1 / MINISTRY ARTICLES
10 / REOPENING CHURCH
24 / DARWIN’S DID YOU KNOW
27 / AROUND THE DISTRICT
From our district leaders
Helpful questions and considerations to work through before reopening your doors
Helpful resources for church administrators and bookkeepers
Ministry updates and churches in transition
BC & YUKON DISTRICT OF THE PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF CANADA
2020
MAY EDITION
Ken Russell | District Superintendent The novel coronavirus pandemic has certainly arrested everyone’s attention in terms of global health and safety. Many ‘normal’ social practices have become unacceptable – even dangerous. I’ve heard some people have received fines for coughing and sneezing inappropriately or greeting each other in violation of social distancing rules. DeepEnglish.com tells us, “There’s an amazing diversity of greeting customs around the world. In Tibet, sticking out your tongue can
be a way of welcoming people. In New Zealand, Maori greet each other by touching noses. Ethiopian men touch shoulders, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, male friends touch foreheads. In many Asian countries, people bow to each other when meeting. And in some European and Arab countries, hugs or kisses on the cheek are more the norms. While this wasn’t always true, the most common physical way to greet people around the world is now the
handshake. The history of the handshake dates back to the 5th century B.C. in Greece. It was a symbol of peace, showing that neither person was carrying a weapon; some say that the gesture of the handshake started in Medieval Europe. Knights would shake the hand of others in an attempt to shake loose any hidden weapons.”1 The new physical protocols of COVID19 have negatively affected our mental health. Our lack of freedom and the fear of sickness and death creates trepidation. >> CONT. PAGE TWO
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Remember the mighty power, presence and provision of God during every season of life.
The Bible has a lot to say about the health and well-being of our soul. The Apostle John wrote a letter to his friend and colleague, Gaius, highlighting the importance of mental health, “Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way and that you are healthy, just as your soul is healthy.” 3 Jn. 1:2. So how do people maintain a healthy soul during times of unprecedented panic, hysteria and uncertainty?
God has promised never to abandon His children, especially in times of trouble and hardship. Practice antithetical isolation We must obey the restrictions by our public health authority in terms of physical distancing and shelter-in-place directives in order to protect the most vulnerable people of our society, however, the Bible is quite clear that mankind was designed for relationships with God and with each other. Humans were not created for social isolation. Our strategies for antithetical isolation must be robust and creative if we want our souls to prosper. We must develop alternate methods to empower and sustain healthy relationships and we must use technology that allows visual and audible communication.
Recognize shock and denial During the early days of this pandemic, many of us were simply reacting in shock and denial. No one expected the world to stand still, non-essential businesses to close their doors, and streets to be laid bare. The shock of rising infection rates and increasing deaths all over the world began to sink into our minds. Even weeks into the pandemic, some people were in denial of the highly contagious nature of this virus and the potential destruction it could cause for those who were immunocompromised, elderly, or suffering from underlying health concerns. Many people suffering from shock and denial began to sink into fear, panic, confusion, and numbness, while others tried to find people and organizations to blame. These are all-natural human responses when people feel out of control. Psalm 94:19 provides great wisdom in moments of shock and denial, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” God has promised never to leave us, nor forsake us in times of trouble. His consoling presence brings health to our soul. Our soul must dwell in the spiritual presence of Jesus every day through worship, the Word and prayer.
Don’t forget, daily prayer, worship and God’s Word are not dependent on the Internet! We can develop our relationship with God, anywhere and anytime. Maintain a meaningful purpose in your life Jesus gave His followers an important mission to accomplish, during His absence from the earth. The great commission has not been rescinded or negated due to the novel coronavirus. Check your friend list on Facebook, or your contact list to find someone who might need a word of encouragement. Send them a card in the mail, or better yet, give them a telephone call. Remember when people would simply call each other? Meaningful conversations provide purpose and focus for everyone’s life. A friend of mine decided to visit every house on her street during these days of social isolation. She simply knocked on the door, and left a tulip on their doorstep, with a note of neighbourly love. She provided her phone number and invited people to call if they were feeling lonely or isolated. So far, she has encouraged 37 families in her neighbourhood. She has found a new purpose during this season of seclusion.
Be angry, but don’t sin For some people, shock and denial quickly changed into anger, frustration and anxiety after the physical threat of coronavirus transitioned into a material threat to their financial health. Many people lost their jobs, closed their businesses, and lost significant investment income. Anger is not a sin, but it can lead people into the snare of sinful behaviour. Paul instructed the Ephesians, saying, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Eph. 4:26-27. Your soul is allowed to be angry for the most righteous reasons behind this emotion. A soul that prospers during an epidemic forbids Satan from gaining a stable position of sin and bitterness in their life.
Allow Jesus Christ to form and shape your character The COVID-19 crisis will not form a person’s character; it will simply reveal it. We must all do a bit of soul searching to find the nuggets of Christ-like character that were deposited in our soul when we became children of God. “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” Phil. 1:9-12
Battle depression and despair While it may be difficult for people to find hope in a catastrophic situation, it is often easier to ‘put our hope’ in God’s sovereignty. Several times, in the 42nd and 43rd Psalm, this question is asked, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.” The psalmist is giving his soul a pep talk. Feelings of despair and hopelessness are so real during any pandemic. While it may be impossible to change our circumstances, it is possible to change our focus. The psalmist provides a spiritual vaccine for the downcast soul; it is a healthy injection of remembering.
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“Handshake History.” Deep English, 25 Apr. 2015, deepenglish.com/2014/07/handshake-history-listening-fluency-116/.
HISTORYMAKER is at
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Mark Lewis | Assistant District Superintendent for Revitalization If you told me three months ago that ministry would be completely different – no public gatherings, no home groups, no board meetings together in the upper room at the church, no worship rehearsals and so on and so on; that everything would be shut down and yet I would be busier and working harder than ever – I would have laughed and said, “ha… that will never happen!” And yet, here we are: in the midst of a world-wide shut down with my time, my schedule, and my life filled to capacity.
All of us need to be aware of the potential burnout that lurks just around the corner, especially when things are not “normal” and your focus is on a new way of dealing with ministry, a different way than you have ever done it before. Here are four warning signs that you may be on the path to burnout or collapse in this “new time” of ministry. 1. You’re becoming cynical. The passion and excitement of a new challenge is no longer there. Instead, it’s replaced with a crusty outlook filled with complaints and anger-fueled emotions. “Why does this have to happen?” “When will this be over?” “There’s no way we can keep this up!”
I think there are a lot of pastors who would echo these sentiments. Just because you are not in the office (as much) or with people (in person) you are still pouring out, ministering at a high pace, loving, caring, and leading. The problem is, it’s different; so different, that the very subtle yet very real danger of burnout and stress can sneak up and attack, and you may not even know it.
Remember, challenges and obstacles have always been part of braving a new path. Every great explorer first had to 4
struggle with an undefined and treacherous path before they reached their new destination. Doing ministry in this COVID-19 era is different, but it’s still ministry. It looks and feels different but it’s still bringing light to dark times and dark places.
4. Nothing makes you happy. My wife has always known that when I’ve had a difficult week or when my mind is filled with everything but happy thoughts, the thing that always puts a smile on my face is chocolate cake. Yes, I know, it can have drastic results on my health, but it makes me happy! My kids even make fun of me for it. “Uh oh, dad’s stressed, better make some chocolate cake!” For all of us there are things that put a smile on our face and make us chuckle – games night, a bike ride or hike, playing with the kids, seeing an old friend – if you’re not smiling, if nothing is making you laugh, or if you can’t seem to find anything that brightens your mood, then trouble is on the horizon.
