SEMBEQ magazine FALL 2017–n°9
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A word from our president
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Quentin Bernard Immerse Program Student
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Mélodie Bergeron Student in the Priscilla Program
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Pat Murphy Missionary in Quebec
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Mélissa Jodoin Accountant at SEMBEQ
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Gilles Farley Member of SEMBEQ’s Board of Directors
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Éric Provencher Quebec City Cohort Student
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Benjamin Karleen SEMBEQ Professor
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Célestin Ouffoué Gamma Cohort Student
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Jean-Sébastien Morin SEMBEQ Professor
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Michael Caron Biblical Counseling Student
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New Programs Available Soon
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Louis-Alexandre Beauchemin Independent Student
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Tim Savage Partner with SEMBEQ
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A Note to Our Students!
Our dream is to take part in building a province marked by solidarity through a Gospel movement that leads to personal conversions, missional communities, social justice and a renewing of culture throughout Quebec and the Frenchspeaking world. 2
The Seminary: One story at a time ...
NEWS Immerse Program Now at the Bachelor’s Level We are pleased to announce that the Immerse program will now be available to students who wish to obtain a bachelor’s degree with SEMBEQ. It was previously restricted to students pursuing a master's degree, but we have now been granted permission from NBS (Northwest Baptist Seminary) to adapt its program to serve a larger number of students with this excellent training curriculum. News Regarding the Recognition of Our Diplomas
We praise the Lord for answering our prayers and for opening doors to advance our diploma recognition procedure. We are now able to offer recognized training to all interested students. Our recent partnership with Northwest Baptist Seminary already allows us to offer a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree in the Immerse program. In addition, we are very pleased with our new partnership with the Faculté de Théologie Évangélique, through which our students will be awarded Bachelor of Theology degrees granted by Acadia University. We wish to clarify that SEMBEQ will continue to offer a variety of theological training programs leading to diplomas that are not officially recognized by the Ministry of Education. We want to remain in the service of the Churches and meet the different needs of individuals, each according to their specific calling. That is why we will continue to diversify our training options.
There is still work to be done, but we look forward to soon seeing the culmination of this long process. To God be the glory! D.A. Carson in Quebec City
Ten women completed the first Priscille Cohort and received their certification, seven years after the beginning of their training. One of them completed a 60-unit degree, while six others received a 30-unit certificate. Dr. Kent Anderson, president of Northwest Baptist Seminary, honoured us with his presence. We were also very encouraged by the attendance of two young students from the new Quebec City cohort, who went back home filled with zeal, stimulated to follow in the footsteps of our graduates. What a great opportunity to better understand SEMBEQ’s endeavours and to appreciate the fruit of our ministry to the Churches! We are grateful for the offering of $4,100 collected during the evening.
It was a great joy and a privilege to host Dr. Carson at Beauport, a borough of Quebec City. His presence was an encouragement for this region, giving it a fresh impetus for the study of God’s Word and the training of believers. Many were able to attend this event while several others were able to take part thanks to our live stream broadcast. The general interest led to fruitful discussions with the teacher and between students. Each participant was stimulated in terms of knowledge and faith. The fellowship among brothers and sisters during the meals took place in a family atmosphere.
Pastor Sylvio Janelle, our second new bachelor’s degree recipient, was also honoured by his congregation at the Saint-Georges de Beauce Church during a ceremony steeped with emotion. Sylvio was very touched and pleased to have completed this adventure which lasted several years. Sylvio said this degree is the result of a community’s effort, such that it is, in effect, the Church’s bachelor’s degree. One of the Church board members delivered a moving testimony.
This time spent with Dr. Carson was to the glory of our Lord Jesus.
These beautiful ceremonies to the glory of God allowed us once again to appreciate how He takes what is weak to create something strong!
Noël Morissette Quebec City Cohort Tutor Graduation Ceremony 2017 Our 2017 graduation ceremony was held on May 12. The atmosphere was particularly warm and festive since Emmanuel Evangelical Baptist Church, host of the event, celebrated the graduation of one of its ministry workers, Benoît Brûlotte, who has obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology. It was a great joy to hear the testimonies of the coaches who have walked alongside this servant of God!
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THE SEMINARY: ONE STORY AT A TIME ...
