PERSONAL CONVERSIONS C on t e x t u ali z a t ion t rainin g // O b s t acles t o evan g elis m
Fall 2015, issue 2
TO WA R D S
‘‘
‘‘
a PUBLIC FAITH p.14
p.6
+ A “social reintegration”
+ How to live in a secular age
MAGAZINE SEMBEQ
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STRATEGIC VISION 2014-2024
200
Train 200 ministry workers along with their family Train 200 elders Train 200 women according to their calling
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Equip 20 Antioch Churches
Immersion, an intensive, accelerated program tailored for Quebec Integrate missionaries in Quebec Develop Microprograms for everyone Develop Masters and Doctoral programs
Our dream is to take part in building a province marked by solidarity through a Gospel movement bringing on PERSONAL CONVERSIONS, missional communities, social justice and a renewing of culture throughout Quebec and the French-speaking world.
Ta b le o f C on t en t s 3 word from our Director 4 NEWS WITH 6 Interview Jessica Healy 8 Public faith Interview WITH 11 Patrick Fontaine 13 The Gospel Project to live 14 How in a secular age
16 Microprograms 17 Self-evaluation 18 Interview WITH Sergei Li 20 Vision Trip 21 Contextualization training 24 New SEMBEQ logo
Please send all questions or comments to: magazine@sembeq.qc.ca To subscribe to our magazine, you may also contact us at this same address.
E d i t orial t ea m NathanaĂŤl Aubut Communications project coordinator, Editor-in-Chief n.aubut@sembeq.qc.ca Lise Dionne Administrative assistant, Writer l.dionne@sembeq.qc.ca Daniel Henderson Director of Development, Writer d.henderson@sembeq.qc.ca Oscar Hernandez Communications strategist o.hernandez@sembeq.qc.ca
ELECTRONIC VERSION AVALABLE: issuu.com/sembeqmagazine
Word from our Director From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus invited people to come and follow him. You will be fishers of men, he told them. A few years later, this same man would proclaim to believers,
convictions. They are challenged by the humility of those who are willing to interact with people who doubt and journey with them through their doubts with an open mind and heart.
“...always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15).
The articles are not written only to pastors; they are relevant for all believers. Regardless of the number of people of different beliefs that we interact with in a given day, we have just as many opportunities to publicly display our faith, whether this is with our work colleagues, our neighbours, or people who share our hobbies, and many others besides. We simply need to be ready to share our convictions openly without shoving them in their faces. When we do this, God will give us interactions which affirm the Gospel and touch hearts with the message of the Gospel. Take time to listen, identifying their doubts and objections to the Christian faith while responding with your experiences of the Christian life with humble honesty. This will lead to opportunities to share the Gospel message.
These words continue to be relevant because they challenge us to joyfully express our faith publicly, even in our secular society. However, we do not always feel ready to defend the hope that is within us. We have difficulty entering into relationship with people who hold different beliefs and we prefer to interact with Christians. In this second issue of SEMBEQ Magazine, we want to share with you how to help churches train christians who are capable of living their faith publicly. Living out our faith authentically in all areas of our life will lead those around us to ask questions regarding the choices we make, our churches, our struggles, and our values. In our society, where relativism and doubt reign, people become bothered but curious when someone lives according to their stated
Our burden is to offer resources to help Christians in our churches to live their faith openly. I rejoice in the fact that we already have 20 leaders from our Antioch Churches* participate in our training and discussions. Also, in order to equip individual believers in our churches we will soon launch our Microprograms (see page 16) We will also be
offering a course on Contextualization with professor Craig Ott, who has much experience and is a recognized specialist in church planting. Craig’s expertise and experience will help us find ways to faithfully communicate the Gospel in our context. I rejoice to see God’s people take part in our vision to train 600 new ministry leaders (200 pastors, 200 elders, and 200 women), whether through a desire to be trained and equipped or to support our seminary financially. When we recently presented SEMBEQ’s vision in a local church, a new believer said to his pastor that he wanted to be part of the 200! It has been encouraging to see the positive reception of SEMBEQ’s vision amongst our churches. We long to see a “province marked by solidarity through a Gospel movement bringing on personal conversions” through Christians openly living their faith and openly accepting the challenge to naturally share their faith with those around them, by simply being in relationship with them. Pray that God would equip and move us to share the hope that is within us, and live fruitfully for his glory! François Turcotte
*Healthy churches on mission, who play a resourceful rôle in training, as full-fledged partners of the seminary and of our church association.
