The LPD is part of the wider EFCC Family, and we join together with the common vision to “become a growing network of believers and churches united around the EFCC ethos, empowered to carry out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.” We are thankful for your support of both our District and National Ministries.
Over the years, I have attended and visited a lot of churches. I have also seen many changes. I have experienced transition from hymn books to overheads to PowerPoint, or should I say Media Shout. I have personally transitioned from wearing a white shirt and tie to a sports shirt on Sunday, and witnessed worship music transitioning from organ accompaniment to worship bands.
Over the years, our “mental picture” of a pastor in church on Sunday has in many cases shifted from being the “one” wearing the suit and tie to the one wearing sneakers and blue jeans with his shirt tail hanging out.
While this is all fine and well, what was once novel has now become commonplace and in many ways a new “standard.”
In a recent article,“The Impending Death (and Rebirth) of Cool Church,” Carey Nieuwhof observes many of these changing dynamics of church ministry in a culture that has increasingly “tuned out” from church and what it presents.
He suggests Five Keys to Rebirth, beginning with authenticity.
I recommend this read for your personal reflection. How is your church doing, and what is your experience? Here’s the link: https://careynieuwhof.com/impending-death-rebirth-cool-church/
Please pray for:
- Quadra Island Bible Church in their pastoral search. Pray for me as I visit Quadra this weekend and preach, and meet with the Search Committee and Congregation.
- North Delta EFC, in their search for an Associate Pastor for youth and small groups.
- Our LPD/EFCC Orientation on Tuesday for pastors and staff.
- Pastor Lorin and Jeanette Bergin, who for health reasons are stepping way from ministry as Lead Pastor at Fort Langley EFC. Please pray for them as they seek the Lord for the future, and also FLEFC, as they journey together with Lorin and Jeanette through this time.
- OUR LPD Board. Board members are Randy Lemke (Allana) – Chair, Patrick Chan (Sarah) – Property and Finance, Ben Crumback (Anna) – Island Liaison, Charles Labun (Carolyn) – Church Board Liaison, Rob Stewart (Karen) – DS, Tim Stewart (Emily) – Innovative Ministries, Kenneth Tsang (Mabel) – Chinese Church Liaison; Paul Yang (Jin) – Lorean Church Liaison; Phil Yung (Grace) – Church Planting and Josephine Papp, LPD Office Administrator – Recording Secretary.
- Nathan and Amber Kinsey, as they have accepted a call to Oceanview Community Church in Ladysmith, where Nathan will serve as Pastor of Kids and Youth, beginning on May 1. May God bless you and others through you, Nathan and Amber!
- The Steveston Project Team – Allen and Hannah Chang and Daniel and Joyce Wong. They request prayer for their “next experiment,” to see how and whether larger group gatherings can galvanize and propel us deeper into the mission of Jesus. Pray also for ministry on the Richmond TWU Campus and Financial Support.
- Central EFC in Courtenay/Comox, as they step forward in faith to purchase a building for their church and ministries. Our district is glad to assist them with a mortgage for this.
- Steve (Gillian) Sharpe, in his ministry as LPD Missionary of Church Planting Development, serving both our LPD Missionaries and Church Plants and church planting in the EFCC. Pray for Steve and Gillian as they are serving in transition and renewal at New Westminster EFC.
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- No Greater Love – The Joint Choir organized by the Association of North American Chinese EF Churches (ANACEFC) will be hosting an Evangelistic Meeting at Richmond Chinese EF Church on Sunday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. and the musicals presented will be “No Greater Love” and the choir will consist members from churches in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Seattle (about 60 of them). The purpose is to reignite our passion to sharing the Gospel with non-believers and non-churched and also to encourage joint ministries among the Chinese churches. Here is a link to a poster: https:No_Greater_Love_Poster_SC_Richmond.01.pdf
- LPD Pastor and Staff Cruise – Wednesday, May 30!
· Connecting Popular Culture with Faith and Christian Living—Attend the Conference! – at ACTS Seminary – Friday, June 1. For registration and more info, please see: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/christian-faith-and-popular-culture-conference-tickets-44237611888
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