Well, we all survived the federal election. By the time our local polls closed, the outcome was already decided, but it was fascinating to follow, nonetheless.
As I have been musing about the election and the results, I have a number of thoughts. Here are a few:
- Gratitude to live in Canada. After a prolonged and heated campaign, the leaders (with the notable exception of Elizabeth May) showed respect for one another and for the decision of the electorate. There was grace in both victory and defeat, and we are now in the process of a civil and well-managed transfer of power from our current government to the new. As I write this, I think of both Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau, political adversaries, yet fellow leaders of our nation, together at the war memorial in Ottawa to remember Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, murdered while on duty one year ago. We are blessed to live in such a civil nation.
- People respond to a message of hope. I do not want to revisit the campaign, but people resonated with a message of hope (well-founded or not, I will leave for you to decide) rather than to a message of fear and negativism. This is not the first time. Sometimes, people choose to believe a positive message, even if they know in their heart that the source of the hope is at best questionable. (For this, I think of Hananiah in Jer. 28, who falsely prophesied a two-year exile, rather than the seventy years one that God has promised). Other times, people simply respond better to a message of hope and courage over a message of what is seen as pessimistic and negative. Whether we would consider this perception is fair or not, it was the general perception of the population in the election. I relate this to the message and reputation of our churches. Are we seen to proclaim a message of “good news” and “hope”, or condemnation and fear? Christians, including Stephen Harper, who identify themselves as evangelicals are often assumed to be negative people. The word “evangelical” to many carries a negative connotation. While sin is very real, our gospel message of hope, forgiveness and transformation (metamorphosis) in Christ is greater. As believers, we have moved from being, “without hope and without God in the world,” to becoming “fellow citizens with God’s people.” May our people, nation and world hear this good news though our churches.
- Make room for young leaders! For many months, we have been told that Justin Trudeau “…is just not ready.” Obviously, people differ from this opinion. Trudeau will learn from his older advisors/mentors (He, in private conversations, is learning from Stephen Harper), and he is stepping up to the plate. May we encourage younger leaders, and may we give generously of our time, mentoring and prayers to help them succeed in God’s calling upon their lives and ministry!
- The message of inclusion and the promise that everyone is equally welcome does not seem to include me. As an evangelical, environmentally conscious, fiscally responsible grandfather, who cares deeply about our grandchildren and their future, and who values the sanctity of human life from conception to the grave, no one political party speaks for me. Indeed, as a “pro-life” person, my voice and participation are not welcomed by our incoming prime minister. This is the age in which we live.
While the results of the election are not what I had hoped for, I am committed to pray for our leaders, and I will be writing to my incoming MP, Carla Qualtrough. I will assure her of our prayers and also voice my convictions. I want to be a positive voice for the gospel in our age.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4)
What are your thoughts on this week’s election?
Please see the attached Five Minutes on Friday, with news and prayer items from the LPD, and also see the attachment on Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church, our LPD Church of the Week feature this week.
Please note the following dates:
- Wednesday, October 28 – LPD Pastors and Staff Cruise! Pastors and church staff – please plan to join us for this day of fellowship and learning together. Our theme is Coaching and Credentialing in the EFCC. Leadership Catalyst Dan Nicholson will be sharing about the new initiatives in LeadBeyond, and we will be sharing opportunities for apprenticeships, mentoring, coaching and credentialing in our district for the days ahead. Please see link!
- Monday, November 2 – EFCC/LPD Pastor and Staff Orientation at the EFCC Office, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. This one day orientation is a mandatory requirement for all who are pursuing credentialing in the EFCC. Please see the link!
- November 7, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM- Holy Sexuality Conference. with Dr Christopher Yuan. Hosted by Fort Langley EFC, this workshop will be both insightful and helpful in equipping people towards a biblical understanding of current issues and also towards more effectively ministering to our neighbours.
Here are some topics to be covered:
- What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
- How can the church talk well about the issue?
- How do we lovingly engage with the LGBT community?
- What is a healthy biblical theology of singleness?
- What role does the gospel play in our understanding of these issues and our response to them?
Dr. Christopher Yuan teaches the Bible at Moody Bible Institute and speaks around the globe on faith and sexuality. He speaks at conferences (such as InterVarsity’s Urbana, as well as the Moody Pastors’ Conferences and Men’s Conference), on college campuses and in churches (such as Saddleback Church and Willow Creek Community Church). He is featured in the award-winning documentary “HOPE Positive: Surviving the Sentence of AIDS,” and has co-authored a memoir with his mother – Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God, A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope. Christopher graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005, Wheaton College Graduate School in 2007 with a Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis, and Bethel Seminary with a doctorate of ministry in 2014.
Please see this link for all the info and a brochure with instructions for registration.
Please note Islanders: We are planning to provide a simulcast at Central EFC in Courtenay. Please watch for details in the weeks ahead, and contact Pastor Ben Crumback of Sointula Community Church for details! (ben.crumback@gmail.com)
- March 4,5 – 2016 – LPD Conference on the theme Coaching and Mentoring.
May God bless and keep you as you look to the Lord, trust him for his good work through the week ahead.
In Jesus,
Rob
This year, as our Lower Pacific District assists in the birth and revitalization of churches, we also step out in faith with local churches through providing financial support and seed money. To this end, we appreciate the gifts of many district churches and also of individuals. You can participate through both cheques and online through PayPal at our website. See LPD website for more info.
