Category: Heartland News

Heartland Regional Newsletter February 2023

Networking Conversations

By Mark Doerksen

There certainly are challenges in church life these days, as things have not necessarily returned to how they were before the pandemic. Many churches have seen a decline in attendance, and this is true cross-denominationally. This is only one challenge, and there certainly are others.

In the Heartland Region, we have been working with various challenges that are being met by denominational connections. When a church makes known a challenge they are facing, often I can think of a church in a similar situation, and then network the churches for further conversations. It’s these networking conversations that are vitally important in my work, and I’d like to offer a couple of examples of what I mean.

Cornerstone Baptist Church here in Winnipeg had its last service at the end of October. They have some stellar volunteers that are working to see that the building is cleaned up, organized, and ready for potential sale. We had hoped that a CBWC church could be the next owners of that building, but that has not proven to be the case. However, one of our local pastors knew of a 20-year “church plant” that is looking for a building, and so that church plant was put in contact with the CBWC. Conversations around the sale of the building continue, and the CBWC Foundation has been vital in things moving forward. I’m grateful for such developments.

At our church in Ormiston, SK, Bill and Carol Luther are stepping aside as the primary church leaders. They have served well and faithfully for many years and will continue to be involved in the church. The congregation, at the moment, will not be looking for another pastor, as they will experiment with online resources available for them on Sunday mornings. They did, however, have questions about improved technology to facilitate Sunday morning gatherings, and so I was able to network them with another CBWC pastor who is tech saavy and willing to help, and was able to talk to the church about different Sunday morning options that are already being used by some rural CBWC churches within the denomination. Again, networking conversations are vitally important, and though the details of this network are not finalized, I’m pleased that the resources we have within the denomination are helping churches presently.

We have another church in the Heartland that is facing the future without a pastor, at least for a while. The congregation would like to continue, and as such, I am chatting with the leadership and discussing future options with them. One such option may well be within the denomination; Brownfield Baptist Church is working towards equipping rural churches through a ministry called Rural Light Ministries. It’s encouraging to me that I can point churches to options such as this, and that our CBWC churches are looking out for each other. Though these networking conversations in this case are only at the beginning stages, I am again reminded that the pandemic has—in some ways—taught us that audio/visual resourcing is a viable option for some circumstances.

Does your congregation have the desire to help other churches? Is your congregation facing a challenge that needs further perspective? I would hope that you’re encouraged to have similar networking conversations as you continue in your localized ministry.

Answering God’s Persistant Call

Kristen Kroeker – Pastor of Willowlake Church

I felt a call to ministry as a young girl and spent my years first in Northern Ireland with YFC, then in Winnipeg as an inner-city missionary, and finally as a children’s pastor in a large local church before stepping down. After being away from ministry for two years, I felt a call again. I knew that going back to my previous roles was not in my future, but I had no clue what was. In 2020, pandemic funding became available for students, so I started a M.Div. at the local theological seminary. I had no idea where it would lead, but the timing was right, the funding was there, and I was grateful to God for the opportunity.

As a student, I was invited at times to provide local pulpit supply. My childhood had been spent in a Baptist church where only men were permitted to lead, so I was surprised to be invited to preach at Willowlake Baptist. I appreciated God’s sense of humour in bringing my story full circle and was impressed by the CBWC’s long-standing support of women in ministry. This was during lockdowns, so my impression of Willowlake was limited to the 4 or 5 people who showed up to make an online church experience happen for the folks at home. I was drawn in by the sense of camaraderie, the joy (in a time of anxiety), and the deep care and compassion this group had for those in their community. That one invitation turned into repeated ones, and my appreciation for the church grew.

When a congregant tapped me on the shoulder to apply for their open pastoral role, I didn’t even consider it. The idea of female lead pastors was still so foreign to me that I couldn’t see myself in that role. We were attending a church of over 1000 people at the time, and bringing my pre-teen daughters into a small church seemed impossible.

But my hang-ups were challenged when I was assigned a new practicum as part of my seminary studies under the leadership of a female pastor in a smaller congregation. There’s a saying that “you cannot be what you cannot see,” and serving in that church opened our eyes to what had previously seemed impossible. Our children thrived in that small church. My husband and I were impressed by the humility and leadership the pastor showed, and the strong marriage she and her husband modelled. Our previous hesitations were being challenged in front of our eyes, and instead of, “That would never work,” we began to think, “What if…?” When the invitation came again to apply at Willowlake, I took it seriously. We prayed together about it. We visited the church as a family. My kids were determined not to return to a big church where they were lost in the crowd, and loved how welcomed they felt. My husband could envision his own role in the church, which surprised us. That “What if…” grew to “This is it.” God was persistent in His call, and we entered a season of discernment and answering the call with Willowlake Church.

It’s been only a few months officially as pastor of Willowlake, and God has been so good. It has been rewarding to get to know the people who make up Willowlake Church, and a privilege to be part of the

reopening process. It’s exciting to see people returning after long absences and programs starting up after a few years of shutdowns, and we look forward to what God has in store for us.

If you had told me five years ago, that this is where I would be today, I would never have believed you. But God has convinced me this is exactly where we are called to be. I think of those who had vision when I did not, who stepped into their callings and helped me to see what that faithfulness looked like, and I can’t help but think of the “great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12 who help us put our faith in action and make a way for us to say yes to God. I hope to be such a person for future generations.

Celebrating Two Birthdays

By Jim Galbraith, Lead Pastor at First Baptist Church Prince Albert

Just over ten years ago, I was given a second birthday. Big deal, all of us Christians are born again, yes? Well, this one is not what you think.

On December 19, 2012, I received a donor stem cell transplant to treat Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Since the stem cells come from an unrelated donor, when they transform into the bone marrow that I needed, they produce blood with the donor’s DNA. This makes me a “chimera”—a single being with two different sets of DNA.

Because of this unique situation, the staff at the cancer clinic encourage us to mark our transplant day as our second birthday. My wife, Lori, has taken this up with gusto; I get balloons, a nice meal, and instead of a present for me, we’ve chosen to make my second birthday a day where I give a present to someone in need. In 2022, I turned “10”, and was able to help a young man in our city.

Without this treatment, I would have been dead and buried long before my 46th birthday. I am 55 today, with cancer long behind me. God has given me ten years post-transplant, during which two of my three sons have married, with the first about to have their first baby in February. Yes, I will be a grandpa a few days after you read this.

So, as a Christian, I guess I now have three birthdays; the OG (original), my conversion to Christ, and my donation day! I continually thank God for what He’s done in my life.

Retirement Thoughts from William H. Luther

If you have reason to drive south of Moose Jaw, you will soon notice that some towns are experiencing tough times. Communities such as Crane Valley and Ormiston have challenges ahead, as their economies have shifted by the closing of a nearby salt mine. There are mainly ranchers that remain, and the rolling hills of the area lend itself to this way of life. It’s a beautiful part of Saskatchewan, but you need to be tough to live there, and you need to get used to driving some distance to reach other communities. At Ormiston, however, you will find Ormiston Baptist Church, a church that continues in no small part to the leadership of Bill and Carol Luther. These fine folks have recently stepped aside from the formal leadership of the church, after many years of faithful service. We’ve asked them to write a brief note about their experiences, and we’re grateful for their leadership and wish them God’s continued blessings for the future.

Retirement takes my mind back some 70-plus years, to a little boy following his father outside to feed the cows. Stepping in my father’s footprints in the snow, I said, “I’m following in your footsteps, Dad!” An early love for cattle has been sustained throughout my life.

