OUR PASTORAL LEADERSHIP TEAM
Pastor Dave McLean
Senior Pastor
Pastor Dave McLean: A Life of Faithful Service
Pastor Dave McLean is a dedicated leader whose life reflects a deep commitment to serving God and people. A graduate of Faith Bible College International in Charleston, Maine, he has spent many years faithfully ministering throughout Nova Scotia, bringing hope, faith, and the message of salvation to many lives.
Throughout his ministry, Pastor McLean has served in several important roles, including youth pastor and worship pastor. These experiences helped shape his heart for discipleship and leadership, preparing him for greater responsibilities in ministry. In 2015, he became the Senior Pastor of Abundant Life Victory Church, where he continues to lead with passion, wisdom, and a desire to see lives transformed through Christ.
Beyond the church walls, Pastor McLean serves as chaplain for BAT (Bikers Against Trafficking), offering spiritual encouragement and support to those working to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals. His involvement demonstrates his commitment to putting faith into action and making a positive difference in the community.
A devoted husband and father of three, Pastor McLean exemplifies the importance of faith in both family and ministry. His unwavering dedication, compassionate leadership, and servant’s heart continue to inspire people across Nova Scotia and beyond.
PASTOR JULIE MCLEAN
WORSHIP PASTOR
Pastor Julie McLean: A Heart for Worship and Service
Pastor Julie McLean has devoted her life to serving God through worship, ministry, and compassionate leadership. A graduate of Faith Bible College International in Charleston, Maine, she answered the call to ministry with a passion for sharing Christ’s love wherever God would lead her.
After graduating, Pastor Julie travelled throughout the northern United States, ministering in churches and communities, encouraging believers, and helping people grow in their faith. Her love for worship became a defining part of her ministry as she faithfully served as a worship pastor in several churches, leading congregations into meaningful encounters with God through music and praise.
In addition to her worship ministry, Pastor Julie dedicated several years to leading children’s ministry. With patience, creativity, and a nurturing spirit, she helped establish strong spiritual foundations in the lives of countless young people, inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Christ.
Since 2015, she has served as the Worship Pastor at Abundant Life Victory Church, where her leadership continues to inspire and encourage worshippers of all ages. Her genuine love for God and others is evident in every aspect of her ministry.
As a devoted mother of three, Pastor Julie balances family and ministry with grace and faith. Her life stands as a powerful testament to wholehearted service, unwavering devotion, and the transforming power of God’s love.
PASTOR JEFF BROWN
ASSISTANT PASTOR
Assistant Pastor Jeff Brown: A Servant Leader with a Passion for Growth
Assistant Pastor Jeff Brown is a man of faith, dedication, and purpose whose life and ministry continue to inspire those around him. A graduate of the Atlantic School of the Bible in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Jeff has devoted himself to serving God and building strong foundations for families, churches, and communities.
For many years, he faithfully served on the Abundant Life Victory Church Board, offering wisdom, leadership, and a heart for the local church. His commitment to ministry and passion for helping others grow in faith led to a new chapter in December 2023, when he became Assistant Pastor of Abundant Life Victory Church.
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Jeff serves as the Senior Pastor’s administrative assistant, providing valuable behind-the-scenes support while helping advance the church’s vision and mission. His servant-hearted leadership demonstrates that true ministry is often found in faithfully meeting both visible and unseen needs.
Jeff is also the author of the inspiring three-book Raising Lions series, which encourages readers to develop strong character, courageous faith, and purposeful living. Through his writing and ministry, he challenges others to embrace their God-given potential.
A devoted father of two, Jeff exemplifies integrity, faithfulness, and compassion. His life powerfully exemplifies servant leadership, inspiring others to lead with humility, courage, and unwavering faith.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is the Great Commission given to the church by Jesus in Matthew 28:19 when He said:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Our mandate is to make disciples.
The problem is that the term disciple is not common today. What is a disciple? How can we make disciples if we are not clear what one is?
We set out several years ago, determined to clearly define a disciple so our church would stay on mission. We searched the Bible for a clear definition and discovered how Jesus’ disciple John addressed the early church in 1 John 2. He wrote, “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.”
