Mountain Standard Regional Newsletter July 2018 - Canadian Baptists of Western Canada

No, I Don’t Agree with You, But …

In life we cannot go very many minutes without running up against someone who has an opinion contrary to our own. We might see it in the paper, hear it on the radio, watch it on the television, possibly absorb it from our kids, sense it in advertisements, or glean it from clerks at the store. The feeling of wanting to stop the world and set others straight is a common experience, especially when we feel like we are in touch with the heart of God.

I, too, have to cool myself down on minor or even major confrontations to my values. The verses of 1 Peter 3:15-16 have had special meaning to me lately. You may have it memorized, but hear it anew: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (NIV) Historically for me, I have placed these verses as a shield about me for when I feel formally attacked for my beliefs. It can certainly be applied that way, but more often in my spirit, I feel attacked by informal encroachments upon my values. I think there is something here for me in terms of how I handle myself in those moments.

The part that sticks out to me is: “…Do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.” If, in my spirit and attitude or words, I fight back hoping to dominate as though I have an argument to win, then I lose. I need first to have gentleness, respect, and a clear conscience. The verse says I am to be ready to give a reason, but it is not my duty to convince an opponent. My opponents are ultimately accountable to God themselves. If my words convince them of my position, I will indeed be pleased. But if my words are void of gentleness, respect and a clear conscience, then something is truly wrong. Dare I forget the challenge to “love your enemies”? The internal attitudes reflecting the fruit of the Spirit in the inevitable challenges of opponents speaks volumes for the Kingdom.

Another challenge in these verses is to be sure our behaviour does not give others the privilege of slander against us or against the Lord Himself. The moments we feel challenged are the very times we need to breathe, pray, request the Spirit’s filling, then respond with godly attitude, and then think of what words God might give. The truth sets us free, but it does not set us free to release attitudes that reflect badly on His name or His work within us.

May God help us all to be known for shining forth “love, joy, peace, patience …”

Your co-worker, Dennis

Recommended Reading

It’s All Your Fault!: 12 Tips For Managing People Who Blame Others For Everything by Bill Eddy

This book comes recommended by Paul Spate and a friend of mine, Alan Simpson. It speaks about ‘high-conflict people.’ The book gives some practical guidelines on how to understand and approach this difficult type of personality. Everyone comes in contact with these personalities from time to time, but those in ministry can find them especially awkward to handle within a church context. You can read an excerpt here.

-DS

Canadian Baptist denominational leaders (CBWC, CBOQ , CBAC, and L’Union d’Eglises Baptistes Francaises au Canada) met in Guelph in May 2018. One of the projects they are working on together is the development of a new Worship and Service Manual.

Coming Up: Alberta Women in Focus Retreat

October 12-14, 2018 Canmore, Alberta. Get more information and register here.

Bonnie Doon Baptist Church is undergoing a transformation. In addition to some renovations of the building (a new roof, flooring, etc.), a growing Haitian group is holding weekly Sunday services in Creole. Bonnie Doon is a French neighbourhood in Edmonton, AB. We’re thrilled to see the ministry of Christ thrive in this place.

We’ve Got a New Name!

As promised, in our April newsletter, our region has agreed on a new name. Thank you to many who submitted suggestions. As of now, we are no longer the Alberta and Northwest Territories Region. The CBWC Board approved our new name in April 2018: Mountain Standard Region. This name is now inclusive of our AB, BC, and NT churches. Our corresponding new email address for our Edmonton office is msregion@cbwc.ca.

Speaking of the Edmonton office, we’ve also moved! As of July 1st you’ll find us on the Taylor Seminary campus. Our phone number remains the same: (780) 462-2176.

11525 – 23 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3

We are planning to host an open house sometime in September so you can drop by and see the new space. Stay tuned for the date.

Obituaries

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Faye Webber. She died suddenly on the afternoon of May 29. Faye had a passion for mentorship and was involved in various ministries including marriage retreats and worship leadership. She had been involved with the Alberta Regional Advisory Group and with Gull Lake Camp. Along with her husband, Bob (a former CBWC staff member), Faye was actively involved in her home church, Brownfield Baptist Church, AB. The funeral was held at Brownfield Community Centre on Monday, June 11.

John Easter passed away on Sunday, June 17 after battling cancer for quite some time. He is survived by his three children, Martha Jean, Ian and Elizabeth. Along with his late wife Martha (who passed away in January 2017), John was a missionary in India for 19 years. They worked at First Baptist Church in Victoria and then settled into retirement and served at Laurier Heights Baptist Church in Edmonton. John’s love for God and gregarious positivity will be remembered by all who knew him. The celebration of life was held on Tuesday, June 26 at Laurier Heights Baptist Church.

New Ministers Orientation

We had 23 participants this year for New Ministers Orientation (NMO) at the end of April. Each year we hold the NMO at Carey Theological College in Vancouver. It’s proven to be a helpful orientation, and in fact, it is required that all of our pastors and chaplains attend an NMO within the first few years of their ministry.

It’s a 2-day orientation, with lots of interaction between staff and participants. CBWC covers the cost of transportation, accommodation and meals at Carey.

Brenda and Everett Budd (pastor, First Baptist Church, Peace River) celebrate the birth of their son David James Budd. Congratulations to the new parents!

Sam Breakey (CBWC Church Health Strategist) facilitates discussion Fort Saskatchewan Community Baptist Church. If your church is interested in participating in this initiative, please contact Sam at sbreakey@cbwc.ca.

Settlement Report

New Hires:

Joseph Steeves, Senior Pastor, Faith Community Baptist Church, Claresholm, AB
Dick Schonewille, Interim Pastor, Virden Baptist Church, MB

Moving on:

Bill Christieson, Senior Pastor, Awaken, Calgary, AB
Barry Breker, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Pincher Creek, AB
Paris Perry, Interim Pastor, Sonrise Community Baptist Church, Calgary, AB

Retiring:

Al McPhedran, Senior Pastor, Fort Saskatchewan Community Baptist Church, AB