AllÄąance
CM
A Resource for Transforming Canada and the World
Church Ministries
Marbles or Grapes? s The Syrian Refugee Crisi Churches offer hope in the midst of this humanitarian emergency
on Gigantic Faith in Acti Their confidence in what they hoped for had no boundaries
Finding Christ at The Manor A desire to see new adoptions into God’s family is realized
FALL 2014
MISSIONFOCUSED OFFERING 2014
ON MISSION
TOGETHER
VISIT WWW.CMACAN.ORG/MISSIONFOCUSED2014 SEE THE CENTRE ENVELOPE At any Alliance Church in Canada, designate a gift to “Global Advance Fund” on an offering envelope
Contents Features 6 The Syrian Refugee Crisis Churches offer hope in the midst of this humanitarian emergency
10 Seizing the Opportunities
A unified strategy for transformation is launched
18 Bearing Each Other’s Burdens The cord of friendship binding us together keeps us strong
46 Bridging the Gap
A process to make the most of the interim between permanent pastors
Plus 9 Love in Motion 2014
35 Making the Connexion 36 Church Planting in Montreal 37 L’implantation d’église à Montréal 38 Together We Can Do More 39 Reaching the World on Our Doorstep 40 A Faith Community of Small Groups 41 Waiting on the Lord 42 Releasing Burdens—Gaining Freedom 43 Expecting the Holy Spirit 44 Leave Your Mark on Tomorrow 45 Bringing People to God
12 Gigantic Faith in Action
48 Exploding Growth
14 Proving Eugene Wrong?
55 Take a Closer Look at Us
15 Being a Church for the City 16 Outstanding in Their Field 17 Embracing This Way of Life 20 Catching the Vision
Canadian Pacific District Western Canadian District Canadian Midwest District Central Canadian District Eastern Canadian District St. Lawrence District
28 Five “S” Movement: Church Ministries 30 Finding Christ at The Manor 32 Unity in Diversity 33 Finding New Hope in Christ 34 Shifting the Focus
Departments Now You Know
54 Pastoring the Pastors
Personnel
50 Personnel Updates
Perspectives
31 Are You In?
Resources
49 Alliance-Generated Resources
FALL 2014
20 21 22 23 24 25
Allıance
EDITORIAL
CM
A Resource for Transforming Canada and the World
cmAlliance.ca is the national publication of The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada. Founder A.B. Simpson President David Hearn Director of Communications Carol Roycroft Associate Editor Gladys Thompson Editorial Assistant Debra Marritt Design Devon J Andrew Design Inc. Consultant Peter White All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Version © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Agreement No. 40064689 ISSN: 1918-4646 All articles are copyrighted by The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada except where indicated and can be reprinted only with written permission. Submissions Writer’s Guidelines are available at www.cmacan.org. Send electronic inquiries or manuscript submissions to magazine@cmacan.org. No responsibility is assumed to publish, preserve or return unsolicited material. For more information or reprint permission: contact Gladys Thompson, The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada, 30 Carrier Drive, Suite 100 Toronto ON M9W 5T7 Phone: 416.674.7878 ext. 202 Fax: 416.674.0808 e-mail: magazine@cmacan.org Member of the Canadian Church Press
Church Ministries: Marbles or Grapes?
S
omeone once asked, “Are church ministries more like a bag of marbles or a cluster of grapes?” A bag of marbles is neat and tidy, with clearly defined boundaries and a high level of autonomy. Each marble is complete in itself, and even though in the same bag, actually stays quite unaffected by the other marbles. Each marble has its own strengths and could succeed with or without the other marbles being present. A bag of marbles is efficient, effective and boring. A cluster of grapes, on the other hand, is very different. Each grape is connected to the others through a vine, revealing a significant interconnectedness. Grapes are fragile and need care in order not to get squished. Grapes are messy. If they get squeezed, every other grape is potentially affected. But grapes are filled with life! They bring nourishment and refreshment to those who enjoy them. Grapes are designed to serve, and when blended together with other ingredients, can produce a full-flavoured wine. Church ministries can probably resemble either a bag of marbles or a cluster of grapes, but in God’s best design I would opt for grapes rather than marbles. Church ministries are messy, but they are life giving and life releasing at their best. In this edition of cmAlliance.ca, we invite you to journey into the world of church ministries. The variety is astounding, the expressions of life multi-layered. We often say that the nations of the world are coming to Canada. East Gate Alliance Church is living proof of this reality: an international church hub is emerging right in the midst of a local church. Other articles focus on important issues such as the joys of being a pastor’s wife, thriving in the midst of pastoral transitions and pursuing spiritual integrity. You will be so encouraged and challenged by these incredible stories. So find a quiet place, sit back and enjoy the grapes! Blessings, Dave Hearn President
Everything MUST BE DONE SO THAT THE
Church may be
Distinctively Canadian Totally Alliance 4
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BUilt up 1 Corinthians 14:26
Mailbox
To submit a letter, write to magazine@cmacan.org or cmAlliance.ca, The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada, 30 Carrier Drive, Suite 100, Toronto ON M9W 5T7. Letters may be edited for space, clarity and style. Submissions constitute permission to use. Include your name, city and province.
GOOD MAGAZINE As I was reading through the latest issue of cmAlliance.ca on Tuesday, I was thinking, “This really is a good magazine! I ought to write something in it one day!” I’ve always loved writing—it’s essentially what I do every week when I teach but lately, I’ve been thinking about it even more. —Ian Trigg
WOW, WOW, AND WOW I just got the mail and the C&MA magazine (Spring 2014). It is lovely. Thank you for the opportunity to highlight God’s leading on our lives and provide some information about adoption through the website. You covered the issues well— the ones most readers have on their minds. I must say that the adjacent story about infants overseas . . . WOW, WOW, and WOW! How inspirational. And that story about the Herbold family —that was great! God’s heart is so much for the children. We pray that this edition would bring children home, to parents that maybe were sitting on the fence of adoption. God bless, and thank you again. —Tracy Clemenger
THEY FOUGHT FOR
OUR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Fall 2014
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FEATURE
The Syrian Refugee Crisis Churches offer hope in the midst of this humanitarian emergency
T
he human casualties are sobering. The United Nations recently reported that 3 million people have fled Syria since the outbreak of war in March 2011, many of whom have taken refuge in Jordan or Lebanon. Additionally, there are over 6.5 million internally-displaced persons (IDPs) inside Syria. “I lay on the street pretending I was dead for five hours because the snipers would shoot anything that moved.” This is just one example of the troubling realities we heard from Syrian refugees as they recounted their experiences before fleeing to safety in neighbouring countries. Alliance churches in the Middle East have been helping refugees and IDPs in the midst of this conflict no matter their religious or ethnic backgrounds. In addition to providing food, medicine, blankets, clothing and heaters, churches have been operating school classes and clinics, and making medical assistance available wherever possible.
Living conditions in Mafraq 1
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BY JOANNE BEACH
The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada (C&MA) has supported the relief ministries of Alliance churches in Beirut, Lebanon, in Damascus, Syria, and in Mafraq, Jordan. Last December, I travelled to the region with a team led by Arie Verduijn, President of Alliance World Fellowship. We visited these sister churches and many Syrian refugee families. The living conditions for the refugees are terribly disheartening. Whether it is an extended family of 12 living in a one-room rented space, multiple families sharing one small apartment or young widows and their children in a tent within a refugee camp, life is difficult and seems hopeless. People told us stories of leaving jobs, homes, friends and family—with whatever they could carry—and now relying on the kindness and generosity of others. The churches in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan are tirelessly providing for literally thousands of families.
Refugee students at Mafraq church school 1
Refugee father and kids 1
A MESSAGE FROM AN INTERNATIONAL WORKER IN THIS REGION
THE ALLIANCE APPROACH The most striking component of the churches’ relief ministries is the personal interest that is demonstrated. It is not just about handing out mattresses, blankets, heaters or food; it is about relational connection. In Mafraq, once the church’s distribution teams have delivered desperately needed items, visitation teams do regular follow-up to inquire about further needs, pray with people and simply spend time visiting. In the region it is referred to as the “Alliance Approach.” Pastor Edward A. from Damascus summarized it in these words: “We let people know how precious they are.” When I asked Pastor Edward if he was going to leave Syria, with a deep resolve he said that he had to stay and care for his people; that the church needed to continue to be a beacon of hope in the midst of the conflict. Our team was privileged to visit the Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan. At the time, with a population of approximately 130,000, it was one of the largest refugee camps in the world. After a 30-minute briefing from the Colonel who oversaw the camp, we were driven through it, which enabled us to get a sense of what life is like within.
The war in Syria is a thoroughly religious conflict. Many of the jihadist groups fighting are seeking an Islamic theocracy, and our brothers and sisters in Christ are casualties. During Middle East conflicts, the number of Christians in the area drops sharply. Christian homes and churches are targeted as some of the groups aim to cleanse the Middle East of all Christians. They try to accomplish this through murder, imprisonment, exile, or the jizya (a tax on all non-Muslim residents of an area). The proclamation of the Gospel of Christ in the Middle East is vital; with many people disillusioned with Islamic rule, the Church is in a unique position of risk and opportunity. Pray for the conflict in Syria, that:
1. All involved will agree to an unconditional ceasefire
2. Foreign fighters will leave Syria 3. Neighbouring countries will prevent foreign fighters from entering Syria
4. Aid will be allowed for all who need it
5. Countries will agree to a peace conference
6. Attacks on Christians and churches will cease immediately
7. An inclusive, multi-ethnic government will be established
8. Christians will not leave Syria, but remain to share Jesus’ love and hope
9. Weapon supply to neighbouring countries and the resulting weapon influx into Syria will cease
10. The war in Syria will not spill over to neighbouring countries
11. Detainees and those abducted will be released Refugees seeking help 1
Bridal shop, Za’atari Refugee Camp
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One profound moment that deeply impacted us was driving up the main market street in the refugee camp and passing a bridal shop. When we commented on this, our security escort pointed out that in this new normal, people marry, have children and build new relationships; life goes on for the displaced. The Jordanian government is doing a commendable job trying to help these refugees, but there are more people coming in than the government can handle. Water shortages are common, and Syria’s neighbouring country’s infrastructure is straining under the rapid and dramatic rise in population numbers. Within refugee camps, the United Nations World Food Programme and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are providing simple shelter, food, water and a degree of basic healthcare. Children attend school. Yet for millions of refugees who are not in official camps, these provisions are not guaranteed. People outside the camps are the focus of our sister churches. The church in Mafraq started a small school and is considering opening a larger one so that the hundreds of kids with whom they are connecting will have the opportunity to continue their education. As the churches are reaching out with compassion to those in this crisis, they are discovering that many are spiritually seeking as well. In their despair, they are finding hope in Jesus. One refugee father told us with deep appreciation in his voice, “Thank God for the Christians!” Pastor Nour from Mafraq stated, “Now one of the greatest needs is for discipleship, as many people are beginning to follow Jesus.” WHAT CAN WE DO? In response to the Syrian crisis, the first thing we can do is pray. We can pray for peace within the region. We can pray that Christians in the Middle East who are experiencing persecution will persevere and have courage to live out their faith in the face of such adversity.
We must prayerfully uphold our Alliance World Fellowship partner churches in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon and the many volunteers who are providing relief to thousands. We can support their relief efforts through the C&MA Global Emergency Response Fund. Finally, some churches may sense a call to respond by assisting a refugee family to resettle in Canada. For more information on refugee sponsorship, contact the Alliance Justice and Compassion office at alliancecompassion@cmacan.org. Joanne Beach is Director of Alliance Justice and Compassion, The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada
WHAT CAN YOUR CHURCH DO? Let us stand and contend with the Lord in prayer for the Church of Christ, our brothers and sisters in the Middle East.
Choose a day of prayer and fasting for
n
Syria, and emphasize Syria in a service.
Put the prayer requests (page 7) in your
n
bulletin, and remember them in prayer meetings, small groups and family prayers.
Write your Member of Parliament about
n
the need to put an end to the religious persecution of Christians in Syria.
Give to the C&MA Global Emergency Response
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Fund to support relief efforts (cmacan.org/give).
Za’atari Refugee Camp 1 1 Photo Courtesy Joanne Beach 2 Photo Courtesy Lukas Verduijn
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PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY FUNDS RAISED THANKS TO ALL OUR ORGANIZERS, RIDERS, DONORS AND SPONSORS FOR RAISING FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS: Ruth and Naomi’s Mission — providing hope for the homeless in
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Chilliwack, B.C.
The Second Mile — providing hot soup and a place for healing in Vernon, B.C.
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Encompass Partnerships — ministering to newcomers to Canada and
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Aboriginal youth in Calgary, Alta.
Millbourne Community Life Centre and Medical Centre — providing
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friendship and healing in Edmonton, Alta.
Good News Chapel — an inner-city outreach in Regina, Sask.
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Launching of vibrant churches in rural Manitoba
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Lightpoints at Jane and Finch — unleashing potential, empowering youth
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and restoring hope in a rough neighbourhood in Toronto, Ont.
Welcoming Newcomers to Canada — sharing the love of Christ with
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refugees, prostitutes, and those living in poverty in downtown Toronto, Ont.
Roxy Coffee — intentionally creating a place where people can connect in
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Bolton, Ont.
Hope for a New Generation — reaching a new generation of young
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Quebecois in Montreal, Que.
Motorcycle project — providing transportation to the villages for trainers
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and overseers of agricultural projects in Niger, Africa
For more information, pictures and videos, go to www.loveinmotion.ca Photos Courtesy Matt Campbell and Dan Marritt
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FEATURE
Seizing the Opportunities A unified strategy for transformation is launched During his President’s Report at General Assembly in Ottawa, on July 3, 2014, Rev. David Hearn challenged the Alliance family with an expanded vision.
“I
t’s time for a new dream,” observed President David Hearn. “The nations of the world are coming to Canada and we must develop a new agility allowing us to move quickly enough to seize the opportunities God brings us.” Over the years The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada (C&MA) has operated with a strategic plan for our national interests and another for our international concerns. “It’s time,” the President continued, “to have a unified strategy.” This new plan—the Five “S” Strategy: Silk, Sun, Sand, Spice and Sea to Sea all integrated in a global thrust to reach the least reached—asserts that in the next 10 years we are committed to making the C&MA well known as a people who are a healthy and mobilized mosaic, empowering the generations to risk all to invite the least reached to enjoy and be agents of Jesus Christ and his Kingdom. Four innovative initiatives form the strategic genius of moving us toward this preferred future:
empowering the generations to risk all to invite the least reached to enjoy and be agents of Jesus Christ
RELATIONAL AND SPIRITUAL VITALITY Hearn remarked, “As President, I have the amazing privilege of travelling to scores of our churches and mission posts. One of the incredible benefits is seeing the big picture of what God is doing and I believe we are in a season of significant renewal. There is a passion to be transformed by the Spirit of holiness— to be God’s people in word, thought and deed.”
