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FROM THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
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MINISTRY ARTICLES
From our District Leaders.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Ministry Updates, Birth Announcements, Memorials and Churches in Transition.
Exploring our District Network.
BC & YUKON DISTRICT OF THE PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF CANADA
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Historymaker, SPC Courses, General Conference and Summer Camps.
2017
JUNE EDITION
Ken Russell | District Superintendent
A few days ago I had the privilege of attending a semi-annual Inter-Denominational Leaders gathering in the Fraser Valley. Most of the other evangelical churches in BC and the Yukon are served by
district leaders and those who normally attend these gatherings serve in a variety of ministry roles similar to mine. It has been a source of great joy for me to attend these meetings and to represent our
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churches and ministry organizations amid our evangelical brothers and sisters.
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>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE
When it came time to share some information about our district network, I made a brief comment that the PAOC did not behave like a typical denomination. From our inception, Pentecostals were intentionally positioned around five core convictions: the work of global missions, fellowship, spirit-empowered ministry, church multiplication and leadership development. Early Pentecostals authentically believed in networking; they believed that we were “better together” rather than being isolated. While some Protestant denominations formed themselves around the core values of church authority, governance, and doctrine, the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada has enjoyed the beauty of voluntary fellowship while sharing in local and global missions, holding onto a corporate spiritual identity and defending several Biblical distinctives.
healthy family needs to have order and well-defined rules. We’ve discovered the value of our shared constitution and by-laws which provides our family with healthy parameters for ministerial conduct. While our constitution and by-laws may appear like a bunch of rules, I have realized how appropriately they protect our churches and prioritize our relationships. This value is often tested at the very point of a church conflict or personal moral failure. I can attest that our network deeply values inter-personal relationships and our by-laws support the well-rooted relationships within a bond of love and grace. Secondly, our network of churches have always prioritized equipping and resourcing leaders. During my tenure at the district network office, I have realized how efficiently our resources flow from the supporting churches to leaders who work within our missional priorities of multiplication, health, revitalization and leadership development. Every month our affiliated churches faithfully remit their tithes and offerings to the network hub, which then empowers our network’s mission and vision. New churches are being planted every year, next generation ministries continue to reach students and families, leaders from all over the world are being trained and deployed, university and college students are coming to faith in Christ and churches are being revitalized. Our district network office is simply the ‘hub’ where resources flow freely from givers to receivers.
Recent specialists in church leadership would argue that denominations as we know them today will become obsolete over the next twenty-five years. These authors go on to state that networks will eventually replace denominations because people value partnerships over hierarchal structure. Networks focus on resourcing local churches by equipping their leaders to accomplish the mission of God, while denominations traditionally build fences to keep people of dissimilar dogmas out. I am so glad that the PAOC is a fellowship of self-governing assemblies rather than a centralized denomination that is controlled by their headquarters.
Thirdly, our network of churches has always prioritized transformation over information. We believe it is through a proclamation of the gospel that people are informed of God, but it is through the power of Pentecost that people are transformed by God into the image of His son, Jesus Christ. I am proud to be Pentecostal. Not because I belong to a denominational tribe, but because I am part of a movement which connects more than 250,000 people in Canada to a shared Biblical mission and the empowered life of Jesus Christ.
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Thank you for being a valued part of our network here in BC and the Yukon. You are a treasured part of our network. Let’s continue to believe God for greater and more powerful results from our fellowship as Pentecostals.
” Allow me to take a few moments to explain why I believe the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada behaves more like a network than a traditional denomination. First, our network of churches have always prioritized relationships over regulations. Please don't misunderstand me, every 2
Andy Gabruch | Director of Youth, Young Adults & Family Ministries
Historymaker – it is more than a conference, an event or a weekend. It is a strategic gathering point to have the “family” together to raise up the next generation of Church. For me, this is what makes Historymaker so unique. At HM this year: – 487 students came up for salvation/rededication to Christ (Friday night) – 668 students responded to be Spirit-filled (Saturday night) – 40 worship leaders from 8 different churches were trained in a Hillsong worship seminar (Wednesday night) – 150 students were released in spiritual gifts (Saturday morning) – Dozens healed (we have documentation of this) from physical sickness/issues/symptoms – We raised $11,000 towards next gen missional priorities in BC & around the world – 1697 students and leaders participated – 118 church volunteers served at HM – Sending 15 students & leaders on a STM to Thailand this summer I think this is worth praising God for – the fruit, the volunteers, the leadership team and what God wants to do in BC and the Yukon. To stay connected on everything HM, check out our Facebook and Instagram accounts or check out www.historymaker.ca
HISTORYMAKER 2017
This year we returned to Chilliwack, BC. All main sessions were at Prospera Centre and breakout Truth + Real Talk sessions were held at Chilliwack Senior Secondary.