In the 1950s, while other denominations were reluctant to assist in a church-plant in Ormiston, SK, the CBWC (formerly known as The Baptist Union of Western Canada) got involved. The sister church in Cardross, SK was my first contact with the Gospel, and I surrendered to Christ’s call at age 10.

Following graduation from high school, God called me to study at Millar College of the Bible, where I realized an ability and love of preaching. After graduation and a further two years of study at Winnipeg Bible College and Seminary, I returned to the farm. The most important thing that happened during these years was marrying the love of my life, Carol.

Centralization was affecting the size of Ormiston Baptist Church and in the absence of a pastor, Area Minister Mel Ralston encouraged me to volunteer. Six years of ‘tent-making’ ministry followed. Sunday school, prayer meetings, Bible study, kids’ club, and youth group called for long days. The church experienced some growth, and we called a full-time pastor! Some 27 years passed, with various couples to pastor our church while I filled in as pulpit supply. In 2008, our church was at a crossroads. Attendance and resources were low, and God called Carol and I to accept the position of part-time pastor of Ormiston Baptist Church again. Fourteen years followed with preaching, teaching, leading youth group, and other pastoral duties.

I thank God for the wife He gave me. She is so gifted in music and people-skills, and she complimented my areas of weakness so well.

‘Stepping aside’ from pastoral ministry, I thank the Lord for His blessings, for the ministry of CBWC over the years, for a supportive, praying church family, for four daughters and their husbands, 18 grandchildren, and 1 ½ great granddaughters. I look forward to spending more time together with all of them!

In the years to follow, God-willing, I hope to continue assisting the next generation with the ranch work and our church with its ongoing ministry!

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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Heartland Regional Newsletter November 2022

Reflection of Appreciation

 

As I write, we’ve just marked Thanksgiving, and I know that October is supposed to be Pastoral Appreciation month, and I appreciate pastors—but I wanted to reflect on some other folks that come to mind when I hear the word “appreciation.” This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but a sample of some folks that I’m grateful for.

For example, I have in mind leaders in rural churches that have gone on a long time without a pastor. They have been looking, but it is difficult to find one because of the geography and sustainability of such an arrangement. Yet in that church, there are leaders that take it upon themselves to see that the work of the church continues, including making arrangements for Sunday mornings.

Some of these folks could be a church elder who does their normal job, plus their elder duties, and then finds time to prepare and preach because there is no one else to do so. These folks seldom get the credit they deserve—and they don’t seek it—but I appreciate their efforts very much.

I think, too, of a Regional Minister that I am familiar with, who drives around Alberta quite a bit. In doing so, he has found some prime fishing spots that he wants to visit upon retirement. Fish fear him, apparently. He does his work faithfully; he does not get flustered by much, and he genuinely cares about pastors and churches. He works with churches when they are seeking pastors, networking and praying as he does his work. He’s been steadfast and dependable. And what I appreciate most is his willingness to listen to me when I’ve got “a scenario” to run by him. I’m going to miss him and his perspective.

I think of the president of the CBWC, who has plenty of responsibilities and gets to hear opinions from both sides of most issues. She has been attentive to the Holy Spirit and prayer as she’s done her work. And, of course, she could not do such work if her family and congregation were not supportive.

I think of our Executive Minister, who also has plenty to do. I describe his work as some sort of domino chain, going from one serious matter where he’s trying to discern what is best in the moment for people and for our group of churches, and then off to the next one. I pray for him often, as I don’t think his work is possible without prayer—giving thanks for his leadership and asking for encouragement for him.

I think, too, of Cindy Emmons, who works with me in my region, and who has just marked 10 years in her role with the denomination. She puts up with me—with my idiosyncrasies—helps keep me organized, and puts up with my warped sense of humour. She goes above and beyond, learning new skills as different tasks are asked of her. She is genuinely interested in learning and growing, and has even read a commentary on Revelation as part of our shared work. I appreciate her work, her perspective, and her dedication.

With appreciation,

Mark.

Charline McAlpine Bio

Part-time Lead Pastor at Broadway First Baptist Church, Winnipeg

I was born in Trinidad and Tobago in January of 1967. In July of the same year, my parents and I moved to Winnipeg where I lived until August last year. My husband, daughter, and granddaughter are now living near Niverville, MB on a lovely one-acre lot with mostly farmer’s fields for neighbours. I never expected to love living outside of the city so much! I am currently the part-time lead pastor at Broadway-First Baptist Church in Winnipeg and celebrated my commissioning service with the congregation on September 18th. I am also very close to completing my studies at Providence Theological Seminary to receive my M.Div. degree.

I was raised in a Christian home by two very loving parents who also loved the Lord and served faithfully at the Nazarene Church in Winnipeg. I was saved and gave my heart to the Lord at the teen summer camp from that church, and began serving as the youth leader as soon as I was able.

My story, however, is not all smooth sailing. There was rebellion toward my parents and God. There was even a time when I turned away from God and chose to follow my own sinful path which led me into pain, suffering and through a long darkness of my soul.

Still, the prayers of my parents and church family were heard and answered by the Almighty God who knows and orders our steps. I was never too far away from God, and attended a few different churches off-and-on while trying to find my way through life.

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is older, he will not depart from it.
~Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

There are many moments in my day when I truly wonder how I got here. As a teenager and young adult, I would never have imagined that I would be here; pastoring a church with a master’s degree on the horizon. Yet God is good and works all things together for His good purpose. I thank God each day for the rich blessings in my life today, and look forward with anticipation to the future full of hope as I journey with and closer to my Heavenly Father.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
(2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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Heartland Regional Newsletter July 2022

Theology for the Ordinary Podcast

 

One of the denominational initiatives that I have had the privilege of being involved with over the last while is that of Theology for the Ordinary. Those who have signed up to receive Theology for the Ordinary updates can participate in a book club, receive book reviews, and get access to a podcast that has been produced for this initiative. Cindy Emmons and I co-hosted Dr. Ed Neufeld, the pastor of our Canadian Baptist congregation in Kleefeld, Manitoba, as we dove into the book of Revelation. 

Ed has taught the New Testament at Providence Theological Seminary for many years, and graciously agreed to join Cindy and I in putting this together. Cindy did a lot of work as she learned the technical aspects of putting together a podcast, and then editing it and making it available via the platform known as Podbean.

There have been several benefits to doing this project together. First, Cindy and I have had the privilege of reading G.K. Beale’s commentary on Revelation in order to prepare for the sessions. He has a nice way of making a tricky book quite accessible, and this has proven to be a valuable resource in understanding the last book of the New Testament. Second, recording the sessions became a highlight of our schedules. It was a good way for the three of us to build relationship. Third, Cindy and I learned a lot from our sessions with Ed. It was good to listen to and learn from him as he gave lots of insights into our understanding of the text. He was very gracious with us. Fourth, we were reminded that the message of Revelation is for our day. It is an encouragement to stand, to remain faithful, and though there are difficult images in the text, it was good to be reminded that Christ remains on the ultimate throne and has all things in control. We look forward to the day when we, along with many other believers, will bring glory to God continually. And finally, I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of listeners we have had. I have had people tell me that they enjoy listening, and that some small groups are using this resource for their studies together.

I am very grateful both to Ed and to Cindy as they have worked to make this project a reality. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Rev 22:21)

Mark Doerksen

 

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Roslyn and Josephine

The journey of Roslyn & Josephine to Filipino Evangelical Church in Winnipeg is quite interesting.