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NEWS
+
Announcing our new program: “Immersion”
+
Interview with François Turcotte featured on “The Exchange”
With the goal of accomplishing our vision of training 200 ministry workers in 10 years, SEMBEQ has added a new training program. This new accelerated program is based on key competencies of a leader rather than just a syllabus. We will be sharing more about this exciting program in the next issue.
François Tucotte recently had a chance to sit down with Ed Stezer to discuss SEMBEQ’s new “Immersion” training program. The interview will be broadcasted on Ed Stezer’s TV program “The Exchange”. Ed also spent time at SEMBEQ talking about the challenges of urban church planting. There were (can you confirm about how many people where there?) in attendance. We praise for men like Ed Stezer who are investing into the advancement of the Gospel in Quebec!
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Recent Courses June 8th to 10th, Jean-Marie Fahmy, who has been faithfully
Provincial Congress
serving on our board and as director of personnel, taught a course on how to manage projects. Jean-Marie has been teaching this course through his own company for many years to both secular and Christian organizations. There were 13 students present, representing 7 different ministries. Please pray [for] these men as they implement what they have learned into projects that will have an impact in eternity.
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The SEMBEQ team is thankful to have been presented at the annual congress for our association of churches. We had a chance to present the first issue of the
Every year, SEMBEQ has the privilege of receiving Dr. D.A. Carson to
SEMBEQ magazine. Everyone was very
teach a 3 day intensive course in Montreal. This course is the highlight
excited about this new project, especially
of the year for many students. There are many pastors who have long
the overall quality. The congress was
since graduated from SEMBEQ, but participate in this training to sharpen their skills. This year Dr. Carson taught on the Theology of Sin.
also a chance to see our pastors accept
This is an important doctrine with many implications for the Christian
the challenge to train the 600 leaders necessary for the vision.
life and counselling. In total there were 56 students, 25 via web streaming, and 31 attended on location.
Please pray that this teaching would impact these men’s preaching and counselling ministries to God’s Glory!
CRUCIFORME
SEMBEQ’s publishing ministry has recently formed a partnership with BLF Éditions in France. This partnership is exciting, because all of BLF’s catalogue will be published and printed by Cruciforme in Canada. This means that we will double the number of gospel centered resources that are available at accessible prices to help churches make disciples and train leaders.
Director of Éditions Cruciforme Daniel Henderson (centre) with Philip Kapitaniuk (left) and Ruben Nussbaumer (right) of BLF Éditions.
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A “social reintegration” Interview with JESSICA HEALY
200 ouvriers formés
+ SEMBEQ is working to equip 200 women to serve according to their calling.
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Jessica serves at the Plateau Mont-Royal Church and is involved in many ministries of the Association of Evangelical Baptist Church (which SEMBEQ belongs) and is taking courses with SEMBEQ.
New Relationships With these new changes in place, Jessica also sought to build new relationships. “I developed the desire to reach my community by taking part in what was already going on. I am learning to enlarge and articulate my worldview and those of others.” A recent Green Alley project gave her the opportunity to get to know her neighbours. It has also given her the freedom to
of my identity and I am not ashamed. I live with both my weaknesses and with the Grace of God.” affirms Jessica. She identified two main obstacles to living her faith in Christ openly: the first is a lack of passion for God, and the second is a lack of passion for the lost. In order to have a deep love for God and our neighbour,
and holiness of God, the more that understood my sinful nature and my need for his grace. My growing appreciation of the cross of Christ and the work of my heavenly father in my life will fill me with thankfulness, love and piety while leading me to share my faith in word and in action.”
we must overcome fear of man.
volunteer with various non-profit organizations
SEMBEQ’s influence
while developing new friendships with both
The course Introduction to the Church and its
christians and non-christians. Jessica believes
Mission played a key role in her understanding
that as ambassadors for Christ, the Church
of the mission of the Church and of its members.
must be intentional in going out and finding
The course allowed her to clarify her role in
creative ways to meet people and interact with
the church and society. Along with impacting
those outside of the church, all while investing
her directly, Jessica is thankful for the indirect
in our communities.
impact SEMBEQ has had through those who
Jessica is encouraged that SEMBEQ is working hard at helping churches train their leaders and that they are beginning to offer various microprograms in order to equip believers who will be advance the Gospel while influencing those around them. “Everyone can study God’s word. If we understand sound doctrine, we can teach it to others and put it into practice.”
have studied with SEMBEQ. Yanick Ethier, her A liberating authentic faith Since Jessica began openly living her faith, she has been forced to make choices which reflect her convictions. She believes it is important to speak openly about her faith and without bible thumping. “Being christian in all areas of my life is liberating. I can be intentional, transparent, and authentic with all my friends and contacts without having secret motives. My faith is part
former pastor, François Turcotte, her professor, and her director, François Picard, have all had their hearts and ambitions influenced by SEMBEQ and have in turned passed it on to her and others. These influences have helped her make decisions and set her priorities. The Gospel that transforms “A passion for God and a compassion for people develops through studying the word of God,” shared Jessica. She says that we are not
Jessica dreams to see her street welcome other Christians, to the end that the Gospel would have a growing impact on her neighbours. She looks forward to sharing her network with other believers who desire to publically live their faith.
to share a religion with people, but we are to share the transforming Gospel. But, in order to do so our lives must first be transformed by the Gospel. “The more I understood the greatness
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Public Faith Our Dream: A Public and Authentic Faith Our Challenge: Obstacles to a public faith
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:14-15 ESV)
OUR DREAM: A PUBLIC AND AUTHENTIC FAITH
OUR CHALLENGE: OBSTACLES TO A PUBLIC FAITH
We want to witness the beauty of personal conversions. To see this happen, Churches serving Quebec must be sensitive to to maintain a comfortable and inviting relational environment with people who hold different beliefs and are questioning Christianity. They must avoid allowing Christians and skeptics to isolate themselves from each other, avoiding any chance for ideological confrontation. Indeed, each of us must deal with our doubts and beliefs. The best way to do this is in community with other people who listen and who share the common goal of finding an answer. We can do this naturally if we are authentic in our discussions and our friendships. Since the Gospel influences every aspect of our life, simply sharing our thoughts and ideas is sharing the implications of the Gospel. If we do this well, without hiding our faith, we can actually live our faith openly.
For many reasons, it can be difficult to publically display openly our belief in the Christian Faith. But, it is crucial that we remind ourselves how the Gospel responds to these challenges.
#1 PRIDE Although sometimes subtle, we can find ourselves angrily sharing the truths of God’s word condescendingly. But the Gospel reminds us that we ourselves were not saved because we are were good, or because we are good now, but we are saved by whom we have placed our faith in. This remarkable truth prevents us from interacting with others pridefully, since the non-christian we are sharing the gospel with could very well be a more moral and kinder person than ourselves. Nonetheless, we both have the same need for redemption.
#2 FEAR
Many people are afraid in light of the growing incomprehension and hostility towards the Christian Faith in Quebec. However, a sound understanding and appropriation of the love of God moves us to attach a greater importance to loving others rather than being loved. This allows us to confront and ultimately overcome our fears and since the infinite love of God gives us courage to share the hope that is within us while motivating us beyond the potential loss of respect of those around us.
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#3 PESSIMISM According to Romans 3:10-11, no one seeks for God, and since we’re not predisposed to do so, no
Our Hope: The Power for a Public Faith
one is more inclined than anyone to do so then anyone else. This means that we should never say a certain person would never become a christian since there is as much hope for him as anyone else. The Gospel stifles all forms of pessimism when it comes to personal conversion since Jesus is mighty to save others as he has saved us. “The Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save.” (Isaiah 59:1 ESV).
#4 INDIFFERENCE It is also possible for us to not see the Gospel as beautiful and thus lose the urgency to share it with those who do not believe. If this redemption is truly a source infinite joy for us, we will be moved to reflect that love to others. But if we are not displaying this love to others, have we truly received the good news? Moreover, the Gospel saves us from indifference, and those who dive into it receive the greatest demonstration of love regardless of our own limitations. To the extent that this perfect joy fills us, it will naturally overflow to those around us.