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Coming alongside this passion, the Spiritual Vitality team has a vision that by 2016 every Alliance licensed worker will have experienced afresh the fullness of Christ through the presence and power of the indwelling Spirit and will be equipped to lead others into a deeper Spiritfilled life. And then by 2018, most Alliance lay leaders will have experienced this deeper life and be equipped to lead others to walk with Jesus in fullness. The vision of this team is to see our National Ministry Centre become a Spiritual Life Prayer Hub, equipping national prayer networks, linking local intercessors with international ministries, funding, developing and establishing effective spiritual life training resources, endorsing trainers, creating the means and platforms to share testimonies of God at work through answered prayer, and equipping intercessors to saturate each ministry initiative with focused intercession. ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS This initiative was birthed out of our desire for the Alliance to be known as an environment of healthy structures, efficient collaboration and disciplined creativity, fortified by sustainable funding. It is like a house renovation project. We already have certain structures and systems in place that have been serving and facilitating all we do as the Alliance family, here in Canada and abroad. There is a lot of activity taking place within this house! However, we have been given the opportunity to examine each room to see if there is something that needs to change or to simply stand back and say, “This looks good, everything is how it should be.” We look to the Holy Spirit as our foreman who, from our understanding, works most powerfully through structures that are collaborative, flexible and adaptable. We are committed to ensuring our structures are empowering and integrative, particularly reflective of relevant and working connections across the Five “S” regions.
LEADER DEVELOPMENT This initiative focuses on identifying, equipping and unleashing faith-filled, Spirit-empowered, fearless men and women on mission for God. He calls some to equip the rest by coaching and training. If we are to reach the remaining 6,000 least-reached people groups we will need to unleash a whole new army of courageous leaders. Our future will rise or fall depending on the leaders we inspire, develop and deploy. Ambrose University College and Institut Biblique V.I.E. are vital components. Strategic meetings between District Superintendents and the faculty of theology at Ambrose are clarifying expectations and helping to identify, recruit, train and deploy men and women on mission within a variety of professions. We are blessed to have a team of associations working together to both strengthen and inspire leaders within their ethnic groups; and we recognize that identifying potential leaders within our children and youth ministries is critical for our future. DYNAMIC MOBILIZATION “One of the incredible gifts we have in the Alliance,” Hearn stated, “are passionate older leaders who have blazed the trail, opening the doors for those who are coming behind them.” Our Sea to Sea website contains over 50 ventures that were launched in the past few years, but now it’s time to move from a national church planting network to a global one. In order for this to happen, every member of our Alliance churches must see himself or herself as a
missionary on the move with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to reach the nations of the world. Think about it. There are multitudes of people around you and your church who need Jesus. The needs are too great for the number of churches we presently have. We require more followers of Jesus equipped and sent out, with permission and potential to start new expressions of the church. Together, we are a family of churches in Canada that desires to see Jesus established in all of our neighbourhoods. Together, we share a dream of every C&MA church participating in a multiplication initiative at least once every five years and seeing, by 2016, 50 new churches, 50 new congregations, 50 new apprentices and 50 per cent of our churches participating. CONCLUSION Can you imagine how the spiritual landscape would be changed if every Alliance church launched one new Christcentred venture every five years? Picture hundreds of Christ-centred, risk-filled multiplicative ventures focused on least-reached people in all five regions of the world. “I am more optimistic than ever about the future of our Alliance family,” Hearn concluded, “but I am convinced that our greatest need is the active, uncompromising, dynamic presence of Almighty God among us.” To learn more about General Assembly 2014, go to: allianceassembly.com GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2016 WILL TAKE PLACE IN VANCOUVER, B.C., MAY 30 – JUNE 4, 2016
Our future will rise or fall depending on the leaders we inspire, develop and deploy Photo Courtesy Darryl Chapman
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Gigantic Faith in Action Their confidence in what they hoped for had no boundaries BY SAPNA SHETTY-HEES
L
ast fall, my husband, Darrell, and I began our second year of teaching CLUB 56, a Sunday School class for Grade 5 and 6 students at Kilcona Park Alliance Church in Winnipeg, Man. Our Children’s Ministry Pastor, Tori Young, gave each Sunday School class an Alliance Justice and Compassion gift catalogue, asking them to select a gift to which they could donate their class offering. A few of the girls in our class began flipping through the catalogue, stopping at page 14: the water and sanitation project for Impact Niger. The $1,000 price tag did not faze them at all. My husband and I were a little skeptical about raising that much money but we wanted to be supportive of the kids’ choice.
BUT THESE KIDS WERE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT WE WOULD EXCEED IT CRAFT SALE PREPARATION CLUB 56 began brainstorming ideas to raise funds. And an amazing thing happened: these 10- and 11-year-old kids rallied together, teaching and helping each other with various arts and crafts. Shaelynn emailed us links to YouTube videos on craft ideas. Pastor Young gave Olivia a huge bin of old crayons; she and her three sisters peeled off the labels, chopped up the crayons and re-melted the wax into bear and heart shaped crayons.
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Photo Courtesy Lisa Rohrick
Nayan showed his classmates how to make origami bookmarks, while Connor worked on making bookmarks at home with his friends. Denae became our resident expert on washernecklace making. Alexander was super excited about selling the crafts. They all put their God-given talents to work for this important project. The week before our craft sale, Jadon humbled us with his faith by asking, “What are we going to do with the extra money we raise?” Darrell and I were stunned as we were still not entirely sure we would be able to reach $1,000—but these kids were absolutely certain that we would exceed it.
THE FAITH DISPLAYED BY THE KIDS RIPPLED THROUGH OUR WHOLE CHURCH
CHURCH STEPPED UP The day of the craft sale, Darrell spoke to the congregation about CLUB 56’s project. He shared about the faith the kids had displayed in choosing the water and sanitation project and their determination to raise over $1,000. Our church stepped up in a big way; the craft sale was a huge success! The kids were astounded by the people in our church who were handing them far too much money for what they were purchasing, saying, “Keep the change.” The faith displayed by the kids rippled through our whole church.
DENAE our resident expert on washernecklace making Photo Courtesy Kilcona Park Alliance Church
One couple in our congregation approached Darrell, saying they wanted to make sure the kids reached their goal, so they would make up the difference regardless of the amount. The kids ended up raising $1,500! Darrell let the couple know that the fundraising goal had been exceeded, so they anonymously topped up the contribution to $2,000. CLUB 56’s water and sanitation fundraising project got our entire church “pumped up” for Impact Niger. It has been remarkable to see God at work in the lives of these young people, and to see them put their gigantic faith into action. Darrell and Sapna Hees are involved with Children’s Ministries in Kilcona Park Alliance Church in Winnipeg, MB
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PROVING
EUGENE WRONG?
The pursuit of spiritual integrity in the larger church BY IAN TRIGG
M
y life mission is to prove Eugene Peterson* wrong. Years ago, I was taking a course on Ephesians at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. Peterson announced at the beginning of the first class that there would be no time for questions except on the last day. Young, naive, hopeful, yet weary in ministry, I approached the microphone at the appointed time and asked, “Dr. Peterson, you write mostly about pastoral integrity and spiritual authenticity. How do I balance those two pursuits as I pastor in a larger church setting?” His answer? “You can’t. Next question.” It’s been 20 years since I took that class, and I’m still not sure I’ve proven Peterson wrong! Sometimes I’m overwhelmed with joy and wonder at how good and kind God is, while other times I’m left wondering, “Is anything significant happening? Is anyone finding Jesus or growing in him?” Defining success How do we define success in ministry? Attendance? Giving? Baptisms? Conversions? The vocation of pastoral leadership is no small challenge today. Developing a spiritual foundation and capacity to manage the multiple demands and expectations is incredibly complicated. Peterson brilliantly writes, “Our [pastoral] vocations are bounded on one side by consumer appetites, on the other by a marketing mindset.
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These conditions quickly reduce the pastoral vocation to religious economics, pull it into relentless competitiveness and deliver it into the hands of public relations and marketing experts.” (Under the Unpredictable Plant, pp 3-4) Was Eugene wrong in his answer to my question? Some days, I think not! The expectations upon pastors to preach brilliantly, counsel effectively, lead strategically, shepherd compassionately and administer flawlessly can be overwhelming. Yet, on most days, I’m utterly convinced there is a place for the larger church. Whether large or small the real issue isn’t size but substance. Our experience of success will always be dependent upon our dependence upon the One who promised to build the Church. Only two of the seven churches in Revelation were criticized for their doctrine; the rest were cautioned for their lack of spiritual passion and connection with God. When we, as a church, lose our focus on why we are here—to serve and reach a lost and broken world—we lose our way, whether large or small.
THE VOCATION OF PASTORAL LEADERSHIP IS NO SMALL CHALLENGE TODAY The heart of the Church Jesus gave his life to build will always be measured by a love for the Father that manifests itself in love for neighbour. Peterson’s call to develop a spirituality that is adequate to the task of pastoral work is still so very critical for every Christian leader. The “always tired, mostly frustrated spiritual existence” of many of us is completely incongruent with the call of Christ upon our lives. We’re called to first be with Jesus, and then to go into the world and serve him. We can’t do one without the other. My friend Eugene continues to teach me that. Rev. Dr. Ian Trigg is Sr. Pastor at Foothills Alliance Church in Calgary, AB *Eugene Peterson is a pastor, scholar, author and poet who has written over 30 books including The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language.
A new work of God is happening in our community BY BYRON O’NEILL Neighbourhood barbecue Photos Courtesy Surrey Alliance Church
BEING A CHURCH FOR THE CITY T
he plan was to build it BIG and they would come. But really the case? Let me get uncomfortably specific. Do we while many did come, what followed was a large view every person as valuable to God? Do we have friends ministry staff, a shackling amount of debt and a who don’t know Jesus? Do we eat at their tables? lot of pressure to fill seats and increase giving. Do they know we are for them? BEING A In a nutshell, we were a church that was in the Being a church for the city means we engage CHURCH city; the main emphasis was to get people into our city. This is the essence of the incarnation; our building. But I wondered, “Why should those Jesus took on flesh and moved into the FOR THE who are far from God be expected to come to neighbourhood (see John 1:14 MSG). In fact, CITY MEANS there’s no better place to flesh out the Gospel us—on our turf, in our church buildings?” Now, many years later, and completely debt than in our own communities! WE SERVE free, a new vision and a new work of God is Not long ago, 50 bottles of BBQ sauce were happening here in Surrey, B.C. While the journey OUR CITY placed at the front of our church sanctuary. is only just beginning, our focus has shifted from Forty-three families took a bottle pledging to being a church in the city to being a church for the city. host a neighbourhood barbecue. It was encouraging to see many people cross their streets for the purpose of engaging WHAT WE ARE FOR their neighbours. Being a church for the city means people should know what Being a church for the city means we serve our city. It we are for. It sounds so simple, but often people only know means we should be continually asking, “What are the needs what we are against! If I were to ask what you are against, around us, and how can we be Christ in this community?” you could probably rattle off a list of things. And yet, if I were Since we are located in an urban low-income area, we have to ask what you are for, would the same be true? a ministry that does people’s taxes for free. This past year, When it comes to being a church for the city, the starting nearly 2,500 returns were filed. point is people. We know they matter to Jesus; he healed the Have a lot of these people entered our building on sick, fed the hungry and ate at their tables. He was for them Sundays? No. But they have been blessed. They know we are and they knew it, which is why they loved to be around him. for them. This is what it means to be a church for the city. Do people who are far from God really matter to us? The Rev. Byron O’Neill is Lead Pastor at Surrey Alliance Church, BC knee-jerk reaction is, “Well, of course they do!” But is this
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Outstanding in Their Field The joys and challenges facing those called to rural ministry BY TIM BEADLE
W
hile 85 per cent of the Canadian population lives in in a rural setting means your life and pastoral practice are cities, 90 per cent of our landscape is ministered to more integrated into the community. This may mean getting by rural pastors and churches. Often misunderstood and involved in the local school or agricultural society, serving as definitely underappreciated, rural pastors faithfully serve a chaplain for the volunteer fire department, or becoming a our rural regions without notice or fanfare. Yet, the pulse of coach for a little league team. rural ministry is infused with joy and challenge. One of the great challenges experienced by rural pastors The joys of serving in a rural ministry include being is the lack of resources relevant to their ministry context. immersed in the beauty of God’s creation and having a Many of today’s conferences and seminars are designed slower pace of life in which you really do primarily for urban settings, and rural live “in community” with the people in pastors have to sift through the material BEING your church. Smaller ministry settings and principles presented before adapting mean everyone knows everyone else, them to their church. IMMERSED IN which does present its challenges! While not all rural regions are And yet, people look out for one another, growing, they are all changing. Economic THE BEAUTY OF diversification, the acceptance and kids grow up in relative safety, and teens are trained to be strong church leaders. of increased ethnicity, the GOD’S CREATION integration Worship often has more flexibility for loss of youth who move away to bigger spontaneous prayer and announcements; centres, and an aging local demographic AND HAVING A people aren’t in a rush to leave when the significantly impact rural ministry. final song has been sung. But the joys mostly outweigh the SLOWER PACE The challenge of dealing with conflict challenges. Being part of a close-knit OF LIFE is complicated in a rural setting because community of faith that lives at a slower of the complexity of family relationships, pace is good for the soul. And almost traditions and loyalties that are woven into the local social nothing this side of heaven tops a rural church potluck fabric. People may leave the church because of unresolved dinner, both in the diversity of food on the table, and the joy conflict, but in a small town you still have to relate to them and laughter in the air! on a regular basis. Rev. Tim Beadle serves as a church coach in the Western Canadian Unlike the ministry specialists often serving in urban churches, a rural pastor must be a jack of all trades. Ministry District and is co-founder of the Rural Church Pastors Network
THE RURAL CHURCH PASTORS NETWORK
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The Rural Church Pastors Network (RCPN) is a grassroots movement that is spreading across Western Canada. RCPN’s semi-annual training days offer hope, encouragement, support and mentoring to those who serve in rural churches. Pastors from 19 denominations and four western provinces have joined in RCPN events to date (www.ruralchurchpastorsnetwork.com).
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Embracing This Way of Life Doing God’s work among the Inuit people BY BRADLEY WILLIAMS
Photos Courtesy Bradley Williams
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hen people think of Nunavut, they may picture five-day blizzards with no water or sewer truck service, -50 o C temperatures and high suicide rates. But did you know that in 1950, missionary Gleason Ledyard moved to Maguse Point, Nunavut to begin a mission to the Inuit people? In the 1960s, that mission was given to The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada, and moved to the Hamlet of Arviat. Now, my wife, Jackie, and I minister in Arviat; we have been here since 2007. Many people ask us why we moved from Saskatoon, Sask. to this small village located on the western shore of Hudson Bay. Well, we saw an announcement that Arviat needed a pastor, so Jackie and I prayed for the church, continued working and increased our Bible education. Then Doug Gerrard, the District Superintendent, offered us the opportunity to minister here. We have come to enjoy Arviat’s slower pace of life. We’ve adapted to Inuit culture where there is an open door policy—which means if your door is open, it’s okay to visit. Many times a week we have adults, youth and children drop by for tea or for assistance with life issues. We help people physically, spiritually and mentally— sometimes with food, sometimes with prayer and counselling, sometimes with translation support as they communicate with agencies, since English is not their first language. An important part of Inuit culture is respect for the elderly because of their life experience and wisdom. We have services once a month at the local elders’ centre. We visit elders in their homes, and we host a Sunday afternoon program on the local radio station to reach those who are unable to attend church. In Arviat, many young men and women are shuffled through the legal system. Those in remand custody must stay in a cell for a week. We provide special meals and
Games at girls club
OVER 65 PER CENT OF ARVIAT’S POPULATION IS UNDER THE AGE OF 15 visit them as they await their turn in court. When court is in session, we also support and pray for the victims and witnesses. Over 65 per cent of Arviat’s population is under the age of 15, compared to 16 per cent for Canada. We have partnered individual youth with members of church leadership to help young people learn more about how the church works. Many children and youth come to Sunday School and youth group each week. Even some as young as four come without their parents because they want to join our church family and learn more about God. There are many ways you can pray for us. We finally have our first Board of Elders in a number of years, and we are eager to work alongside them to lead our church in reaching our community. Please remember our family as we help carry the burdens of those who come into our lives each day. Please join us in reaching Northern people groups open to the Gospel. Rev. Bradley Williams is Sr. Pastor of Arviat Alliance Church, NU
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FEATURE
BEARING EACH OTHER’S BURDENS BY ELIZABETH CHOTKA
The cord of friendship binding us together keeps us strong
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hough we did not realize it at the time, twenty-four years ago David and I planned a destination wedding. No warm ocean breezes or tropical sunsets were involved. We threw our friends and family a curveball when we arranged to be married in Lac La Biche, Alta. When people asked where this was, my husband responded, “Well, it’s not the end of the world, but you can see it from there!” At that time the only highway leading north really did end there. We chose the location because David had just completed his first five years of ministry in this town of 2,000 people. In a short period of time he and the congregation had become extended family. It was important to us that this community of faith be an integral part of our celebration. Since then, ministry has taken us to three provinces. We have served in several different ministry contexts. It is in places of faith where we have formed strong friendships and been blessed to establish deep relationships. By far the greatest joys in ministry have come to us through the cherished relationships we have built with people across Canada and around the world. There have been some unexpected bumps along the way.
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Shortly after the wedding, I received a letter in the mail addressed to “The Mrs. Reverend David R. Chotka.” I looked at the envelope, took a deep breath and asked myself, “Is this letter supposed to be for me?” This role, “Pastor’s Wife,” means many different things to people. For the majority, the term itself often creates barriers in relationships. Honestly, after all these years, I still struggle when I am introduced as “The Pastor’s Wife.” There are simply too many named and unnamed expectations that accompany such a title. When our children were small, we had a new babysitter come to our home. Prior to this experience, she had never been inside a pastor’s house. As she looked around she said, “This looks just like our house. I expected there would be more crosses on your walls.” I am not sure what else she expected, but she soon found that we were a fairly ordinary family. I’m quite certain we have completely shocked people over the years when they discover that I am the nutty hockey fan in the family. It is me who yells at the television when the referee makes the wrong call. Despite these misconceptions, I am grateful for the life God has unfolded before us through pastoral ministry. We
have prayed with close friends who live sacrificial lives to share Jesus in this broken world. We are honoured when others ask us to walk with them in faith. It is incredible to see their lives transformed by the power of Christ. Ministry of any sort involves leadership. One aspect of leadership that cannot be avoided is loneliness. For the past six and a half years I have had the privilege of working with wives who serve ministry families in the Western Canadian District. During this time I have interacted with women who function in a wide variety of ministry contexts. We are a diverse and unique group of people. Some are shy while others are outgoing. Some are amazing athletes, others are fantastic musicians. Some are comfortable being centred out in a crowd while others are happiest when they blend into a group. The contexts of their ministries vary as well. Some serve in small, isolated parts of our region, while others serve in large centres. Others work in various ethnic contexts. Still others are called to work in camps or retreat centres. Many work outside their homes balancing careers with ministry. Some are accredited pastors who hold staff positions at churches. Others find that home-schooling is their primary ministry calling. Through these networks we serve our families and our communities. Despite this diversity, with no exceptions, all of us deal with variants of loneliness. This aspect of ministry life might seem a bit odd because, from the outside, it looks like we are surrounded by people. However, just being in a crowd can be a terribly lonely place. There is some risk involved whenever we decide to break barriers and share ourselves with another. But these are the times when deep, lasting friendships are birthed. In Luke chapter one, we read about a strong spiritual
IT IS IN PLACES OF FAITH WHERE WE HAVE FORMED STRONG FRIENDSHIPS
friendship between two cousins. One was a young unmarried pregnant girl, and the other was an older pastor’s wife. Both these women needed one another. Who else could have understood the complexities of their circumstances? Mary and Elizabeth grew close and encouraged one another in their faith during this season of life. For both of them life was filled with confusion and miracle all wrapped together. Mary and Elizabeth needed each other, and so do we. We are all on a journey to a fantastic destination wedding: heaven. It’s best that we travel together. Elizabeth Chotka is Pastors’ Wives Networking Coach in the Western Canadian District
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES > Just Between Us magazine is a quarterly publication for Christian women edited by Jill Briscoe; free online resources, a daily devotional; contemporary, biblically solid, easy to access. http://justbetweenus.org/ > McKay, Lisa. You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes: And Other Great Advice from an Unlikely Preacher’s Wife. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2010. A wonderful, easy-to-read book. > Stolaas, Christina. “Nine Secrets Your Pastor’s Wife Wishes You Knew.” Shattered Magazine, June 2014. http://shatteredmagazine.net/ninesecrets-your-pastors-wife-wishes-you-knew/ > McKeever, Joe. “Why the Pastor’s Wife Is the Most Vulnerable Person in Your Church.” http:// www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles > Kay Warren.com — website of the wife of Rick Warren; excellent resources; especially current is the material that discusses the suicide of their son. http://kaywarren.com/ > Leading and Loving It.com is a ministry dedicated to equipping, connecting, and impacting pastors’ wives and women in ministry. http://leadingandlovingit.com/ > Clergy Care Network, a service of Focus on the Family (Canada) Association, provides confidential counselling and encouragement for pastors and their families. http://www. focusonthefamily.ca/clergycare/
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Catching
Vision Celebrating missional engagement with our world BY ERROL REMPEL
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Canadian Pacific District
n the Canadian Pacific District (CPD), we’re on board with our national vision of being a Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered and Mission-focused movement of churches impacting Canada and the world. Here are a few representative stories of God at work. By God’s mercy, we’re experiencing momentum in many areas. There has been a strong response to the call to follow Jesus during Easter services at Coquitlam Alliance. At least 61 individuals answered by professing their newfound faith in our risen and exalted Lord. Crucible Church (Richmond) has seen evidence of the presence and power of Jesus in both the English and Chinese Ministries, including a supernatural visitation of healing and deliverance by the Spirit at a ministry training event. Crucible is presently working towards full member status as a Christian and Missionary Alliance church.
In June 2014, we welcomed two formerly affiliated churches into full member church participation. Congratulations to the church families of The River Church in Squamish and Crossroads Community Church in Sechelt. At two New Worker Orientation events this year we welcomed 28 new workers to our district churches. Langley Vietnamese Alliance Church started in October 2011. The majority of the church family works on mushroom farms and is comprised of new believers who have connections with other unchurched Vietnamese. Regular reports of conversions and baptisms flow from this church plant. Sevenoaks Alliance in Abbotsford is four years into a missional partnership with International Workers and indigenous churches on an island in the Caribbean Sun Region. During the last mission trip, 27 conversions were reported. Over the years of this partnership, the number of Alliance churches on this island has grown from 17 to 46, with dozens more in various stages of preparation. Pacific Community Church in Cloverdale has renovated its facility and added a full commercial kitchen, partnering with community organizations to serve the community in Jesus’ name. We haven’t been planting as many new churches, or seeing our existing churches multiply new initiatives, as we would like in recent years. We’ve closed more churches than we’ve opened in 2013 and 2014. So our entire district team is ramping up our preparations to raise our multiplication capacity and reverse this trend as we join our missional God in his work. Ultimately, we’re acknowledging our inability to do anything apart from the leadership, the anointing and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
We’re experiencing momentum in many areas The CPD is home to three networks of missional communities (house churches/Simple Churches) in Chilliwack, North Vancouver and Squamish. Sixteen communities are sharing life together as Christ-followers. Kamloops Alliance is preparing to expand its facility with new offices and ministry space, a move necessitated by numerical growth. The church family is averaging over 700 in attendance at present. We celebrate all of our riders and volunteers who supported Love in Motion 2014. Our district projects included Ruth and Naomi’s Mission—Hope for the Homeless in Chilliwack, and The Second Mile—Hot Soup and a Healing Home, a ministry of Vernon Alliance Church.
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Rev. Dr. Errol Rempel is District Superintendent of the Canadian Pacific District
Catching
Vision Experiencing a thriving transformational movement of churches BY BRENT TRASK
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Western Canadian District
n the Western Canadian District (WCD), the emphasis on becoming “Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered and Mission-focused” is experiencing fruit at the grassroots level in our congregations. We are praising God for the ways in which Jesus has been revealing his story. We are broadly enjoying a season of prolonged health, peace, growth and thirst for more of God in our churches. Increasingly, we want to stand with Paul, who said, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel…” (see Romans 1:16). Based on 48 WCD churches surveyed, 98 per cent indicate that within any given month, an attendee would be exposed to a clear declaration of the Gospel with an invitation to respond. In many WCD churches, the revitalized Alpha program has resulted in significant conversion response, with more
A special thrust exists toward reaching least-reached groups in new Canadian cultures than 1,000 new believers across Alberta. Beulah Alliance in Edmonton is one of those churches, recently baptizing 152 people in one weekend. First Alliance Church in Calgary is one of the most significant examples of church growth through conversion. In each service, the call to commitment includes an opportunity for people to pray to receive Christ. A simplified baptism process resulted in hundreds being baptized in recent years. A special thrust exists toward reaching least-reached groups in new Canadian cultures. South Edmonton Alliance established Millbourne Community Life Centre
with a mission to serve new Canadians. It’s a tremendous outreach to the community that will eventually include worship services in several languages. El Encuentro (a Spanish church) is one of four ethnic churches now using the Encompass Partnerships facility to reach new and second-generation Canadians. In the past 10 years, Foothills Alliance has moved from an all-Caucasian congregation to a broad mosaic with hundreds of people engaged in intercultural programs. The Rural Church Pastor’s Network is a grassroots movement geared to the unique needs of rural ministry. Envisioned and birthed by three WCD pastors in 2011, it has grown to 170 pastors from 19 denominations gathering in regional events across four provinces for encouragement, training and support. We are also seeing remarkable generosity for global missions, with 37 churches engaged in 52 Seamless Link Covenants. Hinton Alliance is evidencing renewal in the Holy Spirit. There is a groundswell of desire throughout the district for a fresh encounter. The first letter of the year that I wrote to our constituency asked, “What might God do if all the intercessors in our district came together?” We made a great step in that direction at Spruce Grove Alliance at an Intercessor Gathering in May with T.V. Thomas from the Alliance Pray! Team. More than 130 of the “praying faithful” from 20 Alliance congregations gathered, along with other denominations. We feel this is just the beginning. There are some things that God will do only in response to the prayers of his people. I am full of anticipation for his will to be done in new ways as we seek to serve one another and reach the lost.
Rev. Brent Trask is District Superintendent of the Western Canadian District
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Catching
Vision Partnering with God to reach the least reached in our communities BY AL FEDORAK
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Canadian Midwest District
he Canadian Midwest District (CMD) is a mosaic of 73 churches spread across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Western Ontario (up to the Central Standard Time zone line) and the territory of Nunavut. Geographically, ours is the largest district in Canada, but it is in fact home to less than 10 per cent of the population of Canada. Fewer people live in the entire CMD than in some of the major urban centres in the other districts, like Vancouver or Montreal. Although this reality of being such a spread out district poses some interesting challenges for us, great things of God are happening here. Our churches in the three major urban centres— Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Regina—reach out to a wide spectrum of people of their diverse constituencies. These significant ministries extend to eight different language groups of new Canadians and people living in the inner-city. Some CMD churches are focusing on becoming multiplication hubs reaching the surrounding sparsely
focusing on becoming multiplication hubs reaching the surrounding sparsely populated areas
populated areas that have little evangelical presence. Portage Alliance Church in Manitoba has initiated a church plant in their neighbouring community of Neepawa, while Territorial Drive Alliance Church in North Battleford, Sask. has been planting a church on a neighbouring First Nations reserve. The CMD continually places a high priority on reaching the First Nations and Inuit people in our district. Our church multiplication goals include having 50 per cent of our efforts directed toward these two target groups who are among our least reached. We desire to identify, disciple and train young leaders from among these people groups to begin new church plants and to teach and train others in their own communities. A third of our churches have signed Seamless Link Covenants with International Workers, and even more are in the process of establishing an agreement. Several of our churches have signed similar partnership agreements with other churches and ministries within their communities, our district and across the nation. This exemplifies our deep desire to be part of the united Five “S” movement of the Alliance in Canada. God has blessed the CMD with committed and godly men and women who selflessly give of themselves to assist other people in experiencing the fullness of Christ. We have been praying, O God, with all our hearts we long to be a movement of churches transformed by Christ, transforming Canada and the world. We truly believe God is answering our prayers as we endeavour to align ourselves in a way that will maximize the impact of his answers. We are excited about what the future holds as we commit ourselves to becoming more Christcentred, Spirit-empowered and Mission-focused.
Rev. Al Fedorak is District Superintendent of the Canadian Midwest District
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Catching
Vision Uniting together to embrace multiplication initiatives BY CHERYL WALSH
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Central Canadian District
he Central Canadian District (CCD) has moved into the church-planting model of local churches planting local churches. When the Sea to Sea vision, “Every Christian and Missionary Alliance church participating in a multiplication initiative at least once every five years,” was launched at General Assembly 2008, we knew it was the right time to engage our local churches in a multiplication vision for this district. Naturally, our district has churches that are connected together through their close proximity to one another. Some of our churches have leaned into that advantage and decided to take this call from General Assembly seriously, uniting together as a church network to promote and partner in church planting, leadership development and church health. The CCD has two Hub Church Networks. The Georgian Bay (GB) Network includes Orillia, Midland, Owen Sound, Alliston and Barrie. The Kitchener/ Waterloo Network includes Kitchener, Wellesley, Erin and Milton. Each church, along with the district, contributes funds towards reaching the goals of the network. The GB Network has a vision to plant 20 churches by 2020. They host monthly hub meetings and two annual training events, and recruit and train apprentices to serve as future church planters. Even more importantly, they gather together monthly to pray and to hear from God. They desire to know where God is already at work in this district, and then move forward from there. The GB Network is supporting New Ventures in Orillia, Barrie, Cold Water and Owen Sound. Through the development of partnership agreements, New Ventures receive their support and accountability through one of the partner churches in the network. Here is an example of that partnership between Owen Sound Alliance Church and Church Without Walls, given
by Jeff Sensenstein, Lead Pastor at Owen Sound Alliance Church: “We are just about to enjoy our second annual church picnic. This picnic is a great time of worship and celebration as people will be baptized in the lake. We are celebrating the successful development and deployment of Church Without Walls (CWW). What began as a desire to plant churches out of Owen Sound Alliance Church has become five churches in Grey and Bruce counties. “Last year we baptized over 40 people both from CWW and the Big Church. Grey and Bruce counties have in excess of 150,000 people, a population no one church can reach. Not everyone is comfortable with planting a church in their backyard, but in our case it has created a synergistic relationship in which both churches are far stronger than they would be on their own.”
uniting together as a church network to promote and partner in church planting These churches are participating in a multiplication initiative, to be a part of this vision to see 50 new churches become a part of the Alliance family. In June 2014, Church Without Walls in Owen Sound signed their resolutions to become a developing church of the Alliance. At the same time, Owen Sound Alliance Church and Church Without Walls signed a Seamless Link Covenant, the second Sea to Sea Seamless Link Covenant in Canada. At the time of writing, Cheryl Walsh was District Administrator for the Central Canadian District
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Catching
Vision Where 17 languages are spoken in church each Sunday 1
BY JOHN HEALEY
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Eastern Canadian District
et me take you across our district to visit some of our churches, starting in the west end of Toronto at Rexdale Alliance, where we see the goodness of the local church matched by the challenge to disciple the many new people coming to Christ. We could visit their daughter churches— Upper Room, growing with a passion for the Word of God, and Connexion, that takes that same love for the Word and makes it understandable to the person who doesn’t feel comfortable in a larger setting. We could stop at Primera Iglesia Alianza Hispana where they’ve started two more new outreach ministries, becoming our fourth and fifth Spanish the goodness of churches in the district. the local church Toronto Alliance has welcomed a ministry grown matched by from Mandarin newcomers the challenge to Canada who have recently come to Christ. You would have to disciple the seeing them baptized in many new people enjoyed chilly Lake Ontario. coming to Christ Heading north to Midtown Alliance, we see a young congregation pursuing creative avenues of reaching Generation 3, young professionals from many different cultures. First Alliance in Scarborough, one of the oldest Alliance churches in Canada, continues to be a heartbeat in our district. This past Easter, Bayview Glen saw some 30-40 decisions made for Christ. Scarborough Chinese Alliance Church not only has a heart for missions overseas, but is constantly looking for ways to multiply in their community. Their daughter Mandarin church is where you’ll find just over 100 people with an excellent multiplication program of small groups. With many small groups, the Filipino Alliance Church is continually reaching out to their community.
