It’s Monday Again
About 20 Pastor Cluster Leaders met this Wednesday with Dr. Dann Spader to review the material for the April, May, & June sessions. His work using the Four Chairs of Discipleshipand his book Disciple-Making Metrics will provide substantive conversations for our Local Church Discipleship Pathways. Here are just a few unsolicited comments from some of our Leaders about this opportunity for our spring Pastor Clusters:
- That was an inspiring AND thought-provoking.
- I’ve found most of our pastor cluster material helpful and useful… But that was the best stuff yet. Thanks for the opportunity to learn from Dann.
- I am so glad we are doing this focus!
- Great session yesterday. I couldn’t write notes fast enough – thanks for spearheading these clusters. They’ve been a good change in the right direction I think! I’m encouraged.
Ryan Genereaux (The Ridge) sent in this pic from their Pastor Cluster this week. Great to see the affinity they share in student ministry as they spur one another on! And speaking of exciting youth ministry…
Youth Pastor Austin White (Moncton) shared these exciting highlights as in-person ministry is beginning to ramp back up:
- God opened a door for Pryme Student Ministries to minister in a local school where we have 35 students gathering weekly with 25 who don’t have a church home. We plan to launch youth Alpha in the coming weeks and are launching another group in another school in the fall.
- COVID-19 has impacted our ability to gather in person, which opened a door to start Pryme Gaming where we have students and leaders playing Fortnite, Minecraft, Rocket League, Nintendo Smash Bros and more together! This was an unexpected hit and we now have 53 gamers in our group. We plan on competing against other youth ministries in the district in order to foster unity in these socially distanced times!
- Yellow phase paved the way for us to open up in person and online hybrid services for a ‘yellow phase party’ this past week, God surprised us again with 95 students online and in person, a new record for the past year! God is good.
Many Next Gen (Youth & Children) Ministry leaders enjoyed FUEL on February 19-20 with hundreds of participating churches. CLICK HERE to access sixteen video breakouts you can use for your church staff and volunteer training. These include an excellent seminar entitled, “What Does Winning Look Like Now?” offered by Liz Hoyt (Moncton).
I have been enjoying connecting with all of our Lead Pastors in one-on-one Zoom appointments in lieu of pandemic travel restrictions which caused us to cancel our winter DS Dialog Days. It was so encouraging to spend time listening to and praying with these Lead Pastors this week: Dale MacDonald (Woodstock), Andy Phillips (The Reach), Brent Ingersoll (Kings), Rich Thomas (Easton & Community), Karen Purdy (Westchester), Scott Prime (New Hope), Vince Robertson (West Head), Barry Vernon (Port Maitland), Jason Parker (Woods Harbour), & Peter Hayes (Solid Rock).
Churches across Nova Scotia are spending time in focused prayer leading up to Easter. Many our Wesleyan pastors are featured in this interdenominational mobilization of intercession. The response to this province-wide initiative has been fantastic; you can follow along by clicking HERE.
Tim Fox is a featured guest for two upcoming free webinars offered through Wesleyan Publishing House. For a full description and registration details of “Rethinking Resilience” offered tomorrow – CLICK HERE. Tim will share key insights to encourage and inspire your leadership.
Mark your calendars! On May 14th, World Hope International Canada will be hosting their second Online Spring Gala. Many forms of global transformation will be highlighted including the celebration a story of power of hope from Bosnia!
Ellen joins me in expressing sincere condolences on behalf of the Atlantic District for Denn & Angela Guptill (Cornerstone) on Thursday’s passing of her sister, Lynda. Because of COVID restrictions a private family funeral will be held on Friday in Calgary with online access for the Guptills and also Stefan & Deborah (Lynda’s niece) Gilbert’s family. CLICK HERE to post a word of support for the family during this time.
Points to Ponder
- Evangelicalism does not naturally conduct its converts and adherents into a life of discipleship, nor into pervasive Christ-likeness of character. (Dallas Willard)
- Man is the being whose project is to be God. (Jean-Paul Sartre)
- The responsible leader welcomes accountability. (Pastor B)
With camps capped at 90 again this year, you are encouraged to apply soon to ensure access to your preferred dates. As one of only four overnight camps that operated across Canada last summer, the impressive Caton’s staff are ready to lead another COVID-free experience to share Jesus!
What if COVID-19 is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
for leaders to think more strategically
about doing church?
(Will Mancini)
for leaders to think more strategically
about doing church?
(Will Mancini)
Check out these great resources above at www.wesleyan.org – we are blessed by the many ways our denominational leadership serves the front lines of the local church.
CLICK HERE for A Special Announcement from the Desk of President Steve Lennox
We’re concerned about the effects of the ongoing pandemic on churches and pastors. Those of us at Kingswood University want to help. We’re offering several free resources for local churches and pastors:
- Sermons: We’ve recorded two sermons which churches can use to provide a respite for those preaching. We plan to provide more sermons in the coming weeks.
- Greeting and update: We have included a brief video update on how God has been working at Kingswood University during the past 10 months. Churches deserve to know how we’re stewarding their investment.
- Free classes: Pastors may welcome the opportunity to sit in on a virtual class session to learn more about a topic of interest. The care package contains a list of classes and syllabi for those classes. Anyone interested can contact our Registrar for more information or to register (rodgersonm@kingswood.edu or 506-432-4406).
- Seminar on Personal Wellness: We’ve provided a video file to a seminar presented by Dr. Allen Lee, Professor of Christian Counselling at Kingswood University.
- Youth group: Seasoned youth speakers, Shaun Miller and Zach Painter, are happy to lead a virtual youth service for an evening. If COVID-related restrictions allow, this could be done in-person. Anyone interested should contact enrolment@kingswood.edu.
CLICK HERE to access the Kingswood University Care Package for Local Churches
Great news – a tentative plan has been approved that will allow for an on-site six-day Beulah Family Camp 2021! Here are just a few of the plans which are based on the assumption of at least a Maritime Bubble. Final decisions will be determined when the DBA convenes in late April.
- The six-day camp will begin with an evening service on Tuesday, July 6 and concluding with a morning service on Sunday, July 11.
- A full four-day program for kids and youth will be scheduled during the mornings of Wednesday – Saturday and each of these days will offer a morning and evening service in the Tabernacle.
- District Conference will be held on Thursday, July 8.
- Ordination will be held for the Class of 2020 & 2021 on Friday, July 9 with President Lennox preaching and National Superintendent Steve Elliott presiding.
- Save-A-Seat online registration has been purchased and will be used to preregister all services, programs, and dining hall meals which will be limited based on physical distancing regulations.
- Our Camp Evangelist will be Rev. Jon Wiest (pending border/quarantine restrictions)