A Word From Our President Behind every graduate always stands a lot of valuable people. Think about it. To ensure quality theological training for ministry workers and to prepare them to properly serve the Church of Jesus Christ requires a lot of work and involves many people. Most of the time, all we see is the tip of the iceberg. It usually starts at home, where parents are personally invested in their child’s education in order to see him grow in maturity. Then, the Church becomes the godly environment to develop a servant in training, allowing him to receive grace whenever he makes mistakes, to experience compassion through his clumsy early stages, to benefit at all times from the prayer and encouragement of his brothers and sisters in Christ, who are behind-the-scene partners. Throughout his training, dedicated coaches contribute wholeheartedly to his development, offering models to emulate, and entrusting to him the good deposit. Professors take the time to prepare to teach him with the passion God has given to them and to answer his questions. Financial partners discretely make sacrifices to support a new generation of pastors who preach God’s truths with conviction. They give with joy so that women are equipped to serve in their Churches and to allow young evangelists to go from town to town to spread the good news. Some make a legacy gift to the SEMBEQ Foundation to provide much-needed scholarships. All this is done in order to participate in a Gospel movement in Quebec and the French-speaking world. Indeed, a large crowd stands behind each graduate waving his diploma in front of the Church gathered to honor the servant it saw grow. I am deeply moved by God’s majestic work, to which I invite you to take part according to your calling. This issue features testimonies from a variety of people who contribute each in his own way, and according to his ministry, to the training of workers for the kingdom of God. I hope you enjoy this edition of SEMBEQ Magazine!
François Turcotte President SEMBEQ MAGAZINE - FALL 2017, n°9
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Quentin Bernard Immerse Program Student My name is Quentin Bernard. I am 25 years old and live in Plateau Mont-Royal with my wife Thalina and our son Levi. For the last three years, we have been part of the Plateau Church, established in 2014.
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I chose the Immerse program for its balance between theoretical and practical training.
Until July 2017, I had been working as a consultant nurse in residential care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Recently, I returned to school full-time in the SEMBEQ Immerse program in order to complete a Master of Divinity within four years. The goal is to plant a daughter-church of the Plateau Church at the end of this four-year training. SEMBEQ may not be the “Harvard” of seminaries, but it offers very good quality education. And above all, the courses are in French and given here in Quebec. Many seminaries offer courses at very high levels, particularly in the United States. However, there are very few francophone seminaries and SEMBEQ is one of them. I chose to be trained here, precisely where we project to plant the new Church, in order to follow the cultural movement and to reach my fellow Quebecers more effectively with the Gospel. I chose the Immerse program for its balance between theoretical and practical training. Indeed, a significant portion of the program’s credits are granted based on the skills demonstrated by the student in the actual exercise of his ministry within the Church who oversees his training. This type of program is still rare. Many theological study programs neglect the practical dimension. For young pastors, this often leads to a major “disconnect” between the theoretical understanding of Church leadership and the real ability to deal with the challenges they have to face. The Immerse program allows one to avoid this liability. For the sake of ministry effectiveness, I greatly value this practical training. Consequently, the Plateau Church will be both my spiritual family and my practical training environment for the next four years, while I will learn how to serve it through my leadership. Brad Morrice, our pastor, who himself has initiated and successfully led the establishment of this Church since its inception, will be my main supervisor and mentor in this process. He will be passing on his rich experience as a Church planter to me and helping me prepare the Plateau Church to “give birth” to a new infant Church.
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The Seminary: One story at a time ...
Mélodie Bergeron Student in the Priscilla Program I grew up in a family with Christian values and I find it essential to continue to cultivate my personal relationship with God. I have decided to leave the comfort of my church pew and do something. I chose to study with SEMBEQ’s Priscilla cohort, since training for women is burgeoning and meets my expectations. The Church-based classes allow me to unravel the small wonders hidden in the Word. I am also able to apply the course content to my daily life and my future. Since the courses are designed specifically for women, they allow each of us to quickly discover the kind of woman God wants us to become. The coaching course has helped me, among other things, to develop relationships with other sisters. In my own coaching relationship, I have also discovered strength and experienced healing. My confidence has grown. I am eager to learn, and I want to use this new knowledge, especially as I minister to young girls, according to the gifts that God has given me. It is important to have a framework for developing our relationships with God. We are also called to meet other women in order to shine in our community and spread the Gospel.
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The coaching course has helped me, among other things, to develop relationships with other sisters.
The province of Quebec, and the Churches within it, need women with good spiritual knowledge. This is why I am involved in the team planning our Church’s women’s ministry that will begin this fall. Since the fall of 2016, I have been involved in a women’s ministry called Flamme, creating a new logo and style for the ministry as we seek to prompt a new generation to participate. This season of my life allows me to grow in these ministries while working full-time. I particularly encourage single women to take theological courses at the beginning of their professional career. I think it’s important to continue to learn, especially when we have time. It will be less easy with a young family, although still feasible. SEMBEQ’s courses give me the opportunity to take time for myself. I commute to Montreal, put aside my cell phone, and just listen. I accept responsibilities in the various ministries in which I am involved, and I am preparing to instill the values that I develop through my theological training in my future family. “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
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Éric Provencher Quebec City Cohort Student
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This solution provides many advantages and allows everyone to maximize their time.