If your cynicism is overwhelming your drive to reach people, you may be burning out. 2. People drain you of energy and emotion. I know, this can happen to anyone in ministry at any time, but the truth is that if it’s happening all the time, it’s a problem. Sometimes people can charge you up, get you excited, or stir up a passion; but when you find that no one – absolutely no one – gets you energized and the mere thought of dealing with people has you feeling angry, frustrated, indifferent, or maybe even resentful, then there is a problem. And if the mere thought of seeing the people who regularly challenge and inspire you (your friends and family) has you slumped over in a dark corner hiding, then the problem could be bigger than you realize.
Taking care of YOU is essential if you’re going to take care of the people around you: your family, your friends, and your church. They need you to be the best leader you can be, especially in these confusing and different times. Everyone is looking for their leader to guide them, to care for them and to assure them that God is still with us. You can’t do that well if you’re not well.
3. Your passion for everything is gone. All of us will have times where we are unmotivated, but burnout can steer you towards a loss of passion for everything. You were once passionate about your relationship with Jesus, your family, the people you minister to, and those around you who are hurting and lost. But now there is a lackadaisical indifference towards everyone and everything. It’s hard to get off the couch to connect with people. It’s hard to dream, create, and be inspired to do the things you’re gifted at. Why? Because things aren’t the same. Why put the effort into it? This could be your reason or excuse, but remember: a passionless person is incapable of leading well.
I would encourage you to seek out help from a skilled counsellor a trusted colleague if these types of symptoms are becoming a regular part of your routine. Then, make sure you honestly talk with someone who cares about you and your wellbeing. Here, at your BCYD Network, we have resources available just for times like this, just for you; professional counsellors and coaches who want to see you be at your best, leading with the exceptional skills and giftings that God has given you. Please call or email any of our district team to find out more about these available resources. As is said so often by our Superintendent, “we are better together.” And “better” means healthy, happy, passionate and excited.
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Les & Pat Markham | District Prayer Ministry Coordinators Jesus said “My house shall be called a house of prayer (Matthew 21:13). Unfortunately, in many churches the practice of fervent prayer lands low on the priority pole. Our churches might be called houses of praise or houses of preaching, but where is the foundational component of prayer? Some churches have a reputation for the quality of their presentation with lively music and an inspiring message which is all good, but it can easily become more anthropocentric (man centered) than Christocentric (Christ-centered). The focus can be more on how we feel than on how God feels. More self serving than missional. More about personal edification than global outreach. The heart of prayer is worship and the edge of prayer is mission. Jesus’ statement on the house of prayer is a quote from Isaiah 56:7 which says “My house will be called a house of prayer FOR ALL NATIONS.
Healthy prayer does not begin with our needs but with God’s glory. Consider the Lord’s prayer for example (Matthew 6: 8-10). It begins by exalting God. Only six words in the whole prayer are about our needs. “Give us today our daily bread”. Now God delights in supplying our needs and He invites us to make our requests known to Him, but noble prayer is primarily concerned about God’s will, God’s Kingdom and God’s glory. Read the prayer of Jehoshaphat (II Chronicles 20) or the prayers of the Apostle Paul and notice their emphasis. Presenting our needs to God is the privilege of prayer, but not the core of it! Our prayers often fixate upon God giving us something pleasant or upon God sparing us, or rescuing us, from something unpleasant, but communion with God is more than pushing our wish list into a cosmic vending machine; it is enjoying fellowship with a loving heavenly Father. It is more about getting God’s will done on earth than about getting our wish done in Heaven. Saying a prayer is easy, entering into the labour of prayer is hard.
The church was birthed in prayer (see the Book of Acts) and the church will only flourish with concentrated and consecrated prayer. Without the presence and the blessing of God the church becomes little more than a nice (and sometimes not so nice) social club. In 1906, the modern Pentecostal movement exploded into the world. It began with a humble home prayer meeting in Los Angeles. Pentecostals should be known as people of prayer. We usually sprinkle a couple of short prayers into our orders of service (and I’m not promoting long prayers in a Sunday service) but the prayer meeting is typically the lowest attended meeting of the week. Where is the prayer room that is filled with people crying out to the Lord? Praying churches are composed of praying people. Public ministries are built by private prayer.
It is not my purpose to condemn or criticize anyone. Most of us (me too) can probably confess that we could improve in this area. I just want to challenge you and encourage you to give prayer the priority that Jesus and the Bible gives it. Since accepting this position as District Prayer Co-ordinator (along with my praying wife) I have become increasingly aware of the need for concerted prayer. In August Pat and I are moving back to Ontario and therefore have to leave this position. It has always been a joy and a pleasure to serve in this great District, so thank you for the privilege. God bless you.
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Seth Greenham | Director of University Christian Ministries Campus ministers around BC are responding to the call to be there for students in a time of crisis. While we fully support instructions by health authorities to physically distance ourselves to protect vulnerable members of society, it is a significant shift from our usual way of being. Because our vision is that we never isolate ourselves and hope the world finds its way to us, we seek to go where the next generation is shaped and meet them right where they are. At the same time, we firmly believe that this crisis is not too big for God and that no struggles we face will prevent the church from carrying on its mission to be a light to the world and share the hope of Jesus Christ.
One of our alumni currently on the foreign mission field made a great reflection on our hope, and it echoes our heart as ministers of the gospel:
Campus ministers thrive when asked to contextualize and innovate. We do not stay in our own comfort zone and wave a flag from a distance, leaving it to the lost world to find us. We seek to know how to best present the gospel in the context where we find ourselves, asking “what would be good news to these people?”, “What aspects of God’s heart would resonate on this campus?” Today, UCM staff and students across the province are initiating Bible studies, personal discipleship, and even large group gatherings through video chats, phone calls, and streaming platforms. They have been able to pray for those who are struggling, help Christians grow in maturity, and be a light to the lost. One of our staff members initiated a phone tree with their campus group. She checks in with student leaders who are each challenged to initiate with three people in their sphere of influence as a witnessing opportunity. To hear more check out this video: https://youtu.be/jAH_7Ry9Kag
We thank you all for your partnership and invite you to continue praying with us: that every student who attends post-secondary in our province (and beyond) has an opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ – whether that is face to face over coffee after a lecture or a FaceTime call from a Christian classmate who is there for them in a time of need. >> LEARN MORE AT JOINUCM.ORG
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Len DenBraber | Assistant District Superintendent for Multiplication Full disclosure: I am not musical. In fact, when I was a child, I took guitar lessons, but the teacher lost hope that he was going to be able to teach me anything, so he refunded my mom for the cost of the lessons. I still remember the day we pulled up to his music store and he met us at the door with the reimbursement cheque. But this article isn’t about my need for therapy… it’s about living according to healthy personal rhythms that nurture thriving.
day” (Gen. 1:4,7) and so on. And of course, the seventh day was set apart as a day to worship and rest – a rhythm we are still invited to embrace. God eventually instituted feast days and celebrations and holidays and the Year of Jubilee and more, all with the intent to create healthy and life-giving cycles of work, rest, worship and celebration. Creation still reflects these rhythms, as we know that spring follows winter, summer follows spring, the fall follows summer and leads to another winter. I could go on, but you get the point.
