From Tuesday September 20th until Monday October 3rd, Pastor Scott Woo/head of the Timmins Free Methodist Church served on a missions trip to Paraguay , South America . Although he has spent the previous two trips in poorer rural churches, Scott used this 3rd trip to connect with the work of the Free Methodist Church in Paraguay .
Pastor Juan Monzon met me at the airport on Wednesday when I arrived in Asuncion . In fact there were about seven individuals who had come out to receive me. This was my first introduction to Pastor Juan other than having received some e-mail correspondence from him while I was still in Canada . Later at the church, Iglesia de Cristo Misionera, my home base in the capital of Paraguay while I am in this country, Pastor Juan and I arranged to spend two days together. The following Wednesday and Thursday I would be introduced to some of the work of the FMC in Paraguay . I looked eagerly to the short time we would spend together.
There are twenty churches in Paraguay that are tied to our Free Methodist tradition. Pastor Juan serves the church in Paraguay as their superintendent, under the auspices of one of the Bishops of the American FM church. Only four of these churches have the ability to pay their pastors for full-time work. The other sixteen pastors must work at some outside employment to supplement the needs of their families. This is sometimes difficult in a country where unemployment rates are quite high, and some pastors have had to leave the pastorate in order to provide for their families financial needs. In Paraguay , education and medical care are not universally applied — they must be paid for out of each families budget. If there is not enough money, the education of one's children, and even medical care remain out of reach.
The following week as I travelled around with Pastor Juan, he introduced me to several of our fellow workers in the Lord's vineyard. One of the first persons I met was Pastor Pablo Torres and his wife Valentina ( pablotorres@uninet.com.py ). In their church they have 190 children who attend the school organized here. Roughly 50% of the children come from families that are able to pay the $10 monthly fee for school attendance. The other children are not turned away because of their families' inability to pay. What a wonderful ministry within their community, including a lunch program. The teachers in this school work for about $90 (Cdn.) month, 1/2 of the government mandated suggested pay for a school teacher, yet what can the church do when there is not enough money?
I also met Pastora Violeta Lazo Osano, She serves as pastor and comes from Uruguay . Her church has around 75 persons attending each Sunday. Now every Saturday this church involves itself in a community feeding program where as many as 94 children are welcomed for lunch, games and fellowship. The kitchen used for this ministry is a small outside sink — their only one) with running cold water. They cook their meal over an outside firepit, and were very glad to be able to show me their new outhouse.
On Wednesday and Thursday evening I was able to attend two small cell group meetings that have developed in Pastor Juan's own church called, Encuentra con Jesus. These two cell groups were very different in background- Wednesday we met in a squatters' settlement. Little more than wooden shacks that housed their families without electricity or plumbing. Our Bible study and fellowship was held around a table outside in the dark with only a single candle for illumination. Yet the presence of the Lord in the songs sung and the prayers offered up, in the fellowship we enjoyed was a blessing to behold. In contrast, Thursday found us in the front yard of a middle-class home watching a Christian video. The sweet communion of our Lord and Saviour which we had experienced in the shanty town was just as evident in this modestly attired home.
I was very impressed with the organization of the Free Methodist churches in Paraguay- In the many other smaller Paraguayan churches that I had been in - many of them located in the rural, poorer areas there was a lack of vision and direction, of training opportunities and the perception of being connected to something larger. The Free Methodist Church in Paraguay does face numerous challenges as do we all, but as I met with the pastors there I can see that there is a sense that God is at work and the kingdom of Christ progresses. Pastor Juan would have me invite you to participate in their work through your prayers and if God allows, you would be most welcome to come and visit. You can write him words of encouragement at conf iml_py@yahoo.com
Pastor Scott is already looking forward to returning to South America in the summer of 2006. It is God who continues to open doors to further ministry relationships and the encouragement of indigenous mini fillips in foreign countries. May God be honoured in all that we do
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Monday, November 14, 2005
Grace for you and me
The story is told (by Ernest Hemingway) of a father and his teenage son who had a relationship that had become strained to the point of breaking. Finally the son ran away from home. His father, however, began a journey in search of his son. Finally, in Madrid , in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an ad in the newspaper. The ad read: "DEAR PACO, MEET ME IN FRONT OF THE NEWSPAPER OFFICE AT NOON . ALL IS FORGIVEN. I LOVE YOU. YOUR FATHER."
The next day at noon in front of the newspaper office, 800 "Pacos" showed up....
I love this story because there are so many angles that can be used to compare our relationship with God. Many people, like this son, are on the run, not knowing that they have a Father who is searching for them. Think of all the people that we encounter in our lives who still have not experienced the love of God; they’re still running.
What is most amazing to me is the response to the newspaper ad itself. It is really a response to grace — a spark in the receiver’s heart that hopes restoration is possible. So many people are looking for grace.
Finally we have a father who wants the relationship between himself and his son to be mended — just like our heavenly Father, Who becomes the initiator and extends His hand to us. We have done nothing to deserve the grace He has made available to us all. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God stoops down to meet us at our point of need. Grace — it’s humbling and beautiful and incomprehensible and necessary all at once. Here are words of truth that we can all cling to and believe, “MEET ME. ALL IS FORGIVEN. I LOVE YOU. YOUR FATHER.”
Lisa Howden
Managing Editor
The next day at noon in front of the newspaper office, 800 "Pacos" showed up....
I love this story because there are so many angles that can be used to compare our relationship with God. Many people, like this son, are on the run, not knowing that they have a Father who is searching for them. Think of all the people that we encounter in our lives who still have not experienced the love of God; they’re still running.
What is most amazing to me is the response to the newspaper ad itself. It is really a response to grace — a spark in the receiver’s heart that hopes restoration is possible. So many people are looking for grace.
Finally we have a father who wants the relationship between himself and his son to be mended — just like our heavenly Father, Who becomes the initiator and extends His hand to us. We have done nothing to deserve the grace He has made available to us all. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God stoops down to meet us at our point of need. Grace — it’s humbling and beautiful and incomprehensible and necessary all at once. Here are words of truth that we can all cling to and believe, “MEET ME. ALL IS FORGIVEN. I LOVE YOU. YOUR FATHER.”
Lisa Howden
Managing Editor
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
A Personal Response to Responsible Grace
Let me introduce myself. My name is Beverly Kay. I was born into a Free Methodist Christian family just over forty years ago now. My father became a pastor in the Free Methodist Church when I was about eleven. I went to Bible College for four years in Moose Jaw , Sask. where I met and married my husband of eighteen years. Together we have been serving in the Free Methodist Church in Canada all this time, with two years of seminary in the early days to educate us practically and spiritually. All my life I have sought to understand more fully both the awesome Love of God and the Sanctified life that comes as we respond to that love.
Since I was four years old I was totally convinced that God loves me; how or why or how much became more of a mystery the older I got. Because I was privy to the personal spiritual battles of my parents, I came to believe early in my faith walk that the sanctified life was truly possible. I knew that it was often initiated in a time of crisis. A time when a believer, like Paul in Romans chapter seven, becomes so sick of trying to do and be good in his or her own strength that they admit their total dependancy upon the grace of God.
Aha! There's that word! Grace! What on earth does it mean really? I think that most of my life I have been content with the standard answer of, “The unmerited favour of God”. However, over the last few years, this definition has lacked fulness or meat for my heart and mind. I have been searching both scripture and solid Christian teaching to gain a deeper understanding of this amazing attribute of our Great God of Grace. It seems, if you look in your local Christian bookstore, that I am not alone in this quest.
One thing that I, and many others have discovered is that grace was not only active in my initial act of salvation, but it enables me to grow in my faith and to be empowered to live it out in my daily life. Just look at the old John Newton hymn, “ ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed,” salvation. “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead my home,” the enabled life.
Does this sound familiar? If you have studied the teachings of John Wesley, the human instrument in the movement of God that birthed Methodism, then you will recognize the multifaceted understanding of Grace that was expressed by Wesley. From before we were born, let alone saved, God was reaching out to us to draw us back into fellowship with Him. Then after we believed and received His forgiveness and righteousness by faith in Christ Jesus, He offered more grace. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, He offers us the power to live the righteous life that we have been re-clothed in.
That may all sound familiar. But this year, as I've been studying to complete my course requirements for ordination, I've come across a term that opened wide the understanding of this empowerment for me. That term is Responsible Grace. According to Randy Maddox, a Wesleyan theology professor at Seattle Pacific University [SPU] and author of “Responsible Grace”, this idea of “grace that is responsible” and the God of Grace who makes us “response able”, was what Maddox termed Wesley's “orienting concern”. In other words, the concern that grace shouldn't be received glibly or without effecting change in the life of the receiver effected every part of the teaching of John Wesley.
The Baptist teaching that so permeates our theological understanding today, tends to leave one believing that if God means for us to be saved, then we cannot escape His grace and we cannot help but grow in it. It is all a God thing. But Wesley insisted that we, by faith in God's grace are enabled to receive the benefits of that grace only in as much as we are willing to cooperate with that grace. The Bible uses terms like, “walking in the light,” “keeping in step with the spirit”. These infer a need for us to do our part by following the lead and using the resources made available to us through grace.
We have a responsibility to let the grace of God make the difference He desires it to make. Like any gift we receive, if we don't use it the benefits of receiving it are lost to us. If I got a beautiful new toaster for Christmas and still chose to make my bread warm and crispy under the broiler in my oven, I would not only be wasting the gift, I would also be wasting time and energy. The same goes for living the life of faith in my own strength vs. cooperating with the indwelling Spirit of God, who enables me to be a willing participant in the will of God.
This, I truly believe is the key to understanding the sanctified life in the way that our theological roots insist is possible. Yes, it begins with crisis, as we confess our need. But it continues only as we remain humbly open to the continual leading of the Holy Spirit, who is the gift of grace personified. May we never quit cooperating with God who tells us through Paul that no matter what we face, His “grace is sufficient” in our every weakness! Let us continue to come boldly before His throne of Grace and find His “grace to help us in our every need”! Let’s get serious about living the sanctified life, a life set apart for God’s purposes and glory, and embrace “Responsible Grace.”
Beverly Kay is a Ministerial Candidate at Centennial FMC in Belleville, Ontario.
Since I was four years old I was totally convinced that God loves me; how or why or how much became more of a mystery the older I got. Because I was privy to the personal spiritual battles of my parents, I came to believe early in my faith walk that the sanctified life was truly possible. I knew that it was often initiated in a time of crisis. A time when a believer, like Paul in Romans chapter seven, becomes so sick of trying to do and be good in his or her own strength that they admit their total dependancy upon the grace of God.
Aha! There's that word! Grace! What on earth does it mean really? I think that most of my life I have been content with the standard answer of, “The unmerited favour of God”. However, over the last few years, this definition has lacked fulness or meat for my heart and mind. I have been searching both scripture and solid Christian teaching to gain a deeper understanding of this amazing attribute of our Great God of Grace. It seems, if you look in your local Christian bookstore, that I am not alone in this quest.
One thing that I, and many others have discovered is that grace was not only active in my initial act of salvation, but it enables me to grow in my faith and to be empowered to live it out in my daily life. Just look at the old John Newton hymn, “ ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed,” salvation. “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead my home,” the enabled life.
Does this sound familiar? If you have studied the teachings of John Wesley, the human instrument in the movement of God that birthed Methodism, then you will recognize the multifaceted understanding of Grace that was expressed by Wesley. From before we were born, let alone saved, God was reaching out to us to draw us back into fellowship with Him. Then after we believed and received His forgiveness and righteousness by faith in Christ Jesus, He offered more grace. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, He offers us the power to live the righteous life that we have been re-clothed in.
That may all sound familiar. But this year, as I've been studying to complete my course requirements for ordination, I've come across a term that opened wide the understanding of this empowerment for me. That term is Responsible Grace. According to Randy Maddox, a Wesleyan theology professor at Seattle Pacific University [SPU] and author of “Responsible Grace”, this idea of “grace that is responsible” and the God of Grace who makes us “response able”, was what Maddox termed Wesley's “orienting concern”. In other words, the concern that grace shouldn't be received glibly or without effecting change in the life of the receiver effected every part of the teaching of John Wesley.
The Baptist teaching that so permeates our theological understanding today, tends to leave one believing that if God means for us to be saved, then we cannot escape His grace and we cannot help but grow in it. It is all a God thing. But Wesley insisted that we, by faith in God's grace are enabled to receive the benefits of that grace only in as much as we are willing to cooperate with that grace. The Bible uses terms like, “walking in the light,” “keeping in step with the spirit”. These infer a need for us to do our part by following the lead and using the resources made available to us through grace.
We have a responsibility to let the grace of God make the difference He desires it to make. Like any gift we receive, if we don't use it the benefits of receiving it are lost to us. If I got a beautiful new toaster for Christmas and still chose to make my bread warm and crispy under the broiler in my oven, I would not only be wasting the gift, I would also be wasting time and energy. The same goes for living the life of faith in my own strength vs. cooperating with the indwelling Spirit of God, who enables me to be a willing participant in the will of God.
This, I truly believe is the key to understanding the sanctified life in the way that our theological roots insist is possible. Yes, it begins with crisis, as we confess our need. But it continues only as we remain humbly open to the continual leading of the Holy Spirit, who is the gift of grace personified. May we never quit cooperating with God who tells us through Paul that no matter what we face, His “grace is sufficient” in our every weakness! Let us continue to come boldly before His throne of Grace and find His “grace to help us in our every need”! Let’s get serious about living the sanctified life, a life set apart for God’s purposes and glory, and embrace “Responsible Grace.”
Beverly Kay is a Ministerial Candidate at Centennial FMC in Belleville, Ontario.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Native of Kamloops serves in Kandahar
Raised in Kamloops , British Columbia Captain (Capt.) Michael Allen (alias Padre) is a Free Methodist chaplain in the Canadian Forces (CF). He is the son of Dave and Sylvia Allen and is currently deployed as part of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). The road to Kandahar began back in April 2005 when Capt. Allen currently posted to Canadian Forces Base Edmonton began training for the deployment to Afghanistan .
Capt. Allen and 250 other CF personnel arrived in Kandahar in July and are presently serving on a six-month long mission known as Operation Archer.
Serving the Canadian Forces for the past 10 years, Capt. Allen is a minister based out of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), located in Edmonton, Alberta. He is currently employed as the protestant padre with the Provincial Reconstruction Team. His primary job is to provide ecumenical services to his fellow deployed soldiers and provide spiritual advice to the commanding officers.
“I'm very proud to be serving my country on my this deployment, and Canadians should count their blessings every day. Afghans have suffered greatly over the past years and I am happy to say that Canadian soldiers are making a difference in the lives of ordinary Afghans.”
The Provincial Reconstruction Team is composed of about 250 soldiers mainly from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), located in Edmonton Alberta . The PRT brings together Canadian military personnel, civilian police, diplomats, and aid workers in an integrated Canadian effort to reinforce the authority of the Afghan government in, and around, Kandahar and to assist in the stabilization of the region. In order to do so, the PRT conducts security patrols, assists local reconstruction efforts, supports local governance institutions and facilitates reforms to the security sector.
Capt. Allen would like to take this opportunity to say hello to his friends and relatives back in Kamloops and Edmonton .
“Take a moment to reflect on a lot of the things we take for granted in Canada . I look forward to seeing you all again and may the Lord watch over you and keep you safe.” Capt. Poehlmann is a Public Affairs Officer with the Canadian Forces currently serving in Kandahar as a member of the Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Capt. Poehlmann is a Public Affairs Officer with the Canadian Forces currently serving in Kandahar as a member of the Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Brief report of Family Camp, BOA, and Mission District
Sri Lanka trip August 2005:
Teen, Family, and Kids Camp
Pastor Jey from Mississauga Tamil lead a team for the first Teen Camp. 49 teens attended this camp the weekend before family camp. The family camp saw 15 families. This totaled about 50 teens and adults. The Women’s Ministries of Eastern Ontario donated $4000 for the Family Camp. Colleen Zavrel, of Whitby FMC (, Ontario ) lead the children’s program for about 13 kids. Ruby Gomez and Sylvia Galloway from Wesley Chapel, ( Toronto , one of the partner churches in Sri Lanka ) worked tirelessly together to provide a great program.
Repairs:
Eustice Galloway from Wesley Chapel repaired the very leaky roof at the ministry centre in Colombo . He taught some quick learning and skilled local laborers how to do it and they finished it themselves.
New Partners:
Darryl Dozlaw, from Northview , ( Regina , Sask ) taught discipleship at the family camp and surveyed the early attempts at rebuilding Batticoloa (eastern shore, where the Tsunami hit the hardest.) Northview Community church is becoming a partner in Sri Lanka . Darryl, Pastor Jey and Supt Lazarus from Colombo talked for some time with a local man (see picture links) who had escaped the Tsunami. He was discouraged by the empty promises made by well meaning people in the early days after the tragedy.
BOA and Mission District Meeting, plus God surprises.
Surprise 1: Pastor Ben Gomez of Wesley Chapel and Pastor Jey, did some excellent conflict resolution work before the start of the BOA meetings. This put off the BOA nearly half a day from starting but was crucial to harmony prevailing in the meeting. Praise be to God.
Surprise 2: The BOA didn’t get started on time. So, I had time on my hands to sit and wait in the 30+C heat. Not bad if you are sitting still. God turned this into a surprise gift of conversation with some Sri Lankan brothers. Language barriers only slowed the conversation, not prevented it. The pastor said, “I have to climb up the mountain of the tea plantation to see some of my people. It takes a long lime to get there. Hard walk…up. I witness …they…no Bible…can’t read. I read to them … we talk about it…. It takes time.”
I realized one reason why planting churches in Sri Lanka (SL) is a different challenge: Many times the people are illiterate. Maybe this is a future ministry in SL, overcoming illiteracy.
The Growth Report at Mission District: Last year at the 2004 Mission District meeting we had 8 pastors who were ordained in or transferred their credentials to the FMC SL. One pastor is gone. We anticipated this, regretfully. (Money was more important than resourcing and fellowship.)
At this 2005 Mission District meeting we had 9 pastors, by ordaining two more this year. There were 5 invited guests, pastors who will have their first interview with the BOA/MEG of the FMC SL in February 2006.
This Mission District Meeting 2005 hit me only after the gathering was over. God is doing a great thing! Each pastor reported his/her churches, new plants, and the assistant pastors (AP) working in church plants with them. AP’s are with the pastors daily, without pay or bi-vocational.
The FMC in Sri Lanka as of August, 2005
9 pastors in the FMC Sri Lanka
5 assistant pastors (AP) work with these 9 pastors
4 of the 5 APs are Ministerial Candidates (MC)
These 9 pastors and 5 APs account for 23 churches and church plants
Largest single church attendance: 150
Smallest single church plant is 6
The hostile environment in Sri Lanka to Christianity will keep many churches small, though numerous
The FMC in Sri Lanka potentially in 2006, who attended the Family Camp
5 new pastors
8 new APs working under these 5 new pastors
These 5 pastors and 8 APs account for 16 churches and church plants
Largest church 125 (peak attendance was 175)
Smallest church plant is two families (6-10) with children
The potential by the end of 2007 could be:
More than 39 Churches and plants
More than 15 ordained pastors
More than 13 assistant pastors tracking for ordination
The BOA has set a vision for the FMC of Sri Lanka
The Lord being our helper, we will work toward these faith goals until our Mission District meeting in August 2006:
That 50 new churches will be added to our fellowship
That 50 new pastors will be added to our fellowship
That each church will gain 10 new families
Pray that God blesses their difficult work beyond their wildest dreams
Alan Retzman is Director of Personnel for The Free Methodist Church in Canada.
Teen, Family, and Kids Camp
Pastor Jey from Mississauga Tamil lead a team for the first Teen Camp. 49 teens attended this camp the weekend before family camp. The family camp saw 15 families. This totaled about 50 teens and adults. The Women’s Ministries of Eastern Ontario donated $4000 for the Family Camp. Colleen Zavrel, of Whitby FMC (, Ontario ) lead the children’s program for about 13 kids. Ruby Gomez and Sylvia Galloway from Wesley Chapel, ( Toronto , one of the partner churches in Sri Lanka ) worked tirelessly together to provide a great program.
Repairs:
Eustice Galloway from Wesley Chapel repaired the very leaky roof at the ministry centre in Colombo . He taught some quick learning and skilled local laborers how to do it and they finished it themselves.
New Partners:
Darryl Dozlaw, from Northview , ( Regina , Sask ) taught discipleship at the family camp and surveyed the early attempts at rebuilding Batticoloa (eastern shore, where the Tsunami hit the hardest.) Northview Community church is becoming a partner in Sri Lanka . Darryl, Pastor Jey and Supt Lazarus from Colombo talked for some time with a local man (see picture links) who had escaped the Tsunami. He was discouraged by the empty promises made by well meaning people in the early days after the tragedy.
BOA and Mission District Meeting, plus God surprises.
Surprise 1: Pastor Ben Gomez of Wesley Chapel and Pastor Jey, did some excellent conflict resolution work before the start of the BOA meetings. This put off the BOA nearly half a day from starting but was crucial to harmony prevailing in the meeting. Praise be to God.
Surprise 2: The BOA didn’t get started on time. So, I had time on my hands to sit and wait in the 30+C heat. Not bad if you are sitting still. God turned this into a surprise gift of conversation with some Sri Lankan brothers. Language barriers only slowed the conversation, not prevented it. The pastor said, “I have to climb up the mountain of the tea plantation to see some of my people. It takes a long lime to get there. Hard walk…up. I witness …they…no Bible…can’t read. I read to them … we talk about it…. It takes time.”
I realized one reason why planting churches in Sri Lanka (SL) is a different challenge: Many times the people are illiterate. Maybe this is a future ministry in SL, overcoming illiteracy.
The Growth Report at Mission District: Last year at the 2004 Mission District meeting we had 8 pastors who were ordained in or transferred their credentials to the FMC SL. One pastor is gone. We anticipated this, regretfully. (Money was more important than resourcing and fellowship.)
At this 2005 Mission District meeting we had 9 pastors, by ordaining two more this year. There were 5 invited guests, pastors who will have their first interview with the BOA/MEG of the FMC SL in February 2006.
This Mission District Meeting 2005 hit me only after the gathering was over. God is doing a great thing! Each pastor reported his/her churches, new plants, and the assistant pastors (AP) working in church plants with them. AP’s are with the pastors daily, without pay or bi-vocational.