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We could move out to Quinte Alliance and see the heart of a Bible-preaching pastor who continues to bring health to the church. Bay Ridge in Kingston recently told about a woman from a broken situation who, because of the loving family attitude, Spirit-filled ministry and authenticity of the church, has been healed from her fractured spirit. The Chinese Alliance church is reaching new students coming from China to Queens University, while Kingston Alliance is a faithful pillar with a heart for missions. Cedarview Alliance in Nepean continues to grow as it has become sacrificial in the path to missions. Pathway Community is a young and relevant church in Kanata with an attendance of about 90 new believers. Emmanuel Alliance in Bells Corners, on the west end of Ottawa, has three congregations and is looking for fresh ways to grow. After years of growth, Ottawa Chinese Alliance Church is rebuilding so they can continue to develop and reach their community. East Gate Alliance is moving into its second sanctuary as it reaches newcomers to Canada. Travelling to the Maritimes, we see the Acadian work in Dieppe on the edge of Moncton, a brand new church in the middle of Musquodoboit and a replant in Dartmouth. Anywhere you go in the Eastern Canadian District, you can catch the vision of a people who believe God wants to do something new and fresh among them. We love to be part of what God is doing.
Rev. Dr. John Healey is District Superintendent of the Eastern Canadian District Mandarin, Cantonese, Hakka, Vietnamese, Tamil, Spanish, Tagalog, Guinean
1
French, (unique from) Acadian French, Korean, Indonesian, Cambodian, Amharic, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu and English together with Thai and Japanese ministries.
Catching
Vision Using our unique heritage to reach the world BY FRANCIS PEARSON
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e stand strongly behind the legacy impact statement of the Alliance in Canada, to be a healthy and mobilized mosaic, empowering the generations to risk all to invite the most neglected to enjoy and be agents of Jesus Christ and his kingdom in our local communities, our nation and the world. We see this unfolding in a variety of ways. We long for a greater thirst for Spiritfilled lives and leading, for communities of faith to bring greater attention to the leading of the Holy Spirit in their decision-making process. Gatineau Alliance Church has launched a courageous visionary process to refocus their vision and mission for maximum impact in the Outaouais region of western Quebec. God hears the heart cries of the communities around us and breathes passion into the hearts of his children to bring reconciliation, restoration and healing. God breathed into Désiré Mounanga’s heart a desire to reach the second generation of Montreal. Désiré was joined in this venture by Philip Cherng and his team from Grace Chinese Alliance, who provided the location on Le Plateau, the greatest concentration of artists in the country. Grace Chinese Alliance is also mobilized to reach the growing Chinese community in Quebec City. We praise God for the opportunity to come alongside other districts to support their developing French ventures, mobilizing people from sea to sea. We have been thankful to work with Jacques and Juliette Lapointe in Moncton and Silas Leno in Ottawa, and to help license French-speaking workers from the Eastern Canadian District and support the Canadian Midwest District in conversations with a group of French churches joining the Alliance. Chilliwack Alliance is partnering with Eastern Quebec (Matane and Rimouski) for church development and supporting International Workers through a Seamless Link Covenant. Cochrane Alliance is investing in many lives in Quebec, particularly at Oasis Church in
Cloverdale, which is supporting an outreach to newcomers to Canada. The Alliance in Quebec is heralding the creation of an International Francophone Alliance, which aims to resource on best practices and leadership exchange, and develop multi-level networking. We are already engaged with France, Haiti and several African countries. There is so much more we could write about—churches sharing in Seamless Link Covenants through the ministry of Lorilee Jespersen; more youth engaging in leadership and responding to God’s call through a process of mentoring conducted by Troy Weisner; a new generation of servant leaders like Sonny Perron, David Pearson and Bertholi Gaspard bringing a fresh vision for Quebec.
St. Lawrence District
the opportunity to come alongside other districts to support their developing French ventures God revealed himself to Moses as “the God of your fathers.” I believe that the heart of the Quebecois will be reached simply by presenting them anew with the heart of the God of their fathers. The 400-year-old heritage carried by the Quebecois and the French-speaking communities of Canada is a gift from God. He wants us to use that unique heritage and reach the world with it for his glory. Rev. Francis Pearson is District Superintendent of the St. Lawrence District
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perspectives
ARE YOU IN? A ME M B E R SHIP W HIC H GR A N T S HE A L ING A ND P U R P O SE BY MIKE LINNEN
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ecently a friend organized a golf day for a few of us. We talked about it in the church foyer; it sounded like a wonderful time to build friendships and enjoy an afternoon outside. Later that week, I received an email — short and to the point: an actual location, a tee-off time and the cost of the green fee. The question was basically: ‘Are you in?’ With that note, I was asked to move from a smile and good intentions to a decision with consequences. Soon after our first son was born, documents were brought to my wife and me. We chose a name, one that was his personal name, and added it to the one that would forever identify him with us—our family name. It was never a question of whether or not we would claim him as ours. When you think about it, shouldn’t that be enough? Our intention to love him was strong, so why bother with the whole naming thing? Surely he would know he was ours by the way we would love and take care of him.
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The answer, of course, is that we were identifying with him, and making sure he was identified with us. No matter what, we were going to be in this family thing together.
how do radically individualistic Canadian Christians experience the benefits of unity and mission together? The need for commitment seems obvious in both cases. But in the church we struggle to commit to each other. So speaking practically, how do radically individualistic Canadian Christians experience the benefits of unity and mission together? One important answer is: by being joined to a local body of believers.
Here are three New Testament practices that help us to break out of the old mould, allowing Jesus to form a new one in us: 1. VALUE THE CHURCH We are to value the church—even as it is—just as Christ, himself, values it. We are to let our eyes and heart get big with a God-sized vision of what the Church is, and her mission in the world. We often skim over biblical truths, such as Ephesians 1-3, 1 Timothy 5 or Romans 12, as though the Apostle Paul had some purer, better church in mind. But it’s about us! Lesslie Newbigin wrote, “The local congregation is not a branch of the universal Church, but it is the place where the universal Church is made visible.”1 Jesus declared he would build his Church, and the New Testament is filled with words of high honour (as well as important rebukes) meant for churches just like yours and mine. So let your words, thoughts and actions reflect the truth about the church.
2. SHARE YOUR GIFTS In Romans 12, Paul paints an attractive picture of a church in action. He makes this statement about our gifts: “ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4-5). Such strong language, “each belongs to all the others.” Every believer has something that is essential for the community, something God has designed particularly for them and the mission of the church (see 1 Peter 4:10). “Membership is a call to service,” as one author put it, expressing the vision of people who need to both receive and give away to others the gifts God has given them. So don’t hold back—you belong to those in your church. 3. SIGN UP Most true benefits of being joined together in community really begin when we have settled in our hearts that we are “in.” When we choose to be identified with a spiritual family, some
MEMBERSHIP IN C ANADIAN ALLIANCE CHURCHES Inclusive Membership Members (baptized)
124,227 49,864
As of December 31, 2013
Based on 295 (68%) churches reporting; statistics for the last reported year incorporated for non-reporting churches
gifts are unlocked that an individualist will never know anything about. It allows us to be led. It allows someone else to live out God’s calling beside us and even over us in the church (see 1 Peter 5:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). This is actually a faith in the Lord, not in a leader’s merit. This may be one of the most challenging features for believers raised in Canadian society, where second-guessing leadership is common practice or even held as a virtue. This may also be one of the most
Every believer has something that is essential for the community
healing signs we bring to a culture full of mistrust and withdrawal from any authority—that we allow ordinary people called of God to lead us on a journey of transformation and being set apart for mission. It says to others that we are with them, heart and soul, ready to face the challenges, the disappointments and the victories of God together. It means we have embraced the very mission and purpose of the Church universal with the rest of the local church. While we may have a diversity of opinions on given subjects, we’ve chosen to work through a process in order that at the end of the day, the main purpose is lifted up. We belong not only to Christ and to his Church, but we are also meant to experience him while being devoted to other believers in a local visible expression of his body. So sign up and be present in a way that says, “I’m in!” What a beautiful gift meant for our transformation and blessing, a sign to a lonely and broken society that there is a belonging which grants humanity both healing and mission-focused purpose. This is a tremendous revelation of the glory of Christ in his Church—your church! Rev. Mike Linnen is Director of Seamless Link for The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada 1 Newbigin in Samuel Stoesz, The Glory of Christ in His Church, (Camp Hill: Christian Publications, 1994) p. 27.
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Five “S” Movement
Toward the least-reached and u
1. Canadian Pacific District (CPD) n Total Churches/Congregations = 105 n Diverse Churches = 33 n Seamless Link Covenants = 28 n International Workers = 49 2. Western Canadian District (WCD) n Total Churches/Congregations = 112 n Diverse Churches = 22 n Seamless Link Covenants = 43 n International Workers = 80
5 1
2
3
4
6 5
3. Canadian Midwest District (CMD) n Total Churches/Congregations = 79 n Diverse Churches = 20 n Seamless Link Covenants = 20 n International Workers = 26 4. Central Canadian District (CCD) n Total Churches/Congregations = 61 n Diverse Churches = 24 n Seamless Link Covenants = 15 n International Workers = 27 5. Eastern Canadian District (ECD) n Total Churches/Congregations = 102 n Diverse Churches = 63 n Seamless Link Covenants = 20 n International Workers = 34 6. St. Lawrence District (SLD) n Total Churches/Congregations = 31 n Diverse Churches = 28 n Seamless Link Covenants = 5 n International Workers = 2
Churches and Workers n Canadian Churches/Congregations = 490 n International Workers = 218 – focused on church development = 128 – in other ministries = 90 n Seamless Link Covenants = 131 n Active Licensed Workers = 1,332 – assigned to Church Ministry (Canada) = 1,054
O God, with all our hearts we lon transformed by Christ, transfo
Christ-Centred. Spirit-Emp *Relating to, or consisting of, the cultures of different countries or ethnic groups — **International Workers focused on
t: Church Ministries
under-engaged people groups
CPD = 7 + 3 WCD = 15 + 5 CMD = 1 + 4 CCD = 2 + 0 ECD = 11 +12 TOTAL = 36** +24***
CPD WCD CMD CCD ECD
= 11 = 11 = 3 = 6 = 6
+ 9 + 10 + 7 + 9 + 1
TOTAL = 37** + 36***
CPD = 7 WCD = 15 CMD = 7 CCD = 2 ECD = 4 SLD = 2
+2 +3 +0 +0 +0 +0
CPD = WCD = CMD = CCD =
4 + 6 9 +12 0 + 4 5 + 3
TOTAL = 18** +25***
TOTAL = 37** + 5***
ng to be a movement of churches orming Canada and the world
powered. Mission-Focused. church development — ***International Workers in other ministries — Note: All statistics are as reported, June 30, 2014
Finding Christ at The Manor A desire to see new adoptions into God’s family is realized BY PETER WHITE
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arrie was brimming with anticipation. This Every Sunday since then, with the exception of the day was to be a milestone in her life. Close to outdoor service, from 40 to 70 people have congregated two hundred people had shown up at midday on a in the main ground-floor space of The Manor. As Jack beautiful late August Sunday to be part of history. explained, “We start at 12:30 p.m. with a free lunch for all. Some were regulars from Church at The Manor, a new Lunch is followed by a time of worship and testimonies, venture for the Alliance in Guelph, Ont. Some were guests the Gospel is shared in creative ways and we end with from supporting churches in the area. Others were curious prayer ministry.” onlookers. The Sunday I attended Church at The Manor, Sharon Clad in a dark blue T-shirt and Bermuda shorts, pastor and a different worship band were on the stage at the end Jack Ninaber stood in front of the assembled group and of the room in front of floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Standing welcomed everyone to this very special — and very public behind an electronic keyboard, she urged the crowd seated — outdoor baptism service. at small round tables to join in. “Today we will baptize seven people into the “You can sit, stand, dance,” said Ninaber. family of God,” he shouted so that all could hear. Jesus was “The main thing is to enjoy worshipping our Some in the back moved forward. Heavenly Father.” called a drunk The worship band comprised of young men Many of the 50 or so in the crowd stood to playing guitars, an electronic keyboard and sing along with the lyrics which were flashed and a friend drums led the crowd in a few familiar praise onto an oversized TV screen. Jack participated of sinners songs and choruses. Many in attendance as a member of the congregation, all-the-while in his time clapped to the beat of the music. Some raised keeping an eye on the audiovisual equipment. their hands up, pinched their eyes tight and At one point about 15-18 men and women of turned their faces skyward. all ages formed a conga line and danced between the tables, While the sun poked holes in the clouds and a gentle near a group of children playing, past the faux wrestling ring westerly wind blew softly, believers worshipped in God’s and down the side of the room in front of the long bar while open-air sanctuary. others clapped to the music and sang. Wearing black T-shirts with the words “I have decided” As people mingled about following the service, one printed in bold white letters on the front, Carrie and the young man from a local area church remarked with tears others took their turn being totally immersed in the water in his eyes, “The Holy Spirit was definitely present today. while supported by Jack and his wife, Sharon. I wanted to come just to see what it was like here on a Those baptized that day not only publicly professed Sunday morning.” It turned out he had been to The Manor Christ before the assembled group; they were also the first many other times, but for a very different reason. ever to be baptized in the parking lot of The Manor. You see, The Manor is a well-known Gentleman’s Club. The Church at The Manor held its inaugural service “From what we have been told,” Jack shared, “we are the four months earlier on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014. only church that is running in an operating strip club.”
