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God’s Abundant Care for People: A Kingdom Empowered Ethic of Generosity By Charles A. Cook, PhD In a previous edition of Perspectives, we looked at the first foundational pillar of the Jaffray Center, the importance of regularly engaging in morally responsible missiology to shape our lives and inform our ministry practice. We observed that in a world of constant change, the community of faith must be attentive to the dynamic nature of ministry and be prepared to reflect on scripture and theology in ways that inform our theory and practice as we seek to “understand the times.” (I Chronicles 12:32; Esther 1:13). We concluded that section by describing missiology as a dynamic practical discipline regularly seeking to integrate scripture and theology, with theory to inform our missional engagement (see the Missiological Wheel, in issue 2023-2024 of Perspectives). In this edition I unpack the second of the two foundational pillars, a kingdom empowered ethic of generosity. This second pillar might best be described as the soil in which the Jaffray Centre’s work is nurtured and allowed to flourish. It’s the culture into which collaborative missiological initiatives are allowed to germinate and find expression as we tap into the river of God’s abundant provision. Having helped develop various non-profits, I have been intrigued by the tension faith-based organizations face as they navigate their kingdom centered biblical values while functioning in a socio-economic organizational climate that values competition, success and self-preservation. Our tendency to appropriate these socio-economic models—human centered models—has often left me wondering if there might be a more effective God-oriented way of developing faith-based organizations. It strikes me that as a community of faith we often choose the “easy button” and uncritically settle for human centered business or managerial1 models for ministry which perhaps work well in a “world of sales and profits but not so well in the world of souls and prophets.”2 ...continued on next page 1 Escobar, “Evangelical Missiology: Peering into the future.“ in Taylor, Global Missiology for the 21st Century, p.109-112. Over the years Orlando Costas, Kwame Bediako, Samuel Escobar, René Padilla, Tito Paredes, Valdir Steuernagel, Vinay Samuel etc. are among a few missiologists who question western managerial approaches to ministry as being too consumed with business-style management principles such as cost-benefit-analysis, measurable objective, and marketing strategies that reduce spiritual aspects to statistics, processes and slogans. 2 Bessenecker, Overturning Tables, p. 37.
Perspectives is published once a year for the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives at Ambrose University 2024-2025 IN THIS ISSUE God’s Unending Care for People: A Morally Empowered Ethic of Generosity Charles A. Cook, PhD Friends of Jaffray Jess M A Kingdom Gathering of God’s People Rev. Angela Bradbury Kairos Course Luchie Swinton Equipping Professionals for Global Mission Gustavo Borges Reflecting on Culture Lauren Umbach The Intergenerational Multiculturalism of our Communities Micaeliah Urquhart Pathway to the Soul Dr. James E. Sweeney
Do you have a favourite memory with the Jaffray Centre? We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with us at jaffray@ambrose.edu
God’s Abundant Care for People: A Kingdom Empowered Ethic of Generosity .continued from page 1
Our sisters and brothers in the global south have increasingly rediscovered3 what the early church knew. They’ve come to the realization that the kingdom of God advances not so much on the basis of power, wealth, connectedness and western money. Rather, the kingdom of God advances on the back of an “upside-down” set of Kingdom values that tap into the stream of God’s resources and blessing (Ps. 1:3). Values that reflect the local context and provide opportunities to minister to others from a posture of generosity, cooperation, self-sacrifice and service. Embracing kingdom values has a way of moving an organization beyond human-centered structures towards a kingdom empowered ethic of generosity where God provides what is needed to bless and advance His kingdom.
apprentices of Jesus are called to appropriate the values of His radical new kingdom. A kingdom in which we are so valuable, we were worth dying for (John 3:16). A safe kingdom where all our material needs are cared for (Matt 6:26-34) and where not even death can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:35-39). A kingdom in which the notions of power and success are turned on their head (Luke 22:27) and where the greatest expression of love is giving ourselves for the good of others (John 15:13).