The FMC in Sri Lanka as of August, 2005
9 pastors in the FMC Sri Lanka
5 assistant pastors (AP) work with these 9 pastors
4 of the 5 APs are Ministerial Candidates (MC)
These 9 pastors and 5 APs account for 23 churches and church plants
Largest single church attendance: 150
Smallest single church plant is 6
The hostile environment in Sri Lanka to Christianity will keep many churches small, though numerous
The FMC in Sri Lanka potentially in 2006, who attended the Family Camp
5 new pastors
8 new APs working under these 5 new pastors
These 5 pastors and 8 APs account for 16 churches and church plants
Largest church 125 (peak attendance was 175)
Smallest church plant is two families (6-10) with children
The potential by the end of 2007 could be:
More than 39 Churches and plants
More than 15 ordained pastors
More than 13 assistant pastors tracking for ordination
The BOA has set a vision for the FMC of Sri Lanka
The Lord being our helper, we will work toward these faith goals until our Mission District meeting in August 2006:
That 50 new churches will be added to our fellowship
That 50 new pastors will be added to our fellowship
That each church will gain 10 new families
Pray that God blesses their difficult work beyond their wildest dreams
Alan Retzman is Director of Personnel for The Free Methodist Church in Canada.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
The Connectionalism Cure
I had a great time at the Small and Rural Church workshop at General Conference. It was great to hear about all the great things God is doing in our rural churches. The rural context can be tough, but I thank God there are men and women who have courage enough to face those tough challenges. Churches are still being planted. Churches are still refocusing their energy and redeploying into their communities.
What are the barriers, as a group, we are going to have to push through to see what God has started continue? From what I heard at the workshop one barrier is isolation. This is not a simple problem to overcome. We live in a big country. We have a relatively low population density. Our relative geographic isolation promotes extreme forms of regionalism. As a result our Canadian social fabric strains under the weight of all of this. So what is God's plan? How will he call us out of this darkness and into his marvelous light?
God's plan for us is unity: the sharing of resources, and mutual support. As Methodists we express this part of God's plan in the core value we call Connectionalism (Check it out! It's in The Manual and everything!) Here's part of what it says,
One of our pastors has written, "Methodists are connectional. They do not believe that any one local church has the range of gifts and training to establish doctrine, ordination standards, and other constitutional matters. Instead Methodists do these things collectively, freeing local churches for the work of ministry. They are accountable to their conference for character and conduct and work side-by-side with local church leaders. Independent churches and pastors are not truly Methodist."
If we want to see God-things continue among us, we need to remain connected to one another. Here is some of what we are doing so far to remain connected. I'm sure, together, we can come up with even better ideas!
Our pastors meet in networks to share their personal struggles and triumphs. We have a broad variety of networks to suit all kinds of needs. Some meet according to region, some meet according to life stage, and some meet according to shared goals. Whatever the reason, most pastors find these networks a great way to stay connected.
We meet in General Conferences. These Conferences are where the church meets as a nation, to settle its future and direction together, to see each other face to face, and to hear all the great things God is up to through us.
We meet in Camps. Hanging around Wesley Acres or Arlington Beach is not only a way to get in some good porch time, or take a rip around the lake; it is also a chance to maintain connections and maybe make some new ones.
You're holding it in your hand. Yes, even this award-winning newsletter, we call the "MOSAIC", is designed to keep us all together. We keep you connected with the broader family through stories and write-ups like this one.
We stay in email contact on the pastors and delegates listservs. Read the Bishop's Notes…
Ordination services. Now this one might not seem obvious but if you've ever been to one you'd know what I'm talking about - pastors and lay people all gathered together in one room to celebrate God's call to ministry. It can really be powerful. Don't believe me? Come and see for yourself. I'm being ordained at the Next Church , Sunday, August 14th. If you are not completely satisfied, see me afterward for a full refund.
Connectionalism is vital, but like anything else you only get out of it what you put into it. If you aren't taking advantage of what is already offered… you need to! If you have any ideas on other ways to connect with each other, you should start it! If you are worried that connectionalism may not be a real English word, give us a break. You may have spent too much time in English class!
Jared Siebert is Director of Growth Ministries for The Free Methodist Church in Canada.
What are the barriers, as a group, we are going to have to push through to see what God has started continue? From what I heard at the workshop one barrier is isolation. This is not a simple problem to overcome. We live in a big country. We have a relatively low population density. Our relative geographic isolation promotes extreme forms of regionalism. As a result our Canadian social fabric strains under the weight of all of this. So what is God's plan? How will he call us out of this darkness and into his marvelous light?
God's plan for us is unity: the sharing of resources, and mutual support. As Methodists we express this part of God's plan in the core value we call Connectionalism (Check it out! It's in The Manual and everything!) Here's part of what it says,
One of our pastors has written, "Methodists are connectional. They do not believe that any one local church has the range of gifts and training to establish doctrine, ordination standards, and other constitutional matters. Instead Methodists do these things collectively, freeing local churches for the work of ministry. They are accountable to their conference for character and conduct and work side-by-side with local church leaders. Independent churches and pastors are not truly Methodist."
If we want to see God-things continue among us, we need to remain connected to one another. Here is some of what we are doing so far to remain connected. I'm sure, together, we can come up with even better ideas!
Our pastors meet in networks to share their personal struggles and triumphs. We have a broad variety of networks to suit all kinds of needs. Some meet according to region, some meet according to life stage, and some meet according to shared goals. Whatever the reason, most pastors find these networks a great way to stay connected.
We meet in General Conferences. These Conferences are where the church meets as a nation, to settle its future and direction together, to see each other face to face, and to hear all the great things God is up to through us.
We meet in Camps. Hanging around Wesley Acres or Arlington Beach is not only a way to get in some good porch time, or take a rip around the lake; it is also a chance to maintain connections and maybe make some new ones.
You're holding it in your hand. Yes, even this award-winning newsletter, we call the "MOSAIC", is designed to keep us all together. We keep you connected with the broader family through stories and write-ups like this one.
We stay in email contact on the pastors and delegates listservs. Read the Bishop's Notes…
Ordination services. Now this one might not seem obvious but if you've ever been to one you'd know what I'm talking about - pastors and lay people all gathered together in one room to celebrate God's call to ministry. It can really be powerful. Don't believe me? Come and see for yourself. I'm being ordained at the Next Church , Sunday, August 14th. If you are not completely satisfied, see me afterward for a full refund.
Connectionalism is vital, but like anything else you only get out of it what you put into it. If you aren't taking advantage of what is already offered… you need to! If you have any ideas on other ways to connect with each other, you should start it! If you are worried that connectionalism may not be a real English word, give us a break. You may have spent too much time in English class!
Jared Siebert is Director of Growth Ministries for The Free Methodist Church in Canada.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Developing new wineskins
We had an excellent General Conference and I decided to write out what I see and sense God is doing amongst us. We were able to see and celebrate the fruit of the efforts of the NLT and the various boards and committees to help consolidate and expand the impact of the changes that have been developing over the past 10 years. While respecting the past, we have been shedding an old wineskin and developing a new one that is giving the Spirit of God new freedom to work. This is what the new wine skin looks like to me.
1. A new emphasis on holiness theology and its practice, but with fewer prescriptions of what that looks like in matters of conscience as opposed to matters of clear scriptural injunctions.
2. A new flexibility in who can be recruited to be ministers among us, but at the same time a greater effort to evaluate their suitability for ministry and to help them develop in theology, character and practice.
3. A new, more efficient, mission — focused and nationally synergized organizational structure that seeks to partner with and serve local churches rather than to command and control them to fit the agenda of the denomination or make them co-dependent upon it.
4. A new strategy for evangelism through church planting that focuses on helping churches become healthy enough to reproduce, while at the same time, being sensitive to the Spirit raising up church planters for pioneer works.
5. A new openness, welcoming and accommodation to youthful, contemporary, unconventional, ethnic and multi-lingual segments of the population and intentionally positioning them to give leadership in our denomination.
6. A new partnership with other General Conferences by supporting changes to the organizational structure for world Free Methodism to give each General Conference an equal place of influence to shape our movement in the 21st century as we seek to extend God's Kingdom on earth.
7. A new vision for world evangelism as we encourage every church to assume the responsibility to reach various parts of the world through sending missionaries from their own congregation, by partnering with nationals in other countries and/or by supporting denominational missionaries and initiatives.
These changes were made not because our forefathers / mothers had it all wrong and we are the newly enlightened ones. Rather, it has been a response to the changes of our culture, the progressive understanding of how God wants to advance His Kingdom in this world and a rediscovery of what the Spirit-filled life looks like in our generation. Our leaders have sought to keep us conservative in our theology and liberal in our methodology. They have respected the accomplishments of our predecessors and have had the courage to help lead us into the new future that we have been sensing God has wanted for us.
As a result of the new wine skins, we are starting to reap some of the benefits of those changes. When I was asked what I considered the highlight of the General Conference was for me, I said that it was seeing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders establishing new churches and churches partnering with nationals to plant new churches in other countries.
I know that steering the church through these changes has not been easy. I say thank you to our leaders for all they have done for The Free Methodist Church in Canada and the Kingdom of God (Hebrews 6:10 ). May God give you increased strength, discernment, wisdom and courage as you lead us in this new phase of development over the next three years.
Ken Roth/Senior Pastor
Chapel Ridge FMC, Stittsville, ON
1. A new emphasis on holiness theology and its practice, but with fewer prescriptions of what that looks like in matters of conscience as opposed to matters of clear scriptural injunctions.
2. A new flexibility in who can be recruited to be ministers among us, but at the same time a greater effort to evaluate their suitability for ministry and to help them develop in theology, character and practice.
3. A new, more efficient, mission — focused and nationally synergized organizational structure that seeks to partner with and serve local churches rather than to command and control them to fit the agenda of the denomination or make them co-dependent upon it.
4. A new strategy for evangelism through church planting that focuses on helping churches become healthy enough to reproduce, while at the same time, being sensitive to the Spirit raising up church planters for pioneer works.
5. A new openness, welcoming and accommodation to youthful, contemporary, unconventional, ethnic and multi-lingual segments of the population and intentionally positioning them to give leadership in our denomination.
6. A new partnership with other General Conferences by supporting changes to the organizational structure for world Free Methodism to give each General Conference an equal place of influence to shape our movement in the 21st century as we seek to extend God's Kingdom on earth.
7. A new vision for world evangelism as we encourage every church to assume the responsibility to reach various parts of the world through sending missionaries from their own congregation, by partnering with nationals in other countries and/or by supporting denominational missionaries and initiatives.
These changes were made not because our forefathers / mothers had it all wrong and we are the newly enlightened ones. Rather, it has been a response to the changes of our culture, the progressive understanding of how God wants to advance His Kingdom in this world and a rediscovery of what the Spirit-filled life looks like in our generation. Our leaders have sought to keep us conservative in our theology and liberal in our methodology. They have respected the accomplishments of our predecessors and have had the courage to help lead us into the new future that we have been sensing God has wanted for us.
As a result of the new wine skins, we are starting to reap some of the benefits of those changes. When I was asked what I considered the highlight of the General Conference was for me, I said that it was seeing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders establishing new churches and churches partnering with nationals to plant new churches in other countries.
I know that steering the church through these changes has not been easy. I say thank you to our leaders for all they have done for The Free Methodist Church in Canada and the Kingdom of God (Hebrews 6:10 ). May God give you increased strength, discernment, wisdom and courage as you lead us in this new phase of development over the next three years.
Ken Roth/Senior Pastor
Chapel Ridge FMC, Stittsville, ON
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Which Seekers are you Seeking?
My initial years of ministry afforded me the privilege of leading several people to Jesus within in the walls of the church building. These people came seeking answers to spiritual questions during scheduled events and regular office hours. 1 Corinthians 14:23 speaks of just such a seeker, "if the whole church should assemble…and an unbeliever enters…"
Yesterday, after a round of golf, my new friend casually informed me, "My wife doesn't sin." A few weeks ago in the local Tim Horton's a man devastated by the situation his relative was in commented, "Maybe it would be better if the good Lord just took him…" And a couple of months ago while my family shared a meal in a Muslim home, I was told by my host that, "Jesus didn't die; he was simply taken to heaven through a hole in the roof."
