2021-2022
C O L U M B I A C O N TA C T CONNECTING THE COLUMBIA BIBLE COLLEGE COMMUNITY | COLUMBIABC.EDU
NE X T GE NE R AT ION L E A DE RSHIP Equipping leaders for a life of impact and service
E Q UIPPE D, E NG AGE D, & E MPOW E RE D An interview with first-year Biblical Studies student, Sarah McClelland
L E A DE RSHIP IN AT HL E T IC S Jason Warkentin, Men's Volleyball Head Coach
COLUMBIA CONTACT
P R E S I D E NT ’S D ES K
2021-2022 Academic Year Columbia Bible College seeks to equip people for a life of discipleship, ministry, and leadership in service to the church and community.
COLUMBIA CONTACT PURPOSE STATEMENT The purpose of Columbia Contact is to encourage and provide updates about news, events, and related college business to students, alumni, and friends of the college. Columbia Bible College provides faith formation and professional ministry preparation for Christians of all ages and supports the churches of the region in the fulfillment of their mission. Columbia is evangelical Anabaptist and is operated by two regional Mennonite conferences, British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and Mennonite Church British Columbia.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Jessica Funk
COVER PHOTO Gina Koch
PHOTOGRAPHERS Gina Koch Gibi Saini - Athletics Jessica Funk
CONTRIBUTORS Bryan Born Jason Warkentin Kurtis Kube Matt Kaminski Sarah McClelland
CONTACT Tel. (604) 853-3358 Toll Free. 1 (800) 283-0881 info@columbiabc.edu Fax. (604) 853-3063
EQUIPPING LEADERS FOR 1990 OR 2030? We have entered a new era for the church in Western culture. Christianity is no longer the dominant ideology in Canada, and the number of people who identify as Jesus-followers and attend church is in steady decline. Our Columbia students have grown up immersed in this new cultural reality, and are wrestling with what to believe and how to live within a world that is far different from that of their parents and grandparents. As I have considered Columbia's future, Jesus' challenge to his first followers has repeatedly come to mind: "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?'" (Mark 8:34-36). That question remains paramount today. In the past year, we at Columbia have challenged ourselves to ask how we can best equip people for the world of 2030 and beyond, as opposed to dwelling in the past. In one form or another, Columbia Bible College has been teaching the Bible and discipling Christ-centred leaders for over 85 years. That's something to celebrate, but we also believe God wants to do much more.
Columbia Bible College 2940 Clearbrook Road Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Z8
The world has always been antagonistic towards true discipleship, but we know God desires to shape resilient men and women who will thrive wherever they are called. This is why we need to ensure we are providing our students with every opportunity to grow strong in Christ — rooted in God's Word and equipped with relational competencies and practical skills so that they can remain faithful in the years to come. We need not be discouraged by cultural and spiritual opposition. Pastor and author Mark Sayers argues that the Western church is actually being rebuilt right now. What was is gone. What will be has not yet fully emerged, but God is at work. The key is to rely on God's presence and God's Word, and then discern his leading. At Columbia, we are seeing students commit to Christ and embrace his plans and purposes for their lives. There is reason to remain hopeful as we look ahead. In this edition of Columbia Contact, you will read about the ways we are seeking to equip the next generation of Jesus-centred leaders. At Columbia, transformation into the image of Christ takes place in the classroom, the dining hall, the library, the gym, residences, and the chapel — and in all kinds of places off-campus as well! We hope you will be encouraged as you read about how God is raising up the next generation of leaders.
Bryan Born, President
01 CO LU MB I A B I B L E C OL L E GE |
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CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS 01
█ PRESIDENT'S DESK Equipping students for 2030
03
█ NEWS & UPDATES
Columbia news, staff transitions, and leadership resources
13
APPLIED LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ADDITIONS
05
█ STUDENT TESTIMONY
An interview with Matt Kaminski & Kurtis Kube
FEATURES An interview with Sarah McClelland 09
█ GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES Creating confident, Christ-centred world-changers
12 07
15
NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP & ATHLETICS
Encouraging and equipping the next generation of authentic, transformational, servant-hearted leaders
An article showcasing the lifechanging power athletics has in shaping young leaders
█ COMMUNIT Y UPDATES Bearcat Alumni games and summer referrals
02
NE WS & UPDAT ES
COLUMBIA NEWS & UPDATES APPLIED LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ADDITIONS We are excited to announce new program elements within the Applied Leadership degree. Built upon a strong biblical foundation, the Applied Leadership program focuses on equipping young men and women to make an impact in the world. The additions to this program will provide a degree option for those interested in pursuing leadership-based learning within specific concentrations. These concentrations include options of Social Entrepreneurship, Leader Development, or Intercultural Engagement. This revised degree offers a unique combination of courses that give students excellent Christian leadership training that is paired with practical business, management, and intercultural skills.