Countercultural Theological Mooring4
by societal values of success. We focused on models incorporating a theologically informed ethic of generosity built on a foundation of koinonia—fellowship—and valuing of the other. Biblical principles of shared participation ensured all are welcomed into collaborative relationship regardless of the financial “muscle” they may have. An openhanded approach creating a trusting, generous, creative space where like-minded people would explore together new ways of engaging the intercultural mission of God. Values enabling the Centre to work with partners to minimize duplication, increase efficiently and generate greater kingdom effectiveness. Essentially a kingdom empowered ethic of generosity resulting in a countercultural approach designed to permeate all aspects of the organizational structure.
Years of observing faith-based organizations “come and go” inspired me to explore new organizational paradigms5 for ministries like the Jaffray Centre. Early in the process of developing the Jaffray Centre we began gathering a group of mission leaders to reflect on the kinds of values that might best shape an innovative intercultural mission Centre. That work led us to examine various corresponding models that might contribute to a Centre’s long-term viability. Models that were less “human-centred,” meaning less focused on self-promotion or selfpreservation, and not measured
Developing a Developing a Centre where you invite Centre where people to participate you invite on the bases of a people to shared conviction participate God will provide the on the bases necessary resources of a shared might appear risky. conviction But is it? God will provide the necessary resources might appear risky. But is it?6 I realize that in today’s socio-religious climate, this way of thinking is counterintuitive and countercultural—for even the most committed Jesus follower. Yet a quick study of the New Testament reminds us
I’ve recently been impressed by the example of Philemon and Paul around the matter of Onesimus. In a world where collaboration and partnership are often defined by human-centered “win-win” approaches, the Philemon-Paul collaborative initiative highlights a kind of counter-cultural kingdomcentered approach to generosity expressed in the life Onesimus.
A way of being in this world rooted in the idea that it is okay to “die to my success” in order for others to flourish (lay down life for the other). These are a few of the kingdom values Jesus spoke of, modeled, and calls his apprentices to appropriate.
Collaborative Kingdom Generosity
An approach that ultimately required that each party willingly lay aside their own agenda (“lose-lose”) for the benefit of a third party—in this case Onesimus. When organizations
3 Escobar, The New Global Mission: The Gospel from Everywhere to Everyone. 4 Cook, “Kingdom Empowered Ethic of Generosity,” Heart in Hand, #277. 5 Cook, “onSite Study Abroad: A Nonformal Experience Oriented Model for International Missions Training” (in Wan and Tira, Missions Practice in the 21st Century.) In this chapter I reflect on the changing nature of our world in which we minister and encourage the faith community to develop new models for ministry that engage the realities of our time. 6 The history of mission is replete with examples of organizations (some still in existence) that simply “tell their story”and then trust God to provide (OMF, WEC to name a few). While no doubt challenged by the present social-religious milieu, the model is predicated on the fact that apprentices of Jesus are attentive to His voice and will respond to what God is doing in the world.
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are attentive to God’s leading and appropriate kingdom-oriented values, they are freed up to provide greater attention to the needs of others. As a rule, our human-centered approaches towards collaboration tend to be overly self-centered. Participants engage each other in collaborative spaces independently assessing “what’s in it for them, what’s best for them”—that is, what are the potential “wins” or “benefits” for their organization. If the parties determine that there is significant synergy (overlap, benefit, “wins”) for them, they enter into agreement around mutually agreed outcomes. These collaborative (transactional oriented) arrangements are often captured in detailed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that provide direction for the partnership. Contrast this human-centered approach with a kingdom-centered approach. An approach, in which both parties set aside personal agendas for the benefit and blessing of the other. Where all parties trust in God’s provision to foster a mutually beneficial relationship around a shared agenda. An agenda shaped by Christian values of love and humility find full expression through collaborative service, built on an abundance mindset. A mindset that acknowledges there is enough work, enough funding, and enough impact for everyone. It is a way of thinking that shifts the focus away from organizational growth and selfpreservation to embrace a common shared mission to serve others and glorify God.