God designed us to need personal rhythms and thrive in them. Notice how the creation account has a repetitive cycle: “And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day; and there was evening, and there was morning – the second
Even if you’re the type of person who loves variety and spontaneity, you probably still have rhythms: my guess is you brush your teeth the same way every day; you likely take the 8
• Get out of the news cycle – A rhythm that will contribute to your anxiety and sense of helplessness is watching the news obsessively. Bonnie Henry is everyone’s favourite doctor, but even her gentle voice can send you into a tailspin if you hear it too often. Get the news you need, then stop watching, scrolling, searching and obsessing – they’ve really just been repeating the same thing over and over again anyway.
same route to work and might even tend to eat the mostly the same foods. You probably have a favourite restaurant, a familiar workout playlist and certain Christmas traditions you celebrate every year. Rhythm helps us. It can make us more efficient by automating certain tasks (like brushing your teeth) and by hard-wiring helpful habits like daily devotions. Consistent rhythms actually offer a sense of security and well-being.
• Recognize what season you’re in – Ecclesiastes 3 makes it clear that there is a season for everything. I assumed this was a season for work, but I’m becoming more convinced that my Heavenly Father is inviting me into a season of rest. Perhaps feeling off-kilter is due to the fact that I’m striving against the purposes of the Father, not with them.
The introvert in me rejoiced when Dr. Bonnie Henry told us in her reassuring and calm manner that we were going to be not-so voluntarily isolating in our homes. The “get ‘er done” side of me began to dream about all the things I would accomplish: finish my first grad course in record time, exercise daily, read books, write articles, finish projects – the list was endless. If Sir Isaac Newton could invent calculus and discover gravity while isolated during the bubonic plague, surely I would be able to reorganize a closet or two!
• Find new rhythms – the last week or so has been more life-giving because I am finding a new rhythm. When 5:00pm arrives, Leanne and I have been enjoying “appie hour” where we just take some time to connect. I’ve started cooking a few times a week (which is a totally new thing for me), but Fresh Prep has made it easy (sort of) and fun (kind of). Because I haven’t been travelling and gas is currently cheap, weekends have become an opportunity to go for a long drive to somewhere new. Replace the rhythms you’ve lost with new, life-giving patterns.
After a few days of blissful productivity, I began to lose steam. Soon lethargy set in and the only thing I was accomplishing after work was crossing a few shows off my Netflix watch list because I binge-watched them until late in the evening. Before long, I was 30lbs away from my goal of losing 20lbs.
Eventually, things will get back to some sort of “normal” – and I can’t wait. I miss seeing my kids and grandkids in person, and I am looking forward to visiting you at your church in your community. In the meantime, Jesus words are so a propos for this season:
I’ve discovered my experience isn’t unique. Why have we struggled with lethargy, depression (mild and clinical) and anxiety during the pandemic? There are a myriad of reasons, but I think the disruption of our daily and weekly rhythms have really messed us up. The subtle signals of getting ready for work, swinging by Starbucks for an over-priced coffee, interacting with people at church, going to small group, and worshipping with others on Sunday have been eliminated. We have lost our intuition about how our lives ought to flow (can you remember what day it is today?) and without that, we feel untethered. I probably need consistent rhythms more than most people, so I have thought quite a bit about how to regain my personal rhythms when the rest of the world is out of tune. If you’re feeling discombobulated as well, these thoughts might help you: • Stay anchored in good habits – Daily prayer and Bible readings remain a cornerstone rhythm, and getting enough sleep is truly a gift. Decide which rhythms must always play in the background of your life. • Give yourself some grace – I have given myself permission to let go of many of the aspirations I first had when we started isolating. I finished all my grad course assignments… but just on time; I haven’t slacked off at work, but I haven’t cranked out a ton of extra content either; my brand-new running shoes are barely scuffed. Maybe you need to let up on the unrealistic expectations you have of yourself. 9
We’re here to help. This section will provide you with resources and considerations to make when building your reopening strategy. Not every resource and idea is a one-size-fits-all, and not everything will work best for your congregation. If you have questions or still need some guidance in a particular area, reach out to us and we will be happy to help figure it out with you. You’re not alone.
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While circumstances are fluid, as of today’s publication (May 20) and as per the BC public health order, groups of up to 50 people can meet per building, not per room. Based on the best information we have, the size of your building will dictate how many people can gather at one time, but it must be fewer than 50. Be aware that this number may be affected by the size of your facility; your gathering space may only hold up to 50 people provided that appropriate social distancing can be maintained at all times. Multiple services of up to 50 people can be held on the same day, provided that appropriate cleaning and sanitization takes place between gatherings. It is also important to count each individual – pastors, worship team, volunteers, attendees, and children; each person counts toward the 50. Again, we strongly recommend that you check with your local MLA for guidance. A message from Dr. Bonnie Henry: “We have seen outbreaks starting from religious gatherings, so be mindful of the room you’re in, how long the service may be and who of your congregants are there, particularly if they are elders, people who are more likely to have severe illness with this virus. So hold your gathering in the largest room possible, keep the group small, if you can. The maximum is 50, but that means you have to maintain that physical distance.”
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It’s important to ask yourself and your leadership team some crucial questions before reopening your doors. One of the most important things to remember is to not get too far ahead of yourself. Take on one thing at a time and build a foundation for your team and congregation.
Consider shorter services at the onset. People will feel different levels of anxiety when coming back. Keeping your service and sermons shorter can help them to feel more comfortable. Be prepared to hold multiple services. With current capacity limitations, most of us are going to have to adjust. You will also need to decide if this will be temporary, permanent or up in the air (it’s okay to not have all of the long-term answers, but be honest about what you don’t know).
It’s important to do what is right for your specific setting. An element of enduring a global pandemic is to have some flexibility, but you also need to be, as a leader, organized, informed, and responsible. Not only do you need to consider how your pastoral staff and volunteer team is going to adjust to manage in-person gatherings, you also need to consider those who will be attending. You, pastor, know your congregation and community. You know their needs and their feelings. Work through these questions and considerations honestly with your team to create a re-opening strategy. Collaboration is going to help get us through this.
Continue to provide digital/streaming worship services. Online church is here to stay. Never forget the online audience. They are watching from here on out and someone will always be tuning in. Not everyone will be returning right away, and it’s possible that some may not be able to return for quite some time. Develop a strategy for how you can connect with and minister to those joining in online. One of the greatest mistakes we can make right now is to let go of the online momentum.
Network and coordinate with other churches in the BCYD and in your community. Everyone is figuring this out together, so connect with your peers to brainstorm and share resources. We need each other.
Consider how you can create specific entry and exit points. Does your facility allow you to use different sets of doors for entering and exiting so that people won’t be running into one another? If possible, try to create a clear in-and-out system to eliminate close social contacts at these pinch points; attempt to eliminate cross traffic as much as you can.
Send a reopening survey to your congregation to see how they feel about returning. This is a simple and effective way to gather data which can help steer your decision making and can significantly shape your strategy. It may also help people to feel at ease – knowing that their church cares about their own feelings about reopening can help to build trust and confidence that they are being heard and thought of. A survey template has been created for you to copy and change as needed. Click here to download the Reopening Survey.
Once you have a plan, make sure the path is clear. Cones or flagging tape can help with this. If you have a gravel parking lot, can you spray paint the gravel with directional arrows if you want people to go in a certain direction? Or could you use fun stickers or lawn signs with arrows? Position your volunteer team strategically to help guide people. Make sure the main entrance (or the doors you want people to enter through) are clearly marked. Use arrows in addition to room names to help those who may not know where to go or what certain rooms are named. However you communicate, make it fun, simple and obvious; don’t leave anyone guessing.