In 1976, Roslyn was called to serve the Lord Jesus in Young Life, a youth ministry which insists on incarnational evangelism through unconditional friendship. It was a humbling experience for Roslyn, as he witnessed the Lord lovingly touch the lives of youth and street boys. Some of them are now Pastors. Roslyn met his wife, Josephine, in Young Life.

In 1983, Roslyn was moved by the Lord to Bacolod Evangelical Church (BEC) to be one of their pastors. He and Josephine served BEC for 17 years until both were again moved to Filipino Evangelical Church of

Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE is a Muslim state, so Roslyn and Josephine are not at liberty to share their ministry experiences in Abu Dhabi.

Then Roslyn and Josephine served South Bay Christian Alliance Church in Carson, California, for almost five years.

In 2005, both were called to serve Filipino Evangelical Church (FEC) of Winnipeg. Soon Roslyn and Josephine shall have ministered at FEC for 17 years. PTL!

By Princess P. Sela

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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Heartland Regional Newsletter April 2022

The Human Condition

By Mark Doerksen

We are in the midst of Lent as I write, and one of the themes that I have always returned to during Lent is that of the human condition. When I was pastoring a local church, one fellow in that congregation, who loved movies, would arrange Friday night movies that were helpful in exploring the human condition. We were in the midst of our Lenten Movie Nights in 2020 when COVID hit, and we haven’t returned to this practice, but I am hopeful that we will.

We would watch, for example, Silence, directed by Martin Scorsese, a historical drama depicting the attempts to spread the Christianity in Japan, and then discuss our insights and reactions to the movie. In that movie, the question of renouncing one’s faith given the choice of continued life or immediate execution figures prominently.

Yet the human condition is not only to be explored in movies. I have been reading John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, and the book has in mind the story of Cain and Abel, as it explores family life in the Salinas Valley of California. The main protagonist, Cathy Ames, is described by Steinbeck as having a “malformed soul,” and the novel goes on to explain what that looks like through various diabolical episodes in her life. I’m tempted to think, as I read, that I’m glad I’m not as malformed as Cathy.

The morning of writing this, I was reading Daniel 6, and Tremper Longman’s commentary on that passage. This is the chapter where Daniel is thrown into the lion’s den and survives. I was struck by the human condition of his accusers; they were expert manipulators, motivated by jealousy, who capitalized on Daniel’s faithfulness—a faithfulness that turned again to ingrained habits of prayer in the midst of increased persecution.

If only we could compartmentalize descriptions of poor behavior to movies and books and Bible stories. Unfortunately, we also witness poor behavior amongst nations, in our churches, in our families, in our own lives. This week, news came out about another influential pastor who committed clergy abuse with a congregant. It’s discouraging, to be sure, yet also a reminder of our own potential for behavior that is detrimental to our churches, others, and ourselves.

And yet, hidden in Lent, in this time of reflecting on our human condition, there remains the promise of Easter. Easter—the story of Christ’s death and resurrection, the story that Daniel’s experience foreshadowed—reminds us of the surest of remedies for our human condition. If you’re like me, sometimes you need reminding.

Meet Rev. Zabiak Cung Biaka

I strongly believe that God has had His high calling for everyone who accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. I am from a very remote area in Burma; even today there are no cars and electricity in the village. Everyone is still using wood and charcoal for cooking, and a candle, chimney, and pinewood at night to light up their home.

When I was 16, God called me to serve and follow Him. The road of His calling was fearful, painful, and at the same time, beautiful and meaningful, because I was just a teenager. I was enjoying my teenage life as much as I could, without knowing God before He called me. 

When I got to know more about the love of God and learnt that the Lord needs me and wants my youth for His kingdom, God wanted me to leave and give up the most worldly, pleasurable things that I used to enjoy and turn my life the other way around—to pick up my cross and follow Him.

I remember, just before I attended Bible college, that I visited our neighbouring village. We attended a Wednesday night church service. That night, the speaker was absent and one of the church elders came to me and asked me if I could preach. I was so nervous, “What do you want me to do?” I was not prepared for a message, because I was just there to join the service. But the elder was serious. He said because I was from another village, they would like to hear “how is God working in your life.” “Oh no, oh my God, what should I say and what Bible verses should I read? Thank you, God, I could share my testimony and the goodness of God in my life.”

That was the moment that I learned how important a minute is for Christ. I must be ready to preach the Gospel anytime, anywhere, within season and out of season. The Lord had trained me before I was in Bible college. As a teenager, the Lord gave me His good news to share as a Sunday school teacher, church elder, missions director and evangelist. The Lord trained me and prepared me as one of His servants to climb up, step by step, through these ministries. After I graduated from seminary, I received a call and was ordained as a pastor to look after churches and continue His calling of evangelism. I am working as a pastor at three different congregations.

I immigrated to Canada, Regina, in December 2006. It seemed like there was no way and no doors were open for me to continue my ministries for the Gospel. There were only three families and they spoke Karen. I had never met these three and had never heard this language in my life.

My wife asked me to move to another city where there were more people of my kind, but my prayers and the call of God were not in other cities or places. Just like Abraham when God calls him, “wherever you are, I will be with you,” I strongly believe that God had already planned something for me in Regina.

I live in North Central, Regina, which has one of the highest crime rates in Canada. I questioned God, “Why did you put me in this place where my family does not have a peaceful time and sleep soundly?” The answer of God is, “l chose you and put you here for a purpose. I will move you when it is needed. I said, “Thank you Lord for choosing me, let Your will be done.” My house door and car doors have been broken a few times. I’ve met many dangerous strangers, but I say to God, “This is Your will, let all these people accept You as their Lord and Saviour.” My prayer is to change North Central into a better, peaceful place in Regina, not only the place but also the people—to turn them Christ. I would like to close my story with these two Bible verses; Luke 18: 27- “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Philippians 4: 13- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Rev. Zabiak Cung Biaka
Pastor at Chin Christian Fellowship of Saskatchewan

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This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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Heartland Regional Newsletter January 2022

Trusting God as We Look Ahead

By Mark Doerksen

We’ve just come through the Christmas season, a season that has a lot of spiritual significance, but also a lot of cultural significance. A book that I have returned to on occasion when considering Christmas is Kenneth Bailey’s Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, as he examines the cultural realities of that time in history in that geography, and in so doing, exposes some current Christmas practices as less than accurate or ideal.

Bailey’s approach reminds me a little of someone I’ve discovered lately, a fellow by the name of Michael Heiser. He’s not for everyone, but I find his detailed study of the Scriptures to be quite interesting and thorough. He’s also been a contributor to the Bible Project, and the small group I am a part of are enjoying those resources. Heiser is quite interested in parts of the Bible that perhaps are not as well travelled as others; he covers themes like the heavenly council, Genesis 6, and Revelation. He works to remind Christians of the supernatural worldview of the Bible.

I am writing about Heiser because, as we begin a new year, I think about the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament, and specifically the book of Job—complete with its reference to the heavenly court in Job 1. It’s a fascinating passage to me, as the Accuser is allowed to come and interrupt the meeting of the heavenly court and suggest that the moral equation of the day was skewed; Job only followed God because he was prosperous. That equation needed testing, according to the Accuser, and twice an agreement is reached between the Accuser and the Lord to press the issue concerning Job. The Accuser says things like, “Take away the hedge, and Job’s blessing will turn to cursing. Job is put through unimaginable pain and loss as the Accuser animates the testing against him.

The Accuser turned out to be wrong. The end of chapter 1 tells us that Job did not turn to blame God for his misfortune. In chapter 2 we see another response from Job as he says, “Should we only accept good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” Turns out that Job trusted in God no matter the circumstances in life, no matter how difficult the testing he had to endure.

