In June of 2017, Home Church Network held its first meeting in Aldergrove. It was not the first EFCC Church in the community. The Aldergrove EFC was birthed in 1986, and ceased operations in 1999. A church plant was attempted in 2009/2010, but this never took root. Meanwhile, though the community of Aldergrove continued to grow, the population of local churches did not.
In 2011, EFCC Executive Director Bill (Deb) Taylor moved to Aldergrove, and in 2016, they were followed by EFCC National Mission Director Neil (Henrietta) Bassingthwaighte. As they settled into the community, they felt increasingly burdened for their neighbours, most of who neither attended church, nor professed any faith.
While Bill and Deb were on sabbatical in 2016, God birthed the vision of a church plant in Bill’s heart. It was to begin a “network of home fellowships,” and seeing that no such church was being planted to reach these neighbours, they became convinced that God was calling them to this task.
Since the work began in 2017, they have found their way, innovated, and seen the work grow to three “pods” of people. It is hoped, Lord enabling, that this growth will continue toward becoming a true network of small churches.
Their united passion is, “concern and love for our neighbours & the community and our longing to see them walk with Him, as well as to “encourage each other on the Way.”
It was a joy to welcome the Home Church Network into the LPD/EFCC Family at our district conference in March, and we so much look forward to meeting with them again, just as soon as we can gather.
Please pray for the Home Church Network, our Church of the Week,and for Bill and Deb, Neil and Henrietta and the leadership team as they seek and serve the Lord in this ministry.
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Small Churches – Big Opportunities!
In one sense, every church has had to begin thinking like a small church through this time of COVID-19.
“Large churches” tend to rely upon programs to serve people, and large Sunday gatherings to to attract people. While all of this is done with the very best of intentions, it makes us busy. We can end with a relatively small number serving in ministries (often 13% in very large churches), and can result in attendees coming as “consumers.” One’s “measure” of the church can be whether or not I am being served and whether my personal preferences are being met.
I say the above kindly, and know that our LPD pastors and leaders do not “buy into” the above thinking. I speak of the context and “culture” of church that we have created in North America. While pastors and leaders long to make and grow obedient disciples of Christ, they often must begin with many who come as consumers.
In “small churches,” people do not come with the same expectations of program and performance. They come looking for community; for authenticity and for a way to be engaged. They expect to be needed, and are glad that they do not have to “audition” in order to serve or to be up front.
While I generalize, you will relate to what I write.
Now, in these days of “pandemic,” large churches must meet either virtually, or broadcast their services via YouTube, Facebook or other platforms. As we post our services, we can track the number of views, but we often have no idea of who these “viewers” are. Who is our congregation in this day of virtual church?
So, what’s my point?
I do not write to argue the benefits of a small or large church. We most certainly need both! As I observe things these days, I wonder if there might not be the opportunity for large/larger churches to regain something of what they may have lost in becoming bigger – a sense of belonging and a sense of community.
As I look back on church through my years, I believe that small groups have often been seen as a “supplement” to the Sunday morning experience. Come Sunday for worship, the message and fellowship, but attend small group for “community” for friendship and for care. While this has been well-intentioned, in this time of pandemic, we are perhaps being forced to rethink our paradigm.
What would happen if Small Groups/Community Groups/Pods (to use a Home Church Network term) became central to the local church – being where we anticipate that the “hands on” ministry of the church will take place, rather like in Acts 2? The large church gatherings (when again possible) could be wonderful celebrations, where people gather to share stories of God’s work, to celebrate new believers and baptisms, to worship, to encourage and equip, and then be sent out to do the work of the church in our small groups.
It used to be the understanding in church planting that the “launch” of the church plant was when Sunday morning services began. As we have worked with church plants that focus on small “micro-churches” (Steveston) or “pods,” (Home Church Network), there is opportunity to discuss and consider the “why” of gathering on Sunday. We ask, “How would gathering Sunday further our mission?” As we do so, we arrive at four purposes that are best done in gathering as a whole. These are worship, celebration of new believers and baptisms, telling stories of God’s work and sharing our shared vision. Bible teaching and study occurs primarily in the smaller gatherings.
As you consider this, what purposes do you see in gathering on Sundays for your church? What might you change when you can gather again? There is not a standard formula or answer for this. What will further the mission of your church?