Perhaps this abundance mindset is what God had in mind when He required the Israelites to leave some sheaves behind at harvest for the poor and the widowed (Deuteronomy 24, Leviticus 23:22, Ruth 2:7). A request that initially may have aggravated the hard-working Israelite famer who saw the demand as simply a “lose-lose” proposition. After all, they weren’t necessarily going to reap the full benefit of their hard work or even get (in today’s terms) a “tax credit” (income tax receipt), let alone get to know the beneficiaries (widows and the orphans). Yet this, among other ways, was God’s means of demonstrating to Israel His care for everyone and His abundant sufficiency for all their needs. I am regularly challenged by the 7 writing of Henry Nowen. Nouwen was passionate about this kingdom orientation to life and ministry. He regularly called Jesus followers to recognize the all-sufficiency of God for our needs. An understanding he believed freed us up to genuinely welcome others into our work, a work he believed to be profoundly spiritual, particularly when underscored by a genuine relationship of love. For Nouwen, a kingdom approach to resourcing ministry moves us beyond a simple transaction—an exchanging of resources for some perceived benefit. For him, God’s provision for our work was a way of calling the people of God to a deeper level of commitment to Him, while inviting 8 others to share in His Kingdom work. The ability to trust together for the
necessary resources, was simply a way to build community and foster relationships based on a mutual trust in God’s abundant provision.
Jaffray at Ambrose Experience Perhaps all this might seem a bit too theoretical. Yet over the years I have witnessed God’s kindness to the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives at Ambrose University as we sought to implement this kingdomoriented approach, while attentive to valuable best practices from human-centered approaches to organizational development. As an incubator/greenhouse, the Jaffray Centre has been a lab of sorts, from which to demonstrate the legitimacy or viability of a kingdomoriented approach to ministry. For the bulk of its eighteen-year history both Ambrose University, the sponsoring organization, and the Jaffray Centre have been blessed by the generosity of the “Friends of Jaffray.” The Ambrose University general fund regularly received more than double the amount needed to cover the administrative and personnel expenses for the Jaffray Centre. While at the same time the programmatic needs of the Jaffray Centre have been cared for by the generosity of donors who have not only provided resources, but time to carry out its programs and through them to bless partnering organizations. In kingdom terms it could be said that the Jaffray Centre at Ambrose was “blessed to be a blessing” to others (Gen. 12:3). ...continued on next page
7 Nouwen, Spirituality of Fundraising. 8 Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus.
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Friends of Jaffray Jess M
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A kingdom empowered ethic of generosity is the critical second pillar to the Jaffray Centre’s success over the years. The blending of this ethic of generosity with the importance of engaging in morally responsible missiology has served the Jaffray Centre for nearly two decades of kingdom impact. In a resource tight world in need of a new inbreaking of God’s kingdom, perhaps faith-based organizations might take a second look at this counter-intuitive kingdomapproach centered around the four things that will last forever: God’s word, God’s people, the worship of God, and intercultural engagement (Rev. 6,7,8). Deo Sit Gloria.u
Bibliography Bessenecker, Scott. Overturning Tables: Freeing Missions from the ChristianIndustrial Complex. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2014. Cook, Charles. “Kingdom Empowered Ethic of Generosity,” Heart in Hand, #254. Escobar, Samuel. The New Global Mission: The Gospel from Everywhere to Everyone. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2003. Nouwen, Henri. In the Name of Jesus. New York: Crossroad Publishing, 2002. Nouwen, Henri. Spirituality of Fundraising. Nashville, TN: Upper Room Books, 2010. Taylor, William D., editor. Global Missiology for the 21st Century: The Iguassu Dialogue. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academics, 2000. Wan, Enoch and Sadiri Joy Tira. Missions Practice in the 21st Century, Pasadena CA: William Carey International University Press, 2009.