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Photos Courtesy Brynley Ninaber
Located in the 120-year-old mansion of beer baron George Sleeman, The Manor and an attached motel called Sue’s Inn are both owned and run by local businessman Roger Cohen. According to the Ninabers, the idea for a church in The Manor started as a desire to bring hope to the people living at Sue’s Inn. In recent years, this 30-room motel has served as low-income transitional housing for the area’s homeless and those struggling with addictions. Tiara has lived at Sue’s Inn for 15 months. She’s been on medication for depression since her father died two years ago. “I started overdosing and not seeing light at the end of the tunnel.” She’s been in a wheelchair since her spinal cord was severed after she was violently shaken by a relative at age four. Tiara says she now has her medication under control. She has been attending Church at The Manor since its launch, and along with Carrie, was baptized during the outdoor service in the parking lot. “I felt I was judged by other churches,” she said. “It’s hard to find somewhere that accepts you when you are down.” Jack, former lead pastor at Southside Community Church in Milton, Ont., was more recently pastor at Grace Community Church in Marden, Ont., near Guelph. As he explained, the thinking behind Church at The Manor is very simple. If we want somebody to meet Christ, we have to go to them, where they are, when they are there, and on their terms, rather than always expecting them to come to us. After listening to their vision of wanting to rent the bar area to do church, Cohen remarked, “So let me get this
right. You want to bring light into a very dark place.” “Yes!” Jack responded. “He thinks we’re crazy but has been amazingly open and supportive to the point of making sure everyone knows when our services start.” They are even promoted during the week by the club disc jockey. To ensure the atmosphere is family appropriate, provocative décor is either taken down or covered up before anyone arrives on Sunday. Cohen is Jewish and normally attends synagogue. He has become a regular at the new church services. Carrie has also been attending Church at The Manor since the beginning. “The service itself is so uplifting, the sermon, the music. I’m one of the ‘hands up’ people.” Carrie has bi-polar disorder. A single mom, she has two sons. The older one, 19, lives in another unit at Sue’s Inn. Now baptized, she continues to read the Word with an incredible appetite to learn. She has come off methadone and has just been accepted as a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Guelph. As Jack explained, “Jesus was called a drunk and a friend of sinners in his time because he hung out with these people. For us, it is not telling people to go to church. It’s sharing with people that they can have a relationship with Jesus. Even in a bar.” The proof is in the results. People are finding Christ at The Manor. Peter White is an independent communication, media and adult education consultant
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UNITY IN DIVERSITY
BY GERALD HOGENBIRK
Confirming faith binds believers, breaks down barriers Heidelberg, Germany Photo Courtesy Ralph Shareski
EDITOR’S NOTE: It’s no secret that the world’s population is on the move. In 2013, according to the United Nations,
the number of international migrants worldwide reached 232 million, an all-time high. Most migrants are in search of greater opportunities and a better life. Many, however, do not move of their own free will but are forced to do so—refugees escaping persecution; people devastated by conflict or natural disasters; or victims of trafficking. In the 2013 ranking of areas with the largest number of international migrants, the Arabian Peninsula and Germany placed second and fourth respectively. Living in lands other than their own, struggling to understand another language, culture, and way of life, migrants, refugees and even some students can feel lost, uncertain, and confused. They seek community, support, and a sense of hope for the future.
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ur international churches are essential to interacting with these people and sharing the love of Christ along the Silk Road. Two great ventures began this year, one in the Arabian Peninsula and the other in Germany. Our International Workers share their stories: ARABIAN PENINSULA In this part of the Silk Road, the presence and location of an international church is strategic. Our diverse population of 18 major people groups—and several minor ones—represents many groups that are unreached with the Gospel. An international church brings the nations together. While it is a challenge to connect people who think, worship and do ministry in different ways, it is also an opportunity for them to train each other in cross-cultural ministry. There is no better way to release leaders into needy areas of the world than through an international church. The church trains them to reach and teach others around them here and then back home when they return. An international church anchors ministry in a particular location. Ours is the only officially recognized church here. Other smaller language-group services exist, but without recognition. We are six months old. But we are expectant—what does God have in store for our future?
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GERMANY Every day as we look out our windows and see the beautiful city of Heidelberg we pray God will use us to bless this area. We pray for the thousands of international students and research scientists from diverse nations, many of them lonely and searching for friendship and guidance. We pray for unity among the believers as we get to know them. We ask for contacts with people we need to meet, and God is directing us. We have connected with leaders in student ministries, English-speaking people who are joining our house group, and missions-minded, passionate young believers who are looking for mentors. The Holy Spirit is preparing the way, opening doors and bringing about important connections. We are thankful for our new apprentice, Jonathan Watland and are looking for a location to hold monthly evangelistic worship events in English. Please pray for these initiatives. Perhaps you, too, can become involved in a venture on the Silk Road. Rev. Gerald Hogenbirk is Canadian Regional Developer for the Silk Road Region
Celebrating birthdays together in the Arabian Peninsula
Finding New Hope in Christ A safe place to discover answers to life’s deepest questions BY TODD WESTELL
President Dave Hearn with NHCC Charter Members—Charter Sunday, April 7, 2013 Photo Courtesy Chris Boutilier
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ith a Sunday morning attendance of 60-70 people—a third of them being children—our church, New Hope Community Church in Dartmouth, N.S., desires to be a fresh church expression birthed from the irreligious community. We are a diverse fellowship of people from a mix of church traditions—the majority coming from a less than ideal church exit, and others joining with their own expectations and concerns. We are journeying together in new discoveries of what it means to be the body of Christ, focusing on him and not on our own agendas. The opportunity for second—and third, fourth and fifth—chances through Christ is something we are aiming to apply to our own lives, and then engage in Spirit-led opportunities to share with those around us. We are hungry to embody that there is indeed new hope in Christ. Our key ministry areas include children’s ministry, Vacation Bible School, Celebrate Recovery, and adult discipleship, growth and fellowship groups. Partnering in these and other opportunities with local churches and the Alliance family is a core characteristic of New Hope Community Church. There is a widening sense of purpose and identity emerging in the congregation, a feeling that there is more to what God has in store for us than just meeting on Sunday mornings. As one member of our church community expressed, “I’ve been a Christian for a long time, but not a disciple.” God is stirring individuals to ask discipleship questions such as, “What does God want from me?” and, “What is my responsibility in helping the whole church grow?” as well as, “How can I be a true disciple, one who follows Jesus, instead of just being a pew-sitting Christian?” In growing deeper and getting honest about knowing Christ personally, we find that some “religious veneer” needs
to be removed. As we journey together to discover what exactly our identity as a body looks like, we are in ongoing conversation about finding our expression of the “ChristCentred, Spirit-Empowered, Mission-Focused” life. Todd and Tara Westell and their children joined New Hope Community Church, Dartmouth, NS, in November 2013
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SHIFTING THE FOCUS A fresh vision to see new churches planted in this town BY DAN AND MELODIE IBSEN
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ow does one grow an elephant—an elephant church, where the Scriptures are taught daily. that is? Gather believers, teach and train them, Thirdly, another mission started a Christian hospital identify leaders, send one to Bible school to become a where patients are treated with love, are prayed for and hear pastor and raise funds to construct a church building. This the Gospel explained clearly in their own language. can take many years, just like the gestation period of a Meanwhile, in Canada, pastors of five churches in our baby elephant (about 670 days). cluster (two Seamless Link partners) were sensing that God How does one grow rabbits—rabbit churches, that is? wanted them to partner with us to plant a church in this Teach biblical principles to a few people who will teach town. In November, the five pastors visited us for a three-day what they learned in small family discipleship groups. retreat with 20 of the local Alliance church leaders to seek As those groups grow the Lord’s direction. in understanding and God clearly led us to obedience to Jesus Christ, endeavour to grow rabbit they will do likewise and churches, recognizing the the little church groups realities of the work in this multiply, just like the context. He led us to begin reproduction of rabbits with prayer, to research the (whose gestation period is needs and structure of the about 31 days). community, and then to Over the years, we have seen many rocks cleared from receive training in various topics to serve the community in the field and many seeds sown within an unreached holistic ways. people group; we have seen the tears of those who have In January, the six sister churches had a joint 24-hour laboured for decades among them. day of intercession for the vision God has given us to see But in the last few years, we have seen indicators emerge, rabbit churches multiplying all over this city. helping us realize that God is at work in this town in the In February, another supporting church sent seven men to mountains of Guinea, West Africa. help with building six new classrooms for the church school. Firstly, the local Christian and Missionary Alliance Their arrival became a positive testimony that churches in church that has never had a vision to reach other people Canada are not only willing to partner in prayer and provide groups has begun to see that Jesus came for their resources, but will also help in physical labour. neighbours as well. God is establishing his Kingdom Photo Courtesy Dan Ibsen Secondly, the pastor, who in this area. We sense that he has a passion to lead the church desires to grow rabbit churches in members beyond the walls the many corners of our town. and into the community, has Rev. Dan and Melodie Ibsen are worked tirelessly to build up the International Workers who serve reputation of the church school to in Guinea become the best school in town
GOD IS ESTABLISHING HIS KINGDOM IN THIS AREA
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Photo Courtesy Beulah Alliance Church
M A K ING T HE
CONNEXION WHERE YOU DON’T HAVE TO BELIE VE TO BELONG BY MÉLANIE GAGNON
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n January 2012, Rexdale Alliance Church cast a vision to plant a community church in Toronto. Rexdale’s leadership and congregation bought into the vision, and within nine months, Connexion Rexdale was birthed. Two years later, Connexion is a vibrant, growing church. And while the tagline has become, “Where you don’t have to believe to belong,” the Gospel is not watered down or avoided. Regulars have described the teaching at Connexion as relatable, applicable and Spirit-filled. “Attending Connexion has had a tremendous impact on my life because it has filled the void of belonging,” says Emily Carruthers, an active member. “In this world of temptations, it is the strong connection of community and shared beliefs that draw me back each week.” Shauna Barnes, an active member since its inception, states that Connexion “[bridges] the gap from what I know about God and theology in my head to actually how I live my life – at home, at work and in the community.” Johnathan Lochan, a musician in the band, says that Connexion is “a very practical and true approach to the mission Christ set out to do.” Pastor Marc Gagnon states that this is because we take “Acts 15:19 very seriously: we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” To this end, Connexion relies on volunteers to create what Marc describes as “an environment where people who are near and far from Christ can take one step closer to Jesus.” Currently, 60 people serve regularly, which is 60 per cent of the weekly attendance. Because of this servant attitude, Connexion has become a safe place for many. Those who don’t have a faith background love that they are safe and free to be part of a
community without having to accept everything right away. And people who are mature in their faith want to be part of a church community that is safe to bring those who are close to them. As a result, the congregation is comprised of people investigating the faith, passionate followers of Christ and everyone in between. Many have come back to church after years of being away, and many more have found a home at Connexion. Mélanie Gagnon grew up at Rexdale Alliance Church in Toronto and has attended and served at Connexion Rexdale for the past year
YOU CAN BE A PART OF ENDING
SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN CANADA VISIT
www.DefendDignity.ca TO FIND OUT HOW
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CHURCH PLANTING
IN MONTREAL
The challenges and opportunities for sharing the Gospel in a post-Christian culture BY DÉSIRÉ MOUNANGA
(Editor’s Note: Montreal and Quebec are among the most under-evangelized regions of North America. Factors such as secularization, urbanization and ideological pluralism have marginalized Christianity and created a deep cultural bias against organized religion. Montreal’s famous Le Plateau-Mont-Royal borough is one of Canada’s most densely populated neighbourhoods. A predominantly francophone community spiced with a healthy dose of other cultures and languages, it features an eclectic mix of artists, students, yuppies, and young families and is widely known for being literary, intellectually trendy and artsy.)
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glise de l’Alliance Chrétienne de Montréal (EACM) is a new church combining the rich French heritage of Quebec with second- and third-generation students and young professionals in need of Christ. It reaches out to all ethnicities and cultures in relevant, casual ways such as through Bible studies on the university campus, gatherings in fast food Here, church restaurants and involvement in local community organizations. planting is To an Anglo-Saxon, the planting of a church offers all sorts risky with few of possibilities, but to a French Quebecois it is an expression of workers and fear and skepticism. It is almost even fewer part of the taboos of the province. Here, church planting is risky financial with few workers and even fewer resources financial resources. Despite these challenges, my wife and five children joined me in starting a church in our apartment. Realizing the difficulty of convincing someone to meet in a house-church, we rented a classroom in the ETEM-Institut Biblique V.I.E. location, which is the centre for theological training for The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Quebec.
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However, the financial struggle and travel issues caused us to move again, this time to the Montreal Chinese Alliance Grace Church in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood. Our team is a mix of African and Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Latin American and we are seeking people of Vietnamese and Chinese descent, as well as Caucasian Quebecois, to join our church. Evangelism is the nerve of church planting, and the training of disciples its centre. Our hope is that an organized church will adopt us as a daughter church so together we may make Christ known to the new generation of francophone Quebecois. Rev. Désiré Mounanga is a church planter in Montreal, QC
L’IMPLANTATION D’ÉGLISE
À MONTRÉAL
Les défis et les occasions que suscite le partage de l’Évangile dans une culture postchrétienne PAR DÉSIRÉ MOUNANGA
(Note de la rédaction : Montréal et Québec sont parmi les endroits les moins évangélisés en Amérique du Nord. Le sécularisme, l’urbanisation et le pluralisme idéologique ont contribué à marginaliser le christianisme et à créer des préjugés culturels profondément ancrés à l’endroit de toute forme de religion organisée. Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, arrondissement bien connu de Montréal, est un des quartiers les plus densément peuplés du Canada. La saveur de ce quartier majoritairement francophone est rehaussée par la présence d’autres langues et cultures. Habité par un mélange éclectique d’artistes, d’étudiants, et de jeunes urbains professionnels, ainsi que par de jeunes familles, il est également reconnu pour son caractère artistique, littéraire et intellectuellement avant-gardiste.)