As we look ahead to 2022, we look forward with anticipation to the new year. There are delightful opportunities and experiences waiting for us, as individuals and families, within our workplaces and as churches. Yet there might also be experiences that will be serious enough to shake us to the core; job loss, a serious diagnosis, a shattered relationship. Is your faith ready for those times of adversity? Is mine? Can we, like Job, manage to trust God even when it feels like the adversity is too much, and that all that we have known unravels before us?

I hope so. I hope that our faith is rooted deeply enough that we can withstand the good and the bad, times of difficulty, times of excitement. And I hope that our churches, families, and friends, can be present with us in all that life brings as well. Most of all, may you sense God’s presence in all of life in this upcoming year.

Gratefully & hopefully,

Mark Doerksen

Scott Elger, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Moose Jaw, SK

I am finding this “bio” very difficult to write. My wife, Elsie, and I have been fellowshipping with First Baptist Church for five years. I served 8 years at Riverside Mission, an emergency men’s shelter and soup kitchen here in Moose Jaw, SK. I enjoyed my time with this ministry and could see how the Lord was working in my life as He taught me to serve others. After two years at FBC, I was asked to consider becoming the pastor.

Due to a change in direction and management at the Mission, my position was coming to an end. First Baptist’s invitation was the realization of a life-long desire and I accepted. I started on January 1, 2019. Needless to say, much of my service to First Baptist Church has been under COVID conditions. I had never been a pastor before and ponder at times what I might have to offer as a pastor. The following are some examples of how the Lord has been working in my life to equip me for His service.

In the fall of 1970, shortly before my 14th birthday, my brothers and I were placed in a children’s home run by a local Christian Church. Though some have passed away, I maintain a relationship with many of the staff to this day. For 51 years, I have not known what it is like not to be loved, not to be prayed for, not to be encouraged and not to be included. I have had a very clear example of Christian discipleship lived out before me.

In the fall of 2007, Elsie and I moved to Caronport, SK so that I might attend the seminary. Through my studies and interactions with other students I learned to hear and respect the positions of those who understood differently than I did. I also learned the value of intense study of the Word so that I might come to the clearest understanding of God’s Word that I can.

My experience at Riverside Mission taught me to serve without judgement, to love the people as they come to us and to give of myself without knowing what the return might be. My experience also taught me to be patient with people and to wait upon the Lord in prayer. Many a time we rejoiced at seeing how the Lord answered our prayers.

My service as pastor is simply living out what the Lord has taught me throughout my life. I strive to study well, that I may faithfully teach the Word of God. I aim to partake in an atmosphere of love and acceptance where all of us feel safe and included, where we can experience the Father’s love for us. I want people to experience what I experienced from my time in the children’s home, to know that they are always loved, prayed for, included and encouraged. This is not brought about just by me as pastor, but by each of us in our fellowship. My job is to continue modelling and encouraging it.

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Want to tell us how great we’re doing? Or how terribly? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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Heartland Regional Newsletter September 2021

Summer is a great time to catch up on some reading, and during this season I try to read material that I might not normally get to in the course of a year. As I write, I’m in the middle of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, which is a bit pessimistic to say the least. On the other hand, I’ve enjoyed a book by Gordon Goldsborough, entitled Abandoned Manitoba: From Residential Schools to Bank Vaults to Grain Elevators, 

mainly because of its historical pieces on various places in Manitoba. The province of Manitoba isn’t that old, but lots has happened here since its formal inception in 1870. As a bonus, the book has a lot of pictures to keep one interested. It’s a picture book for adults, if you will.

I’ve also got an odd habit of reading commentaries, and though I am currently reading one on Jeremiah, I worked through 1, 2, and 3 John earlier this summer. John has a lot of interesting things to say, and it’s interesting to me that even though he had lived experience with Jesus, he too would have trouble in his church. The development of the early church, especially in its infancy, was precarious, and John had to write letters to combat certain beliefs and heretics. He was pastoral in his writings—clearly caring for his flock—but also wrote firmly against those who sought to harm the church and to draw people away from its teachings. He certainly had some interesting things to say about hospitality, like when to rescind it, and continued to write harshly against his opponents.

In this midst of these themes, there are two more pieces from his letters that I find especially appropriate for our time. John talks specifically about God as love. This imagery should be first and foremost in our minds when we think about God. If you’re like me, you may well have suspicions that God isn’t always pleased with your behavior, that God might be hard to relate to because of some of the stories we see in the Old Testament. John reminds us that God is love, that we can know what God is like by looking to Jesus—the most profound and vulnerable expression of love imaginable. And knowing Jesus, we know that we are loved presently and in the age to come. It’s a very encouraging read.

But another theme is clear and repeated at the end of 2 and 3 John. In 2 John, he writes, “I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be made complete.” Similarly, in 3 John, he writes, “I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to write it with pen and ink. For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.” John was clear that he preferred face-to-face meetings, and I imagine that many of us can relate to those feelings as restrictions from COVID are lifted.

I know my calendar is starting to fill with some celebration events for churches. Commissioning services and ordination services will be held again, and I look forward to being a part of those. But I also look forward to the conversations over coffee—those times of connecting with folks to catch up on how things are going in ministry, how life is treating them, and how their souls are faring as more change is on the way. I also look forward to seeing my colleagues again, to catch up on our work together, but also be able to stay after a meeting for a bit to share a laugh with someone or to make sure they’ve been heard. The pandemic has been difficult, and it has

also given opportunities to cherish. Yet now, as hope builds that more and more we will be able to be with each other in person, I look forward to seeing folks I haven’t seen in quite a while. To paraphrase John, “I have more to say to you, but I don’t want to type it and I don’t want to do it via Zoom. I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.”

Peace,

-Mark.

Retired but not Tired!

Wendy Thom has been a part of Shoal Lake Baptist Church since 1988. In 2006, she became the pastor of the church, was ordained in 2011, and retired in 2020. Here are some reflections from her time in ministry.

Well, here I am, retired but not tired of serving my Lord and Saviour! I didn’t realize how hard it would be to retire; my emotions have been all over the map. At first, I was excited. I could see God’s answers to my prayers, but then I started to hyperventilate…lol! I kept saying, “How did I get this old, this fast?” No one seemed to be able to give me an answer!

I know it was time and I know it was God’s time—this is not the end. Rather than being dead and buried, God has planted me for a new beginning, a new season, stirring me up so I don’t get root bound, drawing me closer to His heart of love.

God is so amazing, and as I have often preached at the PCH’s, as long as you have breath. God has something for you to do! Don’t give up, look up and bloom/serve the Lord wherever He plants you.

The words in the book of Esther—“for such a time as this”— have always been very meaningful to me, and especially so as I served the Lord as pastor. I am still amazed at how the Lord led me into the ministry and I have always prayed that He would also show me clearly when it was time to step down.

Over the last two years, I have prayed specifically about when God would want me to retire as I zoomed past 65. I asked the Lord for clear direction; that I would KNOW when it was His time and that He would provide for the church as well as for me. As most of you know, it is very hard to find part time pastors for small country churches!

My personal concern was having to find a new church. Generally, when a pastor retires, they leave the church because it is easier for the incoming pastor. I have been a member of Shoal Lake Baptist since 1988. I used to joke that I had held every position except the pastor 🙂

God has answered all my concerns in amazing ways! I wanted to share part of that journey with you. In the last couple of years, God kept giving me a couple of verses. They showed up randomly in my devotional times. They even caused me to go gray! 🙂 The first one was Isaiah 46:4, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

God will sustain me, carry me and rescue me…and you too. Always, even to your old age and gray hairs!