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Sitting in a cozy apartment on one warm August day in Calgary, I sipped my tea and contemplated the sweets on the coffee table while I waited for my new friend *Samantha to return from her bedroom. Upon her return she brought me a large picture book, with illustrations on one page and text in both Arabic and English on the other page. The title read “Stories from the Gospels and Acts”. I had been praying for an opportunity to start spiritual conversations with Samantha, and here was an immediate bridge! She is part of an ethno-linguistic and religious (i.e. non-Muslim) minority people group from the Middle East, and I had met her through my friend *Faith, a pastor’s wife from the same background. Samantha assured me that there would be no issue reading these stories together, even in front of her brother and his wife. Samantha and many others like her, members of the Y people, came to Canada as refugees around 2015 after going through a horrific genocide. I connected with the community here because of my experience working with them for 3.5 years in the Middle East. My return to Canada was unexpected, but the Lord quickly and clearly led me into working with the Y people in Canada. I now partner with a variety of churches, agencies and individuals in my work, and we are praying for God to start a movement among his people group. After nearly 2 years of working with her people group in Calgary, the moment in Samantha’s living room was tremendously encouraging to me. I believe God has called me to show unconditional love to this community and to discover those who are open and seek to disciple them. My work consists of helping meet the practical and relational needs of people while always looking for opportunities to partner with the Holy Spirit in the situations I encounter. Often I find He has already been going ahead of me, as in the case of Samantha who had the book of New Testament stories! u Jess graduated from Ambrose Seminary with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Ministry in 2014. After working overseas as an Alliance International Worker for 3.5 years, she now serves in Calgary with The Alliance Bowness New Venture. Each edition of the Perspectives Newsletter features an individual who has connected to the Jaffray Centre through various initiatives or projects. If you would like to have your story of where God is leading featured here, please let us know and we’d love to include you.
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A Kingdom Gathering of God’s People By Reverend Angela Bradbury
Revelation 7:9 “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” Collaborate was the final word that summarized discussions among the group that gathered at Ambrose Seminary on Friday May 2, 2025. From across the room it seemed to be a tiny glimpse of John’s vision in Revelation 7 as Christian leaders from various tribes and tongues, denominations and organizations gathered to discuss God’s kingdom work. If you are asked what is your cultural background and identity – what comes to mind first? Do you pick your country of citizenship? Do you pick your cultural group based on family heritage? Do you look at your skin color and say I belong in this group? Do you think of geography or language to select your group belonging? Any of these answers are a part of your identity and we often look to these external worldly identifiers group ourselves and to find belonging. But in using these labels, how often do we tend to highlight our differences?
Again, these are all valid identifying questions; but we might ask, do we too often focus on our differences when we think about answers.
culturally, generationally and with other Christians. This led into roundtable discussion and reflection together.
After we gathered around tables and snacks, Dr Justin Bradbury presented on Pursuing a Kingdom Culture. His conviction is that pursuing a kingdom vision in our churches is about living out Jesus’ presence with each other in a world that is badly broken by stereotypes, racism, indifference, isolation and pride. As God’s people we should understand that Jesus is a Global saviour; not of any worldly kingdom, not just for any specific people group, denomination or generation. The calling for all of us in the Church is to unify ourselves around a kingdom of Jesus vision. This strengthens the Church, the body of Christ, to function as Jesus taught and to be a public witness of his redeeming work.
The word that summarized the discussion was the overwhelming need to collaborate. How do we as followers of Jesus learn from each other and understand that in our differences there is great beauty and strength; that Jesus works through all of us in different ways to build his Kingdom on earth. In the discussions we were all challenged to continue to learn together, both young and old, and regardless of cultural background and denominational affiliation. We all have something to contribute and learn. The discussion will continue at the next gathering Friday September 26, 2025 at 6:30 pm at Encompass Partnerships Calgary. We invite you to join us. u
Following the presentation, four leaders from a variety of cultural backgrounds and churches spoke briefly of their own experiences addressing how they build bridges
Reverend Angela Bradbury serves as Co-Lead Pastor at Calgary Wesleyan Church, and partners with the Jaffray Centre on intercultural church initiatives.
If you are a follower of Jesus would you say you belong to a particular denomination, a particular tradition or specific church? Are you of a certain age or generation?
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Kairos Course By Luchie Swinton Simply Mobilizing Canada partners with the Jaffray Centre at Ambrose University to deliver the Kairos course as a module each Spring. It is available for credit for Ambrose Students. The course also welcomes ministry leaders, pastors, those preparing to launch their missions career with different denominations, as well as any believer who may be hearing a call from the Holy Spirit and is seeking clarification. Kairos is a nine-session interactive course that facilitates understanding of each believer’s calling to partner with God on mission by providing a biblical, historical and strategic foundation to God’s call to mission. It has been translated into more than 30 languages and is used in over 100 countries. It is available in Canada in French, Korean, Spanish, Cantonese and Mandarin. This year brought together participants from various denominations and callings including five (5) Ambrose students, and was led by a team of trained facilitators from different denominations. Here’s what participants had to say about the course: • “Kairos will ignite your passion for God’s kingdom and ultimate mission! It has caused me to think more deeply about my role in missions and spurring others on.”