I love both “big” and “small” churches, and I am glad to attend and to minister at all. In this season of, “time-out” from large Sunday gatherings, please strengthen your small groups and their ministry, and look to the day when you can celebrate what God has done in and through these groups as you assemble together.
“Smaller” churches – be encouraged. You are able to gather again – (with COVID-19 Policy and protocol), and as your people are ready. Parkdale EFC has been the first to introduce a “hybrid” service model. One can attend the church, join the service via ZOOM, or view the service on the website during the week https://parkdalechurch.ca/ ). Grace Hanin Community Church has also begun smaller “live services” on Sunday AM, as well as online https://www.gracehanin.com/ Other churches are also making plans to “re-open.”
In season of life and pandemic, there are big opportunities for both “big” and “smaller” churches. Smaller churches, use this season to do what you do best, – minister in community; with authenticity and to engage others in mutual-ministry. Larger churches, let’s “think small,” and further the ministry of our small groups. May these become central to our lives and the ministry of our church.
Here are two articles for your encouragement as you consider ministry in your context:
the-power-of-small/
how-covid-19-is-bringing-the-church-back-to-her-roots-small-groups
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In case you missed it last week, I am posting a brief video greeting to you and your church, and to whoever you want to share it with. Be encouraged!
A Greeting from Rob Stewart, DS
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Upcoming Opportunities
SEARCH FOR JESUS
God is doing some special things through this time of pandemic! One of these is that many people are seeking answers for life and faith. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has launched their PeaceWithGod.net (https://peacewithgod.net/).
Several people at Johnston Heights Church are training to become online chat coaches through their Search For Jesus training.
This ministry introduces people to Christ, and purposes to introduce and engage new believers in a local church. There is a need for host churches, and we encourage your church to participate in this opportunity. It would be great to see all LPD Churches become host churches!
Here is the link for information and to register: https://churches.goingfarther.net/
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EFCC National Conference – Virtual
June 27, 2020
With COVID-19 response, we are unable to physically meet for EFCC National Conference this year. We will be meeting for an abbreviated conference on June 27. Here is a letter from George Budd, EFCC Board of Directors Chair:
Letter_from_the_Chairperson_of_the_EFCC_Board_of_Directors.pdf
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Coach’s Corner – with Steve Sharpe, LPD Missionary of Church Planting and Development. Steve shares coaching insights for pastors, church leaders and church planters. This week, he writes on, “ABC DISCIPLE MAKING: A is for Assessment.” Here is the link: DISCIPLE_ABC_5Jun2020.pdf
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Please remember all of our LPD Missionaries (and all missionaries) at this time.
Here is the link to their information and how to support them:
https://www.lpd-efcc.ca/donations/
LPD Missionaries
Dan and Sharon Williams (Osoyoos Project)
Steve and Gillian Sharpe (Missionary of Church Planting Development)
Jonathan and Harmony Ng (Inner City Ministry)
Noel and Lynda Macasaet (New Living Assembly)
Jorge and Emily Lin (Church of All Nations/”new”New West EFC)
Joshua and Nicole Fast (Priceless Youth Ministry)
Allen and Hannah Chang (Steveston Project)
Daniel and Joyce Wong (Steveston Project)
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HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CHURCHES REGARDING COVID-19
We in the LPD are here to serve you and your church through this time. Josephine has been continually updating our information, so has the most current information available on resources available to you and your church in this time. Please email Josephine.
Please contact us for help on:
Here are some useful resources for you:
– LPD COVID-19 Response Phase 2 Policy: LPD_COVID_19_Safety_Policy_Phase_Two.04.pdf
– “Some considerations and questions in the church’s journey through COVID,” an
article by EFCC Leadership Catalyst, Terry Kaufman: EFCC_COVID_response.pdf
– BC Restart Plan for Churches: BC_Restart_Plan_Churches_May_2020.04.pdf
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Please pray for:
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We are excited and thankful for how God has led and called Henry and Kim Ngugi to serve with EFCCM, and we invite you to join in their prayer and support team. They trust to travel to Kenya to begin this ministry in September. Here is a link to their newsletter, “The Daily Move.”
TheDailyMoveMarch.pdf
Website:
