Reverend Doctor Jeffrey Lutes, of Riverview, died suddenly on July 16, 2021 at the age of 58. Born October 22, 1962 to David and Dawn (Cain) Lutes, Jeffrey’s devotion to his Christian faith was evident throughout his life. At age 17, he and his friends often gathered together for long sessions in prayer. At age 18 he entered into pastoral ministry at the Ripples Baptist Church (1981), and later on at Dorchester Baptist (1982-85). After graduating with a BA at Crandall (1985), he served at Cherryfield Baptist (1987-91), and Shediac and Calhoun Baptist Churches (1993-99). He received his Masters of Divinity from Acadia Divinity College (1988) and was Ordained in the Baptist Convention of the Atlantic Provinces in 1989.
Jeff’s entrepreneurial spirit became evident as he dabbled in several ventures, including the Oasis Restaurant, Agora Ministries and People of the Dawn (ministry to the Indigenous), to name just a few. However, his lasting legacy will be best remembered in the founding of International Harvesters for Christ Evangelistic Association Inc. in 1991. Rooted in his evangelistic fervor, this ministry became established in four continents and was known for the training and discipling of pastors in third world and developing countries, that were closed to the Gospel. The Harvesters Network saw continued success and growth in reaching new souls for Christ for more than two decades, thanks to the visionary leadership and dedication of its founder.
Harvesters Network expanded its evangelistic outreach in the founding of the Christian Radio station CITA in Moncton NB in 2000. Five years later, CJLU station in Halifax was born, followed by CIOG in Summerside PEI (2008). Those 3 stations, along with 8 transmitters, covered large portions of the Atlantic Provinces with solid Christian teaching and worship music.
Jeff was a lifelong learner, and successfully defended his thesis (The Response of Churches to Climate Change) and achieved his Doctor of Ministry from Acadia University in 2011. His academic pursuits included publishing 5 books: Nonprofit Issues and Management; Perspectives on New Brunswick History ; The Groaning Planet: The Dilemma of Climate Change; The Spiritual Masters: A Workbook for Spiritual Formation; and The Precarious Road.
Jeff’s passion for ministry included a commitment to his family. Jeff earnestly sought opportunities to be with his three dear children, grandchildren and extended family. On a recent Father’s Day weekend, he invited four generations of his family to join him on a leisurely fishing trip on a HouseBoat. Family was important to him, and he generously gave of his time and resources as a demonstration of his love.
Jeffrey will be dearly missed by his wife Faye (Greenlaw) Lutes of 17 years, parents David and Dawn Lutes, sons: Joshua Lutes and Caleb Lutes (Ashley); daughter Leah Lutes (Justin LeBlanc); sisters: Laura (Richard Martens), Kim (Tim Lutes), Darlene (Kirk Bartha); grandchildren: Caydyn, Austin, Addison, Eli, Madelyn, and twins due in February; nieces and nephews: Rob, Ryan, Jordan, Matthew, Tori, Luke, Bree, and Nate; as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law Walter and Geraldine Greenlaw; brother-in-law Graham Greenlaw (Murielle) and family; and the mother of his children, Deanna Grant.
His family will be receiving friends and relatives for visitation on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 6pm – 9pm at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center 330 Whitepine Rd, Riverview (869-2007) and will have a service on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11:00am that will be streamed online, seating is limited. To register for the live stream, please click here. For those who wish to attend this service in person, please call the funeral home via: [email protected] or 869-2007 with your contact info and the number in your group (bubble). In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to International Harvesters for Christ.
To view the service please click here.