Determine if you will take attendance to assist with potential contact tracing. The government is currently looking at different ways to facilitate contact tracing, should someone become sick and they have to retrace their steps or others need to be notified of their possible exposure. Consider if and how you will record who will be in your services and how you will respond should someone become COVID-19 positive. Also let guests know why you are collecting their name, especially if they are new. This will help them to feel more comfortable and reassured.
Be prepared for entering and exiting to take longer. Seating people to ensure social distancing may take some additional time, or it might not. Be prepared for both. If you have limited exits, you may need to stagger when people leave so that they don’t all rush the door. This aspect will be largely affected by the type of facility you have; factor these areas into your schedule.
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Seating is going to be different. Ensure that seats are at least 2 meters/6 feet apart. Family members and people who live in the same household can sit together. Figure out how you are going to facilitate this and include it in your reopening strategy – don’t wait until Sunday morning to figure it out.
Create your gathering to be as touchless as possible. This will include removing most, if not all, hospitality elements. • Consider how you will take offering. Do not pass around an offering plate (or pass around anything for that matter). Instead, clearly point people to online giving options and create a station with a secure box for people to leave their tithes. Remember to wipe down this area after each use and put a plan in place to protect the person who will be collecting the envelopes. If you require people to write on envelopes, think through ahead of time how they will do this: if you will require people to bring their own pens and how envelopes will be accessible to them.
Separate movable seats. If you have pews, figure out how you will maintain distance between people, and don’t forget to be mindful of both directions – side to side and front and back. Will you be roping off seats and dividing up sections of the auditorium for seating? Think through how you are going to communicate your strategy effectively both before reopening and when people are being seated. Make sure your team and attendees know exactly what to expect. An effective way to control the number of attendees and help you plan ahead is to use an online booking or reservation system. Visit Life Church’s website for an example of what this process could look like. You could also consider the option of giving away limited free tickets, such as through reopen.church or EventBrite.
• Consider how you will take communion. As with offering plates, do not pass around the elements. Consider using a communion station where people can pick up pre-packaged juice and wafer cups. Also think through how you will collect used cups – it’s recommended that people do not use the cup holders on the backs of pews/chairs as it can be difficult to properly sanitize these areas. Make sure trash reciprocals are readily available. You can find prepacked communion cups from Parasource, Wordcom and Lifeway.
While we’re on the topic of seating, consider removing hymnals, envelopes, forms and pens from chairbacks and pews. Create signage to go throughout your building to remind people to socially distance. This can be done by using stickers on the floor, sandwich boards, posters, TV slides, glass door and window decals, or banners. Remember, though, that all signage doesn’t have to be scary or look like something you’d find in a professional setting. Make it fun and colourful. Use your signage strategically to convey the message and emotion you want: we need people to follow instructions, but we also want them to be comfortable and at ease.
• Figure out what you are going to do about your coffee area. It is absolutely crucial that you get rid of any self-serve coffee stations – this includes the cream and sugar. Is it possible to still serve coffee if someone else is pouring and serving? Before you answer this question, you need to figure out how/if there will be an exchange of money (cash is currently not being accepted by many businesses), how the line is going to work, how to maintain appropriate social distancing, if you will require your café team to wear gloves or masks, and how you will maintain appropriate sanitization. And then you need to ask if this is all worth it just to have a cup of coffee.
Outreach.com, Popsigns and Globe Printers have provided some solutions and ideas for what your signage could look like. Life.Church has also redone their welcome signs held by their parking team to read: “There’s a smile under this mask!” Get creative and make it fun. Reposition your prayer ministry. Social distancing does not make it safe to hold altar calls and personal prayer in the way that we are used to. You’re not eliminating this ministry, you’re just providing different outlets for it to continue. Pray as a large group (appropriately distanced) or train your team how to pray and connect with others over the phone or on a video call.
It is important to weigh if the benefits of having a coffee station with the increased risk of how it may spread the virus and potential risks of additional anxiety or discomfort. If you are in doubt, are unsure, or have questions, it’s best to not serve any coffee or food. Don’t take any chances or risks.
It is also important to move your pre-service prayer gathering out of small off-stage rooms and into a larger area, such as in the lobby or at the front or back of your auditorium.
• Get rid of your bulletin. Do not hand anything out. Communicate important information through a weekly email, put it online, and save 13 13
important announcements that pertain to everyone for your main service.
the way of each other physically? Do the risks of gathering in person outweigh the benefits? Are you gathering just because you can, or because you should?
• Rethink how you welcome new guests. Chances are, if you’re limiting the number of people who can attend and your current congregation is eager to return, you’re not going to have too many new visitors. But if you do, how will you respond? Will you still give them a gift? Will it be packaged in a way that will be easy for them to carry? Can they pick it up rather than have someone pass it to them? Can you make it fun and relevant, such as providing a free small bottle of hand sanitizer? Should you provide gifts at all?
Larry Osborne suggests that “it’s time to go back to the building when we can provide a better experience in the building than we can online.” Consider what your reopening phases will look like. When the government moves to bring us into the next phase of the provincial reopening plan, what does that mean for your church? Create an outline of what will open right away and what will be gradual. Keep your congregation informed of the plan, but also let them know that this is only a draft and is subject to change at any point.
It’s also important to determine if the benefit of having a small welcome gift outweighs the increased potential risks of how it may spread the virus and additional anxiety or discomfort people may experience. If you’re in doubt or have questions, it’s best to not give anything right now. Don’t take any chances.
Provide total clarity about how many people can return and what the process will look like. You’ve been thinking about this and planning for a while, so you have some kind of idea of what to expect. But your congregation doesn’t. Start from the very beginning and lay out the plan, step by step. Many people are going to be anxious about returning, so make this as clear as possible for them. Don’t leave anything to be guessed or assumed.
Also consider your new guest contact form. Rather than use paper forms, send new guests to your online form or have them text a number. Make the process simple and user-friendly.
Be prepared for if the first Sunday back is not what you planned (or hoped) for. (questions from Greg Atkinson) What if you have a church of 300 people but when you reopen the doors only 20 show up? What if all 300 show up and you exceed the social distancing guidelines? What if it takes 25 volunteers to pull off a Sunday, but only 5 return?
Determine who will be required to wear gloves and/or a facemask. Cleaners? Greeters? Parking attendants? Pastoral staff? Guests? Consider that while masks may not necessarily be crucial for all of your teams (ie. outside parking/sign holders if they don’t come into contact with anyone), consider the perception you’re creating – people driving by will observe that you’re being prudent and careful. For your church there may not be a right or wrong answer, just make sure you have an answer.
Make re-entry a major event worth celebrating. Be safe and responsible, but don’t revolve the service around the pandemic. Celebrate what you do have rather focusing on what’s different
If you decide that this is right for your church, here are some places to purchase from (we recommend placing an order ASAP regardless of wherever you buy from as many delivery times are currently taking several weeks): Outreach or Coolyz.
Practice your in-person gathering ahead of time. Doing a dry run of your gathering from start to finish is a helpful way to work through different what-if scenarios and possible missing pieces. This also can better prepare you for how volunteers should be trained to respond and can further assist with knowing where to build contingencies.
Determine if and how you will screen people. Will you screen guests as they drive into the parking lot or enter the building? Will you share expectations ahead of time and trust people’s personal judgement? Life.Church requires people to ask themselves these questions before being able to attend.