I have been motivated to begin theological training due to a strong call from God to serve him in ministry. I was initially reluctant to talk about this call, because I was afraid that this desire might be my own idea rather than God’s. I discussed this matter with my pastor, Benoit Rancourt. He quoted 1 Timothy 3:1: “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” From this moment on, I didn’t doubt that it was God who had placed that desire on my heart. At first, I wanted to be trained on my own by my pastor because I thought it would go faster than enrolling in a program. I thought that this way, I would advance at my own pace without being slowed down by protocols or anything of that kind. So, I spent time with him starting a one-on-one training. Life being what it is, and despite our best efforts to do as much as possible, we realized that things were not moving as fast as we intended them to. After a few months, we had managed to overview the books of Hebrews and James (and it was indeed a cursory review). Today, I freely admit that this was a bad decision. Since my pastor was a SEMBEQ graduate, he knew the resources, programs and expertise of the seminary. The question did not even arise regarding the choice of a seminary, for it was obvious to me. Moreover, the seminary offers an approach called “cohort study” that allows students to take one course per session at the rate of one Saturday per month. I liked the concept. Classes are on Saturdays, which makes the course more readily available to many, myself included, since I am married, a father of four children, and employed four days a week. This solution provides many advantages and allows everyone to maximize their time. When I started my studies, Benoit Rancourt became my coach. The time we would have spent together on individual training is now used for coaching sessions. So, I am part of a team that includes SEMBEQ, my Church, my coach and myself. I am just starting my training, but I am already very encouraged. Of course, I intend to use my learning in my local church. I have a few projects in the making that will soon be implemented, God willing. I am very grateful for the scholarship that SEMBEQ has granted me so that I can move faster in my studies. I do intend to pursue my training to completion so that one day I can concretely answer God’s call to serve him full-time in the ministry. I wish to serve him wherever he will call me. For now, since I feel attracted to the pastoral ministry, I continue in this path, well surrounded by my family and by our larger Church family.
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The Seminary: One story at a time ...
Célestin Ouffoué Gamma Cohort Student How well God has directed all things for me! In order to deepen my knowledge of him, I was looking for a biblical training opportunity. But class schedules seemed an insurmountable barrier primarily due to my various occupations. This is when I was invited by my pastor to join a Church-based course that was about to start at our Church. Wow! The God who answers was offering me a solution that took into account my time constraints: the class was on Sunday mornings! This suited me well enough since it saved me many scheduling conflicts.
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Learning theology allows me to better know and understand God in order to better serve and praise him.
Learning theology allows me to better know and understand God in order to better serve and praise him. Theology prepares me to cope with the different winds of doctrines I might encounter. The decision to join a SEMBEQ cohort came naturally because of the flexibility of the class schedules. My learning and new knowledge play an important role in my approach to the Word of God. They benefit me in my relationship with God, in my service in the local Church and in my daily life. The Church plays a vital role in my training by being involved at several levels. During our regular meetings and our discussions on practical matters, the coach who supervises me passes on his experience and wisdom to me. The practical training and heart-development strategies are also made more concrete with him. The Church facilitates the training process by granting financial assistance to those who need it. Moreover, it gives us the possibility to apply what we learn by providing opportunities for service. In short, the Church supervises my training. As for the balance between my studies and my other occupations, what comes to mind is that the knowledge and skills acquired are applicable in all areas of daily life: work, family, ministry, social involvement, etc. Our God wants to take care of each area of our lives. I end by saying that, to me, SEMBEQ is a tool that God provides to equip Christians to better serve within the local Church. By offering various forms of training, SEMBEQ meets the different needs of people.
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MichaEl Caron Biblical Counseling Student The local Church I attend has long been supporting Word-centered training, by offering courses and starting a SEMBEQ cohort, and by providing financially for the training of leaders.
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I realized some time ago that the Word is not only sufficient, but also effective to help believers in whatever they go through.
Only a few months ago I made the decision to study biblical counseling more thoroughly and seriously with SEMBEQ. It is the only Quebec seminary which offers courses of this quality. In addition, even if the premises are located in Montreal, experienced teachers are willing to commute to the different regions of Quebec to provide a better understanding of the Word. Having previously been involved in a mental health setting at work, biblical counseling remained abstract to me. I found it hard to believe that the Bible was sufficiently relevant in this area to help people suffering from various psychological ailments. It is not that I doubted the power of God, the Bible or the Gospel, but it seemed a little too simplistic to be truly effective. After I left my secular job to become a full-time pastor, I myself have needed biblical counsel. This is when I understood the power of the Word of God! I realized some time ago that the Word is not only sufficient, but also effective to help believers in whatever they go through. What a blessing to see the Lord make full use of this ministry in order to counsel people – and especially work at the root level in the human heart, something I could not do previously in my secular mental health work. As a pastor in a local Church, biblical counseling quickly became an essential tool that allows me to take care of the flock God has entrusted to my care. Each pastoral visit, each sermon, and each word of encouragement offered is colored with this learning. The desire that God now places on my heart is to specialize in addiction problems. By using his Word, my goal is to be an instrument in his hands to help my brothers and sisters who suffer from sin in this way.