These men want to talk about spiritual things. They are seekers; perhaps a different breed of seekers, but seekers none the less. We won't find them in the local church. They need to be sought out on their own turf as Jesus did the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) or Zacchaeus in his home (Luke 19). They need someone like a Philip who is willing to leave a successful ministry to go out to a desert road in the middle of nowhere and minister to one Ethiopian seeker. They need people who will reach out to them as Paul did to Lydia at the river or the prison guard in Acts 16.
It might be we need to broaden our understanding of when and where ministry takes place. These people need to see the normal yet radical Christian life demonstrated under their noses on their turf juxtaposed against their lives. Then, maybe, these people will seek answers from us, not within the four walls of our church buildings but in a coffee shop or over a meal or on the golf course. These seekers want to talk about spiritual things. They will even discuss Jesus. But we need to be where they are if we are going to answer their questions.
Dan Jansen is a church planter at Pineridge House in Calgary , AB
Yesterday, after a round of golf, my new friend casually informed me, "My wife doesn't sin." A few weeks ago in the local Tim Horton's a man devastated by the situation his relative was in commented, "Maybe it would be better if the good Lord just took him…" And a couple of months ago while my family shared a meal in a Muslim home, I was told by my host that, "Jesus didn't die; he was simply taken to heaven through a hole in the roof."
These men want to talk about spiritual things. They are seekers; perhaps a different breed of seekers, but seekers none the less. We won't find them in the local church. They need to be sought out on their own turf as Jesus did the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) or Zacchaeus in his home (Luke 19). They need someone like a Philip who is willing to leave a successful ministry to go out to a desert road in the middle of nowhere and minister to one Ethiopian seeker. They need people who will reach out to them as Paul did to Lydia at the river or the prison guard in Acts 16.
It might be we need to broaden our understanding of when and where ministry takes place. These people need to see the normal yet radical Christian life demonstrated under their noses on their turf juxtaposed against their lives. Then, maybe, these people will seek answers from us, not within the four walls of our church buildings but in a coffee shop or over a meal or on the golf course. These seekers want to talk about spiritual things. They will even discuss Jesus. But we need to be where they are if we are going to answer their questions.
Dan Jansen is a church planter at Pineridge House in Calgary , AB
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Ways to Fan the Flame
He sat in a dimly lit prison cell, knowing that sooner rather than later, the executioner’s sword would swing and he would be cut loose to soar into eternity. No longer seeing through a glass darkly, he would see Jesus face to face…. He would be home!
He had had a life full of adventure and intensity. After a brilliant academic career as a Jewish intellectual, he was arrested by the Lord Jesus himself when he encountered him in a dramatic experience on the Damascus Road . This jettisoned him into a life of complicated cross-cultural ministry, mystical experiences with the Lord, and gritty battles of words with the Pharisees and even with his dear colleagues in the Church. It had been quite a life but the end was drawing near. However, there was one more letter he needed to write. So putting to pen to parchment, he poured out his heart.
Whenever Paul prayed, Timothy’s face would be there. They traveled hundreds of miles together and just thinking about him brought a lump to Paul’s throat. When they had said farewell the last time, Timothy, now a grown and proven missionary associate, had sobbed. How he missed him and how he ached for him.
Paul’s heart was heavy because it seemed that Timothy’s enthusiasm for his role in what God was doing, had been draining away. His drive for reaching seeking people was flagging. He wasn’t his old self; his passion which once burned so brightly was now only embers, glowing coals on their way to becoming cold ashes. (Glowing goals are great for “Kum-Ba-Ya” moments and toasting marshmallows, but they don’t cast much light on dark shadows!)
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is a heart-to-heart letter about rekindling passion. There’s a lot at stake, because Timothy is one person Paul is counting on to take the ministry in Asia to its next level. He opens up his heart by giving Timothy a picture: “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you!” The old warrior himself surely had known seasons of discouragement and distraction that are the right conditions for the mold of apathy to grow and spread over one’s heart. This letter of deep concern for one of his dearest colleagues and closest friends gives us a classic, multidimensional way of challenging apathy and fanning the flames of our hearts—especially when tempted to snuggle down into a comfortable community of coals and just “glow for Jesus.”
Perhaps you’ll find Paul’s list helpful for fanning your own heart and flame. Remember—he’s not yelling at Timothy with capital letters and underlined words. He’s got a lump in his throat and, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, he is calling out the best in this younger friend whom he loves. Here is what Paul places before Timothy:
1. Remember that there are people who love you, believe in you, and have been praying for you for years--Like who? ... like me, all the time, and like members of your family. (2 Timothy 1:3-5)
2. Remember that God has gifted you uniquely. Never mind about others and their giftings. You know your own areas of giftedness. Focus on them and let them fire up! (v.6)
3. Fear in any of its forms, except for holy reverence for God, is not from God. His Spirit has filled your spirit with power, love, and self-discipline. It’s there. I’ve seen it. Let it loose again, because when it flows, Jesus shines through in who you are. (v. 7)
4. Forget about carrying the burden of ministry by yourself. You can’t do it. Buy into grace deeply, then you won’t be worrying about what others think and you’ll have God’s perspective on suffering. Suffering is not the worst thing that can happen to you, nor is death. Losing your passion is far worse. (vs. 8-12)
5. Don’t forget the central truths of the gospel that I have explained to you and you have seen me live and heard me teach. Don’t just roll ideas around in your head. Keep this stuff in your heart where the Holy Spirit can keep breathing life into it and into you. (vs. 13-14)
6. Don’t be distracted by the wrong choices that others make. Stay focused. Recognize the surprising people God sends as encouragers and receive from them as they walk with you.
End of chapter 1. Good stuff, don’t you agree! Read on into chapters 2-4. The intensity picks up. Anybody out there with giftedness that needs to be fanned into flame? I hope you are hearing this.
Anyone out there in your sphere of influence (perhaps who is even older than you) who is losing their “fire”? God may want to use you to speak into their lives. Take them to Him in prayer, listen to what the Spirit quickens in your heart, and when you have it clear, and the time is right, pour out your love and say some.
By Bishop Keith Elford
He had had a life full of adventure and intensity. After a brilliant academic career as a Jewish intellectual, he was arrested by the Lord Jesus himself when he encountered him in a dramatic experience on the Damascus Road . This jettisoned him into a life of complicated cross-cultural ministry, mystical experiences with the Lord, and gritty battles of words with the Pharisees and even with his dear colleagues in the Church. It had been quite a life but the end was drawing near. However, there was one more letter he needed to write. So putting to pen to parchment, he poured out his heart.
Whenever Paul prayed, Timothy’s face would be there. They traveled hundreds of miles together and just thinking about him brought a lump to Paul’s throat. When they had said farewell the last time, Timothy, now a grown and proven missionary associate, had sobbed. How he missed him and how he ached for him.
Paul’s heart was heavy because it seemed that Timothy’s enthusiasm for his role in what God was doing, had been draining away. His drive for reaching seeking people was flagging. He wasn’t his old self; his passion which once burned so brightly was now only embers, glowing coals on their way to becoming cold ashes. (Glowing goals are great for “Kum-Ba-Ya” moments and toasting marshmallows, but they don’t cast much light on dark shadows!)
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is a heart-to-heart letter about rekindling passion. There’s a lot at stake, because Timothy is one person Paul is counting on to take the ministry in Asia to its next level. He opens up his heart by giving Timothy a picture: “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you!” The old warrior himself surely had known seasons of discouragement and distraction that are the right conditions for the mold of apathy to grow and spread over one’s heart. This letter of deep concern for one of his dearest colleagues and closest friends gives us a classic, multidimensional way of challenging apathy and fanning the flames of our hearts—especially when tempted to snuggle down into a comfortable community of coals and just “glow for Jesus.”
Perhaps you’ll find Paul’s list helpful for fanning your own heart and flame. Remember—he’s not yelling at Timothy with capital letters and underlined words. He’s got a lump in his throat and, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, he is calling out the best in this younger friend whom he loves. Here is what Paul places before Timothy:
1. Remember that there are people who love you, believe in you, and have been praying for you for years--Like who? ... like me, all the time, and like members of your family. (2 Timothy 1:3-5)
2. Remember that God has gifted you uniquely. Never mind about others and their giftings. You know your own areas of giftedness. Focus on them and let them fire up! (v.6)
3. Fear in any of its forms, except for holy reverence for God, is not from God. His Spirit has filled your spirit with power, love, and self-discipline. It’s there. I’ve seen it. Let it loose again, because when it flows, Jesus shines through in who you are. (v. 7)
4. Forget about carrying the burden of ministry by yourself. You can’t do it. Buy into grace deeply, then you won’t be worrying about what others think and you’ll have God’s perspective on suffering. Suffering is not the worst thing that can happen to you, nor is death. Losing your passion is far worse. (vs. 8-12)
5. Don’t forget the central truths of the gospel that I have explained to you and you have seen me live and heard me teach. Don’t just roll ideas around in your head. Keep this stuff in your heart where the Holy Spirit can keep breathing life into it and into you. (vs. 13-14)
6. Don’t be distracted by the wrong choices that others make. Stay focused. Recognize the surprising people God sends as encouragers and receive from them as they walk with you.
End of chapter 1. Good stuff, don’t you agree! Read on into chapters 2-4. The intensity picks up. Anybody out there with giftedness that needs to be fanned into flame? I hope you are hearing this.
Anyone out there in your sphere of influence (perhaps who is even older than you) who is losing their “fire”? God may want to use you to speak into their lives. Take them to Him in prayer, listen to what the Spirit quickens in your heart, and when you have it clear, and the time is right, pour out your love and say some.
By Bishop Keith Elford
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Ascension for Expansion Campaign
“Be generous with the different things that God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it… That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything…” (1 Peter 4:10-11 MSG).
These are the verses that had been resonating in my heart and mind in the days following the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign that our church journeyed together. I found myself praying: “God, use me for your purposes, reveal to me how I can use the gifts and talents you’ve blessed me with.” Thus, the Everest equivalent climb or the so-called “Ascension For Expansion Campaign” was conceived.
It was May 9, 2004 when I made the proposition to the family of believers at Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church : “I’m going to attempt to climb 29,000 feet – the height of Mt. Everest – in 24 hours. I’ll be climbing the 100 foot chimney at the Boiler Room Climbing Gym (where I work), 290 times to raise $29,000 toward our building expansion project and the church’s ministry.” I’m sure a majority of the congregation thought that oxygen wasn’t getting all the way to my brain. However, despite the audacious goal I had proposed, the campaign launch day saw over $5,000 in pledges and donations. As the pledges continued to pile up I began training for the climb of my life. Five or six days a week for almost four straight months I strengthened and toned my body to peak performance: climbing, running, cycling and exercising using weights. I needed to be in the best shape possible for such an endeavour. Finally the day for the climb arrived. I embarked at 1:00 p.m. and climbed 20,000 feet in 13 solid, painstaking hours. For the first 15,000 feet I felt great, I was in a nice rhythm and staying well ahead of schedule. At halfway I took a break to have a shower and rest. When I got back on the wall my performance began to quickly deteriorate. The last 5,000 feet was extremely difficult, I had to push my body beyond what it was capable of doing. I decided to stop to sleep for an hour. When I woke I felt extremely tired, sore and nauseated. I was promptly taken to the hospital and was diagnosed as severely dehydrated. The total amount raised from the campaign was $22,236.80. Looking back, this campaign was a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs: heartaches and headaches, blessing and accomplishments. It was a journey of challenges but an amazing experience preparing for such a venture. It was an important time of personal growth: mentally, physically, but most of all spiritually. Throughout the entire campaign, my family at Harrowsmith F.M. Church was incredibly supportive, helpful, and loving. I have seen that through thick and thin God is at my side every step of the way. His love is unfailing and unconditional. He is the only one worthy of all glory, honour and praise.
Greg Adams attends Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church
These are the verses that had been resonating in my heart and mind in the days following the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign that our church journeyed together. I found myself praying: “God, use me for your purposes, reveal to me how I can use the gifts and talents you’ve blessed me with.” Thus, the Everest equivalent climb or the so-called “Ascension For Expansion Campaign” was conceived.
It was May 9, 2004 when I made the proposition to the family of believers at Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church : “I’m going to attempt to climb 29,000 feet – the height of Mt. Everest – in 24 hours. I’ll be climbing the 100 foot chimney at the Boiler Room Climbing Gym (where I work), 290 times to raise $29,000 toward our building expansion project and the church’s ministry.” I’m sure a majority of the congregation thought that oxygen wasn’t getting all the way to my brain. However, despite the audacious goal I had proposed, the campaign launch day saw over $5,000 in pledges and donations. As the pledges continued to pile up I began training for the climb of my life. Five or six days a week for almost four straight months I strengthened and toned my body to peak performance: climbing, running, cycling and exercising using weights. I needed to be in the best shape possible for such an endeavour. Finally the day for the climb arrived. I embarked at 1:00 p.m. and climbed 20,000 feet in 13 solid, painstaking hours. For the first 15,000 feet I felt great, I was in a nice rhythm and staying well ahead of schedule. At halfway I took a break to have a shower and rest. When I got back on the wall my performance began to quickly deteriorate. The last 5,000 feet was extremely difficult, I had to push my body beyond what it was capable of doing. I decided to stop to sleep for an hour. When I woke I felt extremely tired, sore and nauseated. I was promptly taken to the hospital and was diagnosed as severely dehydrated. The total amount raised from the campaign was $22,236.80. Looking back, this campaign was a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs: heartaches and headaches, blessing and accomplishments. It was a journey of challenges but an amazing experience preparing for such a venture. It was an important time of personal growth: mentally, physically, but most of all spiritually. Throughout the entire campaign, my family at Harrowsmith F.M. Church was incredibly supportive, helpful, and loving. I have seen that through thick and thin God is at my side every step of the way. His love is unfailing and unconditional. He is the only one worthy of all glory, honour and praise.
Greg Adams attends Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church
Monday, April 25, 2005
Social Justice, God’s Heart
Matt 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
James 1: 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Social Justice, God’s Heart
Social Justice was on Jesus’ heart. He had compassion for the poor and the disenfranchised. He told us to consider taking care of the poor as if we were taking care of Him. That is how important they are to God. God’s expectation is that we will not just accept the gifts that He has given us, but that we will share them with others in His kingdom. The bottom line is that social justice should be as much on our hearts as it is on God’s.
The question becomes, how are we doing what Matt 25 speaks of? The question may be, why are we not doing it? This should be a part of who we are as God’s people. This is one of the ways the world should “know” us. We are “the church that takes care of the poor”. What an amazing testimony. But, the job is so huge. Where do we start?
Can you make a sandwich?
I was speaking at a conference last year, talking about social justice and faith. A young man asked, “How can we do this? We are such a small group. We are young.” I asked without hesitation, Can you make a sandwich? The group chuckled. I am serious. Can you make a sandwich? “Well, yeah” he said. Then you can feed the poor. It is that simple.
You see, one of the obstacles that we need to overcome is the pomp and circumstance of our own church “programization.” It does not take a committee to feed the poor. It takes a few people with a heart to be incarnational and some bread, cold cuts, mayonnaise and juice boxes. My eight year old can do it. We have made ministry a profession. Something people need to train for. This is not always the case. When it comes to the poor in our own cities, it is as simple as sharing what you have with those that don’t.
One of the ways we do this is, twice a month, during church, we send a team downtown to feed the homeless. We get together before church, bringing meat, bread and juice boxes. We make the lunches together (100 of them), as a church, and then send our team downtown to give them out. The team consists of 4-6 people ages 8-63. They just walk down Ste. Catherine St. in Montreal and hand out lunches to street people. We do this during church because it is an extension of our church. It is simple. No frills. No qualifications.
I want to encourage every community to find simple ways to do what God asks of us in Matt 25. It may be visiting a prison or shut-ins, or feeding the poor. Because if we do it to the least of these……
The people downtown have come to know us. They expect us. We get to feed them, hear their news and pray for them sometimes. We love them, first because Jesus did, and now because we know them. Hopefully, they get a glimpse of Jesus, because we are doing what He asked us to.
Kim Reid, Church Planter
The Open Door, Pierrefonds , QC
37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
James 1: 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Social Justice, God’s Heart
Social Justice was on Jesus’ heart. He had compassion for the poor and the disenfranchised. He told us to consider taking care of the poor as if we were taking care of Him. That is how important they are to God. God’s expectation is that we will not just accept the gifts that He has given us, but that we will share them with others in His kingdom. The bottom line is that social justice should be as much on our hearts as it is on God’s.
The question becomes, how are we doing what Matt 25 speaks of? The question may be, why are we not doing it? This should be a part of who we are as God’s people. This is one of the ways the world should “know” us. We are “the church that takes care of the poor”. What an amazing testimony. But, the job is so huge. Where do we start?
Can you make a sandwich?
I was speaking at a conference last year, talking about social justice and faith. A young man asked, “How can we do this? We are such a small group. We are young.” I asked without hesitation, Can you make a sandwich? The group chuckled. I am serious. Can you make a sandwich? “Well, yeah” he said. Then you can feed the poor. It is that simple.
You see, one of the obstacles that we need to overcome is the pomp and circumstance of our own church “programization.” It does not take a committee to feed the poor. It takes a few people with a heart to be incarnational and some bread, cold cuts, mayonnaise and juice boxes. My eight year old can do it. We have made ministry a profession. Something people need to train for. This is not always the case. When it comes to the poor in our own cities, it is as simple as sharing what you have with those that don’t.
One of the ways we do this is, twice a month, during church, we send a team downtown to feed the homeless. We get together before church, bringing meat, bread and juice boxes. We make the lunches together (100 of them), as a church, and then send our team downtown to give them out. The team consists of 4-6 people ages 8-63. They just walk down Ste. Catherine St. in Montreal and hand out lunches to street people. We do this during church because it is an extension of our church. It is simple. No frills. No qualifications.
I want to encourage every community to find simple ways to do what God asks of us in Matt 25. It may be visiting a prison or shut-ins, or feeding the poor. Because if we do it to the least of these……
The people downtown have come to know us. They expect us. We get to feed them, hear their news and pray for them sometimes. We love them, first because Jesus did, and now because we know them. Hopefully, they get a glimpse of Jesus, because we are doing what He asked us to.
Kim Reid, Church Planter
The Open Door, Pierrefonds , QC
Monday, April 04, 2005
Memories from the Building Committee Chairperson
During a 1980 summer afternoon drive, Barrie Free Methodist Church (BFMC) members Larry and Ruth Muxworthy stopped at a piece of farmland at 290 Cundles Rd. E. in Barrie, and prayed. Their request to God was to protect this land if this is where He wanted the next Free Methodist Church in Barrie to be built.
The process began as the BFMC congregation grew again to fill the 200 Bayfield St. location. We had done it before, had talked of building or relocating, but the process just did not happen and the church would shrink in size. So the Long-Range Planning Committee (LRP) started to investigate the options. Timothy Christian School was soon to be on the market, so pursuit was made to purchase. Talks and negotiations ensued for close to a year, but in the end, this was not the location we were to be.
Two morning services had begun in September 1999, and since we were already in the dilemma of needing larger facilities, society voted unanimously to list the properties at the corner of Bayfield and Dalton Streets with a realtor and to relocate. This was faith, as we had no options in sight at this time. On July 13, 2000, an offer was accepted on three of the four parcels owned by the church at the Bayfield location.
LRP had already begun the search for property or an existing building. The property at 290 Cundles Rd. E. was considered, but the committee found it was too expensive. The realtor was ferreting out properties or buildings and many options were pursued. One option had been pursued to the point of making a conditional offer but was stopped in the nick of time to keep the church from being committed to a deal that would soon become a nightmare. Another property was situated in the neighbouring township and was expected to be expropriated within the coming years. A large sewer system would need to be installed, a well drilled and a fire pond installed, only to be removed when expropriation took place. This option was too expensive for the short-term need of these amenities.
A visit was made to a Regional and Urban Development Planner who informed the committee of properties that would suit our needs and where zoning could be changed. Before we knew it, the committee was again pursuing 290 Cundles Rd. E. This property had a draft plan attached to it and a road ran through the property. The price was high considering that whomever purchased the property would also be required to install sewer, water and gas lines as well as complete the street that ran through the property. LRP committee was not a land developer and felt the need to start looking for other properties again.
Since prayer was so vital to the life of this committee, God was heard and the committee was instructed to keep going. A conditional offer, which included approval of the church society, was presented and accepted by the owner, but the church society had not yet voted. The Regional and Urban Development Planner set up meetings for the LRP to meet land developers who might be interested in purchasing the townhouse lots and installing the road and utilities. Only one developer showed up. After discussion with this developer, no agreement was made and both parties left the meeting expecting to never see each other again. Three days later the developer called to say he could not get the BFMC project off his mind. An initial verbal deal was made. The society declined the offer made to the existing owner of the land; the developer renegotiated and purchased the property plus two additional adjacent properties, reworked the draft plan and pursued rezoning as necessary. Then the developer sold to BFMC the required property. A better plan was worked and the land was purchased for a much lower price. As the deal closes, the church soon realizes that the lawyer has waived his fees for the purchase of 290 Cundles Rd. E. Again, God had prepared and placed the right people in our situation.
As the architect worked on the drawings for the building, a site plan was also in progress. City of Barrie informed the architect of the access entrances it is allowing the church. The decision was not satisfactory, so a visit is made to city hall where Pastor Cliff and LRP are informed that the Mayor had already intervened, and the needed entrances are approved.
The City of Barrie begins the study required to widen Cundles Rd. It is reported that an estimated 30,000 cars would pass by the church site each day. Our building was going to be well noticed by the people of Barrie .
Our first request for mortgage funds to build all of phase 1 was denied in April 2003. The Building Committee worked with our builder to resize the project to a plan that included construction of the outer shell of the building and completing only a portion of the interior. On June 20, 2003, approval was received for a construction loan to fit this new approach.
The City of Barrie required a Letter of Credit before finalizing the Site Plan Agreement and issuing the Building Permit. This money would be held in our own bank account, by the bank, until all site work was completed to the city requirements. This amount was $327,225. The quotes received from subtrades to complete this work were only $236,625, a difference of $90,600. As finances became tight, invoices needed to be paid and the next draw had not been received, a request was made to the mayor for the $90,600 to be released. Again we found that the same Mayor helping us by questioning the city departments as to why they would hold the additional funds if the completion of the site work could be done at a lesser cost by the church. Funds were immediately released and our cash-flow problem was resolved. As the building construction progressed, miracles continued to happen as cheques unexpectedly arrived, and the right people miraculously answered phone calls made especially prior to holiday time.