It is crucial that we remain ever mindful that the Gospel removes all of our guilt and replaces it with power and peace. This is something that is worth celebrating openly. INSPIRED FROM TIM KELLER (SEPTEMBER 23, 2013)
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ALL CHRISTIANS
CHRISTIANS CALLED TO LIVE A PUBLIC FAITH 10
MAGAZINE SEMBEQ
INTERVIEW WITH PATRICK FONTAINE MAGAZINE SEMBEQ
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Patrick pastors at the Evangelical Baptist Church of Repentigny and is currently pursuing his Baccalaureate in Theology at SEMBEQ
Faith in Action One day, Patrick received news that a restaurant belonging to one of his neighbours burnt down. When he arrived with some
in the hearts of many within and around this growing community, so much so that within a few months the Holy Spirit had drawn other people around them to faith in Jesus Christ.
young adults from his small group they started by helping to empty the damaged building. The owner, who is Greek Orthodox,
Be Authentic
was perplexed why a “priest” as he said would
This story illustrates well the deep desire of
help him do such menial work. Later, Patrick
Patrick that his faith would be visible to those
learned that another neighbour was dealing with problems with his house’s foundation which was also causing damage to his pool; upon hearing this news, the same group of men jumped on the occasion to offer their assistance. Many people living in the
around him. He works hard to be transparent, even when it means being vulnerable. He says that he does not make distinctions between people, regardless of their religion. “It is important to take time listen to people
neighbourhood began discussing together,
in order to get to know them, and to avoid
trying to figure out who these men were and
judging according to what we perceive so
what their story was. The restaurant owner
that we can speak the Gospel to them where
joined their conversation and shared about
they are. It is such an encouragement that
what happened to his restaurant and shared with everyone his desire to visit the Church which those young men who helped him were a part of so he could see first-hand what was going on. The transparent faith in action of these young men opened the door to develop friendships within their neighbourhood.
ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit’s work, not mine.” Patrick believes that many people are afraid to be public with their faith because they do not feel equipped to respond to the questions of skeptics. “We must be courageous and trust in God. Previously, I believed that
A Disciple Making Disciple
only those with the gift of evangelism
Recently, a young 22 year old man visited
could share their faith. Today, I know that
the church in Repentigny looking for help.
we all have the ability to influence those
He ended up becoming friends with the
around us thanks to the Holy Spirit who is
Pastor, Patrick. One thing led to another, and the young man accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In order to disciple him more effectively and allow him to live the beginning of his Christian life in close community, Patrick invited him to move in with him. As a new believer, he was afraid to
working within us. It is such a blessing to see people interested in the Gospel and asking questions! In living our faith publicly, we do not automatically have opportunities to lead people to Christ, but we must remember that someone is always listening to or watching us.
share his faith, but Patrick helped him grow in this. One morning, a colleague asked him if their was any hope in life, and the young
A Visible Church
man replied that his hope is in Jesus! A seed
“We are only temporary travellers here on
was planted that day. Later, when Patrick’s wife purchased some cedar bushes, the clerk serving her made a comment about her positive attitude, and how it was the same flame that he saw in the life of a young
a light in the world. The church must be visible!” Patrick is eager to see the Church in Repentigny develop a greater burden for the
man he worked with. When the bushes were
lost and go out into their communities. His
delivered, they made the connection that the
prayer is that the Lord would continue the
young man the clerk was talking about was
work which he started in raising up disciple
the same young man who was living with
making disciples.
them! After some time, the clerk also placed his faith in Jesus Christ. Our God was working
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earth, and our missions consists of being
MAGAZINE SEMBEQ
+ SEMBEQ is working to train 200 full-time ministry workers.
The Gospel Project The gospel is the power of God for salvation. Nothing will alter your life more than dwelling on the richness of the gospel. It has happened to me; it’s happened to our church, and it will happen to you. In light of that, I’ve got a challenge for you to complete as a follow-up to this book. Every day for the next forty days, will y o u ( a ) p r a y t h e f o u r p a r t s o f T h e G o s p e l P r a y e r, a n d ( b ) r e a d three chapters of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. W h y ? I w a n t y o u t o s a t u r a t e y o u r s e l f i n t h e g o s p e l e v e r y d a y. The most gospel-centered books ever written are Matthew, M a r k , L u k e , a n d J o h n . Yo u ’ l l f i n d J e s u s t h e r e . D w e l l w i t h Him in the Gospels for forty days, and let The Gospel Prayer saturate your heart and mind in His beauty and love. I think it will go a long way in helping you learn to “abide” in Him. Here is the prayer:
“In Christ, there is nothing I can do that would make You love me more, and nothing I have done that makes You love me less.” Your presence and approval are all I need for everlasting joy. As You have been to me, so I will be to others. www.editionscruciforme.com
As I pray, I’ll measure Your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection.”