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The Seminary: One story at a time ...
Louis-Alexandre
Beauchemin
Independent Student I have the chance to be part of a Church which, despite several trials in the past, works hard at building strong ministries in a biblical perspective in light of the understanding of its mission. Being better equipped, thanks to SEMBEQ courses, I now have the means to be part of this progression.
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My desire is not only to serve, but to serve well within my Church. It is the main reason why I decided to be trained. Although my new skills are helpful in all areas of my life, it is clear that it is mainly in the Church that these new tools will be used. I feel supported by my Church, but I also feel challenged to take responsibility to meet its needs. I think it would be imprudent—not to say dangerous—for those with a leader or elder responsibility not to receive a minimum of training. At one point or another, they will be called to influence choices and adopt particular views within their Church. By acquiring a theological training, these elders and leaders are certain to first develop a biblical worldview before being too strongly influenced by their own experience, environment and opinions.
Besides the knowledge and tools acquired through the SEMBEQ course, I was strongly encouraged to be more proactive.
The advantage of a classroom course lies mainly in the interaction with other students. This allows us to see things from new angles. The understanding is therefore deeper than if reflection had been stimulated by a single channel. Besides the knowledge and tools acquired through the SEMBEQ course, I was strongly encouraged to be more proactive. Since the course was taken with other members of my Church, it also allowed us to discuss practical issues, and to find solutions more quickly. Moreover, being more particularly involved in worship, I realized I had developed some automatic reflexes that it would be good to change or rethink. I believe I am more aware of what my ministry is now, especially since I have acquired some vocabulary to express certain concepts that were previously unclear in my mind.
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Tim Savage from Camelback Bible Church Partners with SEMBEQ The Seminaire Baptiste Evangelique du Quebec is a powerful instrument of God for the advancement of the work of Christ in French-speaking Canada.
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SEMBEQ brings its ministries to the churches themselves, providing in-depth biblical teaching
Many evangelical Christians in the Canadian province of Quebec, in the rest of Francophone Canada, and, increasingly, even in France, look to SEMBEQ for the training of their pastors and church workers. The reason is clear. SEMBEQ is committed, singularly, to the two priorities set out in the New Testament for the extension of the gospel of Christ: building strong local churches and discipling church members in the truths and ways of Christ. At its central site in Montreal, SEMBEQ offers seminars in biblical studies, in practical Christian ministry, and in culturally sensitive evangelism. Most of the courses last an entire term and are taught by scholars whose hearts radiate the love of Christ and burn with passion to see the lost receive new life in Jesus. After completing the strategic curriculum, students receive degrees. Not surprisingly, local churches are keen to send their pastors, leaders, and church workers for the enrichment of this training. In addition, SEMBEQ brings its ministries to the churches themselves, providing in-depth biblical teaching at various locations throughout the French-speaking world. Over the last twenty years, I have had the joy of witnessing first-hand the widespread fruit of SEMBEQ. By God’s grace, scores of churches have been planted and thousands of church-members equipped. In a region of North America where we find the lowest percentage of committed Christians (French-speaking Canada), we also find the Lord using SEMBEQ to spark a revival. From my experience, I can attest to the fact that God is using SEMBEQ mightily to transfer people out of darkness and into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
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The Seminary: One story at a time ...
Pat Murphy Missionary in Quebec When I started seminary in 1971, I knew nothing about Quebec. I am not sure that I could have located it on a map! But my profound ignorance was soon replaced by a growing heart for this great province because of the influence of one man, a fellow-student from Quebec. He was the first French Canadian that I had ever known. He cared deeply for Quebecers and longed to see the Gospel at work in their lives. As we went through seminary together, the Lord used his influence — and by the time we graduated, I sensed that God was calling me to Quebec. It would be fourteen years, marriage, three children and some twists and turns along life’s road before that call was realized when we arrived from sun-soaked California to Chicoutimi (a borough of Saguenay, Quebec) in 1988. Along the way we were also influenced by the president of SEMBEQ, Jacques Alexanian. We knew him from a common association in the United States and he encouraged us to join the work at SEMBEQ. Although we still didn’t know a lot about Quebec, we knew about SEMBEQ because of him and came with the specific intention to work under his direction. It was not easy. We had left our beloved family behind. I struggled to learn the language. The temperature dropped below minus 40C! We had never experienced anything like it, but God had called us to this province and by His grace we persevered. Some things haven’t changed that much. I still struggle with the language after almost thirty years. There are times when we seem to live in a “foreign” place. However, through our involvement with the Association of French Baptist Churches in Quebec, we have I came to understand received far more than we have given and we have learned much more than we have taught — the critical importance especially about training leaders in the context of the local church.
