Minister of Urban Outreach & Director of Gospel Choir

Curt Allison

Curt Allison is originally from Hickory, North Carolina. From his first piano lesson at age 7, music has always been a central part of Curt’s life. He was heavily involved in music in high school and graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with a degree in Piano Performance. Sensing a call to ministry, he earned a Masters of Arts degree in Church Music in 1989 from the Oral Roberts University Seminary in Tulsa, OK. He was ordained and served as Minister of Music at Riverside Church in Norman, OK for almost 4 years. While at Riverside, he built the music program from scratch, establishing an auditioned vocal ensemble, children’s choir program, youth choir, orchestra, and seasonal community choir. He also served on ministerial staff and was involved in preaching and overseeing the church’s outreach program. In 1996 he served as Minister of Music at Epworth United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, OK before moving to Vancouver in 1998.

Curt is delighted to serve at St Andrews Wesley and loves the various ministries in which he leads. From directing the Gospel Choir and leading The Word is OUT!! LGBT spirituality discussion group to working with younger adults and co-leading retreats, Curt finds great satisfaction in helping others discover and live their full potential in the body of Christ with honesty, integrity, and authenticity. He has also served the greater community of the United Church of Canada through music leadership at the Naramata Centre’s summer programmes, EVOLVE, the Imagine LGBT weekend, and as music resource at various local United churches.

A fitness enthusiast, Curt is very active and enjoys working out, skiing, playing volleyball, and taking long walks along the ocean. He has found a particular devotion to yoga and practices it regularly. True to his American roots, he especially loves US college football and March Madness basketball. He and his partner David along with their 2 dachshunds live in downtown Vancouver.