If you are interested in learning more, you will find more information about other courses available through Simply Mobilizing Canada at https://simplymobilizing. outreach.ca/ To check on Kairos and other Simply Mobilizing courses available in Canada, please go to: https://coursemanager. simplymobilizing.com/courses/view/ca u Luchie took the Kairos course in 2013, clarifying God’s call in her life to serve at the international office of Simply Mobilizing (SM) based in Butuan City, Philippines. Though coming from a career as an occupational therapist with Alberta Health Services and developing rehabilitation programs across the province, God surprised her by using her well-developed administrative skills at the SM International office, helping prepare SMI for the greater worldwide impact of its courses. Luchie continues to help facilitate SM courses in North America, including Kairos, and serves as SM Canada’s Alberta Coordinator. She also serves as part time Associate Pastor of Mission and Discipleship at Abundant Life Church in Calgary.
• “It gave [me] direction (course-correction) and inspiration to fuel me in the Great Commission.” • “Kairos helps disciples of Jesus recognize the global reach of the good news, while energizing them to intentionally participate in the task that’s left.” • “I think it is a life-changing course. It can benefit me in a clearer picture of what practical things I need to add in my life, e.g. praying for the nations.” • “…Confirmed what I already knew about myself, my giftings, my heart. An introduction to navigating local/ international missions, seen as central to the life of faith.”
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Equipping Professionals for Global Mission: Go Equipped Arrives in Calgary By Gustavo Borges
In May 2025, Ambrose University hosted the first Canadian edition of the Go Equipped course — a weekend training designed to prepare Christian professionals, students, and entrepreneurs to live missionally in international contexts. This event marked an exciting new chapter for Tent International, a global movement that mobilizes and equips believers to serve God through their professions, particularly in places where Jesus is not yet known. Over three days, participants engaged in interactive sessions exploring practical, biblical, and strategic aspects of tentmaking—living and working cross-culturally with the intentional goal of making disciples. The course was led by a diverse team of international instructors, each bringing real-life experience in missions, business, and cross-cultural living. Their stories, wisdom, and vulnerability brought the training to life and sparked meaningful conversations during and between sessions. One key moment from the Calgary event was the launch of a local prayer and planning group, which now meets monthly at Ambrose University. This group is already praying and preparing for a future edition of the Go Equipped course in Canada, tentatively being planned for 2026. While feedback was overwhelmingly positive, some participants noted the intensity of the weekend and the need for deeper cultural contextualization for Canadian audiences. These insights are already informing our plans for future events. We are deeply grateful to Ambrose University and the Jaffray Centre for their hospitality and partnership. Their support—logistically, spiritually, and relationally—was essential to the success of the course and to the broader vision of equipping the church to reach the nations through everyday work. At Tent, we believe God is calling more believers to carry His name across borders—not only through traditional missions but also through their vocations. We are encouraged to see how this vision is taking root in Canada and look forward to what He will do next. u Gustavo Borges is the Director of Tent International in Brazil and the USA. If you are interested in learning more about the Go Equipped Course, visit tentinternational.org or email jaffray@ambrose.edu.
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Reflecting on Culture By Lauren Umbach Culture impacts each of us daily, yet it is something which most of us take for granted and don’t give much thought to. Culture shapes the way we see the world, how we make sense of things around us, how we act and behave, and the assumptions we make. Our cultures are all uniquely shaped by our identities and our experiences. Understanding culture, both ours and others, is an important part of our Christian faith formation as it equips us to love others well. One of my favourite parts of our work at the Jaffray Centre is leading different groups through Introduction to Cultural Fluency workshops. These workshops are often a great introduction to the concept of culture and the complex ways it shapes our day to day. For many participants it provides language and insights to help them make sense of the cultures they regularly navigate, and provides tools to help more effectively bridge across those differences. And, most importantly, it helps provide awareness of their own cultural lens which shapes how they understand the world. This year the Jaffray Centre had many opportunities to lead Cultural Fluency Workshops with a variety of groups.