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE With the BC floods of November 2021, families, homes, and businesses were left with the overwhelming task of cleaning up the mud and mess that was left behind. In late February, nine CBC students and staff drove up to Princeton, BC, to assist in the restoration process. They were able to connect and encourage families who were deeply impacted by the floods. We are so grateful for the generous spirit of our students and staff in such difficult times.
Read more about this on page 13.
HOLY GROUNDS CAFE RENOVATIONS This student-run cafe has been a gathering place for students over the past fifteen years! We're excited to be working on refurbishing the entire coffee shop area with new counters, a dishwasher, and new booths and tables.
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NEW 3RD & 4TH YEAR STUDENT RETREAT We are looking forward to our first ever third- and fourthyear student retreat, taking place in September. This retreat will provide a space for students to connect with each other and faculty within the first week of returning back to campus. While the majority of our students stay for a year or two, senior students can sometimes feel disconnected as they finish their programs. This will be an opportunity to re-integrate students who are returning from off-campus internships, to deepen the connection between BA Program Directors and their student cohort, and to shape senior student culture for the new year.
LEADERSHIP RESOURCES As we explore the topic of Next Generation Leadership, we asked Matt Kaminski and Kathleen Doll to share a few of their favourite leadership resources.
PODCASTS •
Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast
•
At the Table with Patrick Lencioni
•
Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast
BOOKS •
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
•
Servants and Fools: A Biblical Theology of Leadership by Arthur Boers
•
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
•
The Power of People Skills by Trevor Throness
TRANSITIONS WELCOME Calvin Wiens started as an Academic Support Advisor. Chris Clements is the new Youth Work Director. Dorothy Gebert started as our new Library Director. Elaine Binnema is our new Counselling Services Director. Gina Koch started as our Marketing & Communications Coordinator. Kelly Ens started as Executive Assistant to the President (covering maternity leave for Erica Bain).
CONGRATULATIONS
TRANSITIONS PROMOTED TO GLORY Jurgen Schonwetter (1938 - 2021) taught at Columbia for 26 years, starting in 1975. Jurgen's passion and heart for discipleship impacted hundreds of students. Dr. Gary Yamasaki (1956 - 2022) was a member of the Columbia faculty for 26 years. Dr. Gary was influential in creating a passion in his students for God's Word.
Chantelle Ramage is Director of Financial Aid (covering maternity leave for Leslie Miller). Corina Penner is our new Receptionist. Niki Liable moved into a permanent position as Admissions Advisor. Ben Smith is our new Men's Residence Director. Kurtis Kube transitioned to full-time faculty & coprogram director of Applied Leadership. 04
STUD ENT T EST IMON Y
EQUIPPED, ENCOURAGED, & EMPOWERED SAR AH M c C L E L L A N D BIBLICA L STUDIES STUDENT
What are you passionate about? S: I am really passionate about seeing people encounter God's love. It's beautiful to see when it clicks for someone that they are deeply loved by the Creator. I love walking alongside people in friendship and discipleship. I have a passion to see young Christian leaders equipped, encouraged, and empowered to walk in the authority God has given them, using their gifts and talents to glorify God, build up his church, and be his hands and feet in our world.
What leadership opportunities have you been a part of before coming to Columbia? S: Before coming to CBC, I had the opportunity to serve on multiple short-term missions teams across Canada and in Mexico. It was from these opportunities that I often found God stirring in my heart a passion for being missional in the time and place he planted me in. I led in many capacities within my school and my church, but it did not stop there. God called myself and a few friends to start a student-led and orientated ministry, focused on reaching students with God's unconditional love.