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and privileged place of
During my years at SEMBEQ, the lesson that I have learned that has most deeply shaped my the local church life is that of church-based pastoral training. When I went to seminary in 1971, I was more than in preparing men for 1,500 kilometers from the church where I had grown up. Although the pastor and people of ministry. that church loved me and were interested in my life, they had almost no role in my preparation for ministry in those formative seminary years. The people who knew me best and who were most committed to my success in serving the Lord had limited involvement in my actual training, although they could have made a significant contribution to my life. It was only when I came to SEMBEQ and was able to reflect with those involved in the work in Quebec over many years that I came to understand the critical importance and privileged place of the local church in preparing men for ministry. It is a lesson that has profoundly changed my perspective on how training for pastoral ministry should take place. So after almost thirty years in our adopted home, we continue to learn and to rejoice in all that the Lord has done for us and for all that He has done in the lives of those with whom we have had the privilege of working.
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Mélissa Jodoin Accountant at SEMBEQ My decision to work with the SEMBEQ team was primarily motivated by the desire to have a tangible impact in my community of Churches and to serve the Lord by using the gifts and talents that He has given me. Some consider accounting in a missionary ministry as a peripheral service, irrelevant to the work of God. In my view, it is rather a support ministry that allows me to relieve SEMBEQ’s missionaries of some administrative tasks that many perceive as heavy burdens. And since God always does things right, I truly enjoy doing these tasks — to their constant amazement!
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Through my work, I contribute to the training process and partake indirectly in the ministry of present and future students that SEMBEQ is training.
I hear with great joy the students from my Church talk about their different courses, assignments and learning! These moments of sharing allow me to glimpse the reality of students and classes that I couldn’t otherwise see from my desk. I am very encouraged to see the fruit of my job outside the context of work. Because I am fresh out of school, some questioned my choice to work at SEMBEQ rather than in a secular environment. It is true that the secular world offers benefits (along with opportunities to share the gospel) to which I am not directly exposed, although the opposite is also certainly true. Through my work, I contribute to the training process and partake indirectly in the ministry of present and future students that SEMBEQ is training. I am glad to see that they already bear fruit and will continue to do so for the rest of their lives. In a way, I feel that I contribute by adding bricks in the building of a cathedral. Moreover, I have the privilege of seeing workers take their first courses and build the foundations of their pastoral life. SEMBEQ’s ministry consists in helping Churches to train disciples, and this is really inspiring. I am pleased to contribute to this work of God which offers the opportunity to all, whether young or old, man or woman, to be equipped and to deepen their knowledge of God
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The Seminary: One story at a time ...
Gilles Farley Member of SEMBEQ’s Board of Directors I found, in my SEMBEQ files, a document dating from August 2005. Surprise! It is an EXCEL spreadsheet, which will surely make François Picard, François Turcotte, Jean-Marie Fahmy and other members of the Board since Melchizedek smile. Even if it’s been more than 13 years, I am among the younger members of SEMBEQ’s Board of Directors. I have a secular managerial background, at different levels. I have also been a shepherd at Église Baptiste Évangélique Le Sentier since 2002. When I was invited to become a member of the Board, I agreed, thinking that my secular experience might be a benefit. In fact, Mr. Alexanian, founder of our Church, made sure to remind me that training the next generation is a priority for the Church of the Lord, and that SEMBEQ is the tool chosen by God to train shepherds for our French Fellowship Churches. I agreed after discussing the matter with the Board of my Church. After many years on the Board, I can say that the real winner in this decision has not been SEMBEQ, although I hope I have been somewhat useful. Rather, it has been myself, as well as my local Church. It has been a privilege to see God in action building his Church and to witness firsthand: • Local Churches taking responsibility in the training of the next generation. • Young men giving up a career and attractive benefits to respond to the call of God and engage in theological training. • Shepherds setting aside valuable time to coach these young men in their training. • Members of local Churches supporting the training of these young men, through prayer and their gifts. • Individuals, Churches and organizations supporting SEMBEQ financially (Quebec universities are funded by federal and provincial governments, but our seminary relies on generous and faithful donors for two-thirds of its needs). • Scholars of Scripture of the caliber of Don Carson, Michael Haykin, John MacArthur, Douglas Moo, Pat Murphy, John Piper and many others, investing in the training of workers in Quebec.