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Each year, we One of my favourite the topic, “Peace in do Intercultural parts of our work at the a Polarized World”. Development Inventory Jaffray Centre is leading The complexities of (IDI) Assessments with different groups through the current cultural the Seminary students Introduction to Cultural landscape can be and the Education Fluency workshops. These challenging to students at Ambrose workshops are often a navigate as diverse University. These great introduction to the perspectives can often assessments help the concept of culture and the lead to polarizing students have a better complex ways it shapes views, so this workshop understanding of how our day to day. explored how we can they engage with cultural engage with these differences and identify some next complex cultural differences in ways steps for their own cultural learning. which help move passed an impasse Each student has a one on one and towards deeper understanding of debrief conversation which provides the Other and our own cultural lens. an opportunity for personal reflection. There is a richness which comes from These conversations are always rich the diversity in our communities, as the students reflect on how culture so learning how to effectively lean impacts their work in churches into our differences is a rewarding and in Calgary Board of Education experience. u schools. With 60% of Calgarians being 1st or 2nd Generation Canadians, navigating many diverse cultures in these settings is guaranteed. The Jaffray Centre was also invited to lead a breakout session at the annual Ambrose Pastor’s Conference. The Pastor’s Conference is an event “designed to empower and uplift those in pastoral ministry.” This year, our breakout session was on
Lauren Umbach is the Senior Research and Program Coordinator for the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives at Ambrose University and is a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory Assessment.
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The Intergenerational Multiculturalism of our Communities By Micaeliah Urquhart In the multicultural landscape of our communities, we often cease to see beyond the outwardly presenting features. Forgetting one of the most complex and interesting cultural differences, our intergenerational multiculturalism. Meeting people that present stereotypically Canadian may lead us to believe they are disconnected from their cultural heritage or do not have ties to the deep values or language of their family members. However, with the ever-changing world and the increase of first, second, third, and fourthgeneration immigrants we are uniquely opened to culture. Meeting someone for the first time we do not see how they may be fluent in both English and the language of their parents, grandparents, or ancestors. We may miss how a 4th generation immigrant is striving to learn more about their heritage and culture. Through an interconnected world, Ancestry testing, and technology we can have an immense knowledge about our heritage at our fingertips and consistently seek to learn more. I see my generation, generation Z, as having a particularly good grasp on the complexities that culture and heritage can be presented through in Canada. We grew up in Canada at a time when many of our neighbors, classmates, and church community were second or third-generation immigrants. We have been in homes or grew up in a home where you both embrace the amazing parts of being Canadian such as learning how to skate in the winter, going to Canada Day celebrations, or observing Remembrance Day. While also celebrating your own culture
through speaking another language, eating authentic food, and following the traditional holidays. In my family my granddad’s parents came from Ukraine to Canada and built an entirely new life on a farm in Vermillion, Alberta. Not knowing any English, they came and built a life for their family. At the age of eight, however, my granddad decided that he no longer wanted to speak Ukrainian and announced to his family that he would only be speaking English from that point forward. He was being bullied in school for having a different culture than his peers and by vowing to only speak English it was his way of showing his family and peers that he was fully Canadian. Once he became an adult and married my grandma, many of the Ukrainian traditions were kept through our family line such as recipes and holidays. But never once did I hear my grandad speak Ukrainian. Now this story may seem shocking if you are from a younger generation. In our time in history, we often view culture and language as an incredible element to celebrate. We see the differences and unique aspects of our families as being a part of what makes us Canadian. You see I grew up in a Canada where I go excited to have authentic Bulgarian or Syrian food at my friend’s house. I was taught how to say greetings in Tagalog so that I could say hello to Filipino elders at my church.