Hurricane Isabel was geared to blow in on September 19th, 2003. The weather reports and news broadcasts stated that it would be similar to Hurricane Hazel that affected our area in 1954. The builder secured the concrete walls, which were only partially complete and braced the stud walls. We sent the concern to the prayer chain for most of the week prior to the storm. The hurricane was downgraded considerably and blew easterly thus the winds and storm were no more than a thunderstorm.
As our building was taking shape, one of the subtrade companies decided to sign back the payment for their services. Total donation to the church building project from this one company was $36,000.
March 10, 2004 at 8:00 a.m., a clear sky, a crisp cold morning, and the cross was lifted and installed on the front of the building. What better symbol to let Barrie know we were a church, a beacon to the city. Over the months as congregation members were in conversation with the people of Barrie , it became obvious that the building was being watched while under construction. Many were impressed with the size and style of the building.
Approval came on June 1, 2004 to complete the next portion of Phase 1, which included the halls, servery (kitchen) and winterizing the unfinished areas. So here we were again, starting the process all over; some interior stud walls to be built, more electrical, more plumbing, more insulating, etc. At the end of August, the official board then gave the building team approval to complete the classroom areas. This decision would mean the completion of Phase One. To date, only a few items need to be completed: the air-lock wall inside the north narthex, wheelchair lift to the stage and in-ground sprinkler system, items we can live without for the present.
As decisions were being made about materials to be used in construction, the decision was always for low-maintenance and energy efficiency. Thus we have a building that will serve us well as we worship, as we minister, and as we grow.
Some interesting facts about our building:
► September 6th, 2003 was the first ‘BIG’ workbee dubbed the Framing Frenzy. 426 volunteer hours were clocked that day with 73 volunteers excluding food servers
► March 7, 2004 we held our first church service in the new building
► Grand Opening service was April 4, 2004 with 616 in attendance
► Volunteer hours of work on the building totaled 5648.5 hours
► 206 volunteers worked on site
► Size of phase One is approximately ½ acre or 20,483 square feet.
The building construction was finished the end of October 2004. Until phase two begins, the building team is ‘taking a breather’ and the BFMC congregation is enjoying the building.
By Heather Sutton, Barrie FMC
The process began as the BFMC congregation grew again to fill the 200 Bayfield St. location. We had done it before, had talked of building or relocating, but the process just did not happen and the church would shrink in size. So the Long-Range Planning Committee (LRP) started to investigate the options. Timothy Christian School was soon to be on the market, so pursuit was made to purchase. Talks and negotiations ensued for close to a year, but in the end, this was not the location we were to be.
Two morning services had begun in September 1999, and since we were already in the dilemma of needing larger facilities, society voted unanimously to list the properties at the corner of Bayfield and Dalton Streets with a realtor and to relocate. This was faith, as we had no options in sight at this time. On July 13, 2000, an offer was accepted on three of the four parcels owned by the church at the Bayfield location.
LRP had already begun the search for property or an existing building. The property at 290 Cundles Rd. E. was considered, but the committee found it was too expensive. The realtor was ferreting out properties or buildings and many options were pursued. One option had been pursued to the point of making a conditional offer but was stopped in the nick of time to keep the church from being committed to a deal that would soon become a nightmare. Another property was situated in the neighbouring township and was expected to be expropriated within the coming years. A large sewer system would need to be installed, a well drilled and a fire pond installed, only to be removed when expropriation took place. This option was too expensive for the short-term need of these amenities.
A visit was made to a Regional and Urban Development Planner who informed the committee of properties that would suit our needs and where zoning could be changed. Before we knew it, the committee was again pursuing 290 Cundles Rd. E. This property had a draft plan attached to it and a road ran through the property. The price was high considering that whomever purchased the property would also be required to install sewer, water and gas lines as well as complete the street that ran through the property. LRP committee was not a land developer and felt the need to start looking for other properties again.
Since prayer was so vital to the life of this committee, God was heard and the committee was instructed to keep going. A conditional offer, which included approval of the church society, was presented and accepted by the owner, but the church society had not yet voted. The Regional and Urban Development Planner set up meetings for the LRP to meet land developers who might be interested in purchasing the townhouse lots and installing the road and utilities. Only one developer showed up. After discussion with this developer, no agreement was made and both parties left the meeting expecting to never see each other again. Three days later the developer called to say he could not get the BFMC project off his mind. An initial verbal deal was made. The society declined the offer made to the existing owner of the land; the developer renegotiated and purchased the property plus two additional adjacent properties, reworked the draft plan and pursued rezoning as necessary. Then the developer sold to BFMC the required property. A better plan was worked and the land was purchased for a much lower price. As the deal closes, the church soon realizes that the lawyer has waived his fees for the purchase of 290 Cundles Rd. E. Again, God had prepared and placed the right people in our situation.
As the architect worked on the drawings for the building, a site plan was also in progress. City of Barrie informed the architect of the access entrances it is allowing the church. The decision was not satisfactory, so a visit is made to city hall where Pastor Cliff and LRP are informed that the Mayor had already intervened, and the needed entrances are approved.
The City of Barrie begins the study required to widen Cundles Rd. It is reported that an estimated 30,000 cars would pass by the church site each day. Our building was going to be well noticed by the people of Barrie .
Our first request for mortgage funds to build all of phase 1 was denied in April 2003. The Building Committee worked with our builder to resize the project to a plan that included construction of the outer shell of the building and completing only a portion of the interior. On June 20, 2003, approval was received for a construction loan to fit this new approach.
The City of Barrie required a Letter of Credit before finalizing the Site Plan Agreement and issuing the Building Permit. This money would be held in our own bank account, by the bank, until all site work was completed to the city requirements. This amount was $327,225. The quotes received from subtrades to complete this work were only $236,625, a difference of $90,600. As finances became tight, invoices needed to be paid and the next draw had not been received, a request was made to the mayor for the $90,600 to be released. Again we found that the same Mayor helping us by questioning the city departments as to why they would hold the additional funds if the completion of the site work could be done at a lesser cost by the church. Funds were immediately released and our cash-flow problem was resolved. As the building construction progressed, miracles continued to happen as cheques unexpectedly arrived, and the right people miraculously answered phone calls made especially prior to holiday time.
Hurricane Isabel was geared to blow in on September 19th, 2003. The weather reports and news broadcasts stated that it would be similar to Hurricane Hazel that affected our area in 1954. The builder secured the concrete walls, which were only partially complete and braced the stud walls. We sent the concern to the prayer chain for most of the week prior to the storm. The hurricane was downgraded considerably and blew easterly thus the winds and storm were no more than a thunderstorm.
As our building was taking shape, one of the subtrade companies decided to sign back the payment for their services. Total donation to the church building project from this one company was $36,000.
March 10, 2004 at 8:00 a.m., a clear sky, a crisp cold morning, and the cross was lifted and installed on the front of the building. What better symbol to let Barrie know we were a church, a beacon to the city. Over the months as congregation members were in conversation with the people of Barrie , it became obvious that the building was being watched while under construction. Many were impressed with the size and style of the building.
Approval came on June 1, 2004 to complete the next portion of Phase 1, which included the halls, servery (kitchen) and winterizing the unfinished areas. So here we were again, starting the process all over; some interior stud walls to be built, more electrical, more plumbing, more insulating, etc. At the end of August, the official board then gave the building team approval to complete the classroom areas. This decision would mean the completion of Phase One. To date, only a few items need to be completed: the air-lock wall inside the north narthex, wheelchair lift to the stage and in-ground sprinkler system, items we can live without for the present.
As decisions were being made about materials to be used in construction, the decision was always for low-maintenance and energy efficiency. Thus we have a building that will serve us well as we worship, as we minister, and as we grow.
Some interesting facts about our building:
► September 6th, 2003 was the first ‘BIG’ workbee dubbed the Framing Frenzy. 426 volunteer hours were clocked that day with 73 volunteers excluding food servers
► March 7, 2004 we held our first church service in the new building
► Grand Opening service was April 4, 2004 with 616 in attendance
► Volunteer hours of work on the building totaled 5648.5 hours
► 206 volunteers worked on site
► Size of phase One is approximately ½ acre or 20,483 square feet.
The building construction was finished the end of October 2004. Until phase two begins, the building team is ‘taking a breather’ and the BFMC congregation is enjoying the building.
By Heather Sutton, Barrie FMC
Monday, March 14, 2005
First FMC, Moose Jaw - 105 YEARS OLD!
The Free Methodist Church in Moose Jaw began as a mission in 1900. The new society occupied a hall supplied by prominent realtor, Mr. Robert Snowdy. It was near the north end of Fourth Avenue Bridge .
In 1903, they laid claim to the first church building in town – the little white Presbyterian Church. This building, moved to the corner of High St. W. and Third Avenue is nowadays the home of the Chinese United congregation. Free Methodists occupied it for 50 years.
In 1900, Moose Jaw was quite a town with at least 5 general stores, 30 or 40 other merchants, 4 hotels, a dairy, a livery stable, the CPR shops and offices and the depot being built. There was 1 school, a J.P., a deputy clerk, sheriff, police magistrate and a NWMP constable. There were 5 or so lawyers, and 5 or so churches.
Before all that development, when the town was first established in 1883, what you might have seen were a few settlers’ shacks, a collection of tents with board fronts and a few buildings which were nearly all stores to supply the needs of the settlers which would be coming by train or by ox and covered wagon.
Before that, this area belonged, of course, to the Indians who roamed the plains and lived off deer and buffalo and berries. What do the Battle of Little Big Horn and Custer’s Last Stand have to do with the Free Methodist Church in Moose Jaw ? Well, the remnants of Chief Sitting Bull’s band who had fled to Canada from Montana after that historic battle were literally fugitives or refugees looking for a place to settle. They were described as “haggard, lean and unkempt”. The buffalo were no longer roaming through southern Saskatchewan and severe drought and severe winters had meant a meager supply of food. In fact, they were reduced to eating the decaying flesh of horses that had died in the winter.
In 1882, 115 Sioux made their permanent home on the banks of Moose Jaw Creek at The Turn. You can see The Turn when you drive out 9th Avenue toward the airbase, down over the edge of the hill looking east just as you leave the city. The men from this Sioux band hoped to get employment as well as handouts from the white men building the CPR.
A prominent early citizen of Moose Jaw and charter member of the Free Methodist Church , Mr. Robert Snowdy, was a great friend of this rag-tag band of Indians. He and the Pastor, Rev. Wees, would drive together out to the encampment and take provisions. He also found employment for some of them in Moose Jaw homes where they were said to be reliable workers and good friends.
One middle-aged woman named Molly found out where the pastor’s family lived in rooms at the back of the 3rd Avenue church, and paid them visits at intervals. She always conducted herself with dignity and, of course, always left with provisions.
One Christmas morning, Molly came to see them, perhaps not realizing it was a Sunday. Having come to the back door and finding no one there, she proceeded through their rooms until she came to a closed door. It was the door to the sanctuary and when she opened it she found herself facing the congregation. She stood in her black braids and shawl, staring at a surprised audience. Then, oblivious to the fact that Rev. Wees was in the middle of a sermon, she called out a hearty "“Merry Christmas ev’body.” After the service she had Christmas dinner with the Weeses. She dumped her second helping into a cloth that she had brought with her and took it home, probably for some children. And the Weeses packed a box for her too.
Nowadays, our church is well established in Moose Jaw and it hasn’t moved far from where the first development of the city took place. We’re still serving the people of Moose Jaw and we are still helping the disadvantaged. Much has changed in Moose Jaw in its 112 years but the mission of this church to spread the gospel and help people in many ways is still the same as it was when it was first established.