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Tom Harbour | Marketplace Ministers & Chaplains Coordinator
“You should do your work for six days, but on the seventh day you should rest.” Exodus 34:21a CEB.
back home. Why? In one word, presence. There is no schedule or time limit on those “time out” conversations, which allows you to just BE with each other without a mandate or agenda. Can, or should, this be merely limited to those vacation conversations? No!
By the time you read this, my “congregation” will be out the door for their summer vacation (and my summer lay-off). There are still a number of big ticket items on my plate right now, like graduation ceremonies, bursaries, awards, scholarships and all of the tweaking of course schedules for the next school year. One year concludes, but not before the next one is already up and running.
I assume that none of this is new information. We all know anecdotally when we need to take a time out and, if we’re honest, probably have learned so the hard way... running on empty, focusing on the tasks we have in front of this. Jesus himself addressed this 2000 years ago when speaking with task-oriented Martha, as recounted in Luke 10:38b-42.
However, entrenched in a school counsellor”s yearly schedule is that summer lay-off. My colleagues put in countless hours throughout the school year, as evidenced by the ever-larger coffees that are ordered and consumed more and more frequently as the year progresses. Nonetheless, the looming lay-off is celebrated and integral for teachers to rest and recharge. In short, to have Sabbath.
Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his message. By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with getting everything ready for their meal. So Martha came to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to prepare the table all by myself? Tell her to help me.”
Most of us do not have the luxury of that kind of pause in schedule. Yet, the need to pause is crucial in personal and organizational health, regardless of whatever one’s role in church and/or work life is. On the personal side, a “time out” is key for revitalization. Maybe it’s that book that’s been on your bedside table now for months, or that stream you haven’t yet fished, but a summer, a week, a day or an afternoon can be factored in for that life-giving component. And while that is certainly important for us as individuals, it is also important for our churches, workplaces and our relationships in general.
The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.” So this summer, this week, or this afternoon, take some time out for health - mental, physical, and spiritual, like Mary did. Recognize the significance of a moment rather than allowing it to fade in light of a task list. Take time out to rest, reflect, and be present.
When you have time away from the daily task lists, it allows time to ponder. A morning hike (or stroll, if you're like me) or coffee, contemplating scripture, a book, an article or a recent sermon is not always possible; during a “time out” it can be. This can also be transformational for you in your ministry, inside the church or out. When you’re in the midst of doing, it is often about maintenance. When you step back, it can allow you to evaluate HOW you are doing what you do, and perhaps allow some spirit-directed creativity to tweak or change emphasis. Finally, a time out can allow you to be present. When you can get away and connect with out-of-town family and friends, you often come away energized by the level of conversation you’re able to have often compared to ones 4
John Engels | Director of BC Campus Ministries
Someone said, “If we do a good job at home making disciples, it will go around the world.” Priyanka came to the University of Victoria five years ago from overseas looking for Christian community on campus. She became a faithful attender of UCM and got involved as a student leader. Priyanka then came to work on staff with UCM for a year after graduating and has now returned to her homeland.
UCM is reconciling students to Christ… transforming lives in the university, the marketplace and the world. Thank you for praying for BC’s 400,000 part and full-time post-secondary students. >> LEARN MORE AT WWW.BCCAMPUSMINISTRIES.COM
“My time at UVIC/UCM has changed the lens through which I view people. I see them as how God designed them, and how they can play a part in God's kingdom. In some ways, my views have become wider to see the big picture and in some ways my views have become sensitive to relate to each person I meet. I am inspired to bring influence to my friends and family as I allow God to influence me. I hope to see everyone (and especially young adults) reconciled to Christ and the life He wants us to have. I hope for the skeptics to have their hearts opened to truth and for doubters to receive faith. I am praying for the non-believers in my current circle to experience God.”