• Men such as Jacques Alexanian, François Picard and François Turcotte, sent by God to remind us of our responsibilities and of the urgency to train workers, and especially to share with us their contagious joy to participate in the training of workers. For several years, my particular role on the Board was to monitor the financial health of SEMBEQ. However, I always remind the Board that the budget and financial statements are but a plan and the execution of this plan is to support the mission, strategies, objectives and training programs pursued by the seminary. Our mission, which is to support the local Churches in the training of workers, should dictate what we seek God for regarding finances. Like other members of the Board, my role also includes other responsibilities, such as: • Ensure that the mission and the purpose of SEMBEQ remain intact. Our seminary should remain accountable to the Fellowship Churches and help them train their workers without assuming this responsibility itself. • Ensure that the original values are communicated, understood and preserved. One of these values is to train shepherds showing the character of an elder, able to lead our Churches and take care of the sheep that the Lord entrusts to them. Our graduates must be good shepherds reflecting Christ’s character. • Participate in the development of a long-term vision consistent with the mission and values of SEMBEQ and the needs identified by our Fellowship and local Churches. • Ensure that SEMBEQ respects its legal obligations as an organization. • Support, encourage, exhort and express our gratitude to the SEMBEQ staff, starting with its president. My involvement with SEMBEQ’s Board of Directors has been a great blessing to me and to my local Church. I am grateful to God for this privilege and I thank my Church for having allocated me the necessary time to take part in this ministry.
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Benjamin Karleen SEMBEQ Professor I have taught biblical Greek courses, and especially reading, at SEMBEQ for several years. I have a burden to help people read biblical texts in order to communicate effectively, and this small contribution to the training provided by SEMBEQ was the part God has entrusted me with for a time.
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Ultimately, what I find great in the SEMBEQ training is the multiplying effect.
There are several aspects I like about a teacher’s work: closeness to the Word during the course preparation, the linguistic and historical dimensions as well as the discussion around the biblical text, from both educational and practical standpoints. To me, finding out what the biblical author intended to communicate through the Spirit of God is an exciting process! It is through this process that we arrive at sound theology. I feel called to give easy access to the Word of God to believers. It is part of the mission that God has entrusted me as well as my family with. Teaching at SEMBEQ has been a good way for me to contribute to the Churches in Quebec. In addition, SEMBEQ offers an innovative approach. For example, the Seminary has been teaching courses online for several years now to better meet the realities in people’s lives. I also appreciate the fact that the SEMBEQ team keeps itself updated regarding publications and events happening in North America that could be significant for our students. Ultimately, what I find great in the SEMBEQ training is the multiplying effect. When I invest in the life of a student, I know that my effort will be multiplied when in turn he invests in others in the context of his local Church. If I invest in ten students this year, how many people will be affected by them down the road? It is impossible to say, of course, but there will certainly be more than ten!
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The Seminary: One story at a time ...
Jean-Sébastien
Morin
SEMBEQ Professor “With great power comes great responsibilities,” said Uncle Ben to a young Peter Parker. Teaching theology can have an impact not only on students, but by extension on all the people to whom they will teach during their ministry. Therefore, James’ warning resonates loudly for biblical seminary teachers, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). That being said, one of the most rewarding things for a teacher is to see students’ eyes twinkle when a link is established in their mind, as they discover more about God and his Word. As one of the Church Fathers said, the message of the Word of God is simple enough for a child to understand, but so deep that the greatest theologians will never be able to reach the end of its wealth and depth. I sometimes joke that teaching theology is, to me, a way to dig deeper and let the little hamster run in my head. One of my seminary teachers once told me that we often experience a shock between seminary and the local Church. It is a “serious academic sin” not to show our agreement with the fact that there are several stances on a single topic and several interpretations of the same passage. But within the local Church, we are often asked to present only one option … the right one! Studying or teaching theology gives us an opportunity to go deeper in the Word of God. Just like the ocean hides an underwater world filled with creatures and fish to discover, the Word contains wonders that cannot always be explored in the teaching context of the Church.
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Our role is not to replace the Church, but to equip it for the training of disciples.
Training in the local Church is a fundamental value for SEMBEQ. Our role is not to replace the Church, but to equip it for the training of disciples. We share resources to put them at the service of the common good in our family of Churches, to the glory of our great God and Savior. Lastly, here is one of my favorite quotes from Athanasius, one of the great doctors of the Church, “For the race of men would be doomed to ruin, were it not for the Lord and Savior of all, the Son of God who came among us to bring about the death of death.”