In 1903, they laid claim to the first church building in town – the little white Presbyterian Church. This building, moved to the corner of High St. W. and Third Avenue is nowadays the home of the Chinese United congregation. Free Methodists occupied it for 50 years.
In 1900, Moose Jaw was quite a town with at least 5 general stores, 30 or 40 other merchants, 4 hotels, a dairy, a livery stable, the CPR shops and offices and the depot being built. There was 1 school, a J.P., a deputy clerk, sheriff, police magistrate and a NWMP constable. There were 5 or so lawyers, and 5 or so churches.
Before all that development, when the town was first established in 1883, what you might have seen were a few settlers’ shacks, a collection of tents with board fronts and a few buildings which were nearly all stores to supply the needs of the settlers which would be coming by train or by ox and covered wagon.
Before that, this area belonged, of course, to the Indians who roamed the plains and lived off deer and buffalo and berries. What do the Battle of Little Big Horn and Custer’s Last Stand have to do with the Free Methodist Church in Moose Jaw ? Well, the remnants of Chief Sitting Bull’s band who had fled to Canada from Montana after that historic battle were literally fugitives or refugees looking for a place to settle. They were described as “haggard, lean and unkempt”. The buffalo were no longer roaming through southern Saskatchewan and severe drought and severe winters had meant a meager supply of food. In fact, they were reduced to eating the decaying flesh of horses that had died in the winter.
In 1882, 115 Sioux made their permanent home on the banks of Moose Jaw Creek at The Turn. You can see The Turn when you drive out 9th Avenue toward the airbase, down over the edge of the hill looking east just as you leave the city. The men from this Sioux band hoped to get employment as well as handouts from the white men building the CPR.
A prominent early citizen of Moose Jaw and charter member of the Free Methodist Church , Mr. Robert Snowdy, was a great friend of this rag-tag band of Indians. He and the Pastor, Rev. Wees, would drive together out to the encampment and take provisions. He also found employment for some of them in Moose Jaw homes where they were said to be reliable workers and good friends.
One middle-aged woman named Molly found out where the pastor’s family lived in rooms at the back of the 3rd Avenue church, and paid them visits at intervals. She always conducted herself with dignity and, of course, always left with provisions.
One Christmas morning, Molly came to see them, perhaps not realizing it was a Sunday. Having come to the back door and finding no one there, she proceeded through their rooms until she came to a closed door. It was the door to the sanctuary and when she opened it she found herself facing the congregation. She stood in her black braids and shawl, staring at a surprised audience. Then, oblivious to the fact that Rev. Wees was in the middle of a sermon, she called out a hearty "“Merry Christmas ev’body.” After the service she had Christmas dinner with the Weeses. She dumped her second helping into a cloth that she had brought with her and took it home, probably for some children. And the Weeses packed a box for her too.
Nowadays, our church is well established in Moose Jaw and it hasn’t moved far from where the first development of the city took place. We’re still serving the people of Moose Jaw and we are still helping the disadvantaged. Much has changed in Moose Jaw in its 112 years but the mission of this church to spread the gospel and help people in many ways is still the same as it was when it was first established.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Thoughts from Andrew Brown - Voice of the Martyrs
This past month as I read my “Voice of the Martyrs” weekly email updates, I felt extremely appreciative of the freedom we have in Canada to openly share good news of Jesus Christ. Here are a few of the stories I read over the last couple weeks …
Restrictive Constitutional Amendment Proposed ( Sri Lanka )
- The JHU party, composed entirely of Buddhist monks, is attempting once again to engrain Buddhism as the state religion … the amendment would also prohibit converting Buddhists to any other religion as well as spreading other religions among Buddhists.
Convert from Islam Seriously Wounded ( Philippines )
A 24-year-old Christian man in southern Philippines , was seriously wounded by Muslim militants. The relatively new convert from Islam … was shot in the abdomen and the chest. One bullet lodged in his spine, causing fear of paralysis. The man has been an ardent evangelist since he came to faith in Christ. His public testimony has resulted in several death threats against him.
Two Die in Attack on Evangelistic Team ( Nigeria )
Ten heavily-armed Islamic militants attacked an evangelistic team in northern Nigeria during an open-air evangelistic event. According to Compass Direct, the “New Life For All” evangelistic team was leaving for street evangelism when they were attacked.
Native Missionary Severely Beaten ( India )
A Gospel for Asia missionary, was severely beaten by a mob opposed to his ministry. The mob beat and kicked him while others ransacked his home, burning over 200 New Testaments and
other literature.
Final Decision on Vilification Charges Imminent ( Australia )
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal will be announcing the decision on accusations of “religious vilification” of Muslims by Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot. Pray that this decision will be favorable, allowing the freedom of Christians to speak the truth in love.
As I consider situations like these all over the world, I am thankful that in Canada we continue to have the freedom to publicly share our faith without fear of violence or imprisonment. As Christ's followers we should make the most of the opportunities that God has given us to proclaim the “Good News”.
In recent years the use of sports in evangelism has become more prominent. Sports are a great ministry tool in that they serve to connect us to those we wish to reach. Several Free Methodist churches are already using this medium as part of their approach to evangelism and many of you have indicated a desire to explore further the possibilities of using sports to reach out to youth and young adults.
With this mind we will be holding a Sports Ministry Summit on Saturday April 2nd, 2005 at Kingsview church in Toronto . The purpose of the summit is to provide an opportunity for individuals and churches to come together to consider the use of sports ministry as an evangelism tool.
We will have guest speakers from several sports ministry organizations that will give us a framework for facilitated small group reflection and discussion.
Pastors, student ministry leaders, youth and young adults that are interested in sports ministry are encouraged to come and participate in this event. Come as an individual or as group from your church. We will be providing a travel subsidy for Western representatives wishing to attend.
To register for the event or for more information contact andrew@reachforth.net / 905-527-3289 or check the FMCiC website www.fmc-canada.org.
Andrew Brown is Student Ministries Director for The Free Methodist Church in Canada and will be continuing in his role as President of Reach Forth (www.reachforth.net), a multi-denominational evangelistic sports and youth ministry in Hamilton , ON .
Restrictive Constitutional Amendment Proposed ( Sri Lanka )
- The JHU party, composed entirely of Buddhist monks, is attempting once again to engrain Buddhism as the state religion … the amendment would also prohibit converting Buddhists to any other religion as well as spreading other religions among Buddhists.
Convert from Islam Seriously Wounded ( Philippines )
A 24-year-old Christian man in southern Philippines , was seriously wounded by Muslim militants. The relatively new convert from Islam … was shot in the abdomen and the chest. One bullet lodged in his spine, causing fear of paralysis. The man has been an ardent evangelist since he came to faith in Christ. His public testimony has resulted in several death threats against him.
Two Die in Attack on Evangelistic Team ( Nigeria )
Ten heavily-armed Islamic militants attacked an evangelistic team in northern Nigeria during an open-air evangelistic event. According to Compass Direct, the “New Life For All” evangelistic team was leaving for street evangelism when they were attacked.
Native Missionary Severely Beaten ( India )
A Gospel for Asia missionary, was severely beaten by a mob opposed to his ministry. The mob beat and kicked him while others ransacked his home, burning over 200 New Testaments and
other literature.
Final Decision on Vilification Charges Imminent ( Australia )
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal will be announcing the decision on accusations of “religious vilification” of Muslims by Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot. Pray that this decision will be favorable, allowing the freedom of Christians to speak the truth in love.
As I consider situations like these all over the world, I am thankful that in Canada we continue to have the freedom to publicly share our faith without fear of violence or imprisonment. As Christ's followers we should make the most of the opportunities that God has given us to proclaim the “Good News”.
In recent years the use of sports in evangelism has become more prominent. Sports are a great ministry tool in that they serve to connect us to those we wish to reach. Several Free Methodist churches are already using this medium as part of their approach to evangelism and many of you have indicated a desire to explore further the possibilities of using sports to reach out to youth and young adults.
With this mind we will be holding a Sports Ministry Summit on Saturday April 2nd, 2005 at Kingsview church in Toronto . The purpose of the summit is to provide an opportunity for individuals and churches to come together to consider the use of sports ministry as an evangelism tool.
We will have guest speakers from several sports ministry organizations that will give us a framework for facilitated small group reflection and discussion.
Pastors, student ministry leaders, youth and young adults that are interested in sports ministry are encouraged to come and participate in this event. Come as an individual or as group from your church. We will be providing a travel subsidy for Western representatives wishing to attend.
To register for the event or for more information contact andrew@reachforth.net / 905-527-3289 or check the FMCiC website www.fmc-canada.org.
Andrew Brown is Student Ministries Director for The Free Methodist Church in Canada and will be continuing in his role as President of Reach Forth (www.reachforth.net), a multi-denominational evangelistic sports and youth ministry in Hamilton , ON .
Monday, February 07, 2005
Bastian Chair Closer to Million-Plus Dollar Goal
The Chair for Wesley Studies at Tyndale Seminary, Toronto , is $40,000 closer to being fully funded, according to Rev. Lloyd Eyre, president of the Lorne Park Foundation.
Recently, the Management Committee of the Board of Administration of The Free Methodist Church in Canada allocated an undesignated $40,000 bequest to this fund, bringing total cash in hand to $770,000. Of this amount, $360,000 is held by the Lorne Park Foundation and $410,000 by the Free Methodist Foundation of the Canadian church.
The Donald N. and Kathleen G. Bastian Chair of Wesley Studies at Tyndale Seminary was established in 1993 to assure that Free Methodist and other students in the Wesleyan tradition receive a good understanding of their theological foundations as they train for ministry at Tyndale, a trans-denominational seminary.
The objective regarding the Chair is to raise enough money in a permanent fund so that the interest from that fund will provide the salary for a professor in perpetuity. This avoids a yearly drain on other funds needed for church ministries and assures that the training will always be available.
Dr. Victor Shepherd, the first occupant of the Chair on a half time basis, has been a popular professor for the whole student body and has made the Chair highly visible. This, in turn, has given voice to the Wesley heritage and contributed to the training of ministers of several denominations. It has thus created an appreciation for Wesley's contribution to the Protestant mosaic.
Dr. Shepherd has recently become Professor of Systematic Theology at Tyndale and an interview process is going on for a replacement to fill the Wesley Chair. It is expected that a full time professor will be on staff by the fall of 2005.
The minimum amount needed to reach the goal of a fully funded chair is $1,200,000. It is hoped the fund drive will not end until $1,500,000 is raised. Outstanding pledges exceed $400,000.
Although Free Methodist leaders initiated this venture, until the Chair is fully funded, the following Wesleyan-oriented bodies provide annual amounts to make a full time Chair possible: The Free Methodist Church in Canada , the Brethren in Christ Church , The Salvation Army, The Wesleyan Church and the Church of the Nazarene.
Both the Management Committee of the Board of Administration and the Board of the Lorne Park Foundation see this as an important project in the development of the Church in Canada
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
New book for Multicultural Leaders
“If you haven’t been totally frustrated with someone from another culture, and then gone on to love them and even alter your own perspective, then you will never survive in multicultural ministry.” So says, Rev. Dan Sheffield, Director of Global and Intercultural Ministries for The Free Methodist Church in Canada . Sheffield’s new book, The Multicultural Leader: Developing a Catholic Personality (Clements Publishing, 2005) addresses the challenge of providing congregational leadership in Canada’s multi-ethnic communities.