The second scripture passage was Psalm 71:18, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, until I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come.”

I have always had a passion to tell the next generation about our God and how amazing He is— that His love and plans for each one of us are so awesome! He will never let you down. Everyone and everything else will, but God never will.

As I pondered the meaning of these verses and prayed about my life and ministry, I decided to stop dying my hair. The gray reminds me that God is in control and that He has a plan, even for old age. He will never abandon me. Ministry is not who I am; I am a child of God and deeply loved and protected by Him. And so are you!

Things really began to get crazy in my life around January 2020, and then COVID hit and the way of doing ministry changed drastically! I prayed for wisdom and direction—feeling that the time was coming for me to step aside but needing confirmation from God! Specifically, I prayed for the timing to retire, someone to take over, and a place to worship and serve in retirement.

About that time, God began to speak to a young couple that I know and love, Heidi and Joel Usick. They strongly felt God telling them that they were supposed to come and minister in Shoal Lake when I was ready to retire. Joel and Heidi came to talk to me about all that the Lord had been telling them, and it seemed so God-like. We took some time to pray about it, and God confirmed it. He specifically answered all that I had prayed concerning my retirement for the past couple of years.

Answer one—someone passionate to carry on the ministry. Answer two—I would get to stay in the church as a mentor. I joke that I go off the payroll and onto the pray roll. And answer three— I was able to finish well, exactly 15 years after I began my ministry as pastor!

Life is a journey. Years fly by, and sometimes we forget to savour the moments and enjoy the work God has created and called us to do. God is always with us and He has a plan and a purpose for us in every season. Our faithfulness to His calling on our lives will reap blessings for us for all eternity!

So here I am, retired but not tired! Hands up, palms open, eyes to the Lord, ready to serve Him in this season of life. God is so faithful! When we pray, He answers if we honestly seek His will.

If there is room to end this with another powerful, passage of promise, I would love to close with Psalm 92: 12-15 NIV, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.” Amen and keep serving, wherever God has placed you!

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Want to tell us how great we’re doing? Or how terribly? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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Heartland Regional Newsletter June 2021

The Season of Seeding

I reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba, having grown up in southern Manitoba. Around here, May is the month when plenty of farmers get busy seeding their fields, and when many folks work on putting in their gardens.

Now, I’m not a farmer, but I often like to talk about the work of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) when I meet farmers. One of the reasons I do so is because the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada have been a part of a partnership of 15 church and church-based agencies working together to end global hunger through CFGB. We’ve been doing this since 1983, and Arnold Epp, long-time member of Argyle Road Baptist Church in Regina, was part of the initial organizing team.

In 2014, I had the privilege of going to Africa, arranged by the CFGB and with a team comprised of 10 people from across Canada who were interested in the international work of CFGB. I was a Doctor of Ministry student at Carey Theological College at the time, and I was able to incorporate this trip into a guided study course, under the supervision of Dr. Gordon King. We went to two countries in Africa to visit villages that had benefited from an ongoing relationship with CFGB. We first visited some sites in Sierra Leone, considered at the time to be the second poorest country on the planet. Next, we headed to Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in western Africa which also struggles with food insecurity. We arrived in Burkina Faso not long after an intense struggle against drought. The sites we visited, however, were examples of how significant support from CFGB can be. The photo below illustrates some of the hard work by people living in Watinonma, who banded together to dig wells for consistent irrigation, establish composting techniques, and then plant a significant amount of vegetables.

Happily, there are examples of churches supporting CFGB across our association of churches, with Moosomin Baptist Church and Brownfield Baptist Church committed to doing good work in this way. There are various ways to support the work of the CFGB, as a church or individually, and you can even donate via Canadian Baptist Ministries here: https://foodgrainsbank.ca/cbm/. In my personal experience, I am glad to know that I, as an urban dweller, can support the CFGB via a local Grow Hope project, a project located near the town where I went to high school. The money donated goes to cover the cost of inputs for an acre, and I will be receiving updates on the field throughout the growing season. Once harvested, the Canadian government matches the profits 4:1. Indeed, when you support the CFGB, a little goes a long way.

On a smaller scale, my wife Mary and I are also interested in growing some food for ourselves. This spring we’re doing a lot of yard work, and this has included the replacement of our old garden boxes with new ones, and as I write they are nearly complete (see photo below). I already anticipate toasted tomato sandwiches with fresh tomatoes from our garden. But having a garden is more than that. It helps us remember, using Wendell Berry language, that beautiful cycle that revolves from soil to seed to flower to fruit to food to offal and decay, and around again. It helps us remember, using Biblical language, that we are creatures, and God our creator cares for us in such a way that He has spoken creation into functional order, both for our sustenance and stewardship.

Since this is the season where all sorts of seeding has begun on various scales for all sorts of folks, I thought I would draw your attention to the great work of CFGB and our partnership with them. With donations from all sorts of people, ranging from urbanites to agricultural companies to rural churches and farmers, resources are combined (no pun intended) to have a seriously positive impact on those suffering from food insecurity. I also think it is valuable to try and grow some food yourself, if possible. It’s great to be involved in these initiatives, and I’d encourage you to get involved if you haven’t already done so.

Peace,

Mark Doerksen

Ministry of Presence 

By Rev. Tim MacKinnon

I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to share something that has been close to my heart over the last decade. When I was quite new with my last church in Salisbury, NB, a young man in our congregation, who was a volunteer firefighter, asked me if I would consider being the Fire Department’s Chaplain, as the former one had left the province. My initial reaction, to be honest, caused me to pause and say, “Hmmm, I will pray about that.” The truth is, as much as I thought I understood about chaplaincy, I really didn’t. There are many forms of chaplaincy—such as emergency service chaplains, like police, fire and EMS, disaster relief chaplains, military chaplains, prison chaplains, hospital and nursing home chaplains—all with a similar set of gifts and responsibilities, but each very unique to the people they serve. After some time, I felt that God was plunging me into community mission in a way I had not been involved before. I fell in love with chaplaincy and the people I serve!

Being able to interact with people who, for the most part, don’t do church, being available for community people when they are afraid or hurting and being able to be involved in community concerns in a meaningful way, all made me realize what a wonderful opportunity the Church, pastors and leaders have to ‘love on’ their communities. Chaplains and Pastors played a very important role when the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash occurred. Recently, two SaskPower employees in Weyburn died in a tragic workplace accident and our Co-Police Chaplain and I were able to bring comfort and support to emergency workers involved.

Upon moving to Weyburn, Saskatchewan, I approached our Fire Chief, who paired me up with an already-serving chaplain who had been well-loved in the community for many years. He was a retired Presbyterian Church minister. Since I was sharing the fire chaplaincy, I had also been approached about being a co-Police Chaplain for our Weyburn Police Service. This was another new adventure for me. Though there are similarities between the emergency services, they are different ‘breeds’ of people with systems that work quite differently from one another. The former fire chaplain has since passed away, so I’m quite busy being available for both departments. Once again, I found myself falling in love with our police officers, staff and their families and love being involved in the community. As a Chaplain, one never knows the type of calls and needs that they could be involved with. I have filled in for other chaplains, such as our local Legion Chaplain, to hold Remembrance Day services, funerals, etc. I have received calls from our local Mayor, who may be trying to help a member of the community with something. Chaplaincy has also been a wonderful way to partner with the other churches and Pastors in our community, as requests often come in regarding practical needs of people, such as those who may be vulnerable in different ways.