Keep your focus: remember the mission of the Church. Be creative and don’t be afraid to step outside of the typical Sunday morning box to try new things. Michael Lukaszewski, Founder of Church Fuel, gives this encouragement: “It wasn’t about a building before, and it’s not about a live stream now. There are sites and services to help you get everything online. But just like it wasn’t a building before, it’s not a website now. Just like your church was more than Sunday before, it’s more than a live-stream now. Yes, figure out how to show up online. But don’t limit your ministry to
Consider the quality and the purpose of your gathering. Nearly every aspect of the service, including singing and worship, is going to be very different with everyone spaced very far apart. How is this going to impact the service? Are you still going to be able to stream your service in good quality simultaneously? Will the online and in-person gatherings get in
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• Church Fuel provides The Senior Pastor’s Guide to Reopening and a detailed and comprehensive Covid Response Kit.
a video feed.” Celebrate what you do have. It’s very easy to observe everything that has been taken away from us and how different everything has to be for a little while, but don’t forget to celebrate the wins and acknowledge what you still have. It’s different, but it doesn’t have to be all bad.
• Visit covidsafechurch.com for covid specific resources, including the COVID-Safe Church Guideline. • For more excellent questions you should ask and work through before reopening, check out the following posts by unseminary.com and kenbraddy.com.
Check out other resources to help guide your strategy. Remember that many church resources are produced in the United States where their COVID-19 response varies drastically from ours. Take ideas from them but always follow Canadian standards and guidelines.
• Churchmarketinguniversity.com has some great relaunch ideas in their Church Relaunch Playbook.
• It may take people slightly longer to exit the gathering space (everyone can’t rush to the door at the same time). Consider how many points of entry you have and how long this could take.
During this COVID-19 season (well, all the time but especially now), sanitization and proper cleaning is of upmost importance. Being unprepared is not an option. Create a Facility Cleaning Checklist. There’s going to be a lot to clean. Write it down and create a checklist – this will make the process easier to remember and will ensure that nothing gets missed. Download a reopening checklist or a facility utilization guide to help you get started.
• Everything will need to be sanitized before the next group can enter, including pews/chairs and anything else that could be touched. Do a walk through and time how long the entire process takes.
Fully stock your church’s cleaning supplies. If you don’t already have a full stock of cleaning supplies, put this at the top of your to do list because it’s going to take some time for supplies to arrive. Due to the extremely frequent need to continually sanitize everything, you will also be running through your supply much quicker. You cannot reopen your facility or keep it open if you run out of cleaning supplies. What’s worse than closing your doors for a pandemic? Reclosing your doors because you’ve run out of sanitization supplies. Click here for a list of disinfectants and for how to clean using bleach.
• Research the drying time. Some disinfectants and sanitizers have a longer drying time, especially if you will be spraying down fabric seats or pews. Make sure washrooms are regularly cleaned. • If the door leading into the washrooms cannot be propped open, consider placing a garbage can inside the door so that people can use paper towel to open the door when leaving. • If you have air dryers, cover them so that they cannot be used and provide lots of paper towel that is easily accessible. If you have a paper towel dispenser that often gets stuck or requires a pull handle, research other options for dispensing paper towel which allows for the least possible amount of touching. TIP: many suppliers provide single pull paper towel sheets from a cardboard box, similar to the style of a tissue box.
Train your staff and volunteers and be specific . Don’t just tell someone to “clean the lobby”; think through every single surface that will be touched and indicate that on a cleaning checklist. Then walk your cleaning staff and volunteers through the process. Learn more about how to train your team on the next page. Build sanitization into your schedule. If you are going to hold multiple services on the same day, consider planning to give extra time towards sanitizing between services. Everything is going to take a little longer than normal.
• Dust all fans and air ventilation covers to provide good airflow. • Regularly wipe down bathroom stalls, including both sides of the doors and the door handles/locks. 15 15
Make hand sanitizers readily available. Place hand sanitizing stations (or antibacterial hand wipes) throughout the facility as much as possible, including points of entry.
Prepare a clear communication strategy. Who is going to completely sanitize the church? How will that be communicated to the congregation? Determine and clearly name who will be responsible for ensuring that everything is managed properly and according to your church’s guidelines.
Prepare your facility to be as touchless as possible. Determine which doors people need to touch in order to open, from the moment they arrive until when they leave. Consider how you can place volunteers strategically to hold open doors and purchase kick stands to prop doors. Remove any formerly used hospitality items, such as brochures, pamphlets and candies or treats (even if they’re prepackaged).
Make sure your staff and volunteers are protected. Ensure that you are able to provide them with appropriate personal protective equipment (particularly gloves) and train them of proper procedures. For example, how to remove used gloves safely and how to put on and remove fabric face masks.
Ministries exist for people; people don’t exist for ministries. Remember this as you think through how you will be modifying some of your Sunday morning ministries. If the coffee becomes more important than the person serving it or the person drinking it, it’s time to get rid of the coffee, and quickly. Same thing goes for anything else (although for right now, we recommend not serving coffee at all, for obvious reasons).
make life simpler by ensuring that everyone receives the same communication. Retrain every volunteer about physical distancing expectations. When we’re with friends, our avoidance of social norms can be easily forgotten. It’s important that volunteers never give pats on the back, handshakes, or fist bumps. Remind your volunteers to also keep distance between one another, even if they are from the same family (not everyone always knows who’s related to who).
To help get you started, Life.Church provides a free online guide for church hosts. Use this as a resource for rebuilding your teams.
Don’t limit volunteer opportunities to positions only inside the building. Consider volunteers who may be vulnerable individuals (elderly, immune compromised, pregnant, etc.) and don’t exclude them. Find a place for people to help and be involved, but be aware of the risk and put their safety first. Find ways to utilize your greeting or prayer teams to help as hosts and moderators on your livestream chat, enlist a team to phone each member of your congregation to check up on them, provide opportunities for meal deliveries… the list goes on. When in doubt, ask people what they would be comfortable doing and don’t pressure anyone to do something that makes them uncomfortable.
Coach teams to be hospitable. Many guests will arrive with some feelings of anxiety – coach teams on how to be a friendly and comforting face. Encourage volunteers to always smile, even if they’re wearing a mask. Also train volunteers to fully understand your church’s reopening strategy so that they can confidently answer any questions guests may have. Make sure that everyone knows the plan. Your volunteers are often the first faces attendees see and they will probably be the first ones to be bombarded with questions. Do your best to make sure they know the answers before they’re asked, and also train them for how to respond if they don’t know. Then, make sure it’s clear to volunteers where they can go to find an answer. Especially in this season, it’s important to leave nothing to guessing.
Give them pastoral care. Pastor, your congregation includes your volunteers. You have many competent, intelligent and capable people on your teams. Many of them are professionals and experts, regardless or whether they’re currently working or retired, and have a heart for the Church. Don’t assume that they don’t need to be checked up on, or that someone else is checking in on them. Make sure they’re being cared for and responded to.
Use technology to your advantage. Creating training videos can help facilitate training. These don’t need to be anything fancy and can even be recorded on your phone if you don’t have a tech team to help you. Videos can 16 16
Parking Lot Team
Offering Team
• Strategically place volunteers outside of your building to welcome and guide people as they arrive and leave.
• Do not pass around offering plates or baskets. • If you have a machine available for debit/credit, train your team to wipe down the machine after each use. Also show them how the counter needs to be cleaned after each use.
• Instruct volunteers how to guide guests if there are any special parking or entering instructions. Greeting Team
Communion Team
• Hold the door open for guests as they enter and exit.