FRESH WAYS OF LOOKING AT THE INTERCULTURAL MISSION OF GOD
I grew up in a Canada vastly different than my Grandad did, seeing culture and our differences as an aspect of life to be celebrated. I know many second-, third-, and fourth-generation immigrants desperately trying to reconnect with their culture and roots. I also am privileged to know and work with many first-generation immigrants and international students who are open and proud of the culture that they come from and who are so ready to teach those of us who are curious. I hope to leave you with this, take the time to learn about the people around you in your churches, neighborhoods, and workplaces. Share compassion with those who are striving to learn more about their heritage and who may present themselves as different than you first assume. Lastly, take the opportunity to engage with people who may be new to Canada or your culture. Share the things that make you unique and take the time to listen to what makes them unique and then celebrate each other’s differences together. u The Jaffray Centre was pleased to welcome Micaeliah Urquhart as our Summer Intern through the Canada Summer Jobs Grant in 2024. Micaeliah is a 3rd year Christian Studies Student at Ambrose and serves as the Student Council President.
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BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Pathway to the Soul By Dr. James E. Sweeney
The writers challenge us with this: “Christians tend to assume the worst in every potential evangelistic dialogue. We anticipate resistance, dullness and dismissiveness from our unbelieving friends. What we don’t anticipate is the depth and strength of the Holy Spirit’s contending work with that friend.
There is no shortage of books on evangelism. Most in recent years have focused largely on methodologies, particularly methods and theories of cross cultural communication. Now has come along a refreshing volume on evangelism that takes the reader beneath the surface of all those useful considerations, to the core of the matter. This book was written by serious practitioners. Both Van Hoogen and Cook have more than two decades of experience around the world testing and honing the approach to evangelism and discipleship they espouse here. The book is rich in stories of their experiences in diverse cultures, providing vivid illustration of how the principles presented can be put into practice. This is an easy, and yet thoroughly challenging book to read. Upfront the authors tell us that it was written “for equipping and engaging lay Christians in personal evangelism…” Their crisp, motivating style should engage any reader who would desire to find freedom in sharing his faith. At the same time, it will challenge the best minds and will be useful as a tool for those involved in teaching, training and leading evangelistic ministries. Pathway to the Soul is provocative, mostly because of the way in which it deals with a glaring reality many of us would readily confess. The writers challenge us with this: “Christians tend to assume the worst in every potential evangelistic dialogue. We anticipate resistance, dullness and dismissiveness from our unbelieving 10
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friends. What we don’t anticipate is the depth and strength of the Holy Spirit’s contending work with that friend.” Thus, the writers address the problem of what hinders so much faith-sharing straight on. It is a failure, they tell us, to know or believe that the work of drawing persons toward God, and to a thoughtful consideration of the claims of the gospel, is in fact God’s work and not ours. Empowering the message the writer’s wish to convey is something rare in many practical treatments of this subject---a profound theology. This work draws on the most basic biblical truths about God and his intentionality for the human race, the infinite power of the saving work of Christ on the cross, and the ubiquitous activity of the Holy Spirit in all men’s hearts. The theologically trained reader should appreciate and welcome the attention given to these truths. Yet, while these rich streams of essential doctrine flow beneath the surface, these writers
are not making their presentation for the scholar. They are writing to encourage the sometimes wavering hearts of those of us who would like to share our faith in Christ, but feel inadequate. Chapters 2 through 7 lay out the foundational doctrines of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. They are presented in the context of preparation for the work of witnessing. The authors develop a central metaphor to capture the dynamic process of effective gospel witness— the metaphor of conversation. The dialogue we engage in with our unsaved friends is in fact a conversation, a face to face process of listening and speaking. Our ease or unease in such a conversation depends on whether or not we understand that it is in reality God’s conversation.