I strongly encourage our Pastors to think about the possibility of being involved in some form of chaplaincy, if the situation arises and if God is nudging you. I have received valuable training that is also very useful in pastoral ministry. Crisis intervention, for example, is a set of skills that chaplains need to be trained in. I have done many courses about critical stress management, rapid response, group and individual counselling, suicide prevention, and have a greater understanding of abuse, etc. This training has helped me to be more prepared for the types of things that happen in church circles, as well. I am a member of the Canadian Police Chaplain Association, Federation of Fire Chaplains, Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, and available to help with CISM for SK. All of these offer various training opportunities. I also had the opportunity to host a training event recently for general emergency chaplains. Twenty-seven chaplains from about 15 different provinces and states signed up for this virtual course. A facilitator with Chaplain Services Network led us in a three-day training on how to give death notifications to loved ones, being able to identify where someone is at emotionally, support for those suffering from PTSD, how to greater ‘get at’ struggles people may be dealing with but holding in, being involved in community crisis if it should arise, etc.

When we think of the ministry of Jesus, He conversed with many varied types of people who had many different physical, emotional and spiritual needs. He interacted with Centurions, who would have been an early version of our police and military officers. He ministered to families in need and crisis. Many of these people came to faith as a result of His involvement in their lives. The motto of one chaplain department is “With you in good times and bad.” What I have discovered the most about chaplaincy is that it’s not necessarily what I do or the ‘tasks’ I may perform for a department, it is ‘just being there.’ The presence of the Christ-follower brings with it the reminder to people (whether or not they are even looking for it) that God is present. We all represent someone or something else. A teacher represents the school system, a lawyer represents the system of law, the fire fighter represents the fire service and—the chaplain represents God.

A chaplain friend who serves as a police chaplain in Ontario sent me a copy of his book, “Community Policing: The Path to Healthier Relationships – A Police Chaplain’s Perspective” and in it, he wrote the following, “Chaplain Rev. Tim MacKinnon, you are a transformational leader with a passion to impact lives for God’s glory—strategically placed to expand His kingdom on this side of eternity. Your role as a chaplain is God-given…” I’m thankful for his encouraging words as I go on ‘ride-alongs’ with police officers, ‘check in’ on various firefighters and their families and bring words of encouragement and hope to our Police and Fire Chiefs, who are often expected to do much with limited resources. During times of uncertainty and crisis, we are called to draw people to “the God of hope” who can fill us “with joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). My guiding Scripture is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 as we point others to the comfort and hope we have found in Jesus Christ, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” As Pastors and leaders in our churches, we all have a God-given call on our lives to love others and point others to the love of Jesus. We also all have a God-given call to share the Gospel in the community around us, even in some challenging situations that may not always be that easy. We can be a ‘ministry of presence’ to others, just as the Holy Spirit fills us with his power, love and grace (Acts 1:8). May all of us be in prayer about how God may want us to be involved in our communities. If anyone may be considering Chaplaincy, I would be available to chat with you: revtimmack@gmail.com

Rev. Tim MacKinnon, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Community Church & Chaplain for the Weyburn Police & Fire Services

Heartland Baptist Women Announcement 

On behalf of Manitoba Women in Focus, we are excited to announce our new name and Logo for the Baptist Women of Manitoba and the Prairies—HEARTLAND BAPTIST WOMEN.

The Women of the Canadian Baptist of Western Canada have been an important part of the denomination over the years with different titles as time has passed. Their focus has been on Missions and supporting women in the denomination. As was announced in a fall newsletter, Women in Focus has completed their term as of May 1st, 2021. It is time for a rebirth.

Over the past few months, through prayer, conversation and connections, the executive of Manitoba Women in Focus felt it was time for a change and a new start.  We want to include all women of the prairie region. Something new! Having “Heartland Baptist Women” as our new name will serve all women in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and beyond. We hope to connect and reach out to more women across the prairie provinces to encourage and pray for one another and to be the salt and light that God calls us to be in our Homes, Communities and local Churches. This is open to all women who love Jesus and to those searching for Him.

We are excited and we look forward to what God will do through Heartland Baptist Women.

We are so thankful for all the Women who paved the way for us to continue, even through the seed that was planted years ago from Women in Focus. There was fruit! We Praise God for all He’s done over the years. Faye Reynolds mentioned that something had to die for something to be born, and we believe it is Heartland Baptist Women. We Pray for the Harvest!

Your executive for Heartland Baptist Women includes:

Carol Parsons, Peggi Talbot, Colleen Allan, Charlene McAlpin, Rerie Resendes, Lesia Andrushyshen. We will be looking for volunteers from other areas and provinces. Through our newsletter, KEEPING CONNECTIONS, we hope to reach out to many.  Please visit our “Heartland Baptist Women” Facebook page to connect, share and watch for upcoming events.

As your first President of Heartland Baptist Women, let us pray and dedicate Heartland Baptist Women for the glory of God.

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Want to tell us how great we’re doing? Or how terribly? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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Heartland Regional Newsletter December 2020

Thoughts from Heartland Regional Minister Mark Doerksen

In my line of work, it seems inevitable that one should think about church quite a bit. Here are a few questions I’ve been thinking about lately, and then I want to follow up on one specific idea that’s been festering for a bit.

Why do a lot of pastors want to pastor a big church? Why are some bigger churches considered healthy, when some health indicators I personally value are not in plain view when you visit said church?  Why does it seem that pastors typically want to pastor an urban church?

When is the last time you’ve heard a speaker at a conference who pastors a church of less than 50 people? Why do many Christians look for “Christian heroes or celebrities?”

Perhaps I’ve been thinking about these things because I’ve read and had discussions with folks about two of Scot McKnight’s books recently. The first is called Pastor Paul, and the second, A Church Called Tov. Actually, Scot’s daughter, Laura Barringer, helped write A Church called Tov, and the book is about toxic and goodness cultures in churches. Scot and Laura write about the abuses of power at Willowcreek in Chicago, as Laura was a member there. It discusses the power that Bill Hybels had, the way he abused it, and how the church leadership struggled to navigate serious allegations against him by more than a few prominent and faithful women. After discussing the toxicity of the church culture, Scot and Laura turn their sights towards developing a goodness culture in churches, so that churches are characterized by things such as empathy, grace, truth, justice, service, Christlikeness, and by putting people first.

I think the book is hard to read, not in an Oliver O’Donovan kind of way, but in that it was tough to read about a pastor whose work has influenced so many, and yet has clearly behaved poorly for quite a long time. It was tough to read about Bill’s treatment of women. It was tough to read because of the steps and missteps that the leadership of Willowcreek took. It was also tough to read because it reiterates that numerical size may be a metric that North Americans value, but that metric might actually say very little about the spiritual health of a church. It’s tough to read because it seemed that so many were enamored with that church model and with the Global Leadership Summit, and now disappointment abounds. I’m not saying that smaller churches are void of issues and toxicity; I am saying that I do hope we can sort through misinformation we’ve been handed and have believed, and finally realize that faithfulness and treating people properly is a very important part of church work, no matter if you’re a pastor or serving as a volunteer in the church. The book reminds me to care for the people in front of me with integrity, goodness, and other characteristics as described by the Apostle Paul’s fruit of the Spirit. It reminds me to minister as John the Baptist did, declaring always that Jesus must increase, and I must decrease. And it reminds me to be vigilant about developing goodness cultures in our churches.

