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.
When 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 found their way, innovated, and have 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. It was a joy to welcome the Home Church Network into the LPD/EFCC Family at our district conference in March 2020.
Their united passion is, “a 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.”
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. They invite us to pray that:
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Are We All on the Same Page?
Such a question can be posed in a number of ways and refer to a number of circumstances.
Through these days of COVID, some churches have been challenged to stay on the same page when it has come to COVID protocols, whether to “open” or not, and how to do so. Almost every church will be composed of a variety of people, whose views on the pandemic will range from skepticism to fear, and whose views on “opening” may range from defying the health orders on the basis of our “rights” and mission, to believing that it is highly responsible to do do.
Many have settled into a mood of “languishing,” where one feels somewhat trapped in current pandemic prohibitions, and are waiting for some permission for churches to gather again. Others have creatively seized whatever opportunities there are for ministry, and are seeing God at work.
Johnston Heights Church has had several people come to faith in Christ through their online “Alpha.” Some churches are gathering for children and youth ministries. Last Sunday, it was such a delight to join a “live” service at Parkdale EFC in Victoria. Though we could only be there virtually, joining a service conducted outdoors under a shelter was so refreshing. The birds were loudly singing, and rather than this being disruptive, they were welcomed as evidence of live streaming. Reality is much preferred over studio perfection.
While churches have been challenged to maintain unity through this time of pandemic, some would see unity as being even more challenging in the days ahead. While some will want to return to “what was,” others will want to embrace new opportunities for the future.
Cary Nieuwhof, in his article, “THE COMING CHURCH SPLIT (IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK),” writes,
If you look a little more carefully right now, you can see that as the post-pandemic world takes shape, there’s an emerging divide between churches that are well-positioned for the future and churches that aren’t. Essentially, the split is between churches that will be effective in accomplishing their mission and churches that won’t be.
He identifies four sources of “split” within churches in the post-pandemic church:
1. Online-Optional Versus Fully Hybrid
2. Bringing People Back Versus Moving People Forward
3. Churches That Embrace Versus Churches That Judge
4. Ideologically Driven Versus Gospel-Driven
The article is worth the read, and will provide some helpful questions to be asking as we contemplate the post-pandemic church. Though we are still on “lockdown,” the end is in sight. There are signals that things may start to “open up” in June.
As we come through this season of COVID, I trust that we, our churches will be one in both spirit and purpose!
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. (Phil 2:1,2 ESV).
Here’s the link:
