Kurios is Running this Fall!
By Steve Simala Grant
Kurios is launching this September, and I am really excited about our core group of young adults who are preparing for our CBWC gap year experience centered around Jesus as Lord.
The reality of 2020 has been make your best plan, and plan to be flexible. Kurios was designed to be nimble, but starting a new ministry which includes a large portion of time travelling and interacting with churches and ministries is difficult in the midst of the global pandemic. So, we have Reimagined Kurios for this season.
Our re-imagined experience commits to the fall semester, discipling young adults in a program we know we can deliver now and in almost all health-related scenarios. Our core values guide this re-imagined experience, building a small community together that includes retreat, spiritual formation, teaching, and some Western Canada travel and outdoor adventure. As fall gives way to winter we will continue online until Christmas. We have space for 2-3 more young adults to join, find out more at https://www.kurios.ca/reimagined/ .
God continues to encourage us with His vision for cultivating leadership among the next generation, and I remain energized by the high call of walking with young adults as they seek to learn to love the Lord and love their neighbour. I have felt great support and commitment from the CBWC family, and am thankful for the ongoing support and prayer as we Reimagine Kurios and launch this new experience together. My great hope is that our kurios will fill this new ministry with His strength, power, and love.
Effective Online Ministry Course
The instructor Dr. Bryce Ashlin-Mayo is a pastor in Calgary whose academic specialization was in digital technology and the church. He has put his academic preparation to good use in his congregation. He will be teaching the online course at Ambrose Seminary for 3 days over a three-week period in August. One may register for all three workshops for $150, or $59 each. This may be helpful to our pastors as they continue a hybrid-style church service for the foreseeable future. The workshops can also be taken for seminary credit!
As an aside, Tyndale Academic Press will be publishing a book by Bryce on this theme toward the end of the summer.
The ‘COVID-Effect’: Pastoring the Pastor | July 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects economically, relationally, and in terms of mental wellness for everyone. Many CBWC pastors and ministry leaders have carried an increased load of pastoral care, technological learning curves, shifts in routine, and loss of loved ones in their personal lives and in the lives of their congregations and communities. As they have faithfully attended to the needs of others, they may have been tempted to ignore their own mental well-being and need for pastoral care.
In response, CBWC Executive Staff developed a COVID-Effect Zoom Series entitled “The COVID-Effect: Pastoring the Pastor” for CBWC Pastors and Chaplains, to come alongside them as they continue to live, love, and lead amid the changing landscape of ministry. The Zoom calls were hosted by Executive Staff and led by two faith-based psychologists, Dr. Todd Sellick and Dr. Hillary McBride. More than 81 registrants had the opportunity to take part in this resource which was offered in the Heartland, Mountain Standard, and BCY Regions.
The CBWC Executive Staff continue to virtually engage with and walk alongside our Pastors by:
- Hosting regional ministerial cluster meetings
- Offering one-on-one check-ins with local pastors
- Providing pulpit supply and Board leadership support
- Gathering COVID-19 provincial guidelines and updating website with resources
- Offering crisis care through the Canadian Baptist Benefit Plan
- Developing meaningful and relevant resources for pastoral leadership in the local church
Check out this amazing FREE resource offered by Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries: Faith, Grief and COVID-19: A Conversation
Congratulations!
A big congratulations to Calvin and Keisha Nickel for the arrival of their twins Wyatt Alexander John, 5lbs 7oz, and Elsie Margaret Rose, 5lbs 15oz, on June 22nd! Calvin, Keisha and the big brothers Parker (age 3) and Nathaniel (21 months) are excited for the two new additions to their family, and so are we! Congrats!
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Making Connections is the monthly newsletter of the CBWC.