P l e as e p r ay f o r t h i s b oo k to h av e a n i m pact i n p e o p l e ’ s lives in Quebec and throughout the french-speaking world. P r ay t h at Go d w o u l d u s e t h i s b oo k to c h a n g e l i v e s a n d i g n i t e a g e n e r at i o n pas s i o n at e f o r J e s u s a n d t h e p r o c l a m at i o n o f h i s Wo r d .
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How to live in a secular age
- D.HENDERSON
Today, many people are asking the questions about how to share their faith with those around them. We wrestle with the apparent ineffectiveness of tried and tested methods of evangelism such as Five Steps to Heaven or The Romans Road. But, since these methods assume an essentially Protestant or Roman Catholic background they fall short in our
1. We need to assume
secular age. These methods appealed to a
zero biblical literacy
contrast between a works-based religion to a grace-based faith in the finished work of Christ.
In a Secular Age, we do not find people looking to fill a God-shaped hole in their hearts. Instead of dealing with nagging questions about God or the afterlife, our culture is oriented by various “projects” and quests for significance. Our
2. We need to be committed to sharing
neighbours have constructed webs of meaning,
our story rather than launching
which provide almost all the significance they
Gospel Bombs.
need in their lives. This place where people live is what Charles Taylor calls an immanent frame, a constructed social space that frames our lives entirely within a natural (rather than supernatural) order. This habitat draws people to seek meaning or fullness within an enclosed, self-sufficient or naturalistic universe without any reference to the transcendent1.
This change of frame in which we inhabit has welcomed the death of Christendom, as faith in Christ is not only displaced from being default, but is now actively contested. This has resulted in a change from theistic belief as the default option to exclusive humanism as default. But, as soon as unbelief becomes the default option, unbelievers begin to have doubts; exclusive humanism fails to capture everyone’s imagination. Julian Barnes starts his aptly titled book, Nothing to be afraid of with the phrase, I don’t believe in God, but I miss him1. This statement captures well the malaise of immanence. How does this reality change how we share our faith effectively?
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In Quebec, most of the people who have converted to unbelief have done so because they believe that science tells a better story than the perceived immature, childish faith which has been experienced by their parents and handed down to them. Science tells a story which is more compelling and provides a self-image of rationality or maturity. The Catholic faith as presented pre quiet-revolution, which most Quebecois have left, was worth leaving because it was disconnected from the transforming power of biblical Gospel at the center and failed to respond compellingly to our deepest questions. When sharing our faith, we must be prudent to avoid sharing only evidences for God, which often only establishes a vague theism, but we must offer them an alternative story that offers a more robust, complex understanding of the Christian Faith. How we do this, will be different than how we have done it previously, so must find new creative ways to share our faith, while avoiding the error of copy/pasting principles from different contexts than our own.
3. In Quebec, we must seek to intentionally avoid presenting Christianity as American.
CrEation
FALL
REdemption
1.
2.
literacy.
our story rather than launching
We need to assume zero biblical
restOration
“We must still preach justification by faith alone through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
We need to be committed to sharing Gospel Bombs.
In my personal interactions with people of
In our desire to reach people with the Gospel
about BMW…I still can’t help but grin from ear
different belief in Quebec, I meet many people
we need to be more intentional in building
to ear every time I see one. We need that same
with no notion of biblical concepts who are
relationships with unbelievers. For this to be
knowledge and experience of Jesus Christ to
unfamiliar with the biblical story. One young
intentional, we need to be saturated in God’s
emanate from our lives and be present in our
man who was visiting asked me to explain what
Word, and madly in love with Jesus.
relationships.