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’Église de l’Alliance Chrétienne de Montréal (EACM) est une nouvelle église à la croisée de l’héritage traditionnel francophone québécois avec la richesse de la mixité de la seconde et troisième génération des étudiants et des jeunes professionnels ayant un besoin énorme de Christ. Elle tend à réunir les jeunes issus de toutes les ethnies et de toutes les cultures au moyen d’études bibliques dans les
campus universitaires et collégiaux, de rencontres dans les restaurants et d’engagement dans l’église locale. Si, dans le milieu anglo-américain, l’implantation d’église est une expression qui semble offrir toutes sortes de possibilités, en milieu francophone québécois L’implantation elle suscite crainte et d’église est une scepticisme. Elle fait partie presque des tabous de la aventure risquée et province. L’implantation périlleuse au Québec d’église est une aventure risquée et périlleuse au dû au manque Québec dû au manque d’ouvriers et de d’ouvriers et de ressources ressources financières financières. En dépit de ces courants contraires, ma femme et moi, et nos cinq enfants avons commencé une église dans notre appartement. Constatant la difficulté de convaincre les gens à se joindre à nous dans une église maison, nous avons d’abord loué une salle de classe dans les locaux d’ETEM-IBVIE, le centre de formation théologique de l’Alliance chrétienne et missionnaire au Québec. Les entraves financières d’une part et celles de zonage d’autre part, nous ont conduites à un autre déménagement, cette fois-ci dans les locaux de l’Église chinoise Grace de l’ACM. Notre équipe est maintenant composée d’africains, haïtiens, arabes et latino-américain. Nous cherchons des ressortissants vietnamiens, chinois et québécois de souche blanche pour la compléter. L’évangélisation est le nerf de l’implantation d’église et la formation des disciples son centre gravitationnel. Notre souhait est de voir une église organisée nous adopter comme église-fille afin qu’ensemble nous puissions faire connaître Christ à la nouvelle génération de Québécois francophones. Le révérend Désiré Mounanga est implanteur d’ église à Montréal, QC
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Together We Can Do More Creating an environment to encourage and nurture new church ventures BY STEPHEN HARBRIDGE
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ccording to Albert Einstein, the definition of insanity is, “Doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.” Orillia Alliance Church was established in 1950 but had not planted one new church in its 64-year history. Our church was stuck in a cycle of routine, doing the same things over and over again, and getting the same results. Ministry was happening, but not multiplication. As I researched other Alliance churches in our area I discovered much of the same. For us, the national Alliance initiative for each church to plant one church every five years seemed impossible to attain. Unless we tried to do things differently we would not get different results. In 2012, the Holy Spirit prompted me to take a different approach: develop a church planting network in our area to multiply transformational churches by initiating and supporting new ventures in our region. The partnership includes the Orillia, Midland, Owen Sound, Alliston and Barrie Alliance churches. We call ourselves the Georgian Bay Network, or GBNet for short. Our church planting Vision 20/20 is ambitious—to launch 20 new ventures by the year 2020 with permission and potential for each to become whatever kind of church expression their context needs. Each partner church is committed to invest $6,000 per year to support these new ventures. Our district has joined with us to provide additional funds and other much needed support. Our activities are focused on three priorities: church planting, church health and leadership development. We conduct two network conferences per year targeted on these priorities.
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But our relationships are not all work and no play. We enjoy times of fellowship together, including a monthly leaders’ lunch and an annual GBNet golf tournament—complete with a trophy. A church network is not simply a new fad or a good idea. It’s good theology. The following Scripture is our mandate, and its principles are applicable to the concept of church partnerships. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble . . . A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, NLT). We believe a big reason our churches have not successfully multiplied is because we’ve been working at it alone. The GBNet is now partnering in five active new church planting ventures, and has plans to launch three more in 2014. This approach has created a more fertile environment in our region for the multiplication of transformational churches. In writing this article I was asked to address the question: how has your church in Orillia been doing church planting? My short answer is: the same way the Alliance churches in Midland, Owen Sound, Alliston and Barrie are now doing church planting—intentionally and together! Stephen Harbridge is Sr. Pastor at Orillia Alliance Church, ON and an Intentional Transitional Leader in The Christian and Missionary Alliance Central Canadian District
REACHING THE WORLD
ON OUR DOORSTEP Where people from more than 40 nations join in fellowship and mission
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here is a happy, multi-lingual buzz happening on Sunday mornings at 550 Codd’s Road in Ottawa, Ont. Following services in English and Mandarin, people from more than 40 nations of the world join together over coffee in the new fellowship hub. From there, a group of THE VISION Spanish believers meet for WAS TO ENABLE prayer and discussion of the WORSHIP AND sermon; later in the afternoon, PRAYER IN ONE’S the Filipino Community Church meets for worship in PREFERRED the East Gate sanctuary. LANGUAGE, TO East Gate Alliance Church began in 1978. In the early ENCOURAGE 1980s, a former school CHRISTIAN building and 5.1 acres of land FELLOWSHIP were purchased from the Ottawa Board of Education WITH ALL and a sanctuary was added PEOPLES onto the building. In 2001, the International Community of Alliance Churches (ICAC) was launched as a partnership of likeminded churches where cultural groups could join in fellowship and mission. The vision was to enable worship and prayer in one’s preferred language, to encourage Christian fellowship with all peoples and to provide partnership in outreach opportunities to impact the City of Ottawa. Our neighbourhood had evolved into a diverse mosaic of nationalities, languages and cultural histories. It became clear that to remain relevant and mission-focused, we would need to embrace this diversity and strategize to reach the nations at our doorstep. Our congregation voted to include as many language groups as requested to meet on our property—and an odyssey of sharing began. The journey started with simply sharing the building, but over the years has progressed to having a joint youth ministry, joint participation in Summer Day Camp with translation into Arabic, French, Mandarin and Spanish and a joint ESL class. Probably everyone’s favourite experience
BY BILL AND JENNIFER BUITENWERF
is the international service with baptisms and special music in various languages held several times per year. After much planning, prayer and preparation, we broke ground on Good Friday 2013 to build a Mandarin sanctuary, offices, kitchen, classrooms and expanded foyer. One year later, we stood in the new building, under the cross, and dedicated it to God. After all the construction delays, dust, financial challenges and planning hurdles, the hard work of shared space and ministry began! Our written agreement opens with, “It is generally expected that once the new building is in place, the two congregations will have a very close partnership. This kind of partnership requires a great faith in one another, which in turn is deeply grounded in our mutual faith in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” Things are a little different when the sharing happens every week, having twice as many children in combined classes, creating a few challenges for audio and providing enough food for snacks and shared lunches. We are indeed learning to remain in humble submission to one another. But already we see God’s hand of blessing as we learn his ideas of generosity, love and grace. We are excited to follow our mission-focused Lord who has brought the nations to us. Rev. Bill Buitenwerf, Sr. Pastor, and his wife, Jennifer, minister at East Gate Alliance Church in Ottawa, ON
The ICAC family Photo Courtesy Kian Goh
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A Faith Community of Small Groups Building intentional relationships is key to sustained spiritual growth
BY DON LOVE
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hat could you do if you had a million dollars to to trust their lives to Jesus and wanted to go further, it work with?” In a meeting about the future of global created a crisis for us workers, already stretched thin and missions, this brainstorming activity’s goal was to inspire lacking resources. “How could we have church where us to dream. However, facing the challenges of ministry in owning a building was financially impractical, even with the expensive urban core of Tokyo, these words just rang a million dollars?” in my head along with my answer, “With a million We let the group solve the problem of places to dollars I could do almost nothing!” meet in their own way. Now there are groups Our goal is to develop culturally relevant, gathering in small apartment dining rooms, indigenous churches. But how do we apartment building meeting rooms and know what “indigenous” is in a country even karaoke singing rooms. Location OUR GOAL IS TO where old and new, traditional and can change month to month. As our imported, mix so freely? And in a colleague, Doug Woon, said recently, DEVELOP CULTURALLY culture that seems unusually resistant our church’s address is Facebook and RELEVANT, INDIGENOUS or even indifferent to Christianity. a website. Indigenous means it comes from the International Workers became CHURCHES people themselves. As we considered coaches, advising, training and starting ministry in this overpopulated encouraging. Believers are engaged in centre, we realized it would only take root ministry training courses to be able to and grow if the people we sought to reach grew multiply what they receive. in faith to the point where they could show us what The structure is formed by a network of their culture needed. relationships and a program of making disciples. There are When a person who wanted to know more about Christ challenges with this model. But the problems often reveal moved to Harumi, a community of high-rises on the bay what God wants everyone to work on next. in downtown Tokyo, we gathered friends for a Bible study. The groups can only grow as everyone develops. They Reading through the Gospel of Mark together was exciting; have few props, but they can mature under the leadership it put us all in the sandals of Jesus’ disciples. of Jesus and the working of the Holy Spirit who makes As we read, I realized that Peter and the others became them strong where they are weak. disciples before they had complete faith. Their faith grew Behind the scenes, many people in Canada have been as a result of their relationship with Jesus. Discipleship is praying and those prayers are still a large part of the picture. not simply a process of education for Christians; it is a life Rev. Don Love is an International Worker who serves along with his of following Jesus and being changed by him. wife, Carol, and colleagues, Doug and Carol Woon, in Tokyo When several people in the Harumi group decided
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WAITING ON THE LORD Our task is to simply listen, trust and obey BY DARCY REIMER
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he first thing I attempted when we moved to Squamish, B.C. to plant a church was run the Cheakamus River in a two-person river canoe—one of the most thrilling things I’ve ever done! I learned two major lessons that day. First, I needed to listen to, trust and obey my river guide. He knew what was
WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF JESUS FOLLOWERS, ALL ON A JOURNEY TO KNOW GOD best. When he shouted, “Paddle hard right,” I needed to heed his advice. If he shouted, “Back left,” I simply needed to obey. Second, I learned that a river has many characteristics: wild, white water; fastmoving shallows; and deep, slow-moving pools. Some parts of our canoe journey were a white-knuckle ride where I had to paddle hard. Other times, I felt carried along without much effort at all. And at some moments it seemed we were actually being pulled backward in a strange eddy.
Church life has seasons of excitement when it feels like you are running the rapids in high water, seasons of ease when you feel carried along, and seasons of inertia when you wonder if you are going backward. At The River Church we are focused on exploring and living out the teachings of God’s Word. We are a community of Jesus followers, all on a journey to know God. The River Church is built on a Simple Church model. On the first and third Sundays of every month we meet in small gatherings we call Simple Churches. On the second and fourth Sundays of every month are our City Wide Gatherings. At these Gatherings the entire River Church community comes together for a time of worship, teaching, communion and fellowship. As a church we have just gone from seven Simple Churches to four. On the surface, it can seem like we are moving backward. It is tempting to try to make things happen, to get caught up in a flurry of activity, rather than simply be still and faithfully wait on Jesus. We need to see this moment of quiet inactivity as a gift, a time in which the Lord might want to replenish us, knowing full well there could be rapids around the next bend. In this season as a pastor, I have been given the opportunity to be still and wait upon the Lord. Whether his command is to paddle hard, wait patiently or be still, our task is to simply listen, trust and obey.
Rev. Darcy Reimer is Lead Pastor of The River Church, Squamish, BC
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Releasing Burdens Gaining Freedom
Where the sick are healed, the oppressed liberated, the poor find hope
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he evening service is packed. The wooden benches are crammed and people cluster at the back of the church, spilling past the open doors into the humid night air. The atmosphere is lively, keyboard and voices ringing loudly, with the slightly off-beat percussion of bongos, wooden sticks and many hands clapping. Next to the half-built pig corral, amongst tufts of grass and scattered trees, sits this little concrete church. Its tin roof rests on metal beams that stretch the length of the building. This sanctuary went up in forty days, an ironically biblical number. There have been services every night this week as part of a micro-economic training course taking place, raising up entrepreneurs with business savvy and spiritual fire. The program isn’t primarily an economic one anymore; it is a spiritual one where the refrain is dependence on God. The pastors of the church came nine months ago. They are a simple couple: he a brawny farmer; she petite and talkative. He came to Christ through the micro-economic program. They started out in a decrepit wooden house, borrowing money for a few pig pens, pouring their savings back into their project. Now, nine years later, they are being trained in the Alliance seminary on the island. They left their herds and home and came to this small, rural town. Word about these meetings spread in the community and people are coming to see what is happening.
PRAYERS ANSWERED The pastor lays his calloused farmer hands on people’s shoulders alongside the preacher who calls down fire from heaven like Elijah. In the middle of the service, a woman shouts out, her face contorted. “What’s your name?” the preacher asks of the demon and begins to pray. The woman falls on the floor and lays limp for a time. Afterwards, she’s changed, full of joy. She comes back to the church the next day and the next and the day after that. Another, an old man, had lost his son to suicide. The grief so twisted his stomach he couldn’t eat. His leg was about to be amputated; he could hardly walk. And so they carried him in to be prayed for. Now everyone is talking, about how he ate the food the church gave him, about his healed leg, but mostly about the radiant joy on his face. Government officials are impressed, asking for Bibles and copies of the training materials. In the service, a 12-year-old girl dances to a song about releasing burdens and finding freedom in Christ. The Spirit dances alongside her in this little country church. The sick are being healed, the oppressed freed, the poor finding hope. Salvation is springing up from the ground.
THE PASTOR LAYS HIS CALLOUSED FARMER HANDS ON PEOPLE’S SHOULDERS
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Written anonymously by an International Worker in the Caribbean Sun Region
Expecting the Holy Spirit How we are building our faith in his power BY SCOTT AND DARALEE SUNDERWALD
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here was a sweetness in church that Sunday morning, the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit. After praying for people in need of physical, spiritual and emotional healing, several individuals began to come forward to give testimony to the goodness and power of God. An RCMP officer stepped up, holding back the tears. Carefully rubbing his hand, he slowly began to speak. “I damaged my finger during a patrol over two years ago. I lost all feeling and mobility in this finger. My doctor recently told me it might need to be amputated soon. I just received prayer and my finger regained its feeling and colour. I can’t believe it. I can move it—look!” He retreated to a chair and sat weeping, studying his finger, in awe of the power of God. We gathered around him and prayed for more than just physical healing, but also for a deep transformation and blessing in his life. This is the church in action. At Hinton Alliance, we are just regular people living, working and playing on the edge of the majestic Rocky Mountains. OUR JOURNEY In 2012, our leadership team embarked on a transformation journey. We started with a very honest spiritual inventory of who we were, outlining key areas for spiritual growth. It became evident that we were longing for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit. We realized we needed to be intentional about this— moving from simply being open to the Holy Spirit, to expecting that he will move in power as we seek and welcome him, both individually and corporately. Just like with A.B. Simpson many years ago, our church has been rediscovering what it means to be filled and to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. We outlined specific goals for spiritual renewal including: promoting freedom and engaged hearts in worship, actively
listening to and obeying the Holy Spirit, practising the gifts of the Spirit in a safe and encouraging environment, developing prayer teams, and providing discipleship through small group ministry. We began to offer healing prayer along with our communion services, making regular calls for ministry after each sermon and calling the church to prayer and fasting— ending in celebrations of worship. And God is showing up in powerful ways! Through this journey, God has graciously been adding to our numbers, including new conversions and baptisms. We have been invited by God to partner with him through the Holy Spirit in carrying on the ministry and mission of Jesus (see Luke 4:18) and advancing his kingdom on earth. We still have much to learn, but thankfully he is equipping us with the gifts we need to do the job as we step out in faith and partner with him. We are excited for all that lies ahead! Scott and Daralee Sunderwald, elders at Hinton Alliance Church, AB, provide support through leading worship, teaching, and home group ministry
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FEATURE
LEAVE YOUR MARK ON TOMORROW Contributing to the Lord’s work after you are gone BY BEN KONONOFF
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first heard this outlook on life from a senior couple, and then several years later from a young couple in their late 20s. It offers sage wisdom: “We have tithed in life and we will tithe in death. The God we served in life is the same God we serve in death. He does not change. We want our children to realize this, and to know that supporting the Lord’s work is more than significant. It is the least I can do for the God who provided a blood sacrifice for my life in the person of Jesus Christ!” Many estates needlessly pay more taxes in the year of someone’s passing than at any other time of life. In the case of the last to die, Revenue Canada will deem your estate as liquidated the day you die. This includes your Registered Retirement Savings Plan, Registered Retirement Income Fund, real estate, business investment(s) and investment accounts. Taxation of the capital and earned income will be at the highest marginal rate. A charitable gift will offset a major portion, if not all, of the taxes. By checking with a qualified person to understand the tax advantages and savings in the jurisdiction in which you live, you can respond proactively to legacy giving. The following assets unlikely resulted in a tithe while the deceased was living: life insurance; capital appreciation in a business or piece of real estate; one’s pension funds or RRSP or RRIF; the capital appreciation on the primary residence; the capital growth in a cash investment account. Your last will and testament
becomes your opportunity to honour God, who blessed you and enabled you to accumulate major net worth. Have you considered the fact that you can leave a legacy gift? This means that even after you are gone, you are still contributing to the Lord’s work. For some, this may be a gift to the local church, the Global Advance Fund or some other ministry. For others, it may mean setting up a foundation, an endowment or having an existing foundation manage a gift over time once you are deceased. Our combined efforts for the Lord’s work of reaching the lost can bring back the Coming King. We can play a vital part in his coming through our legacy gift. A gift enables men and women to work in the harvest fields reaching the lost. If our children know the Lord, we have an opportunity to grow our spiritual family through other ministries! We can give either voluntarily or involuntarily to charity. In paying government taxes, we are involuntarily providing funding for social services in our country, some of which do not reflect Christian values. Most people would rather choose where their money goes!