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New Programs vailable Soon A Bachelor of Chaplaincy We are very excited to be a part of the development of the new Bachelor of Chaplaincy program at SEMBEQ. This project will not only provide a theological foundation for existing and future chaplains, but also provide a solid ethical, clinical and practical training extracted from a wealth of experts who have “boots on the ground” experience ministering in various communities where churches have little or no influence. The timing seems to be right for investing in the training of chaplains. Even though Quebec society still shows a reluctance when it comes to giving place to the Evangelical church, there is an openness when it comes to chaplains. The Canadian Armed Forces, our Correctional System, hospitals, etc. all recognize the benefits of having chaplains minister, and to be part of their intervention teams. Chaplains also have opportunities to minister within some of our most marginalized communities such as the disenfranchised and refugees, to name only a few. SEMBEQ is strategically positioned to be able to provide this training to the local church. The very DNA that was conceived at the birth of SEMBEQ allows for a student to remain within his community while receiving a first class training, which in turn provides a unique opportunity for anyone called to the ministry of chaplaincy. SEMBEQ also provides a wealth of experts who represent years of both theoretical and practical experience. Whether it be local experts such as Guy Gravel, Fellowship Chaplain with Corrections Canada, or national experts such as Dr. Rick Tobias, one of Canada’s best-known advocates for people whose lives are defined by poverty and exclusion, SEMBEQ ensures that students will be blessed by the quality of training provided to them. In 2015, I received an answer to a long & persistent prayer. For over 20 years, Miriam and I were praying that our Father
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would reveal to our churches His heart for the marginalized and hurting found all around them. During the Provincial Convention in the city of Trois Rivieres, God answered our prayer as I sat and listened to Donald Rodier give a teaching on God’s heart for justice, and heard of our association’s vision to shine in their communities. The new Chaplaincy program is positioned to be a primary tool in helping the local church attain this vision. The program is designed to be adaptable in order to fit the individual needs of each unique church, whether it is training full-time Chaplains who can act as bridges between their unique communities and local churches, or training volunteers to serve in local church ministries. Students can enroll in the full Bachelor Program, take the certificate courses, or simply enroll to specialized conferences designed to deepen their training and stimulate their vision. God’s Word is thick with passages speaking of our Lord’s heart for justice, caring for the orphan and widow, welcoming the stranger, entering into community with the marginalized, and ministering to those who grieve. SEMBEQ’s Chaplaincy program hopes to give students both theological and practical insights in these areas so they may shine in their communities. Miriam and I would like to thank SEMBEQ and the Fellowship for the opportunity to be a part of this exciting new program, as we pray that our Lord uses our chaplains and churches to reach the communities all around us.
Duane and Miriam Mansveld
M4 microprogram—designed to learn how to implement missionary movements in our areas Who among us has not long aspired to see MULTIPLICATION MOVEMENTS of mature disciples involved in MISSION, created by our MASTER, the Lord Jesus Christ? Based on Matthew 28:19–20, the M4 microprogram will present four foundational aspects to be integrated by a person who wishes to initiate a missionary work to create and maintain a missional culture (DNA) in a new area: • Master of the harvest (“all power”) • Mission (“go”) • Multiplication (“make disciples”) • Movement (“see, I am with you”) Theologically speaking, this microprogram will offer the needed basics, vision and principles to create and implement a missionary Gospel movement within a new area or target group. Along the way, practical applications will be offered on three levels: to most Christian men or women, to a missional community, and to leaders involved in a Church-planting project aiming at reaching new areas. Of course, the M4 microprogram will involve lectures and required readings. However, the training will be especially designed to enable interactive discussions and practical workshops. Spread over a two-year period, it will enable the integration and application of the principles, according to the group’s progress, and will include the implementation of a missionary project. Finally, this microprogram will be much more practical than theoretical.
number of towns, villages, neighbourhoods, workplaces and even unreached ethnic groups. We can no longer rely on the help of foreign missionaries to do our job. Our vision is to equip every saint and to ignite passion among those who will multiply mature disciples involved in mission for all of Quebec’s regions. Because of its provincial outreach and of its alignment with the Association’s Vision 2020, SEMBEQ will be able to help each region to identify, train, and qualify its M4 facilitators/trainers, thus ensuring continuity and autonomy while maintaining an established and relevant framework. The Churches in a given region would benefit by joining forces to identify missionary initiators, to expose them to this future program and even to financially invest in their training. These initiators will soon become the equippers of our regions and will influence other believers to take missionary initiatives inspired by the Holy Spirit and made powerful by the Master. Let us mobilize our forces collectively!
Jean-Pierre Gagné Director of the Church-Planting Committee, partner with SEMBEQ in our Fellowship of Churches..