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Edgar Lapeciros | Director of Cultural and Aboriginal Ministries
By Eugene H. Peterson
Allow me to share this poem about Christ written by Dr. James Allen in 1926. Maybe this will refresh us. It has in my life and ministry. Walking and living for Christ will make our work for Christ a much enjoyable journey.
Mark 8:34-37 – The Message Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering, embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is not help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you. What could you ever trade your soul for?
ONE SOLITARY LIFE He was born in an obscure village The Child of a peasant woman He grew up in another obscure village Where he worked in a carpenter shop Until he was thirty
Amazing words from Jesus. He leads by example. He denied and sacrificed himself and became a man, a servant. Offered himself to pay our sins in the cross. Denial and sacrifice starts in small things. In fact self-promotion does not work. If we let God increase, we need to decrease. We cannot glorify God and self at the same time. As disciples and followers of Jesus, we should be willing to forego personal pleasures and comforts for the sake of Christ and the ministry we are called in.
He never wrote a book He never held an office He never went to college He never visited a big city He never travelled more than two hundred miles From the place where he was born He did none of the things Usually associated with greatness He had no credentials but himself
Christ was teaching that if we live for self, we are not following him. Luke 9:20-22. It’s difficult but we have to carry our cross daily. We can rely on His abundant and sufficient grace daily. Dying and denying ourselves for Christ is a must in our walk and journey as Christians.
He was only thirty three His friends ran away One of them denied him He was turned over to his enemies And went through the mockery of a trial He was nailed to a cross between two thieves While dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing The only property he had on earth When he was dead He was laid in a borrowed grave Through the pity of a friend Nineteen centuries have come and gone And today Jesus is the central figure of the human race And the leader of mankind’s progress All the armies that have ever marched All the navies that have ever sailed All the parliaments that have ever sat All the kings that ever reigned put together Have not affected the life of mankind on earth As powerfully as that one solitary life.
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Courtney Bridge has been appointed as Children’s Ministry Assistant of Living Waters Church in Fort Langley
(Willoughby Campus). Shawn Chapman transferred in from the Saskatchewan District and has been appointed as Lead Pastor of Colwood
Pentecostal Church in Victoria. Jeff Cox has been appointed as Lead Pastor of New Life Pentecostal Assembly in Clearwater. Matt Jaggers has concluded his ministry as Youth and Young Adults Pastor of Evangel Church in Kelowna and has
been appointed as Associate Pastor of Elim Church in Saskatoon. His final day will be June 29 and he will begin his new role on July 15. Kristina Johnson has been appointed as Children’s Pastor of Evangel Church in Kelowna. Blair Phibbs has been appointed as Lead Pastor of Christian Life Fellowship in Campbell River. He will begin on
August 1. Jim Potter has concluded his ministry as Lead Pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Merritt. His final Sunday
will be July 2. Joel Reimer has concluded his ministry as Campus Pastor at Living Waters Church in Fort Langley (Willoughby
Campus). His final day will be July 31.
Joon and Christine Cho (Nanaimo Native Victory Chapel) are excited to announce the birth of their daughter,
Cara.
Maureen Stebeck passed into the presence of her Lord on May 19, 2017. On June 4, 1960 she married Josef Stebeck and in a mid-life career change, Maureen followed Joe into the adventure of pastoral ministry with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. They pastored in Colwood, Malakwa and Port Clements. Maureen was predeceased by her husband Josef Stebeck, parents Frank & Daisy Goodspeed, sister Patricia Maxwell, brother Ted Goodspeed, & baby Dean. She is survived by her children; Colleen Feuz, Danny (& Lisa) Stebeck and Deanna Hughes; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service was held at Five Corners Pentecostal Church in Salmon Arm on Thursday, May 25, 2017. Thank-you for remembering Danny and the Stebeck family during this time.
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• • • • • • • • •
Anahim Lake Chapel (Church Replant Opportunity) Bella Coola Pentecostal Assembly Burnaby Christian Pentecostal Church (Cantonese) Cherryville, Gospel Church (Bi-Vocational) Cranbrook, Abundant Life Pentecostal Assembly Creston, Grace Christian Fellowship Fort Langley, Living Waters Church Hazelton Pentecostal Church (Bi-Vocational) Hixon, Lighthouse Community Church
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The Ministry Investors Group was formerly known as the Minutemen/Women program. This program assists smaller and pioneer assemblies with the purchase of property and the construction or renovating of church buildings. It is a creative plan that allows us the privilege of investing and having a share in God’s work in many communities without actually living there. Since 1957, we have raised over $1.4 million through the generosity of our churches and individuals donors. This generous support has enabled our churches to accomplish many necessary capital improvement projects. We invite you to participate with us in God’s Kingdom.
