Faithful Service 

Judith began her studies at ADC in 1982 as a mature student, balancing theological education with her responsibilities as a mother of three children. What started as a few classes quickly became a life’s calling. Encouraged by faculty like Dr. Andrew MacRae, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Theology program and graduated in 1988. Judith continued her studies and earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation in 2012 from Carey Theological College. From the beginning, her path was marked by openness to wherever God would lead. 

Over the years, Rev. Tod has served faithfully in a variety of contexts. She began as a chaplain at Grand View Manor in Berwick, Nova Scotia, later transitioning into congregational leadership at Kentville United Baptist Church – first as interim associate, then unexpectedly as full-time senior pastor – and was ordained by Port Williams United Baptist Church in 1989.  

During her time at Kentville, she oversaw the creation of the Family Resource Centre (now the Kings County Family Resource Centre), which provides programs, support, and services to families in Kings County, Nova Scotia. Her ministry extended internationally with pastoral work in Bermuda and then continued locally at Wolfville Baptist Church.  

Rev. Tod also served her wider Baptist family through denominational roles, including eleven years on the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada Board of Ministerial Standards and Education, eight of which she served as Chair. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Governors of Acadia University.  

Faithful Mentorship 

In addition to her pastoral and denominational work, Rev. Tod has made a lasting impact on future generations of ministry leaders through ADC’s Mentored Ministry program. Over the years, she has welcomed students into her congregational settings, offering guidance, feedback, and a model of grounded, faithful ministry. Under her mentorship, many students not only gained practical tools for ministry but also developed a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with compassion, humility, and integrity. 

When asked about the theme of her ministry, Rev. Tod pointed to Micah 6:8 – “to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” For her, this humility is not theoretical; it’s practical. “Nobody is a star,” she says. “We’re always part of a team.” Her vision of shared ministry is grounded in community, mutual respect, and a deep concern for those who are vulnerable and marginalized.  

Faithful Responsiveness 

One of the defining aspects of her ministry has been her work with refugees. What began as a visit to a young woman in immigration detention led to opening her home to that woman – and eventually to others. With a group of friends, she helped refugees complete degrees, navigate Canadian society, and build new lives. As co-chair of the Wolfville Area Refugee Support Network, she helped bring Syrian families to safety.

“I never set out to do those things,” she reflects, “but someone once told me, ‘Apparently the Lord knows the way to your door.’” 

Faithful Humility  

Judith’s ministry is deeply personal. She brings people close – not only into her church community, but into her home and heart. Her wisdom for future ministers is simple but profound: listen well, serve everyone, and stay close to Jesus. She urges pastors not to get too far ahead of their congregations, lest they end up walking alone. 

Reflecting on the award, she says, is deeply humbling. “Thankfully, the Lord uses us for who we are, where we are, with the gifts we’ve been given. The fruit of our work is always by the grace of God.” 

Rev. Judith Tod’s legacy is not one of spotlight or acclaim, but of faithful, collaborative service. We give thanks to God for the ways he has worked through her life and ministry.