What do I mean? When I worked for BMW, they
This passion for Jesus and His word will help
wanted us to be product evangelists. They did so
make us Gospel Fluent. Gospel Fluency is the
by telling us about all the features of the vehicle,
ability to KNOW the gospel, APPLY it to all of
but the training always finished with a chance
life, and SPEAK it to one another in love.
the French word for Gospel, Évangile, meant. Because of this lack of biblical knowledge, we need to be careful with our evangelistic methods, which largely depend on a respect for or a belief in the authority of the Bible. We must still preach justification by faith alone through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But we first need to explain to them what sin is and share with them about the God of whom their sin has separated them from, and finally why they need to be redeemed. Instead of using the Roman’s road or starting with the Gospel of John, we will do well to retell the whole biblical story; creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
to experience the car. This meant bringing us to a racetrack and putting us behind the wheel a BMW M3 with a professional driver, and letting us experience driving a BMW. You can imagine, that after driving the car aggressively on a racetrack we knew the meaning of 425hp and 406 lb-ft of torque from just 1,850 rpm. The combination of our knowledge of the car, and our experience of it, changed how we spoke
1 Barnes, J. (2008). Nothing to be frightened of (p. 3). New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
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3.
In Quebec, we must seek to intentionally avoid presenting Christianity as American.
A major aspect of the Quebecois identity is
that Christianity in Quebec is not an enemy against the preservation of the French, but as taking
formed through the preservation of the French
part in furthering the cause. This means that SEMBEQ’s work of training indigenous teachers, and
language, and a very strong historical awareness.
producing French resources is of utmost importance.
Quebecois are actively aware of two centuries of domination, first from outside (The British empire) and from inside (the clergy, and their allies among the business elite). Gérard Bouchard2 points out that this historical awareness has brought many
Finally, let us keep in mind, that what is ultimate is God’s glory. We must be mindful not be nostalgic over evangelistic methods, but we must be zealous for the Glory of God to be known in Quebec and throughout the world.
Quebecois to desire emancipation, which is yet to be accomplished. We can say that many Quebecois are looking for redemption, but like all false Gods, it makes promises that it cannot deliver.
“Missions exist because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more.”
In this context, we will do well to present historic Christianity, not an American version of it. The Gospel must be a movement from within the culture, not another invasion and attempted assimilation from outside. We also must ensure
Let the Nation’s be Glad - John Piper 2 Bouchard, G. Interculturalism: A View from Quebec (2015)
M I C R O P R O G R A M S
In order to contribute to the vision of our association of Churches of equipping believers for Gospel ministry to the end that Quebec would be transformed by a Gospel movement, SEMBEQ is now offering Microprograms as a new training format.
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV) 16
MAGAZINE SEMBEQ
We are convinced that the advancement of the Gospel of Quebec will happen through equipping saints for the work of ministry to the fullness of the stature of Jesus Christ. This is why SEMBEQ has put together the following programs which are accessible for everyone in the church in order to help the church continue to fulfill the great commision. Each microprogram is composed of four specialized courses taught over a period of two years. Their goal is always to equip the saints in a specific area for service in the church. Below is an outline of our upcoming microprograms along with their dates. Would you consider praying for these courses, for the teachers giving them, and the students taking them?
W o r d s , d e e d s & at t i t u d e s
Self-Evaluation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
In your efforts to connect with others, can you overlook attitudes and lifestyles that don’t reflect biblical values? Are you willing to suspend your judgment for as long as God asks you to do so?
Do you consistently seek to understand the not-yet-Christians you know before seeking to be understood by them? Do you patiently wait for the not-yet-Christians in your life to ask for your opinion before you give it? Be honest : Do you like people who are far from God Do people who are far from God like you? For example, are you invited to “party” parties? Does your body language communicate a warm, open-hearted acceptance of the not-yet-Christians in your life? Are you comfortable with communicating acceptance to others without endorsing all their life decisions? Do you think it’s more important to be kind, rather than right, in your dealings with not-yet-Christians? Is your heart consistently broken and filled with compassion for the not-yet-Christians in your life?
IN Favor OF dIA
mONOLOGuE
Questions taken from Doug Pollock’s book, God Space
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Interview with SERGEI LI
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Sergei is currently in training with the church of Terrebonne-Mascouche, a church in our Association.