• Do not pass around plates of juice and crackers.
• Smile and be friendly – these are the first faces people will see.
• If you choose to set up an area where people can pick up a prepackaged cup and wafer, be sure to handle the cups carefully as people will put them to their mouth.
• Prepare volunteers with answers to questions about what is happening with children’s ministries.
• Prepare your team to set up garbage reciprocals strategically to collect used cups.
• Do not shake hands or give out bulletins.
• Make sure that your team is equipped with gloves and that they are worn at all times when distributing and collecting waste.
Guest Services • Prepare volunteers with answers to questions about what is happening with children’s ministries.
Children’s Ministry Team
• Consider not giving out a welcome gift and try to move your new guest form to online as much as possible. If you’re able to provide a fillable form on a device such as an iPad or tablet, train your team how to use the online form and how to clean the devices properly after each use.
• See pages 18-19 to learn more. Worship & Tech Team • Ensure your team is always using clean equipment and provide them with sanitizing wipes. This includes wiping down music stands, microphone stands, microphones, cords, keyboards, amp switches and dials, in-ear mixing units, lighting boards, sound boards, media computers and cameras. Be VERY careful with all of this equipment. Make sure you research how to properly clean your equipment and follow the user manuals before using any cleaning products or liquids on this expensive equipment. If you’re still unsure, reach out to another church with a technical team for guidance.
Café Team • Find considerations and planning you need to make before providing this optional hospitality service on page 13. • Any service provided will need to follow food industry standards for safe food handling and serving. If these standards cannot be maintained at all times, it’s best to do without coffee, for now. Ushers Team
• Remind your team to keep socially distant when entering and leaving the stage, as well as where they are placed on stage.
• Do not shake hands or give out bulletins. • Help people find a place to sit. Walk with them to find their seats as much as possible, rather than just point.
• Adjust stations in the tech booth as much as possible to allow for social distancing. If you’re unable to move your computer or board(s), consider if your team will be required to wear facemasks.
• Prepare volunteers with answers to questions about what is happening with children’s ministries. • Hold open the doors to the auditorium when people enter and exit (if they cannot be propped open).
• Encourage your team to not gather in a side-stage room as these can often be small and not allow social distancing.
Prayer Team • Move pre-service prayer to an open area, such as at the front or back of the auditorium or a chapel rather than a side-stage room.
Cleaning Team • See page 15 to learn more. • Make sure you are able to provide your team with appropriate protective equipment, especially gloves.
• Refrain from praying with individuals in close settings. Pray instead as a large group (appropriately distanced) or provide opportunities for your team to pray with people over the phone or via video call. 17 17
First, know that you should only consider having kids ministry once things like daycares, summer camps and kids programs have started in your community.
Some reasons not to resume Preschool (and younger) ministry, even after church re-opens: • These are the youngest children we serve. It is impossible to social distance and provide adequate care for them.
Even once these things have started the questions you need to ask is, "With the protocols in place is our kids ministry going to be a positive experience for the kids?"
• The level of developmentally appropriate separation anxiety when returning to church for these children will be high. Parents will need time to re-establish the church routine and comfort level within their family.
Ensure that your rollout will be a comprehensive plan that accomplishes the following objectives:
• The amount of hand/mouth items is significant with young children and will take an extensive cleaning plan.
1. Instills a feeling of cleanliness and safety for parents 2. Implements current social distancing protocols 3. Marketing to communicate: Safe, Clean, and Loving
4. Activates team members with updated training and roll out strategies
Austin Toews, Director of Children, Preteen and Family Ministries, has written an article covering this topic and includes many helpful resources. Click here to read the full article. Here is some of what he writes:
Option 2: Keep Parents and Kids together Isn't that going to be boring for kids? No. You are thinking about this backwards. The questions is, Isn't that going to be boring for parents? The default is to cancel kids ministry and have the kids sit with their parents and provide an activity book to keep them ‘occupied’. Try an intergenerational service instead. Collaborate with your kids and/or youth pastor. Get them involved. Even let them take the lead. Create inter-generational services. (if you do them well you may even end up doing them for years to come)
There still a lot of things to think about and consider when looking at the possibility of gathering again in-person. There are restrictions and guidelines that we have to follow. And when we think about kids ministry we have to really think through how we are going to do it. Here are 3 options for gathering in-person in these early stages of reopening:
Option 3: In-Person Services (but different) There is still much that is unclear when it comes to guidelines for gathering in-person and things are changing every day. The bottom line is, we are to reduce the risk of COVID-19 as much as we can with the understanding that health is a big priority. Kids interacting with other kids and adults is critical for their health.
Option 1: Don’t Gather in Person Just because we can gather together in-person again doesn't mean that opening your doors is the default answer. You cannot assume that families are coming back when you open your doors. As pastors and church leaders, we have a Sunday-at-church mindset; we don't know any different than going to church on a Sunday. The reality is, most people don't think like that. Most people have a Sunday-at-home mindset and they need to have a convincing reason to get to church.
The idea is to create spaces for kids to have fun and interact with other kids and role models while being responsible for reducing the spread of COVID-19. The next page will give you ideas for how to do this safely and effectively.
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Safety will be top of mind for those who come back to church. Here are some more considerations.
• Post on signage when toys were last cleaned
• Child-friendly handwashing station in lobby or outside the kids area
• Preschool restrooms cleaned after each use
• Prepackaged snacks
• Doors remain open during drop off and pick up
Elementary • Limited amount of kids in each room
Volunteers
• No food or drink in any room
• New team training to keep personal connection high while being mindful of safety and new cleaning measures
• No food or drink (water bottles) with volunteers • Added screening questions to in-room sign-in sheets
• Consider the impact on the most vulnerable. Looking at team members that are either pregnant, immunocompromised, or elderly. The opening will significantly impact scheduling, as you will not to use team members who are vulnerable.
• Sanitization of all chairs, tables and areas in between services • Washroom attendance/monitor Socially-distanced activity ideas • Simon says (no face touching)
Check-in • Wellness policy posted (updated with a 72 hour symptom-free time period)
• Physical competitions (who can stand on one foot the longest? Can do more push-ups?)
• A “no-touch” check-in process; no self-check in
• Memory verse actions
• Social distancing encouraged through signage
• Song actions
• Volunteers wearing masks
• Dance party
• One parent drop off and pick-up
• Would you rather game (have kids stand for one option and sit for the other)
• No personal items such as bags, car seats, or toys from home
• Bucket toss (give each kid a few sheets of paper and they crumble up and have to toss into a bucket. Maybe have them run from point A to B before they shoot. Do this one kid at a time.)
Sick child •
If a child were to show symptoms of sickness such as lethargic, fever, consistent coughing, etc. we will take them to a designated room and contact their parent for an early check out
• Do crafts that you don't need to share supplies • Search "kids ministry games" on Pinterest and see what other games would work or you could adapt
Pre-K
Other ideas
• Added screening questions to in-room sign-in sheets
• Use "leap pads" to help kids travel from one location to another in lieu of a hand holding chain or a rope. (leap pads can be as simple as pieces of paper that you put in a path that kids have to jump from one to another. Think the "Floor is Lava game."
• Limited amount of kids in each room • Pacifiers on clips only • Spare clothing to change into for volunteers holding children (each time they hold a new child)
• Kids walking into a room with all the volunteers wearing face masks can be scary. Get "fun" face masks for your volunteers. Use markers, iron-on images or buy some like these.