The growth of our Churches remains primarily dependent on inter-Church movements. In addition, Quebec has a large
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As in One Body
François Picard
Whenever I refer to the financial needs of SEMBEQ, intercessors are the first individuals to come to mind. In order to support the training of workers, God raises up partners who pray. The first Church I visited with Jacques Alexanian, SEMBEQ’S first president, was Arcade Church in Sacramento. I was overwhelmed to find how prayer was central to all aspects of the life of this community. Shortly after this visit, I received a call from a couple in Sacramento to whom God had given the desire to pray for me. These people did not realize that at the exact same time I needed encouragement. Each time I attend the Missionary Conference held by a Church in Phoenix, I like to join in one of their prayer groups. I am moved to hear people pour out their hearts before the Lord in intercession for the missionaries. I want them to know that it is through God’s grace, in answer to their prayers, that I have persevered in God’s work, and that SEMBEQ is making progress in the training of workers. This thought makes me cry with thanksgiving and joy! David called me recently to say he is praying for me every morning, and also to check on how my son Jérémie was doing… A sister in Christ, who has been supporting SEMBEQ all her life, wrote that she can no longer support me, since she is now living in a home for the elderly. I told her that her prayers were more precious than anything else… Ruth phoned me, anxious to know if we had received their gift, and to remind me that she and her husband are praying for me every morning… A brother described how he had shared with his adult children his desire to leave a part of his legacy to SEMBEQ. His children, all parents facing family responsibilities and significant expenses, encouraged him to follow his heart’s desire to support the cause of the Gospel. In Romans 12, we learn how the Church forms one body in Christ, where members have different gifts according to the grace given to them: preaching, prophesying, teaching, encouraging,
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leading and… giving. Paul, by adding it to the list of gifts related to leadership, clearly expresses the idea that financial partners are an integral part of missionary work and are essential to the expansion of the Gospel. Consequently, he urges those who give to “give generously.” God raises men and women who give away their job, career or business in order to support God’s work. Touched by grace, they are sensitive to the needs of others, with humility and simplicity. In their ability to give, they have first been like little brooks, then streams, then large rivers. Time and time again, I have reminded each cohort, student, and Church in Quebec that we are the fruit of the generosity of those who, in a spirit of self-giving, partake in the mission in Quebec. And each time I do, I weep, moved by the goodness and grace of God, our Savior, who for our sake became poor, in order to give himself to us. The Church of Jesus Christ in Quebec is being strengthened, taking root and growing. Would you consider, in prayer, contributing to our mission which consists of helping Churches train workers for the harvest, first in Quebec, then in the whole French-speaking world? In all wisdom and humility, we know that God raises “Barnabases,” “Epaphrases” and “Philemons” among his people to refresh the heart of the saints by their liberality (Philemon 7). Let us remember that we are pilgrims and travelers on this earth. Therefore, nothing belongs to us, for everything belongs to God. To Him alone be all glory!
A Note to Our Students! As of the 2017 Fall Term, SEMBEQ will be making significant changes to its operations. From now on, all the courses will start at the same time at the beginning of each term and will be completed at the same time at the end of each term. We wish to adopt a more traditional style of course management. This change comes from a desire to serve you better.
How does this apply to me? • All homework assignments must be handed in before the last day of the term (December 17, for the 2017 Fall Term). • The addition of a registration period (ending when the term starts). • The availability of all your course syllabi at the beginning of each term. • No homework assignment during the holidays and summer vacations! • A more effective learning experience. This approach will allow students to get better prepared for the intensive courses and to enjoy more the time they spend in class with the teacher.
Can I still register after the registration period? Yes. However, a $25 late fee will be added to your invoice for each course for which you register after the registration period. We want to group the course registrations before the term starts to better serve you. You will still have the possibility to register later.
Do these changes apply to the Church-based courses given in my local Church (e.g.: “Essential Doctrines”)? No. There will be no change for these courses. The change affects only the lectures, with a teacher in the classroom (intensive and cohort courses).
When does the winter session end? It ends the first Sunday of May (May 6, 2018), the day after the last cohort course. We have also created a spring term (May-June), during which we hope to develop a routine of intensive courses to serve a larger number of students.
For any further questions, feel free to contact us by phone at 514-337-2555 or email at registraire@sembeq.qc.ca
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Are you interested in learning more about the needs for the Gospel in Quebec?
Are you interested in meeting with us and giving your church a chance to ask questions to a leader at SEMBEQ? We are available to visit your church to present Quebec and SEMBEQ’s ministry.
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We are available for either Sunday School, Sunday Morning, or Sunday Evening service, or for anything else you may have in mind. We also have the option to show a movie entitled, “Deliberate Shipwreck” which vividly depicts the spiritual climate of Quebec in which SEMBEQ is working. Our hope is that our visit will help to encourage the people in your congregation to gain a greater awareness of Quebec as a mission field, and open their eyes to ways they can serve and pray for revival in our land. Contact info@sembeq.qc.ca for more information.
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EDITORIAL TEAM NATHANAËL AUBUT Communications project coordinator Chief editor n.aubut@sembeq.qc.ca LOUISE DENNISS Translator and copy editor Proofreader l.denniss@sembeq.qc.ca LISE DIONNE Executive assistant, Writer l.dionne@sembeq.qc.ca Maxime Giroux Magazine project coordinator m.giroux@sembeq.qc.ca Oscar Hernandez Communications strategist o.hernandez@sembeq.qc.ca BENOIT CÔTÉ Graphic design ARISTIDE THERRIEN Graphic adaptation (English version)
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