Thanks to Anna (Ben) Crumback at Sointula Community Church for producing the Church of the Week!
Who speaks for me? Have you found yourself asking this question lately?
Whether it be the SOGI 123 initiative in our schools or the Federal Government denying funding in the Canada Summer Jobs Program to organizations who will not sign the “attestation,” stating that they will align themselves with the Federal Government’s position on “rights” to abortion and the “rights” of the LBGTQ+ “community,” there is a sense that the current social agenda is marginalizing, if not attempting to silence those who would hold to different convictions, whether these stem from moral principle, religious conviction, science or even common sense.
(see columnist Douglas Todd’s article relating to inconsistency relating to free speech in Canada) https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-would-saudi-arabias-jailed-blogger-be-accused-of-islamophobia-in-canada
Perhaps you relate to me when I find myself feeling frustrated by the social agendas of our federal government, provincial government and our schools, and at times, also with the voices of opposition that seem angry and come across as “fighting fire with fire.”
An example of this would be the recent writing of the “West Coast Christian Accord.” While I endorse the words of the Accord, I am unable to endorse some of the actions, statements and attitudes of some of the signees and their organizations. See this link for West Coast Christian Accord. https://westcoastchristianaccord.com/english/
I long for both truth and love, but somehow there is the notion today that one must choose between one and the other – in this age of “post-truth.”
This is true in wider society – it can also be true in our churches, especially when it comes to matters of morality and church discipline
I sometimes encounter such situations when coming alongside churches, and in doing so, have developed a resource to identify the nature of the conflict.
There are times when the issues before us are of biblical truth. We are called to hold fast to biblical values and convictions. There are other times when we need to call something for what it is – sin. We are called to confess and repent of such behaviour. There are still other times when the issues are matters of personal preference (my brother or sister is more important that my preferences) or of insignificance (in light of our mission and/or eternity). In all of the above, we are to be motivated by love, remembering the example of Christ and the generous and costly grace He has extended to us.
Most disputes I observe between Christians are not on matters of biblical truth alone, but relate to upholding both truth and love. Voices of truth often lack a heart of humility and compassion. Voices of love may ignore truth, and seek to gain acceptance rather than addressing and helping others with their struggles and sin.
As those who have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, we can identify with those struggling with and even “labelled” by sin. As recipients of God’s generous grace, we know what it is to be overtaken by sin, and thankfully, we also know how wonderful it is to be “…washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
On October 20, I am pleased that we are able to offer a workshop, Pastoral Approaches to Same Sex Attraction, with Journey Canada, that will include both truth and love, as we seek to minister to those who struggle with various addictions and challenges, including same-sex attraction. I encourage you to attend and to bring people from your leadership team with you. Don’t let the “pastoral approaches” title limit who comes with you – all leaders are welcome. Here is the information:
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“Pastoral Approaches: The Church & Same-Sex Attraction.” Saturday, October 20 at Richmond Chinese EFC, 8040 No. 5 Road, Richmond, 9AM – 4PM. This is a follow up and further resourcing of our LPD Conference presentation. All pastors and lay-leaders are welcome! Cost: $10.00 per registrant. Here is some info: Pastoral_Approaches_to_Same_Sex_Attraction_Oct._20_RCEFC.pdf
Please register online at our LPD Website: https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/
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OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS:
Technology and the Gospel, Saturday October 6, 7PM – 9PM – at Grace Community Church, 9770 KIng George Blvd.
Grace Community Church, one of our newest LPD/EFCC Churches invites us all to join them for this event:
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Pastor and Staff Cruise – Note the date change!
Please mark Wednesday, November 7 on your calendar for the Fall “Pastors and Staff Cruise,” and watch for details in the weeks ahead!
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Seniors Ministry
Johanna Campbell, of Abbotsford EFC is available to speak to seniors’ groups in our churches on the the topics of aging, care giving and preparing for our heavenly home, based on her experience with caring for her husband for eight years before he passed into glory. She has written a meditation/devotional on Psalm 71, a psalm of David during his last years and will be integrating this psalm into her presentations. Please contact the LPD Office if you wish to arrange for a presentation.
Johanna has been a professor at Trinity Western University, and is a regular speaker to seniors and on the subject of Christian Marriage.
Please pray for:
Sunday, Chris and Verna Wilson are retiring from pastoral ministry at Nanoose EFC, where they have served since 2003. Karen and I look forward to joining them and the church family on Sunday, and know that Chris and Verna will value your prayers in their transition.
