Counselors Brought in to Help Church Congregation after Former Pastor Arrested

By David Giles
Global Saskatoon
August 13, 2012

www.globalsaskatoon.com/counselors+brought+in+to+help+church+congregation+after+former+pastor+arrested/6442696188/story.html

Lakeview Church brings in counselors to help congregation deal with arrest of former youth pastor charged with child luring Read it on Global News: Counselors brought in to help church congregation after former pastor arrested

Lakeview church has brought in counselors after a former youth pastor was arrested last week in Ontario.

Kris Gowdy, 42, was arrested by Durham Regional Police and charged with trying to lure a child online and attempted aggravated assault.

Gowdy is also HIV-positive and police fear there could be more victims.

On Friday, church leaders told families with youth about the arrest and the rest of the congregation was informed of the news during Sunday's service.

Gowdy worked at the church as a youth pastor until July 22nd.

Jay Stark, chair of the church's board, says the church is cooperating with the police investigation.

"At the moment, the primary concern of ours is for our people, especially the youth in our care," said Stark.