Based on multicultural church-planting experience in South Africa and research amongst multi-ethnic congregations in Toronto , Sheffield identifies emerging issues and offers a framework for understanding the requirements of leadership in these contexts. He makes a distinction between multi-ethnic and multicultural congregations. He suggests that churches where decision-making is primarily in the hands of one cultural group, despite the presence of many cultures in the congregation should be referred to as “multi-ethnic” – that is, a congregation made up of people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. A “multicultural” congregation will reflect different cultural viewpoints in the decision-making processes and ministry practices of the church.
On the basis of research in leadership studies and in-depth interviews with multicultural ministry practitioners, Sheffield has built a profile of the kind of leaders required for multicultural ministry. The multicultural leader:
envisions the eschatological reality of the multicultural congregation
embeds the multicultural vision in the practices of the congregation
embodies multicultural relationships
embraces cultural diversity
enables intercultural empowerment
Envisioning refers to the leader’s ability to see and communicate a clear picture of a possible future. Embedding refers to the means by which leaders firmly fix the values and practices that they perceive are appropriate to the congregation’s goals. Embodying refers to the ability of leaders to personally live out the values and practices that they espouse. Embracing is understood as that movement of different peoples who desire to be close to others without losing the integrity of their own identities. Enabling refers to the leader’s ability to create an environment in which employees or members feel able to take the steps necessary to act upon the values and practices of the congregation. Empowering refers to the leader’s ability to make resources available to employees or members and to encourage them to make autonomous decisions on the basis of those resources.
The third section of The Multicultural Leader, addresses the learning processes by which people from one cultural perspective move and adjust their worldview to function in a multi-ethnic world. Multicultural leaders must move from a position of ethnocentrism, where one’s own perspective is seen as preeminent over other viewpoints, to ethnorelativism, where one’s cultural viewpoint is just one amongst many.
The promise of Scripture is that one day all nations, tribes, peoples and languages will stand before the Lamb of God. Sheffield suggests this text gives affirmation to the validity of different cultural viewpoints within the body of Christ. The challenge is how can this picture of God’s intention become reality in kingdom communities today, not just at some point in the future? The Multicultural Leader is an attempt to deal with the practical implications of this challenge for church leaders in our diverse Canadian context.
The Multicultural Leader can be purchased at: Regent College bookstore and www.amazon.com
Public Lecture on Multicultural Leadership
The Tyndale Centre for Leadership Development presents a free public lecture & discussion:
Becoming a Multicultural Leader: The challenge of cultural self-awareness
Guest lecturer: Rev. Dan Sheffield, The Free Methodist Church in Canada
Date: Friday, January 28, 2005
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: The Van Norman Worship and Study Centre, Tyndale University College & Seminary - Toronto
Rev. Sheffield will sign copies of his new book, The Multicultural Leader (Clements, 2004).
Rev. Dan Sheffield serves as Director of Global and Intercultural Ministries for The Free Methodist Church in Canada and as Urban Ministry Facilitator for Free Methodist World Missions. He works with congregations in Canadian urban centres as well as in cities around the world, helping rethink the place of the church in multi-ethnic environments. He has been involved in mission and evangelism for over 20 years, including five years in South Africa planting a multicultural congregation.
For more information, please contact the Tyndale Centre for Leadership Development 416.226.6620 ext. 2641.
http://www.tyndale.ca/events/view.php?id=89
Based on multicultural church-planting experience in South Africa and research amongst multi-ethnic congregations in Toronto , Sheffield identifies emerging issues and offers a framework for understanding the requirements of leadership in these contexts. He makes a distinction between multi-ethnic and multicultural congregations. He suggests that churches where decision-making is primarily in the hands of one cultural group, despite the presence of many cultures in the congregation should be referred to as “multi-ethnic” – that is, a congregation made up of people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. A “multicultural” congregation will reflect different cultural viewpoints in the decision-making processes and ministry practices of the church.
On the basis of research in leadership studies and in-depth interviews with multicultural ministry practitioners, Sheffield has built a profile of the kind of leaders required for multicultural ministry. The multicultural leader:
envisions the eschatological reality of the multicultural congregation
embeds the multicultural vision in the practices of the congregation
embodies multicultural relationships
embraces cultural diversity
enables intercultural empowerment
Envisioning refers to the leader’s ability to see and communicate a clear picture of a possible future. Embedding refers to the means by which leaders firmly fix the values and practices that they perceive are appropriate to the congregation’s goals. Embodying refers to the ability of leaders to personally live out the values and practices that they espouse. Embracing is understood as that movement of different peoples who desire to be close to others without losing the integrity of their own identities. Enabling refers to the leader’s ability to create an environment in which employees or members feel able to take the steps necessary to act upon the values and practices of the congregation. Empowering refers to the leader’s ability to make resources available to employees or members and to encourage them to make autonomous decisions on the basis of those resources.
The third section of The Multicultural Leader, addresses the learning processes by which people from one cultural perspective move and adjust their worldview to function in a multi-ethnic world. Multicultural leaders must move from a position of ethnocentrism, where one’s own perspective is seen as preeminent over other viewpoints, to ethnorelativism, where one’s cultural viewpoint is just one amongst many.
The promise of Scripture is that one day all nations, tribes, peoples and languages will stand before the Lamb of God. Sheffield suggests this text gives affirmation to the validity of different cultural viewpoints within the body of Christ. The challenge is how can this picture of God’s intention become reality in kingdom communities today, not just at some point in the future? The Multicultural Leader is an attempt to deal with the practical implications of this challenge for church leaders in our diverse Canadian context.
The Multicultural Leader can be purchased at: Regent College bookstore and www.amazon.com
Public Lecture on Multicultural Leadership
The Tyndale Centre for Leadership Development presents a free public lecture & discussion:
Becoming a Multicultural Leader: The challenge of cultural self-awareness
Guest lecturer: Rev. Dan Sheffield, The Free Methodist Church in Canada
Date: Friday, January 28, 2005
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: The Van Norman Worship and Study Centre, Tyndale University College & Seminary - Toronto
Rev. Sheffield will sign copies of his new book, The Multicultural Leader (Clements, 2004).
Rev. Dan Sheffield serves as Director of Global and Intercultural Ministries for The Free Methodist Church in Canada and as Urban Ministry Facilitator for Free Methodist World Missions. He works with congregations in Canadian urban centres as well as in cities around the world, helping rethink the place of the church in multi-ethnic environments. He has been involved in mission and evangelism for over 20 years, including five years in South Africa planting a multicultural congregation.
For more information, please contact the Tyndale Centre for Leadership Development 416.226.6620 ext. 2641.
http://www.tyndale.ca/events/view.php?id=89
Monday, January 10, 2005
Tsunami Disaster Relief -- Sri Lanka
As indicated in previous communications, none of our present Free Methodist churches are in the affected coastal area of Sri Lanka. However, various pastors and church members have made trips to the affected areas to provide limited relief and assess the situation. With more information available to us now, we have been able to make some decisions with regard to the distribution of funds available to us.
Our Major Relief and Development PartnerMajor relief organizations such as our partner, World Relief, have the best ability to respond quickly to crises like this and have local partners they work with. These organizations are providing the most pressing needs of food, water and medical aid. Donations sent directly to World Relief, clearly marked for "Tsunami-Sri Lanka," will be sent directly to their partner working in Sri Lanka. World Relief's major contribution to the disaster will be providing $300,000 of food aid from the Canadian Food Grains Bank, of which FMCiC is also a partner.
Immediate Response to CrisisTo date more than $12,000 has been raised by FM churches in Canada and we are anticipating more coming in during the weeks to come. Most are sending in this money because of their awareness of our ministry in Sri Lanka that has developed over the last several years. We will send at least $10,000 within the next few days to help with such items as milk powder, cooking and eating vessels, undergarments, toiletries, bed sheets, lamps, mosquito protection, tents and bibles. These are items specifically requested by people in the displacement camps. These goods will be purchased and distributed by leaders in our Free Methodist churches and will go directly to those in need on the east coast of Sri Lanka, particularly in the Batticaloa and Ampara areas.
Medium-term Response to CrisisThe longer term implication for these displaced peoples is the construction of temporary shelters that may need to suffice for up to a year or more. Many homes have been destroyed as well as peoples' livelihoods. Because seawater has polluted wells and agricultural lands, many will not be able return to their home areas for some time, months and even years. Many will be temporarily re-settled in areas at some distance from their homes.
Therefore we are seeking to raise at least $20,000 for the building of temporary shelters for family units. These will be simple post and beam structures covered with metal sheeting, costing about $200 per shelter. This is a simple design and cost suggested by leaders on the ground. This amount of money will provide shelter for about 100 families. Again these resources will be distributed in the Batticaloa/Ampara area through church leaders we have contact with.
Ministry team in February A ministry team was already planned to visit Sri Lanka in mid-February, led by Alan Retzman and Pastors Jeyerajah and Gomez. This team was intending to continue leadership and organizational development for the Free Methodist Church in Sri Lanka. This would seem to be the appropriate target date for raising the $20,000 for rebuilding costs. In the next few weeks we will assess ongoing needs and revise our plans as seems fitting. We will alert donors if there are major changes to the plan outlined here.
Donations can be sent through your local church for "Sri Lanka-Tsunami relief", which will then be forwarded to the Ministry Centre in Mississauga for transfer to our leaders in Sri Lanka.
Our Major Relief and Development PartnerMajor relief organizations such as our partner, World Relief, have the best ability to respond quickly to crises like this and have local partners they work with. These organizations are providing the most pressing needs of food, water and medical aid. Donations sent directly to World Relief, clearly marked for "Tsunami-Sri Lanka," will be sent directly to their partner working in Sri Lanka. World Relief's major contribution to the disaster will be providing $300,000 of food aid from the Canadian Food Grains Bank, of which FMCiC is also a partner.
Immediate Response to CrisisTo date more than $12,000 has been raised by FM churches in Canada and we are anticipating more coming in during the weeks to come. Most are sending in this money because of their awareness of our ministry in Sri Lanka that has developed over the last several years. We will send at least $10,000 within the next few days to help with such items as milk powder, cooking and eating vessels, undergarments, toiletries, bed sheets, lamps, mosquito protection, tents and bibles. These are items specifically requested by people in the displacement camps. These goods will be purchased and distributed by leaders in our Free Methodist churches and will go directly to those in need on the east coast of Sri Lanka, particularly in the Batticaloa and Ampara areas.
Medium-term Response to CrisisThe longer term implication for these displaced peoples is the construction of temporary shelters that may need to suffice for up to a year or more. Many homes have been destroyed as well as peoples' livelihoods. Because seawater has polluted wells and agricultural lands, many will not be able return to their home areas for some time, months and even years. Many will be temporarily re-settled in areas at some distance from their homes.
Therefore we are seeking to raise at least $20,000 for the building of temporary shelters for family units. These will be simple post and beam structures covered with metal sheeting, costing about $200 per shelter. This is a simple design and cost suggested by leaders on the ground. This amount of money will provide shelter for about 100 families. Again these resources will be distributed in the Batticaloa/Ampara area through church leaders we have contact with.
Ministry team in February A ministry team was already planned to visit Sri Lanka in mid-February, led by Alan Retzman and Pastors Jeyerajah and Gomez. This team was intending to continue leadership and organizational development for the Free Methodist Church in Sri Lanka. This would seem to be the appropriate target date for raising the $20,000 for rebuilding costs. In the next few weeks we will assess ongoing needs and revise our plans as seems fitting. We will alert donors if there are major changes to the plan outlined here.
Donations can be sent through your local church for "Sri Lanka-Tsunami relief", which will then be forwarded to the Ministry Centre in Mississauga for transfer to our leaders in Sri Lanka.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