Kimberly Pentecostal Church Merritt, Crossroads Community Church Nanaimo, Genesis Church Port Alice, Oceanview Assembly (Bi-Vocational) Point Grey, Redemption Church Prince Rupert Pentecostal Tabernacle Salt Spring Island (Church Replant Opportunity) Vanderhoof, Glad Tidings Church Vernon Family Church
As part of the Ministry Investors Group, you will receive up to 3 appeals a year, each time with an explanation of the need. In response you are requested to send a donation of $10 or more. This amount does not purchase much today, but put together, these gifts achieve major positive results. Please consider joining today. Investing in God’s work on earth pays eternal dividends. Be a wise investor!
1: Text2Give: text “Give20” or any other amount to 604-757-2609 2: Make a donation online at www.bc.paoc.org/giving 3: Mail a cheque to our office with “MIG” in the memo
Our summer project is to assist Lakelse Pentecostal Camp, near Terrace, BC, in their grounds preparation for various summer camps, as well as retreats and other events throughout the year. The camp recently had to replace the power poles on their property as the old ones were decayed from rot. This is our opportunity to come together to help offset this cost. >> LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND UPCOMING APPEALS AT WWW.BC.PAOC.ORG
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KELOWNA | MARCH 5-7
AUG 21-25 Pastor’s Camp, West Kelowna SEPT 18-22 Aboriginal Summit, Terrace SEPT 29-30 reGroup, Kootenays OCT 13-14 SPARK, Langley OCT 20-21 reGroup, North OCT 27-28 reGroup, Okanagan NOV 17-18 reGroup, Vancouver Island
NOV 4, 2017 Program and Dessert Banquet from 6:30pm-10pm NOV 5, 2017 Sunday morning service at 10:30am with special guest speaker and music. Fellowship and a building tour will follow the service.
FEB 2-3 reGroup, Lower Mainland MAR 3-5 TimeOut, Kelowna MAR 5-7 District Conference, Kelowna MAY 7-10 PAOC General Conference, Victoria MAY 25-27 Historymaker, Chilliwack
Tickets will be available September 1 $10/adult, $5/child (age 10 and younger) WWW.RICHMONDPENTECOSTAL.ORG
Remember the Lord: The Musings of St. Peter’s Wife by D. A. Laity Available on Amazon.ca or email dtlaity57@gmail.com 9
Course Description: This advanced hermeneutics course focuses on three areas (1) contemporary issues in hermeneutics including the classic methodologies; (2) new research and interpretative methodologies that have transformed classical biblical studies and the view of “text” and “reader,” and (3) Pentecostal issues in biblical interpretation such as the role of the Holy Spirit and Pentecostal community in the interpretive process. The course has practical implications for students as they can apply this knowledge to biblical interpretation, theological discussions, and sermon building.
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to investigate global Pentecostalism through the lens of its pneumatology, by putting it in a sympathetic and critical dialogue with tradition and the most current developments and themes in the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Alongside the most distinctive Pentecostal beliefs in Spirit-baptism, healing, exorcism, and missionary enthusiasm, the Spirit’s role in creation, cosmos, society, and among religions are analysed and discussed.
during the year. The usual prerequisite is a bachelor’s degree, but candidates without one may be accepted subject to certain criteria.
