This June, nearly 500 pastors, delegates, volunteers, and guests gathered at Brock University for our Annual Assembly of Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. It was our first Assembly hosted outside of the Toronto Area in nearly two decades. What unfolded over these three days was a deeply moving experience marked by laughter, prayer, spirited discussion, and worship. Our theme, Sharpen Your Pencils, inspired by Habakkuk 2:2, called us to prepare our hearts, minds, and communities to clearly receive and carry God’s vision for the future.
Our time together opened with a vibrant welcome from Niagara-Hamilton churches.
Pastors from Living Waters, Queen Street, Centennial and First Baptist Welland took the stage to greet and welcome our CBOQ family and celebrate the significance of gathering in their region. With shoutouts to churches from across Ontario and Quebec, the evening kicked off in true Baptist fashion—with roll calls, singing, and listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The sense of belonging and shared purpose filled our space at Brock University.
A WARM WELCOME AND LOCAL HOSPITALITY
PLENARY HIGHLIGHTS: WORSHIP, WORD & WISDOM
Our plenAry sessiOns were full Of energy, leArning, And inspirAtiOn
THURSDAY AFTERNOON:
We opened with a call to worship led by Everett Budd of Glenelg Centre Baptist Church, followed by a spiritual practice from Tracy Bagley of South Cayuga Baptist Church inviting us to posture ourselves before God. Delegates turned toward deeper reflection with the video “Who Is CBOQ?”—a moving narrative that reminded us of our shared identity, mission, and diverse family spread across Ontario and Quebec, followed by an snapshot of our CBOQ churches and a lighthearted quiz with prizes from Penny Pencil. This was followed by three options for our delegates: Q and A with our Board, a workshop with Dr. Sam Reimer or one on one spiritual direction. The Q&A focused on CBOQ and our ministry today, surfacing key themes such as hope amid challenge, shifting cultural realities, and the faithful perseverance of congregations, big and small.
THURSDAY EVENING:
Dr. Sam Reimer, sociologist and researcher, delivered a keynote based on his studies of religious affiliation and trends in Canada. His message challenged delegates to be attentive to cultural shifts while remaining grounded in the Gospel. Reimer’s presentation and thoughtful commentary created meaningful conversations around how the church adapts while holding fast to its core mission. We also enjoyed hearing ministry highlights from two of our NHA Churches, a dramatic presentation of Scripture and a powerful Spoken Word by Nicole Woods of Missisauga City Baptist Church.
“The church has always been countercultural, and it’s never been more important to live as salt and light.”
“You can’t make people come to faith. But you can live in such a way that they see faith lived out.”
FRIDAY MORNING
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM):
Moderated by President Eleanor Emmott, the AGM began with a worshipful posture, starting with a call to worship led by a delegate from Mistissini, a time of singing, a spiritual practice led by Leslie Makins of Mountain Hamilton Baptist Church and a prayer from John Chan from Logos Missisauga. Reports from the Executive Minister, Strategic Plan Committee, and the Board were shared. Delegates engaged in a time of group reflection on the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes next generation discipleship, leadership development, and sustainable ministry support. Matt Wilkinson, Leanne Friesen and the Church Life and Leadership team presented key focus areas. Partner updates from CBWOQ, McMaster Divinity College, and CBM enriched the time.
A time for questions followed, where delegates asked thoughtful questions about vision implementation, resource support, and priorities for the future. The session also included moments of celebration, such as recognizing newly credentialed leaders, ministry milestones, and sharing a refugee sponsorship story from Gilmour Memorial Baptist Church. In memoriam and legacy videos provided a time to reflect and pause to honour those who have gone before us.
“we Are nOt the Ones whO save the wOrld. we’re the Ones whO beAr witness tO the One whO dOes.”
FRIDAY EVENING:
The plenary session started with lots of laughs with a game from the “Ryans” and a campfire song from some of our Camp Kwasind Staff. We continued with meaningful worship once again led by Mike Cheon and his team and heard insights from our Young Adult Delegates. CBOQ staff Tanya Yuen and Ken Foo brought the word of God to us, and the Amens to their message echoed in the song that followed which featured singing from churches throughout CBOQ.
“Your story doesn’t end with you. It echoes into the next generation.”
SATURDAY MORNING – AGM CONTINUED:
The Assembly reconvened to review financial updates, including the Treasurer’s report, and to affirm key motions, such as the appointment of auditors and the approval of grant recipients. The business was approached with diligence, humility, and unity.
“Leadership is not about being the loudest voice. It’s about creating space for others to lead too.”
“We are not writing a vision alone. We are discerning what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”
BUSINESS SESSIONS: DISCERNMENT AND DECISIONS
Delegates participated in governance conversations, strategic reviews, and policy affirmations.
Key mOments inCluded:
Welcoming new Treasurer Adam, who presented a strong financial outlook and shared that, for the first time in over a decade, the number of contributing churches had increased, as well as the amount of givings
A clear and hopeful presentation of the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan. Delegates submitted reflection cards during discussion sessions, which shaped the direction of open-floor Q&A and Board responses.
All business motions, including organizing motions, scrutineer appointments, and report approvals, were affirmed without contention.
Spiritual Practices and Prayer
A hallmark of Assembly 2025 was the rhythm of worship woven throughout. Delegates participated in prayer gatherings, individual spiritual direction, and guided practices led by trained facilitators. Each session opened with moments of stillness and worship, lead by Mike Cheon and his team, setting the stage to help center our attention on God’s leading.
Moments of Joy and Community
From a spontaneous standing ovation for a young delegate to a nostalgic campfire-style singalong, joy and connection were visible throughout Assembly. Whether it was during meals in the dining, workshops, or conversations in the hallways, the sense of family was evident everywhere you went. The games and pop quizzes added levity and brought laughs that helped unite us in our shared imperfections and grace.
A
family of churches, Transformed by Christ, Revealing, God’s Kingdom.
THANK YOU & LOOKING AHEAD
To all our delegates, guests, volunteers, staff, and sponsors—thank you.
Your presence made Assembly 2025 a time of deep connection, spiritual growth, and communal discernment. As we look ahead to another year, may we continue to sharpen our pencils, write the vision God gives us, and run together in faith.
Save the date for CBOQ Assembly 2026 and continue the journey of vision, hope, and formation together. We hope you enjoy this year book we have put together to remind you of our time together and for you to share with your church family.