Your last will and testament becomes your opportunity to honour God
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Note: This article is not intended to give legal advice. Ben is a Certified Fundraising Executive and is available to answer your questions. Call 604-557-6929 or email kononoffb@cmacan.org.
Rev. Ben Kononoff has served as a Gift Planner with The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada for more than 12 years
BY T.L. SCHMIDT
Bringing People to God A
Saturday evening church service has just ended, but there is no mad rush to the parking lot. People linger, stop and chat, and let their children play while they share a coffee or a plate of chicken wings in the atrium café, absorbed in dialogue around one of the fireplaces. Decorated in warm hues with wood, glass and stone, this place looks less like a traditional church and more like . . . home. First Alliance Church (FAC) in Calgary, Alta. has experienced a steady increase in attendance since their move to a new facility in 2005, but the past three years have been incredibly fruitful. The numbers are staggering. Average weekend attendance has increased by 40 per cent—from 2,600 in 2011 to nearly 3,700 in 2014. Two of FAC’s five weekend services have been added since 2012 to accommodate the increased crowds coming through the doors. But the people aren’t just FAC Auditorium coming, they’re staying—and they’re making faith decisions. Over 600 have become members in the past three years and there have been over 400 baptisms—200 in 2013 alone. Calgary is witnessing an influx of families into new-build communities in the southeast where FAC is located—and those families are bringing their children to church. The children’s ministry is bursting at the seams with over 800 children some weekends. And kids are thriving, with 99 new faith decisions made in the first six months of 2014. Classrooms are at near capacity, spurring an upcoming $7-million building campaign to add youth and children’s spaces.
FLOURISHING MINISTRIES What brings these families through the doors of First Alliance—and then keeps them there? Scott Weatherford, Senior Lead Pastor, attributes it to “making the Gospel accessible and putting Jesus at the forefront.” “We’re preaching for life change,” Weatherford explains, “but in an environment that is open, friendly and accepting people where they are.” He adds, “It’s not about us. We haven’t done this. Jesus has done this.” Flourishing ministries are as varied as the passions of the people, from worship arts, food service and handyman help to adoption support, addiction recovery and mentoring. Ethnic congregations have emerged as Calgary’s multicultural population has been drawn into FAC: a Vietnamese fellowship, a Filipino church and, recently, new-faith Iranians ministering to their own people group. “Now the church has a minister of Mosaic Ministries who gives attention to the many people from various national backgrounds attending our services,” says Ray Matheson, Pastor of Congregational Care at FAC. Passionate volunteers are in schools, homes, shelters and on the streets of Calgary, meeting the physical and spiritual needs of a city experiencing exponential growth. A dozen shortterm mission trips have been launched from FAC in the past Photo Courtesy Enoch Tseng three years to spread the Gospel and to partner with churches among least-reached peoples. “We are all about the extension of the Kingdom of God— in the small home church, the big church and the global church,” Weatherford confirms. “All for Jesus!” T.L. Schmidt is a volunteer writer at First Alliance Church in Calgary, AB Editor’s note: Subsequent to writing this article, and prior to going to press, Pastor Scott Weatherford and his wife, Tara, moved from First Alliance Church to assume leadership at Vaughn Forest Church, Montgomery, Ala.
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Photo Courtesy Daron Young
The phenomenal growth of this suburban megachurch
FAC Baptism
FEATURE
Bridging the Gap A process to make the most of the interim between permanent pastors BY GERRY TEICHROB
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his isn’t what I signed up for,” Jim muttered to himself as he left the Board of Elders meeting. He was dismayed that the lead pastor had just resigned. As Board Chair, Jim felt a heaviness settle on him as he anticipated the challenges that lay ahead. Jim and his fellow Board members were not alone in this new chapter of their church’s story. All churches experience changes of pastoral leadership, yet few plan ahead for this inevitability. The departure of a lead pastor can precipitate a significant time of stress, or even crisis, for a local church. How a pastoral transition is managed and led significantly shapes the future of the church. Churches often move with a sense of urgency to strike a search team to fill the void of pastoral leadership. This can result in a hasty search process that may conclude in yet another painful pastoral departure. WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY Under the leadership of a transitional pastor, changes in pastoral leadership can be windows of opportunity for local churches to experience spiritual renewal, increased health, and clearer vision and mission prior to engaging in the pastoral search. Transitional pastors are specialists who come alongside to help a local church thrive through a season of pastoral transition. They help prepare the church to search for a lead pastor from a posture of greater spiritual health and vitality. Such transitions can be a period of spiritual formation for congregations as they collectively experience a deeper
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dependence on God and one another. They discover fresh confidence in God to provide a new pastoral leader at the right time. A transitional pastor is not an interim pastor. Transitional pastors are trained and equipped to help the church address key issues of church health during the transition. An intentional transitional ministry addresses the following key areas: Regaining stability Working toward closure with the past n Assessing church health; locating strengths to celebrate and key areas of concern to address n Developing and implementing a plan to work toward greater church health n Creating a comprehensive and realistic Pastoral Search Profile n Conducting a thoughtful, collaborative, spiritually discerned pastoral search n Hiring and welcoming a new lead pastor n Evaluating the process n n
It is a significant step of faith for a church Board to deliberately slow down the process of finding a new pastor and engage the services of a transitional pastor. This is counter-intuitive to our fast-paced culture. Entering into an intentional transition process requires a willingness for the church to reflect on its past, present and future. The goal is to clearly answer the questions, “Who do we hope to become?” and “What kind of pastoral leader
do we need?” before launching into the pastoral search. A transitional pastor’s presence and guidance allows the church to take the time to do this well. A common question is, “How long will it take for us to find a new lead pastor?” The short, and often unpopular, answer is 6-24 months. The longer answer is that it depends on many factors: the reasons why the previous pastor left; the overall health of the church; whether the church desires to go through a re-visioning process; and the issues that emerge through the assessment process. Intentional transition requires the spiritual discipline of patience of Proverbs 19:2: “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.”
HOW A PASTORAL TRANSITION IS MANAGED AND LED SIGNIFICANTLY SHAPES THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH A UNIQUE CALLING Transitional ministry is a special type of pastoral work. It is a commitment to love and lead a church through a vulnerable time and then move on to help another church. Transitional pastors are never candidates for the vacant lead pastor role. Those of us who serve as transitional pastors refer to ourselves as “the nomads” of the pastoral landscape. At the heart of our work is a deep belief in the local church and a desire to see it thrive. We long to see a new lead pastor arrive at a healthy church that is experiencing renewal—spiritually, relationally, organizationally and operationally. Transitional ministry requires courage and wisdom. Transitional pastors have the perspective to see things in the local church that those within the church often cannot. Knowing how to communicate this in an honest yet gracious manner is a major aspect of the art of transitional ministry. Transitional pastors address critical issues to help the church in a way that a long-term pastor or pastoral team may
not be empowered to do. Transitional pastors have a unique sense of calling that allows them to aid then fade, allowing the church to move forward in its own strengths. As a transitional pastor, I have experienced a tremendous amount of job satisfaction working with congregations in transition. Many congregants express their skepticism at the outset, but as the process comes to completion, most people see it as a season of spiritual growth for the church. It is very meaningful to see a local church grow healthier and then call a lead pastor with a clear sense that God has been preparing the church for greater effectiveness and vibrancy in ministry. One of the best rewards of this calling is the opportunity to work with so many committed people—church staff members, Board members and lay leaders who faithfully serve and love their churches. SENSE OF HOPE Jim breathed a sigh of relief on the way to his car at the end of another Board meeting. After careful consideration, the elders had agreed to engage the services of a transitional pastor. Jim was relieved to know that as Board Chair, he would now have an experienced pastoral leader to come and guide the church through this critical time of transition. Rev. Gerry Teichrob lives with his wife, Ruth, in Langley, B.C., has served as an Alliance pastor since 1977, is founder of Pathways Forward and partners with the Canadian Pacific District as Coordinator of the Transitional Pastors Network Find out more at pathwaysforward.ca or pacificdistrict.ca/district-partners/ transitions-in-pastoral-leadership
HAV E YOU EN JOYED THIS MAG A ZINE? When you have finished reading, why not pass it on to a friend.
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EXP ODING
Growth How God is doing incredible things in our midst BY DWAYNE TOEWS
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ver the past year, our congregation has learned to expect the unexpected. God has been doing incredible things in our midst, moving us deeper in discipleship, empowering us to fulfill our mission: To grow in community. To serve our neighbours. To reach the world. For many years the Yarrow Alliance church family had been content to simply exist. Yet in this past year, both our men’s and women’s ministries have exploded in new and vibrant growth. Our women’s ministry pastor, Kelly Rader, says, “Our Women Connect ministry exists to connect women to God and each other. Women have bonded with one another through a ladies retreat, a Gifted and Called Seminar (helping women identify their gifting and ministry calling), Bible studies, mentoring, Moms Connect and the launch of seven Connect Groups. “These groups of three to four women meet once or twice per month to fellowship through book study, exercise or just over coffee, talking about what God has been doing in their lives.” God is moving in our men’s ministry, too. Associate Pastor Cory Buettner says, “Being real with one another is key. It is such a foreign thing in the world today, yet we’ve discovered that at Yarrow Alliance Church it is the very thing guys are craving. “They were not responding to the typical self-help programs or studies designed to “fix” them, so we decided about five years ago that we would change our posture and pursue real authenticity among men. That meant all of us. Pastors included.” Our men needed to know that Jesus loves them no matter what. That to be a Christian doesn’t mean you have to look like everyone else and that we are all on this journey together. The results have proven themselves. We have men coming to Christ. Discipleship is happening in profound ways. Our men are travelling through life side by side, serving each other, serving our families and serving our community. Rev. Dwayne Toews is Lead Pastor of Yarrow Alliance Church, Chilliwack, BC
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G
resources
Alliance-Generated Resources Leading a Life of Impact: Discovering the Path to Self-Awareness
By Larry Eide
Whether you are a leader in your job, community, church, family or other group, this well-researched book addresses 15 key areas to help readers better understand who they are and how that impacts the way they lead. For each area, Larry includes questions for individuals or small groups, along with suggestions for action steps. Drawing on practical illustrations from his own life, as well as the lives of others, he helps readers to learn not only about themselves, but also about the uniqueness of the people they lead and how this can make them more impactful leaders. Larry serves as Assistant District Superintendent for the Canadian Pacific District, ministering to leaders and congregations in more than 80 churches. Available in paperback from your local Christian bookstore or online at: encouragingleaders.net, amazon.com, blessings.com, angelchristianbooks.ca.
Out of the Box: Moving from Religion to Intimacy with God By David Collins
David’s previous book, Reflections: Holiness/ Wholeness, introduced readers to a quest to know God more intimately. Out of the Box, his second book in the series, leads readers deeper into that quest. The author believes that the knowledge of God is vast and largely undiscovered, and that there are a multitude of truths still waiting to be found. As a storyteller, David draws the reader into his writings and leaves them with reflective thoughts on how each story relates to their everyday lives. David attends Heritage Alliance Church in Abbotsford, B.C. He has founded several organizations, including Canadian Food for the Hungry International and Paradigm Ministries, which helps people discover how and why they think the way they do. Available in paperback online at: judsonlakehouse.net, paradigmministries.ca.
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personnel updates
Personnel Updates
The following personnel changes are as reported by the district offices, and compiled by Debra Marritt, for the period January 1, 2014 – June 30, 2014.