JAFFRAY CENTRE PERSPECTIVES
Say the authors, “He started it. Communication is his craft. And…. He invites us to participate in the conversation and makes it our own.” The central premise of the book, which promises to empower our witness, is that the burden of success doesn’t rest on us, it rests on God Himself. They advance that premise by pointing out that the Holy Spirit is at all times speaking into the hearts of all people. He is also living in us, and thus we “are ready-made to share the gospel with those who are made ready for it.” Building on the premise that God’s inner work in every man is in fact a conversation, the authors propose that God is planting in man’s heart inescapable questions. Inescapable because all men know the truth about God (Romans 1:18-21) and yet they continue to suppress it. It is then most reasonable that in our desire to join the conversation and to share Christ with another person, we go about it with questions. The thing we must learn is how to ask the right questions. Beginning in chapter 8, the reader is led through an excellent exercise in learning how to ask the right kinds of questions, at the right times. To do this, the authors offer their own experience in over 105 countries around the world, along with experiences of others they have equipped. They use the rhetorical device of a “composite conversation,” which they say has emerged from these experiences. They describe it as universal in application and
“colored by multiple cultures.” Drawing on many actual encounters, they model for the reader gospel conversations which apply the principles they are presenting. The stories they tell are themselves worth reading the book for. One of the interesting proposals Van Hoogen and Cook offer in this volume is a different way of viewing the missional concept of “crossing boundaries.” Arguing that in the contemporary world shared economic interests are diminishing the significance of national and ethnic borders, they see the rise of a new kind of “border,” which is personal and individual in nature. In their paradigm, they suggest that the principle barriers to gospel conversation are not entirely based in ethnic, cultural or linguistic elements which hinder effective communication—but rather in individual autonomy. People every where, they note, “are becoming islands unto themselves. They are separated by an increasing desire for autonomy that lets them be their own gods, and we are rediscovering that gods are fiercely protective of their territory.” If they are right, this could not only introduce new thinking about cross-cultural evangelism, but it would highlight the importance of the main point of this book.
barriers to communication of the gospel we have long recognized. In fairness to them, it would seem likely that the authors might argue that while these are real, the barrier we have too long neglected is indeed within the individual we seek to reach, and it is ultimately breached only by the Holy Spirit. They make a strong case. This work should be read by all who continue to think seriously about the desperate plight of people without Christ throughout the world. It stirs fresh hope. The authors have included some very useful tools to carry the reader beyond the text. The Questions for Study and Reflection at the end of each chapter should enable the reader not only to make the concepts his or her own, but also stimulate discussion with others. The five appendices at the end of the book provide additional materials for personal application. It is refreshing to find in a work on evangelism both child-like simplicity and profound provocation. Pathway to the Soul manages to embrace both. u Van Hoogen, E. J., & Cook, C. A. (2013). Pathway to the Soul: Reaching People Through Spirit-led Dialogue. WingSpread Publishers.
Some might criticize the author’s at this point, suggesting that they seem to diminish the significance of the broader national, ethnic, and cultural
FRESH WAYS OF LOOKING AT THE INTERCULTURAL MISSION OF GOD
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...fresh ways of looking at the intercultural mission of God
Event Calendar
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Beyond Multiculturalism Book Published October 2024 DAI Certificate of Organizational Leadership Courses Online September 2024 – April 2025 Cultural Fluency Workshop – Montreal, QC February 1, 2025 Ambrose Pastor’s Conference Cultural Fluency Workshop Ambrose University March 13, 2025 Inter-Generational Diaspora Seminar Ambrose University May 2, 2025 Kairos Course – Ambrose University May 12-16, 2025 Go Equipped Course - Ambrose University May 30 – June 1, 2025 Introduction to Cultural Fluency Workshop The Alliance Canada, Toronto August 5, 2025 Inter-Generational Diaspora Seminar Ambrose University September 26, 2025
For more information on these and other Jaffray events and projects, please visit us at www.jaffrayglobal.com or send us an email at jaffray@ambrose.edu.
We often refer to the Jaffray Centre as a combination incubator/greenhouse where new ideas, collaborative initiatives, and fresh ways of looking at God’s global mission are nurtured, developed and then launched into service in the church and in the world. Each of the four hubs (Research Projects and Publishing; Educations, Training and Global Awareness; Global projects and partnerships; and Church in Mission Events and Services) houses the different initiatives we’re working on, and we’re always adding more. The Jaffray Centre is made up of people like you and me who want to engage the world around them in new and meaningful ways. Through collaborative project development, training, and research projects, the Jaffray Centre seeks to rekindle and ignite a passion for God’s unending concern for people. Interested in any of our current initiatives or have ideas for new ones? We’d love to hear from you. Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives at Ambrose University jaffray@ambrose.edu jaffrayglobal.com 403-407-9459
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...fresh ways of looking at the intercultural mission of God
JAFFRAY CENTRE PERSPECTIVES