From these two verses, we saw a progression of a follower of Jesus and determined to define a disciple as:
- Born Again
Jesus said in John 3:3, “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”’ The first step to becoming a disciple is first to begin following Him and “declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) - Little Children
Little children depend entirely on others to feed them, teach them, and clean up after their messes. In the same way, a New Believer is dependent on others to feed them the Word, teach them how to pray and connect with God, and give them grace when they make mistakes. - Young Men
John also addressed members of the church, whom he called young men. Young men are independent, able to feed themselves, and strong. In the same way, believers who remain in the Word will grow strong and learn how to feed themselves on the Word, in prayer, and in worship. They will become strong and overcome temptation, discouragement, and the evil one. - Fathers
Fathers are those who are now responsible for others. They feed others, teach others, and help others grow up. This ultimate goal defines what it means to be a complete disciple. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:15 that the problem with the church in Corinth was that they didn’t have enough fathers. We strive to be a church that produces disciples who disciple others.
BELIEFS
The 10 Tenants of Abundant Life Victory Church and Victory Churches International – VCI
- God is the Author of Victory Churches.
- God is the source of all our needs – financial, spiritual, physical, relational, or otherwise.
- We have a lifetime commitment to our vision.
- We purpose to be continually renewed in our vision and our mind.
- People are the focus of our ministry, not programs.
- We believe every problem can be solved.
- Teamwork and agreement are the place of power.
- We seek to lead through relationship rather than position.
- We are committed to increase, as opposed to maintenance.
- We hold the Word of God to be true, and every contrary circumstance is subject to change.
Abundant Life Victory Church Statement of Faith
We Believe…
- In one true and living God, eternally existing and revealed to us as the Father, Creator of all things; the Son Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, and the Holy Spirit.
- In the deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, death for our sins, bodily resurrection, ascension unto God, and imminent return in power and glory.
- The Holy Scriptures are the inspired and complete revelation of God’s will concerning man’s salvation through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- That men are saved solely through faith in God’s grace as displayed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Water baptism is a real transformational process commanded by Jesus Christ, whereby the old man dies with Christ and the new man rises with Christ to walk a life of holiness and love.
- In the unity of all true believers as members of the universal body of Christ, regardless of denominational affiliation.
- Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is celebrated as a remembrance of Jesus’ death on the cross.
- In the ministry of the Holy Spirit:
- By the inward witness of salvation to the believer.
- By daily guidance and the growth of Christ-like character
- By the baptism of the Holy Spirit, an experience is distinct from and follows the new birth.
- By the manifestation of the supernatural gifts of the Spirit as listed in 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10.
- That Jesus Christ is coming again to gather all His saints unto Himself.
- Following His return, Jesus Christ will rule and reign for one thousand years on the earth. After this, there will be a new heaven and a new earth.
VISION
Our vision answers what we will do as a local church to fulfill the Great Commission. Therefore, our vision is to:
- Reach every available person by every available means at every available time with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Teach and father them to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
- Mobilize and equip them for the work of the ministry.
We want to create irresistible environments, a place where you will feel confident bringing an unchurched friend or family member, a place where they will be loved and welcomed and not judged.
Engaging Communication is practical, common-sense teaching that provides helpful content. It is a place where they will meet Jesus and find the hope they are looking for. We don’t want to be the ones who stand in the way of people meeting Jesus.
We want to create environments where kids cannot wait to get to. The best hour of their week. They will drag their parents to church because they cannot miss it.
We want to create environments where students (high school and college students) would stay so connected to Jesus and understand their faith in such a way that when they become adults, they would not wander from it.
Our vision takes its cue from Acts 15:19, where James, Jesus’ brother, declared to the early church leaders that “we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”
BRIEF HISTORY
When Pastor Dave Meyer became the first pastor of “Abundant Life Fellowship,” our philosophy was “Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness.” Over the years, a lot has happened. We changed our name to “Abundant Life Victory Church” when we joined Victory Churches International. Many pastors came and faithfully served and helped make Abundant Life Victory Church what it is today.
Our philosophy still revolves around “Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness.” However, the last several months have gotten us thinking about “Fresh Starts.” If the years have taught us anything, it is this: “Everyone deserves a Fresh Start.”
As a church, we have gone from the Keddy’s Motel to the Butler Centre and finally built our church in Bible Hill. Our first service in our new building was on October 26, 1990. Over the years, we had to be very flexible to have services and minister to our community, but it was all worth it.
In April 2016, Pastors Dave & Julie McLean became our Lead Pastors. As a result, we went from a struggling church to a thriving church. Today, God is moving at My Abundant Life. Now it is time for you to become part of Abundant Life Victory Church’s history.
Our church meets each Sunday at 10:30 AM for worship. We also meet to pray as a community on Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM.
Details are available by calling our office at Abundant Life at 902.895.LIFE (5433). Visit, learn, connect, and make new friends!