NEW WORKERS n Archer, Travis, Youth Pastor, Deer Park Alliance Church, Red Deer, AB n Castro, Carlos, Youth Ministry Pastor, Rexdale Alliance Church, Etobicoke, ON n Cheung, Andrew, Pastor of Community Life, Tenth Avenue Alliance Church, Vancouver, BC n Crawford, Tyler, Pastor of Youth and Young Adults, Tsawwassen Alliance Church, Delta, BC n Dick, Brendan, Youth Pastor, North Shore Alliance Church, North Vancouver, BC n Dwyer, Michelle, Associate Pastor, Beaverlodge Alliance Church, AB n Flanagan, Nina, Director of Youth Ministry, Trail Alliance Church, BC n Fong, Edmond, Pastor of Chinese Ministry, Crucible Church, Richmond, BC n Fung, Joanne, Children’s Pastor, Westside Calgary Chinese Alliance Church, AB n Gilliland, Garrett, Youth Pastor, Spruce Grove Alliance Church, AB n Hack, Murray, Lead Pastor, Good News Chapel, Regina, SK n Hawes, Jon, Assistant Worship Pastor, Coquitlam Alliance Church, BC n Hubbard, Andrew, Pastor of Compassionate Ministries, Toronto Alliance Church, ON n Johnson, Ginger, Admin., Children’s and Worship Ministries, Mission Creek Alliance Church, Kelowna, BC n Jonsson, Dave, Young Adults Pastor, Coquitlam
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Alliance Church, BC Kibblewhite, Anne, Children’s Pastor, Beulah Alliance Church, Edmonton, AB n Koot, Dave, Associate Lead Pastor, Peace Portal Alliance Church, Surrey, BC n Kryvenchuk, Roxanne, Assistant Pastor, Southgate Alliance Church, Edmonton, AB n Lee, Beau, Children’s Pastor, Tenth Avenue Alliance Church, Vancouver, BC n Mabbett, Becca, Director of Music Ministry and Children’s Events, Mission Creek Alliance Church, Kelowna, BC n Marcus, Andrew, Worship Pastor, Coquitlam Alliance Church, BC n Nel, Dan, Worship Pastor, Rockyview Alliance Church, Calgary, AB n Nguyen, Thai, Lead Pastor, Calgary Vietnamese Alliance Church, AB n Orino, Jun, Lead Pastor, Fraser Valley Alliance Church, North Delta, BC n Palisoc, Emmanuel, Pastor of Student Ministries, Scarborough Community Alliance Church, ON n Rader, Kelly, Pastor of Women’s Ministry and Executive Assistant, Yarrow Alliance Church, BC n Rombough, David, Assistant Pastor – English Youth Ministry, North Toronto Chinese Alliance Church, Richmond Hill, ON n Rutledge, Kevin, Senior Pastor, Unionville Alliance Church, ON n Schmidt, Heather, Director of Children’s Ministries, Heritage Alliance Church, Abbotsford, BC n
Stephen, Dwight, Children’s Pastor, Airdrie Alliance Church Network, AB n Tam, David, Senior Pastor, Richmond Grace Alliance Church, BC n Tracie-Stockburger, Lee, Pastor of Missional Engagement – East Vancouver, Tenth Avenue Alliance Church, BC n Traverse, Marny, Children’s Pastor, St. Albert Alliance Church, AB n Warnick, Sham, Children’s Pastor, South Gate Alliance Church, Calgary, AB n Wong, Andrew, English Ministry Lead Pastor, Chinese Evangelical Alliance Church – English (Cross Point Fellowship), North York, ON n
NEW INTERNATIONAL WORKERS TO THE FIELD n Costa Rica: Steve and Heidi Maskell, Church Ministry, in August. n Germany: Jonathan Watland (Apprentice), Church Ministry, in April. n Indonesia: Nori and Shelley Anderson, Church Ministry, in July. n Malaysia: Dan and Melissa Skitch, Support Ministry, in June. n Thailand: Darren and Naomi Herbold, Church Ministry, in July. n Venezuela: Chris and TerraLynn Ulriksen, Church Ministry, in August. FIELD ASSIGNMENT n Costa Rica: Curtis and Linda Doell, Compassion
personnel Ministry, in January. Japan: Doug and Carol Woon, Church Ministry, in January. n Republic of Congo: Anne Stephens, Church Ministry, in January. n Spain: Maida Anderson, Support Ministry, in April. n Venezuela: Martin Angers and Nadia Robitaille, Church Ministry, in April. n
HOME ASSIGNMENT n Cambodia: Khang and Amy Nguyen, in June (Church Ministry). n France: Dick and Karin Kaan, in July (Church Ministry). n Guinea: Lizette Lavoie, in June (Church Ministry). n Guinea: Charles Ibsen, in June (Marketplace Ministry). n Malaysia: Bob and Karin Thorne, in June (Church Ministry). n Senegal: Cori Ibsen, in June (Support Ministry). PERSONNEL CHANGES n Bachelder, Jessica, Children’s Ministry Director, North Toronto Chinese Alliance Church, Richmond Hill, ON n Bergmann, Tim, Former Worker n Berkan, Brad, Former Worker n Bisnett, Josh, Unassigned n Breitkreutz, Gudrun, Former Worker n Brigham, Andrew, Former Worker n Brown, Jaci, Family Life Pastor, Rosewood Park Alliance Church, Regina, SK n Brown, Rebecca, Former Worker n Brown, Myra, Worker Emeritus n Burt, Jill, Unassigned n Cabuhat, Bong, Former Worker n Chak, Ginny, Former Worker n Chan, Kaman, Senior Pastor, Zion Alliance Church, Markham, ON n Chan, Tim, Former Worker n Cheung, Stanley, Former Worker n Cochrane, Kelly, Former Worker n Coutts, Darcy, Former Worker n Cowie, Mary Ann, Former Worker n Dubois, Wendy, Unassigned n Duimel, Michelle, Former Worker n Edwards, Bruce, Interim Senior Pastor, Unionville
Alliance Church, ON Erhardt, Jason, Former Worker n Fernandes, Jason, Associate Pastor, NEXT Christian Community, St. Albert, AB n Figueroa, Luz, Former Worker n Fitzgerald, Donna, Unassigned n Folts, David, Former Worker n Fong, Daniel, Former Worker n Fong, David, Interim Pastor of Cantonese Ministries, Regina Chinese Alliance Church, SK n Foster, Jim, Unassigned n Fox, Jamie, Lead Pastor, Sevenoaks Alliance Church, Abbotsford, BC n Fraser, Ruth Ann, Former Worker n Freiter, Gord, Unassigned n Friesen, Jenn, Pastor of Organizational Health and Discipleship, The Bridge, Winnipeg, MB n Friesen, Perry, Lead Pastor – English Ministry, South Gate Alliance Church, Calgary, AB n Fung, Edmond, Acting Senior Pastor, Markham Chinese Alliance Church, ON n Gietz, Cindy, Former Worker n Gilmore, Glenn, Former Worker n Glidden, Kirsten, Former Worker n Guardacosta, Maureen, Former Worker n Haazen, John, Senior Pastor, Drayton Valley Alliance Church, AB n Harper, Ivan, Minister-at-Large n Henry, Bill, Unassigned n Henry, Jonathan, Transition Pastor, Luseland Alliance Church, SK n Henry, Nancy, Unassigned n Herman, Susan, Former Worker n Hodge, Bonnie, Associate Pastor, Beulah Alliance Church, Edmonton, AB n Holmberg, Stephanie, Children’s Pastor, Midland Alliance Church, ON n Hunter, Kyle, Unassigned n Jealouse, Mark, Unassigned n Johnston, Joya, Former Worker n Kang, Dan, Lead Pastor, Living Hope Christian Fellowship, Courtenay, BC n Karman, Debra, Former Worker n Kowalko, Triana, Former Worker n
Lai, Joseph, Assistant Pastor, North Edmonton Alliance Church, AB n Lardizabal, Tim, Associate Pastor – Missions, Saskatoon New Life Community Fellowship, SK n Lau, Terence, Worker Emeritus n Lee, Ryan, Unassigned n Leung, Lydia, Cantonese Ministry Pastor, North Edmonton Alliance Church, AB n Lin, Karl, Former Worker n Lorimer, Rosemary, Unassigned n Love Ulriksen, Bethany, Former Worker n MacArthur, Lloyd, Minister-At-Large n Magcalas, Walfredo, Former Worker n Mance, Charlie, Former Worker n Mapa, Ricky, Associate Pastor, South Vancouver Community Church, BC n Martin, Marilyn, Former Worker n McNarry, Brian, Lead Pastor, Grand Valley Community Church, Brandon, MB n Mellott, Irene, Former Worker n Mueller, Russell, Unassigned n Ng, Edward, Former Worker n Nguyen, David S. T., Former Worker n Norton, Tristan, Pastor of Youth Ministry, McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church, Brandon, MB n Paton, James, Former Worker n Peat, Heather, Former Worker n Peters, David, Unassigned n Peters, Theo, Former Worker n Poettcker, Mike, Pastor of Missional Discipleship, Cochrane Alliance Church, AB n Pyles, Franklin, English Ministry Pastor, Mississauga Chinese Alliance Church, ON n Qazi, Jamila, Former Worker n Qazi, Nadeem, Former Worker n Quick, Jeff, Former Worker n Reimer, Darin, Former Worker n Rempel, Janelle, Former Worker n Rist, Bernd, Former Worker n Rousseau, Rob, Unassigned n Russell, Doug, Pastoral Care, Moose Jaw Alliance Church, SK n Safavy, Joseph, Unassigned n Sands, Blaine, Former Worker n
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Sarju, Joy, Former Worker Sharpe, Steve, Worker Emeritus Shoemaker, Ken, Former Worker Siemens, Ken, Associate Pastor of Seniors and Extension Ministries, Trail Alliance Church, BC n So, Milton, Former Worker n Stouffer, John, Former Worker n Swanson, Stu, Former Worker n Tam, Albert, Former Worker n Tam, Bernard, Lead Pastor, Midtown Alliance Church, Toronto, ON n Tam, Melonie, Former Worker n Tancongco, Odie, Lead Pastor, Saskatoon New Life Community Fellowship, SK n Theophilus, Paul, Former Worker n Trenholm, Dave, Former Worker n Truong, Chinh, Senior Pastor, London Vietnamese Alliance Church, ON n Tse, Gary, Former Worker n Van Kuik, Ryan, Former Worker n Wang, George, Unassigned n Warkentin, Wil, Former Worker n Watson, Lee, Unassigned n Welsh, Nathan, Former Worker n Weston, Alex, Former Worker
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Wiebe, Bob, Worker Emeritus Wiebe, Michelle, Unassigned Wilks, Arianne, Former Worker Willoughby, Frank, Former Worker Wilson, Alison, Unassigned Winslow, Rob, Former Worker Wong, Dennis, Former Worker Zhai, David, Unassigned
ORDINATIONS NN Caldwell, Rev. Jonathan, First Alliance Church, Calgary, AB NN Chow, Rev. Wai Fung, Halifax Chinese Alliance Church, NS NN Clugston, Rev. Russ, Rockyview Alliance Church, Calgary, AB NN Du, Rev. David, South Scarborough Chinese Alliance Church, ON NN Ebanks, Rev. Fernando, Southview Alliance Church, Calgary, AB NN Gibbons, Rev. Tim, Foothills Alliance Church, Calgary, AB NN Gilbertson, Rev. Ruth-Anne, The C&MA in Canada, Calgary, AB NN Griffin, Rev. Steve, Rockyview Alliance Church, Calgary, AB NN Klein, Rev. Jonathan, First Alliance Church, Calgary, AB NN Leung, Rev. Anita, Vancouver
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Chinese Alliance—Fraser Lands Church, BC Love, Rev. Patti, Foothills Alliance Church, Calgary, AB MacMillan, Rev. Jeff, Faith in Focus, Toronto, ON Madden, Rev. Barry, Unassigned Olsen Draper, Rev. Carla, Foothills Alliance Church, Calgary, AB Thompson, Rev. Brian, Vancouver Chinese Alliance— Fraser Lands Church, BC Toon, Rev. Stephen, Timbers Community Church, Prince George, BC Wigmore, Rev. Jason, Milestone Alliance Church, SK Wu, Rev. Zion, Vancouver Chinese Alliance—Knight Street Church, BC
NEW CHURCHES Lloydminster, SK: Lloydminster New Life Fellowship NN Toronto, ON: Fields of Harvest Church NN
CLOSED CHURCHES Vancouver, BC: Vancouver Westside Alliance Church
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BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS, AND DO THE WORK. DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD GOD, MY GOD, IS WITH YOU. HE WILL NOT FAIL YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. 1 Chronicles 28:20
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With the Lord Anderson, Glenna, April 27, 2014 Glenna Anderson, beloved wife of Henry Anderson of Calgary, AB went to be with the Lord on April 27, 2014 at the age of 86 years. Known for her big smile, love and kindness, she had lots of stories to share with each and every word she told. She made a huge impact on hundreds of people, and had great passion for her ministry, especially among the Papuan people where she dedicated so much of her life and talents to extend the Kingdom of God. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Gerald, Lenna (Heffernan)
and Priscilla (Unger) and their families, as well as numerous other family and friends.
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Throness, Harald, August 5, 2014 Harald was born September 2, 1928 in a farming community north of Grande Prairie, AB. In 1952, after training at Peace River Bible Institute in Sexsmith, he married Edna Peters and left the family farm for ministry with the Shantymen’s Christian Association in Tofino on Vancouver Island. Over the next 50 years he served with the C&MA as pastor of 11 churches in Western Canada, including Chilliwack Alliance,
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Sherwood Park Alliance and Sevenoaks Alliance in Abbotsford. In 1980 he established the Strathcona Christian Academy in Sherwood Park, AB. This K-12 school now has 1,100 students. Harald was predeceased by his wife in 2007. He was father to Leon, Laurie, Lyndon, Trevor and Kathy, grandfather to 13 and he became a great-grandfather a few months prior to his death. Harald was an able, practical preacher, serving with humility and integrity, dedicating his life to make the Gospel known. He leaves a legacy that enriched the lives of thousands.
PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS FAITHFUL SERVANTS. Psalm 116:15
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now you know
Pastoring the
Pastors Insights into the lasting impact made by a district office BY CHRISTOPHER SMITH
It was the district office that cheered me on and encouraged me to throw my hat into the ring
G
rowing up in an Alliance church, I remember one day asking my pastor what the district office does. He mentioned something about their role of pastoring the pastors in the district. His answer seemed logical enough. But it wasn’t until I became a pastor myself that I really understood just how profound that answer was. I received my first call into pastoral ministry, not because I applied to a church to fill an open position, but because a district superintendent heard about me and passed my name onto a senior pastor. When it was time for that first awkward discussion with my church about an increase in salary, I went to a district staff member for advice.
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When the opportunity arose for me to step up into a new role within my church, it was the district office that cheered me on and encouraged me to throw my hat into the ring. And when it was time to pursue my calling in another community, it was my district superintendent who walked me through the process of transitioning well. This has been the timbre of my ongoing relationship with the district office over the course of my ten years in ministry. They have been a resource to me when I needed advice and cheerleaders for me when I’ve had opportunities. They have supported and commended me to my congregations through ordination and installation services, Seamless
They have been a resource to me when I needed advice and cheerleaders for me when I’ve had opportunities Link Covenant signing ceremonies and countless other occasions. I remember receiving correction and guidance from someone in my district office when I went through a tricky bylaw revision process, and won’t forget being given great freedom to try some outside-the-box partnerships in an attempt to develop a Five “S” initiative with a church plant in another district altogether. One of my most memorable periods was when my first senior pastor accepted a call to another community. Like all leadership transitions, it was a delicate time of knowing the boundaries of my authority, while carrying a burden well beyond my job description. I appreciated more than ever the unscheduled phone calls, coffee dates, emails and casual visits that I received from our district team. They made it their business to support both me and my family through that season, something I know they have done for many others as well. And when I left that church to lead another congregation last year, I could see the fingerprints of the district office’s care all over my new staff and elders as they emerged from their time of transition. I remembered what I had been taught as a young man: The district office is there to pastor the pastors. They are MY pastors. I will always be grateful to the men and women who have served on our district office team. I couldn’t live out my calling without them. Rev. Christopher Smith is Lead Pastor at The Bridge Church in Winnipeg, MB
Take a Closer Look at Us Alliance Churches in Canada Baptism Statistics
Distribution of Churches Rural / Urban Population of town/city 1 – 1,000
No. of churches
23 44
1,000 – 5,000
Sub-total 151
71
50,000 – 100,000
25.4%
by Age Group 2013
Teens (13-19)
19.5%
Adults (30-49)
Young Adults (20-29)
Divergent Alliance Congregations in Canada
97
100,000 – 500,000 Sub-total 198
Chinese 104
63
500,000 – 1,000,000
78
1,000,000+
Children (12 and under)
31.5%
30
25,000 – 50,000
Unknown
Adults (50+)
47
10,000 – 25,000
7.7%
15.8%
37
5,000 – 10,000
0.1%
Sub-total 141
Spanish
6
Iranian
Korean
5
Haitian
4
total 490
Arabic
1
Cambodian 2
Asian
1
Punjabi
Japanese 1
1920’s
1930’s
59
75
2010 to present 28 Unknown 30
Total
28
1940’s
1950’s
All statistics are as reported, June 30,2014
Total 190
95
28
Discipleship Growth in Alliance Churches in Canada
2
84
40 10
4
First Nations 7
Percentage of Alliance churches that speak a language other than English = 39%
Founding Years of congregations
13
Québécois 12
Filipino 18
Vietnamese 23
1960’s
1970’s
1980’s
1990’s
490 2000’s
54.5% 56.6% 57% 56.7% 58.2% 2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
INSPIRING VISION
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