Taking the time to strengthen his faith
Obstacles to a public faith According to Sergei, the fear of interrupting
Sergei grew up in a Christian home. As a
people’s
teenager, he experienced a lot of doubt, and
evangelism. In our individualistic society, we
questioned many of his convictions and even
worry less and less about others and what they
his faith. His youth leaders were open to his
think. This means that people often get irritated
questioning. They took the time necessary
when we take interest in their values out of
to invest in his life through mentoring and
fear of being judged. Relativism constitutes a
personal coaching. This resulted in a strong
real barrier when trying to communicate about
desire to study theology, and eventually
values and convictions since in our current
Sergei spent a year a the Word of Life Bible
culture, everyone has the right to think and
School in South Korea.
believe whatever he wants without questioning
After returning from South Korea in August 2014, he joined the Beta Cohort with the goal of furthering his theological studies. He is burdened by the urgent need for workers in Quebec which is why he decided to follow SEMBEQ’s new intensive, four-year program Immersion. This program allows the ministry worker to study intensely while continuing to serve while also offering the possibility to adapt his training to meeting the needs of his church, his ministry context, and himself. “To study and serve in my local Church allows me to have an immediate impact while putting into practice what I learn.” As the church gets more involved in the community and they put into practice their convictions will help gain credibility for himself, and for the church. The church in which Sergei serves is quite positive towards his training.
lives
is
often
an
obstacles
to
the values of others. Sergei also believes that materialism often keeps us from recognizing our deep needs and being open to spiritual discussions. He points out, that often Christians are content with
having
only christian
friends while
not interacting or building friendships with
+ SEMBEQ is working to train ministry workers by also offering an accelerated training program: Immersion.
non-christians. “In General, the Church is not outward focused enough, but is instead focused on itself. If we truly desire to know those around us, we will develop a love for them. Eventually, they will open up as they are drawn in by our faith. God wants us to be light in the world, and we have the responsibility to respond to this command. People see God work in our lives when we are in relationship with them.” Sergei thinks that instead of trying to convince people of the Gospel with the help of clever words we should build relationships with them while living our faith openly and candidly by a life that
A Naturally Public Faith
speaks.
Sergei’s decision to attend Seminary brought him a number of questions from his friends and since he spoke openly about this change his friend’s curiosity only increased. These questions gave Sergei many opportunities to share his faith. “In Quebec, we have the freedom to live our faith publicly and I believe all believers must do so. My life and my words must reflect the values and convictions that are a result of my faith.” Sergei is constantly surprised by the openness of his neighbours, colleagues, and other holding different beliefs to hear the Gospel.
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MAGAZINE SEMBEQ
GETTING EQUIPPED TO LIVE A PUBLIC FAITH
Contextualization This course addresses practical and theoretical perspectives on contextualization and examines the relationship between the Gospel and Culture. Students will discover the challenges of doing ministry that wishes to be pertinent in the culture while remaining faithful to the Gospel. It will also examine the biblical teaching while working through many practical examples and models of contextualization.
Professor: Dr Craig Ott dr. oTT occupies The reachGlobal chair of Mission, Which Was esTablished To link The Mission aGency and seMinary, inTeGraTinG Mission Theory and pracTice. his parTicular fields of experTise include TheoloGy of Mission, conTexTualizaTion, and church planTinG. he hasTauGhT or consulTed naTional and Mission leaders in forTy differenT counTries.
If you are interested in attending this course you are welcome! It would be a pleasure to host you and give you an opportunity to meet and greet with students and staff of SEMBEQ while getting a feel for Quebec culture and ministry. Contact d.henderson@sembeq.qc.ca for more information.
Also available in streaming
Dates: 14-16 oct. AND 4-5 dEc. 2015 Schedule: 9 h 30 – 17 h 30 MAGAZINE SEMBEQ
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MAGAZINE SEMBEQ
Crédit
MAGAZINE SEMBEQ
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Our new emblem holds deep meaning on many levels. At the heart of the logo we find a cross whose four arms represent the spreading of the Gospel to the four corners of the earth, resonating with SEMBEQ’s mission for the training and multiplication of leaders and churches. At each end is a fleur de lis which, in addition to its symbolism for Quebec, is representative of faith, wisdom in heraldry. The open book resting upon the emblem and the emanating light represent the good news to be shared, while the book’s house-shaped binding echoes our work for the local church. The ensemble holds together in the form of an academic escutcheon, rooted in SEMBEQ’s history and in its vision for training in the years to come.