The Sunday after I had finished reading the book, I was at church describing the book to a friend. I mentioned how grateful I am for pastors who serve with egos in check. I had in mind a lot of pastors I know of through our association of churches, and I’m grateful for your faithful ministry, with and to the people in front of you.

Nearing Advent,

Mark

God Makes a Way – Even in a Lockdown

By Jon Shierman – Lead Pastor at Moosomin Baptist Church

“Is that even a real place or are you joking?” That was the most common response my wife, Kate, and I got when we told people that we had answered a call from Moosomin Baptist Church in Saskatchewan and would be leaving Calgary. Our response? Usually some variation of, “Oh, it’s real. And it’s amazing.” That was in February when news stations were just starting to report on a mysterious new virus with a science fiction sounding name. Surely that wouldn’t affect us in any way…

The process by which Kate and I discerned our call from a large centre to small town Saskatchewan is one of those stories that best told over a cup of coffee, or four.

The kind of story that takes many diversions from the main narrative in order to understand properly the myriad of heartbreaks and false starts and a few too many “coincidences” to not have been ordained by God.

And so, Kate and I, along with Abigail and Charlotte (then ages four and one) felt confident that this was where God was clearly calling us. As we packed up our house, the news stations had started to mention this new virus more and more. Soon it seemed like something we might need to pay attention to.

By mid-March, the world had changed. Now the most common question we heard was, “So are you still moving?” After discerning the clear call and already having purchased a home in Moosomin, we knew that yes, one way or another, we would still move before I started at MBC on May 1. To say that the whole packing and moving process was difficult would be a massive understatement. But as we have found at every turn since we first engaged with this church, God has been clear in His direction and has provided a way even when things looked impossible.

We arrived in Moosomin in mid-April, and I began serving as a new pastor in a new community during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. Not exactly ideal circumstances to meet a congregation and community. I began preaching remotely by recorded video while trying to recall the seminary classes that teach how to connect with people when a pastor has never actually met them. Spoiler alert: those classes don’t exist.

Through all of this, somehow, real ministry started to happen. We found new and creative ways to provide digital content. I preached to an empty room for the first three months but found that people were not only taking time to watch, but they were also actively engaging in discussion around the messages.

After coming through a long period of transition, the lockdown afforded us the time to focus on the many important things that are so often crowded out by the urgent. We started to look to the future and began preparing for what the next new thing might be.

We still don’t know when we will emerge from this situation. We still don’t know what the next few months hold. But this church and my family are proof that the kingdom of God has not

stopped advancing simply because we are asked to stay home or wear a mask or do church in new ways. God makes a way – even in a lockdown.

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Want to tell us how great we’re doing? Or how terribly? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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Heartland Regional Newsletter July 2020

The Potential of Professional Development

By Mark Doerksen

Professional Development seems to one of those job perks that is nice to consider, but probably under-utilized. Typically, the CBWC will send a sample job description template to new pastors, and one of the categories in the sample is that of Professional Development. The category is described as follows in that sample:

Professional development is essential to the well-being of the individual, the denomination, and the congregational life of the church. It includes annual study leave which will benefit both the individual and the church goals. Professional Development is then mapped out according to yearly expectations, as well as expectations for sabbatical. While a sabbatical was very refreshing for me and allowed our family to go to Kenya to see some of the projects that Canadian Baptist Ministries are involved in, I write currently about my most recent Professional Development experience.

I have just completed a significant goal in my professional development, and I include it here as a reminder or impetus for you to consider personally, or to have a conversation with your pastor about her or his goals for professional development. In 2010, I was pastoring Willowlake Baptist Church, and decided it was time to test the waters a bit for a Doctor of Ministry degree. In January of 2011, I enrolled to audit a D. Min. course at Carey Theological College entitled, “Preaching as Theatre” with guest lecturer Jana Childers. She was outstanding, and I decided that I could in fact proceed at the D. Min. level. I then enrolled in the program at Carey.

Of course, life moves in mysterious ways, and I had no idea that I would come to accept the role of Heartland Regional Minister in August of 2014. I took some time off from studies, but eventually got back to it. My studies have afforded me tremendous privilege and customization of learning. I have taken courses from the local faculty at Carey, and have also had the privilege of learning from visiting lecturers, such as missiologist Darrell Guder. I have had the chance to go to Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone with Canadian Foodgrains Bank for a guided studies course, supervised by Gordon King. I’ve been able to engage with Canadian Baptists of Western Canada churches as I wrote a final project, with William Brackney as a guide. It’s been a long experience, but a deeply meaningful one that has helped shaped me into who I am today.

These opportunities for further study and growth require much, and I, for one, am grateful for the congregation at Willowlake Baptist Church who allowed me to embark on this professional development trajectory. I am grateful to Carey Theological College for their patience with me, and for the funding I was able to receive through the CBWC Foundation. I’m glad that the CBWC believes in Professional Development and furthering education, and for things like a yearly study week allotted to staff. I’m especially mindful of my generous wife, Mary, who agreed to set aside funds for me to attain this goal. I may be the one completing the degree, but I know full well that there were a lot of moving parts that made this possible, and I know I could not have completed this without the contributions of many.

I hope my bearing witness has encouraged you to proceed with your own professional development, or to be renewed in being intentional about caring for your church pastor in this way. As mentioned above, Professional Development is essential to the well-being of the individual, the denomination, and the congregational life of the church. I believe this to be true, and I hope you do, too.

Once a Pastor, Always a Pastor

A reflection on a 29-year pastoral journey  |  By Pastor Peter Elias

The year 2020 means that, for me, the number of years as a Pastor has reached 29 years. However, not all of these 29 years would be considered full-time ministry. There were a couple of breaks taken throughout this time. But God has a way of keeping someone in service; once a pastor always a pastor. There was always something going on that kept the ‘pastor senses’ working.

I look back on this now and I wonder, how did any of this come about? As a young man, if anyone had suggested that I would become a pastor and a preacher, I would have thought they must have lost all sense of reasonable thinking. One of the scariest things for me to consider doing was public speaking—no matter the size of the gathering. Yet, somewhere in the early 1990s I found myself agreeing to fill the pulpit while our small church looked for a new pastor.

 This agreement grew into six years of serving as the pastor in that church. After six years, I felt I was becoming rather weary and needed to make some changes, knowing full well that I would be returning to the pulpit. It was only a matter of time and rest. During this break I continued to fill the pulpit from time to time and, just short of four years later, I returned to school as a mature student. It was while in school that I started to teach an adult Sunday school class at the church where my family and I attended. It was here that I was introduced to the CBWC which was the BUWC (Baptist Union of Western Canada) at the time.

As it turned out, the pastor at the time retired and I was hired on a part-time basis, which became full-time quite quickly. The people were great, and the better I got to know them the more wonderful they became. However, due to some family issues, we needed to leave after only three years. It was not easy to leave, but this is how we ended up in Northern Manitoba for the next eight years. It seemed that after these eight years I once again reached a point that I found myself in need of a break. The difference this time was that I felt, and thought, that I was indeed finished. It was not an easy decision but I thought that I was used up as a pastor. I went to work as a Resident Manager at a high-rise building in Winnipeg. Again, God has a way of keeping the ‘pastor senses’ working. It is amazing how many of the skills learned as a pastor came into play while working with the tenants in my

position at this occupation. And though I enjoyed this position, it seemed it was not where God wanted me. I reluctantly started to think more seriously about returning to pulpit ministry.