• Nursery workers keep toys with same child • Kids in cloth diapers will be changed into disposable diapers • On call volunteers to help with separation anxiety • Separate toys for each service (or rooms when able)
>> TO RECEIVE MORE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY RESOURCES SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LIST
• Machine wash toys only (play doh, and legos prohibited) • Sanitization of all counters and areas in between services
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*This information is updated regularly. Check the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information. *CEWS has been extended through June, where relevant information is yet to be updated.
(See page 24 for more information)
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*This information is updated regularly. Check the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information. *CEWS has been extended through June, where relevant information is yet to be updated.
(See page 24 for more information)
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Your District team is here for you: Ken Russell is a specialist when it comes to board leadership and conflict resolution.
Darwin Pichette can help you with all the acronyms: CEWS, EI-SUB Plan, EI Work Share, CEBA; as well as anything else to do with finances, governance and so on. Mark Lewis is a specialist in revitalization. If your church is plateaued, declining or generally stuck, he can help you thrive again. Len DenBraber can help you rethink ministry, strategize for the future, manage staff, develop small groups and go multi-service, micro-site or multi-site. Harold Gutierrez can assist with indigenous and international ministries. Austin Toews can assist with children and family ministry resources regarding summer programming and services. Seth Greenham can assist with campus ministry connections.
Did you try something new that’s working better than expected, or something that completely flopped? Let us know. We’d love your feedback so that we can help other churches who may be curious about trying similar things.
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Click on our Responding To Coronavirus (COVID-19) banner to access helpful ministry resources and to get the most current updates and information, including how to hold Annual and Special General Meetings and weddings.
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Darwin Pichette | Assistant Superintendent for Operations Summer is finally here, which this year might look a little different while walking through the current COVID-19 crisis. There are many churches and pastors asking questions surrounding the crisis and their finances, to which the following might be of great assistance to you. Pages 20-21 may also help to explain some of the information from below. If you have any questions regarding any of these points or other areas of church administration, please feel free to contact me any time at dpichette@bc.paoc.org. May God bless you, your family and your ministry, as you minister through the months ahead.
website (bc.paoc.org/programs/covid-19-coronavirus), as we practice healthy distancing and gathering restrictions. These meetings are possible at this time, yet it is very important to review and follow these steps and requirements. T3010 – Annual Charity Reporting As you complete your yearend T3010 reporting, please note that CRA has extended the T3010 reporting deadline to December 31, 2020. The simplest way to file is through using or registering your ‘CRA My Business Account’. You may also use a T3010 fillable version, which you would need to save to your computer. If it opens as a ‘please wait’ page, please save that page to your computer then open it with your usual PDF program by using your right click (secondary) mouse button. Ensure you also complete a T1235 form (only indicate an end date if a Director has concluded and indicate ‘not at arm’s length’ only for directors related to another director – there must be less than 50% related) and a T1236 form (indicating all charities that you sent funds to). On the T3010, please complete either Section D or Schedule 6, where you would choose to complete Schedule 6 if your revenues exceeded $100,000, if your property (investments or buildings) not used in charitable activities is more than $25,000 and if you have permission to accumulate funds during this fiscal year. Most churches use the accrual method (not cash), because expenses are paid before income for the event is received and funds are carried to a future year. Finally, do NOT report that your church is ‘subordinate to a parent organization’, because you have your own governing board and documents.
COVID-19 Financial Helps and Tools During this time of crisis, you will find up to date financial resources for every church and staff member on our District website (www.bc.paoc.org/resources/covid-19-coronavirus/ pages/keeping-finances-strong), as the government and others create and update information almost daily. Please take a few minutes today to review these very helpful resources: • Continuing and Increasing Revenues CEBA Loan (CAUTIONS) • Employment Remunerations Wage Subsidies (CEWS, TWS, WorkShare) • Unemployment Options EI SUB, CERB, BC Emerg. Benefit, BC Rental Subsidy, etc. • Grants for Ministering with/to Seniors • Medical Benefits Kechnie Benefits Premium Reductions • Online Giving Methods COVID-19 SGM, AGM, Board Meetings, Online Connections, Weddings and Re-openings During this time of crisis, you will find helpful AGM, SGM and Board Meeting instructions, as well as continued online connecting, wedding and re-opening helps, on our District
Church Toolbox and Resources The PAOC Church Toolbox and BCYD Resources are two locations where you can find resources and answers for ministry. Lear more at paoc.org/church-toolbox or www.bc.paoc.org/ resources. 24
Harold Gutierrez | Director of International and Indigenous Ministries We have been here before: an outbreak of a deadly disease that took the lives of many worldwide. Its effects went beyond casualties. It rattled the socio-economic balance of the land and had a profound impact on the religious worldview of the people. This was what the early church faced during the 2nd and 3rd century AD. The Roman Empire was ravaged by two pandemics: one in 165-180 AD, and the other in 251 AD.
1. Disrupt the Flow of Fear Fear is not an executioner, but an advisor. Our communities are being invaded with facts and scenarios that will make it very easy to live in despair. Beingisolated are separating individuals from meaningful people in their lives heightens the possibility of anxiety and depression. The flow of fear that flood people’s hearts must be disrupted by a message that offers hope and steadiness amid a crisis. Our messages and our communication with individuals, albeit at a distance, must be what influences their response to what is currently unfolding around them. This is the time where we must be putting the effort to point people’s hearts to the Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to block the flow of fear.
While the church was small and seen as a strange cult by some in the Roman Empire, these two outbreaks, the first probably smallpox and the second, measles, did not negatively impact the growth and status of the early church. While many, accustomed to a stable life in the Roman Empire, were driven by the fear of death or by beliefs that the gods were angry and were giving out just punishment to the human race, the Christians engaged the sufferings of the community. They cared for the sick who were being abandoned or neglected. They did so in such a way that put their lives at risk. They offered a message of hope that pointed to the One True God who in Christ conquered death. By the time both pandemics dissipated, the church was known as a community that defied the fearful times, helped in tangible ways, and offered a message of hope and redemption. They did not let the uncertain and dreadful times affect their missional priority to love others as Christ loved them.
2. Elevate your Presence in the Community This is the moment where the disruption to all our preplanned activities must give way to sincere reflection of what the needs of our community are. There are people who are grieving, hurting, and struggling, and we must be aware of the most vulnerable people in our circle of influence and find a way to tangibly do something for them that will show them the church is more than just a building. Kindness is shown in real quantities, not in big or small ones. Another lesson from Church history will show us that there was a much bigger pandemic in the 13th century known as the Bubonic Plague, or Black Plague. Its death toll throughout Europe was completely disastrous. The church was immersed in the spiritual lethargy of the Dark Ages before the outbreak. There was no change after the outbreak and the church was as dormant as it has ever been. Unlike the church of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, they missed the opportunity.
As we look at the COVID-19 crisis that has affected our world, the church cannot lose focus of their missional priorities and responsibility to be the “light of the world, and the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13-14). As society adopts a fearful posture of dread and hopelessness until a miracle vaccine emerges, we have been given a platform to speak and embody healing in all levels to our communities. Learning from the experience of the early church through what is known as the Antonine Plague, we must:
Our responsibility is that the church of today becomes a true beacon of hope in the community by responding missionally to the ongoing crisis. 25
and the knowledgeable administration that passionately resource this opportunity. I would strongly endorse this program for wherever you find yourself on the learning continuum; whether studying for interest or a springboard to something more. Thank you, Summit, for your deep investment into me and into others.” – Darren Abrahams, Multiplication Pastor, GT Church
Summit’s School of Graduate Studies is pleased to announce our first Master of Arts program! This accredited MA in Youth Ministry is led by Dr. Andrew Evans. “We are very excited about this new degree program!