We offer avenues for degree completion through our partner universities: Southeastern University, FL; ACTS Seminaries, BC; and Regent College, BC. You can apply to the certificate program (5 core courses) at any time
>> LEARN MORE AT
WWW.SUMMITPACIFIC.CA/GRADUATESTUDIES DEANOFGRADUATESTUDIES@SUMMITPACIFIC.CA
This past May Dr. Martin Mittelstadt joined us on campus to lead the Pentecostal Distinctives course, a fitting conclusion to our second academic year. The Pentecostal movement has continued to expand rapidly across the world, but it has not been without growing pains. “What is a Pentecostal?” is an increasingly important question, and one being wrestled with at a number of levels. As the PAOC continues to focus on theological vitality and church health, being able to properly understand and articulate our distinctly Pentecostal traits will undoubtedly be a crucial task. Working through a Pentecostal interpretation of the Luke-Acts, influenced largely by Summit’s own Roger Stronstad, Dr. Mittelstadt addressed key issues facing Pentecostal leaders and churches in the twenty-first century. With a focused look at both key doctrinal issues and contemporary social topics, the course was well received by both clergy and lay leaders in the class. As the Summit School of Graduate Studies continues to grow, Pentecostal Distinctives will be a foundational component. We’d like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Mittelstadt for his voice and wisdom, the graduate students who participated in the course, and all those who continue to support us. We looking forward to providing graduate-level Pentecostal studies for many years to come. 10
Ken Russell – District Superintendent Dave Solmes – Assistant Superintendent Darwin Pichette – Secretary-Treasurer John Engels – Director of Campus Ministries Andy Gabruch – Director of Youth, Young Adults and Family Ministries Edgar Lapeciros – Director of Cultural and Aboriginal Ministries
Les & Pat Markham – Prayer Ministry Coordinator Marg Foreman – BCYD Missions Coordinator Tom Harbour – Marketplace Ministers and Chaplains Coordinator Don Huston – Counselling Coordinator
Kirsten Anonby – Ministry Support Specialist, Campus Ministries Kyle Epp – Church Planting Apprentice Carol McPhail – Bookkeeper Laura O’Reilly – Admin for Events Cynthia Oldendorf – Admin for Ministry Operations Janet Rana – Admin for District Conference and Seminars Devan Sylvester – Admin for Communications Val Vandermeulen – Admin for Church and Clergy Records
Dave Demchuk, Hannah Dutko, Jeff Dyment, Derrick Hamre, Edgar Lapeciros, Darin Latham, Lucas Mitchell, Rebeca Monzo, Andy Moore, Darwin Pichette, Ken Russell, Doug Smith, Dave Solmes
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June 30-July 3 Nanoose Bay Connections Family Camp www.nanoosebaycamp.ca
July 9-15 Camp Yukon Kid’s Camp #2 www.camp-yukon.com
July 16-22 Camp Yukon Teen Camp www.camp-yukon.com
August 12-18 Chubb Lake Teen Camp www.chubblake.com
July 2-8 Camp Yukon Kid’s Camp #1 www.camp-yukon.com
July 14-16 Okanagan Family Camp Faith Missions Camp www.facebook.com/ OkanaganFamilyCamp www.alexisparkchurch.com
July 22-29 Nanoose Bay High (Teen) Camp www.nanoosebaycamp.ca
August 14-17 Nanoose Bay Legacy Builders Retreat www.nanoosebaycamp.ca
July 24-29 Lakelse Pentecostal Camp Teen Camp www.lakelsecamp.org
August 20-25 Revolution Summer Camp High School Camp www.clachurch.com
July 28-30 Camp Yukon Filipino Retreat www.camp-yukon.com
August 21-25 Pastors Family Camp Green Bay Camp www.greenbay.bc.ca
August 4-7 Chubb Lake Family Camp www.chubblake.com
August 27-31 Revolution Summer Camp Middle School Camp www.clachurch.com
July 8-15 Chubb Lake Kid’s Camp www.chubblake.com July 9-13 Big Bar Lake Kid’s Camp www.merrittcrossroads.com July 9-14 Misty Isles Kid’s Camp 250-557-4577 July 9-14 Nanoose Bay Kid’s Camp www.nanoosebaycamp.ca
July 14-20 Big Bar Lake Teen Camp www.merrittcrossroads.com July 16-21 Lakelse Pentecostal Camp Kid’s Camp www.lakelsecamp.org July 16-21 Nanoose Bay Mids (Pre-Teen) Camp www.nanoosebaycamp.ca
August 11-13 Lakelse Pentecostal Camp Family Camp www.lakelsecamp.org
July 16-21 Misty Isles Teen Camp 250-557-4577
CONTACT US
20411 DOUGLAS CRESCENT, LANGLEY BC V3A 4B6 BC.PAOC.ORG | INFO@BC.PAOC.ORG T: 604-533-2232 | F: 604-533-5405
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