As certain as I was that my pastor days were done, there were those who claimed that they knew that I was not as finished as I thought I was. I half-heartedly started to put out feelers as to which churches were looking for a pastor because I knew that, just like before, I would give all of myself once again to wherever I was. It seems that God has led me to Strathclair Baptist Church and with no amount of regret on my part. I do have to admit that it did take a bit to get “back into gear” so to speak. However, the people are what the ministry is all about, and God has a way of placing one where one needs to be.

The Baptist Church in Strathclair Manitoba is exactly where I am supposed to be.

-Peter Elias, Pastor of Strathclair Baptist Church.

A Summer Reading Suggestion

By Mark Doerksen

Many pastors within the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada churches will be familiar with Stanley Grenz’ books and theology. I have often referred to his short book entitled, The Baptist Congregation, and have attempted to get a copy into the hands of CBWC ministers within the Heartland Region. It is especially helpful in articulating the Baptist convictions that form an acrostic for the word BAPTIST: Believer’s baptism, Autonomy of the local congregation within the associational framework, Primacy of Scripture, True believers only in the church, Individual competency and believer priesthood, Separation of church and State, and Two ordinances.

I have, however, recently come across William H. Brackney’s book entitled, A Capsule History of Baptist Principles. This book was published on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of Baptists in 2009. Brackney has global influence as a Baptist historian, and is well-suited to write this book because of his familiarity with so many different types of Baptist groups. Brackney writes of themes similar to Grenz, only he addresses each topic in a brief chapter.  Topics include The Lordship of Christ, The Authority of Scripture, The Importance of Religious Experience, The Associational Principle, and others.

One of the main highlights of Brackney’s book is the historical scope that he brings to each topic. As you read this book, and each theological emphasis, you also learn more about the historical context of the development of each emphasis. Some important emphases in this book include his chapter on The Importance of Religious Experience, The Associational Principle, and the Principles of Human Rights. Though the insights are not particularly from a Canadian perspective, they are global, and that helps one gain a wider appreciation for Baptists around the globe.

I think this book is worth the read. Its content is important, offered in short doses from a wide perspective historically, but it also gives the differentiating Baptist perspective in the midst of other faith traditions. It also introduces its readers to some important Baptist theologians, as well as introducing historical events, such as the abolition of slavery and how Baptists have played a significant role in such events. If the scope of the book is of interest to you, you’ll appreciate that its topics are published in such a way that reading a chapter at a time is entirely doable, but you’ll want to return to it soon thereafter.

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Want to tell us how great we’re doing? Or how terribly? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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Heartland Regional Newsletter April 2020

Seeing God’s Faithfulness through Big Life Changes

A note from Pastor Garth Plamping, from Asquith Baptist Church

What a great God we serve! 

My wife, Cara and I are thrilled to have joined the CBWC last March, to serve at Asquith Baptist Church. We have been married for 18 years. Our boys, Hezekiah (12) and Amos (10), are homeschooled.

Over the last decade, I have been privileged to serve as an associate Pastor and as a bi-vocational Pastor in Calgary and the surrounding area.

I have to admit, we were a little nervous when we received the call to come to Asquith. This would be the largest move since Cara and I married, leaving all our social networks behind.

As we dialogued with the church, prayed with our family, and sought advice, Cara and I believed the Lord was calling us to make the move. We said yes to my first full time Pastorate.

I am happy to say that God is faithful. Yes, change brought stress, as change always does. But God has brought us into a province with wonderful people who have a heart to serve the Lord and each other.

Through the Lord’s faithfulness, we have grown through the many challenges and joyous events that have happened over the last year, both personally and with the church.

Our family has spent a huge amount of time in the mountains. Like most people in Alberta, we had heard all kinds of stereotypes regarding the land in Saskatchewan. Yet we were determined to discover the jewels of Saskatchewan. So far, we have not been disappointed. Our family has had a number of wonderful experiences, both in nature, and at a number of museums and parks.

For those of you who are in their first year with the CBWC, I encourage you to connect with Mark Doerksen, and to take advantage of the mentorship that is offered. I have found both Mark and my mentor, Ron Phillips from Regina, to be valuable, not just in acclimating me to the CBWC, but they have helped me process my ministry and helped me serve my people better.

As Asquith Baptist Church looks forward to the excitement of spring and summer, can I ask you to pray for us?

Pray that I would continue to learn from my people, to grow in my faith, and to lead people through faithfully teaching God’s word. Like many of you, we have many ministry events that the people of Asquith Baptist will pour their time and energy into. Pray that we will minister in love, and with a boldness that will reach the community of Asquith and the surrounding RMs.

Garth Plamping, Pastor at Asquith Baptist Church

The Appeal of the Heartland Retreat

By Mark Doerksen 

Superbowl Sunday is an important day for plenty of people, especially as folks host viewing parties and cheer on their teams.  Yet Superbowl Sunday also typically signals an important event in the Heartland Region. There’s a 24-year tradition in the Heartland, and it’s called the Heartland Pastor and Spouse Retreat at Russell, Manitoba.  It happens every February at the Russell Inn, the Monday after Superbowl Sunday. The retreat has been happening longer than this, but we’ve had the retreat at this location since Wayne Larson was Heartland Regional Minister.  It’s been great to see the relationships that have developed between the hotel staff and the Heartland Regional Office, and we are so pleased to enjoy their hospitality each year. 

The retreat is made up of scheduled activities, free time, and worship sessions, and we try to instill relationship-building as one of our main emphases at the retreat. We try to have at least one event where we pit our Saskatchewan contingent against our Manitoba contingent.  In previous years, we’ve curled against each other; the last two years, we’ve played crokicurl.  Team Saskatchewan is deceptively good, and have been crokicurl champions for the last 2 years. Team Manitoba has proven to be reluctant losers at such events.

One of the highlights of the retreat each year is the food that is served.  Cindy works with the staff in coming up with a menu each year, and the hotel catering staff always does exceptional work for us. The helpings are generous, and the food is terrific, and we always feel well cared for.

Of course, we also have significant times of worship and teaching as well.  Chris Neudorf led us again in terms of our singing together.  This year we had Brendon and Karen facilitate conversations on Paying Attention to God, to self, and to others. It was a time where they each brought their strengths to the conversation, and we were reminded of how important attentiveness is in all areas of life.  Brendon described their presentations as bearing witness, speaking of how these themes work themselves out in their lives. I was deeply encouraged by these sessions, and challenged as well. 

We do allow for significant free time, and people enjoy this—though being in Manitoba in February usually means that this free time is spent indoors.  Our evenings are spent together playing games; sometimes we have crokinole tournaments, others play Wizard, and so forth.  It’s fun to watch our retreaters display their competitiveness.  I, for one, know that there are some people that I will no longer play Dutch Blitz with, as I get tired of losing time after time.

One of the pieces of this retreat that I’ve appreciated is that of building relationships.  It’s fun to see pastors and non-pastors connect with each other, and these relationships spill out beyond

the confines of the retreat.  The connections continue to happen afterwards, and it’s great to see the support that is fostered in our all-too-brief time together.

All of this is to say that now, when a new pastor comes to the Heartland, I really encourage them to come to this retreat. Banff is a spectacular conference, of course, but this retreat has a different feel altogether, obviously, with important opportunities for relationship building.  I’m grateful for this tradition in the Heartland, and I hope it continues for a long time.

This regional newsletter is published quarterly within the CBWC’s monthly newsletter, Making Connections. Have a story idea? Want to tell us how great we’re doing? Or how terribly? Email our senior writer, Jenna Hanger: jhanger@cbwc.ca

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