An important trend in youth ministry today is the need for interdisciplinary training for professional youth workers. The program focuses on practical training in ministry with a significant emphasis on spiritual formation and allows for flexibility between theology and non-profit organizational leadership. Students who graduate with this MA in Youth Ministry will have studied with some of the top youth ministry minds in North America and will develop a significant ministry project that will immediately impact their current context of ministry.” – Program Director Dr. Evans
This fall we will offer a new course entitled “Studies in Pauline Writings: Doctrine and Spirit for Today’s Church” with Dr. Dave Demchuk. The course will start on October 22. Other fall courses include: • “Theory and Application of Biblical Interpretation” (September-December) • “Pentecostal Pastoral Theology” (November)
To learn more about this program or to apply, visit www.grad.summitpacific.ca/youth-ministry.
• “Strategy & Principles for Leading NPOL Organizations” (September-October) • “Not-for-Profit Governance and Board Essentials” (November)
Studies in Pentecostal Theology and Non-Profit Organizational Leadership certificate programs will be offered next academic year
as well. Here is what one of our recent graduates has to say about The detailed course schedule for all fall and winter courses will be his experience: available at www.grad.summitpacific.ca in June. The classroom lectures are available online by videoconferencing. All courses are “Summit's Graduate Program has been an invaluable blessing available individually for credit or audit to pastors, lay ministers and and benefit on my continuing learning of servant leadership. church attendees. Returning to study after a long hiatus was somewhat daunting.
However, the encouragement and step by guided step structure If you have questions about any of these programs or individual helped make this manageable - from the lecturers that live and courses, please contact gradstudies@summitpacific.ca. model what they teach, to the relevant and insightful subjects Online Option for Graduate Studies. Summit Pacific College has invested in technology that offers a real-time online classroom experience for School of Graduate Studies students who cannot attend a class in person.
everyone else, engages with the learning material and assignments as others in the class, but is present in the class sessions via video conference. In short, an online student misses very little of the dynamics of the classroom experience.
This platform delivers a learning experience in which online students can engage in discussions with a professor and class, and receive slides as well as “white board” presentations simultaneously with other students.
The SUMMIT SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES currently offers two certificates, each consisting of five courses.
The Certificate in Studies in Pentecostal Theology explores the rich world of Pentecostal theology, and will enhance the This delivery format is referred as a “hybrid” student’s understanding of contemporary model. A student enrolls in the class like perspectives. 26
The Certificate in Non-Profit Organizational Leadership provides a strong foundation for future and current leaders in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on institutional leadership. The courses are offered in modular format. For more information about the program, courses, and study options contact the Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Riku Tuppurainen at deanofgradstudies@summitpacific.ca. >> FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT UPCOMING COURSES VISIT
GRAD.SUMMITPACIFIC.CA
• Kaylee Fell has been appointed as Next Gen Pastor of Life Church in Nanaimo. She began on May 3.
• Les and Pat Markham will be concluding their role as Prayer Coordinators of the BC and Yukon District (end of June) and Les will also be concluding his role as Seniors Pastor of Surrey Pentecostal Assembly (end of July).
• Brittany Fulton will be concluding her role as Campus Ministry Associate with University Christian Ministries at the University of British Columbia. She will finish on May 31.
• Tim Young has concluded his role as Assistant Pastor of Richmond Pentecostal Church. His final day was May 1.
• Tony Janzen will be concluding his role as Campus Director with University Christian Ministries at the University of Victoria. He will finish on May 31.
• Alba Zhou will be concluding her role as Campus ministry associate with University Christian Ministries at the University of British Columbia. She will finish on June 30.
• Anahim Lake Chapel (Church Replant Opportunity)
• Comox Pentecostal Church
• Armstrong, Glad Tidings Church
• Hixon, Lighthouse Community Church
• Bella Coola Pentecostal Assembly
• Logan Lake, Church on the Hill
• Burnaby, Iglesia Pentecostal Emanuel (Spanish – bilingual)
• Port Alice, Oceanview Assembly (Bi-Vocational)
• Cherryville, Gospel Church (Bi-Vocational)
• Richmond, More Than 12
• Chilliwack, Central Pentecostal Assembly
• Richmond Pentecostal Assembly
• Chilliwack, First Avenue Christian Assembly
• Salt Spring Island (Church Replant Opportunity)
• Clearwater, New Life Assembly
• Vernon Family Church
V isit b c.p a o c.o rg/ e ve n t s f o r cu rren t info rmati on ab o ut all 20 2 0 u p co min g e ven ts.
During this time of global concern, we want to support individuals who don’t have access to RightNow Media through their church. For a limited time, get free access to a library of select video series covering a wide range of topics.
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UPDATE See you next summer?
Located at the Fir’s in Bellingham bc.paoc.org/events
Located near Whitehorse camp-yukon.com
Located at Big Bar Lake kidsrockcamp.com
Located near Quesnel chubblake.ca
Located near Terrace tpalife.org
Located on Vancouver Island nanoosebaycamp.ca
Les & Pat Markham – Prayer Ministry Coordinators Marj Pettinger – Counselling Coordinator Derek Koch – Marketplace Ministers and Chaplains Coordinator Jim & Kathryn Richards – BC Building Society Coordinators
Ken Russell – District Superintendent Darwin Pichette – Assistant Superintendent for Operations Len DenBraber – Assistant Superintendent for Multiplication Mark Lewis - Assistant Superintendent for Revitalization Seth Greenham – University Christian Ministries Director Harold Gutierrez – International and Indigenous Ministries Director Austin Toews – Children, Preteen and Family Ministries Director Allen de Jong – Youth, Young Adults and Family Ministries Director
Bruce Brown, Jim Caruso, Len DenBraber, Hannah Dutko, Dave Funk, Jaz Ghag, Derrick Hamre, Mark Lewis, Lucas Mitchell, Rebeca Monzo, Angie Penhall, Darwin Pichette, Kim Quigley, Ken Russell
Bill Ashbee (Fraser Valley), Marco Bessa (Thompson-Shuswap), Wes Daase (Delta/Surrey/New West), Peter Lewis (South Island), Gary Maaser (Far North), Lorrie Anne MacLeod (Kootenay), Paul Moores (Vancouver), Dave Murphy (Northwest), David Postal (North Island), Dan Starlund (Indigenous), Cliff Siebert (Okanagan), Rich Phillips (Cariboo/Prince George)
Val VanderMeulen – Admin for Church and Clergy Records Carol McPhail – Bookkeeper Devan Sylvester – Admin for Communications Janet Rana – Admin for District Conference and Seminars Cynthia Oldendorf – Admin for Ministry Operations Laura O’Reilly – Admin for Events Allie Hoad – Volunteer Coordinator Kirsten Anonby – University Christian Ministries Assistant Director Kailei Chang – University Christian Ministries Ministry Support Specialist
CONTACT US
Trevor Kempner (North Island), Rex Ng (Vancouver), Steve Pederson (Far North), Shaun Romano (Kootenay), Bart Thomas (Okanagan), Rob Young (Northwest)
20411 DOUGLAS CRESCENT, LANGLEY BC V3A 4B6 BC.PAOC.ORG | INFO@BC.PAOC.ORG T: 604-533-2232 | F: 604-533-5405 BCYNPAOC 28
BCYDIST
