up the organization. He was on the move again three years later, this time to Chilliwack. “We moved here so that I could assume the pastorship at the Chilliwack Evangelical Missionary Church.”

Glenn thoroughly enjoys preaching and always desires to bring biblical relevance to contemporary society. “It is a continual discipline for me. I’m always thinking, reading, reflecting.” In this way, Glenn is a lot like his father. He’s a kind, thoughtful, quiet man who says what he has to but isn’t overly dramatic.

When you’re a pastor, everyone has a need to sit and share some aspect of their life. Sometimes they may share the highs but oftentimes it is the lows that they need to resolve. A pastor is there in their time of need. How about when they struggle? Who do they turn to for guidance and simply to unload the heavy burdens of their soul? For Glenn, he turns to his Holsteins. “I own about twenty cows with the Mandelyn Holstein Group. They’re a group of five breeders who got together feeling that they could accomplish more as a group than as individuals. I’m kind of like a sixth partner although I have no official status. Sometimes, I go in and just need some cow time. It’s relaxing for me. I have to admit that I love it,” he said with passion. Farmers always carry dirt on their boots and Glenn is no exception. It’s an affinity that be brings from his childhood and helps him get through the tough times.

This weekend, Glenn will be run off his feet. He is a dedicated member of the Chilliwack Agricultural Society who is hosting its 136th annual Fair starting today at Heritage Park. “I’m the Livestock Coordinator and am responsible for ensuring that all the livestock is cared for.” He’ll be pulling down double duty given that he’ll also be showing some of his own cows.

“Where do you see yourself in five years,” I wondered. “I’ll probably be in Alberta enjoying my three grandsons,” he beamed with obvious pride. For now, Glenn will continue to provide pastoral care, work on delivering his insightful sermons and put in ‘cow time’ whenever it is needed.