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We connected Christian students in several schools all across our city. Once a month we had group 'huddles' where all of our student leaders would meet together for worship, training, encouragement, and prayer. We had the opportunity to speak at conferences and lead break-out sessions, encouraging, equipping, and empowering students to step out and make a difference in their schools and communities. We helped run 'Serve Days' in several schools across our city. Finally, before the pandemic started, we were running Alphas in 20 high schools across the city. When everything shut down, it was not a question of whether or not we would keep running Alphas, but of how we were going to do it. Our leadership team spent a week coming up with a plan. When we got an email from the Youth Alpha Canada team, we were able to become the first student-led online Alpha. We saw hundreds of students show up to Alpha online each week. Some met Jesus for the first time, some were healed, and some experienced new growth and a depth to their faith they had not experienced before. It was amazing to partner with God in his work. After our first online Alpha, we were able to run two more throughout the summer and the following school year. It was
amazing to see how God used the dreams he put on a few students' hearts to connect meaningfully during a time of such great disconnection.
What is one lesson you have learned through leadership? S: One lesson I have learned throughout leadership is that it is easier done with others than just done alone. Authority needs to be shared and distributed, not just held on tightly by one person. When someone else is better at something than I am, it is not a threat to me but a gift to the kingdom that should be celebrated.
How are you being equipped to lead? S: This year I have been walking through a season of burnout and recovery. Through this, the Lord has been equipping me for leadership by teaching me the art of slowing down, practicing Sabbath, and taking time to walk with him through difficult things. I have not felt like I have been leading at the capacity as I have been before, but God has been teaching me that to lead well, I must be healthy, and to be healthy, I have needed to slow down and take a break. This season has been teaching me what it looks like to allow other people to walk alongside me, and I think that it will make me a better leader going forward.
“I HAVE A PASSION TO SEE YOUNG CHRISTIAN LEADERS EQUIPPED, ENCOURAGED, AND EMPOWERED TO WALK IN THE AUTHORITY GOD HAS GIVEN THEM."
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I MPACT
NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP B RYA N B O R N PRESIDENT
For forty years I have been involved in some form of Christian leadership – Sunday school teacher, small group leader, pastor, church elder, missionary, Bible College professor, and president are some of the ways I have served. I tell aspiring leaders that the challenge of leading God’s people may have grown more difficult, but I also believe God has more than enough resources to provide them with what they need for the future. Next Generation Leadership requires a rock-solid commitment to Christ and his Word, a passion for learning, and a broad and flexible skillset. Christian leadership has never been easy, but perhaps more than ever, we need leaders able to navigate a complex and conflicted world. Finding a way to stand firm in our convictions, while also extending grace, is difficult but also incredibly important. Crisis leadership, the ability to navigate disruptions and conflict, is increasingly becoming the primary core of leadership. At Columbia, we believe that Christ-like leaders pursue the truth with humility — displaying conviction, courage, and curiosity in ways that promote right relationships.
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When I went to Bible College in the early 80s, we were trained to preach and teach in a church setting. That was necessary, but little time was spent discussing how we could best engage the world around us with the gospel of Jesus. Hands-on practical skills, like team leadership, financial administration, project management, and many other practical competencies, were not found in the curriculum, and yet these are required for many leadership roles today. Too many leaders have been sidelined, not because of their inability to preach, but because they simply lack the necessary skills to lead. At Columbia, we are engaged in this process of rethinking how we equip men and women for the leadership roles of today and tomorrow. We want students to have the necessary faith foundation that will enable them to stand up to the deceptive ideologies of our day, while also having the practical skills necessary to make an impact wherever God calls them to serve. Here’s an illustration of what this looks like. The world of missions has changed drastically in the last few decades, and the COVID pandemic made those changes even more
“THE TASK, IN OTHER WORDS, IS TO DEVISE A FAITHFUL APPROACH TO CHURCH THAT WILL REACH AND DISCIPLE THE NEXT GENERATION. IN THE FUTURE CHURCH, LEADERS WHO ARE WILLING TO CHANGE THEIR METHODS WILL AMPLIFY THEIR MISSION. LEADERS WHO DON’T, WON’T.” CAREY NIEUWHOF
evident. Instead of viewing mission as “the West to the Rest,” now we recognize that mission is from “Everywhere to Everywhere.” Christians from around the world are coming to Canada to plant churches, and Western workers serving in cross-cultural contexts are increasingly taking on less prominent roles that require them to serve and come alongside local Christian leaders. Missionary visas for many countries are often difficult or impossible to obtain, so Western workers need to have the necessary skills and business acumen to serve in those contexts. Just recently, I received two newsletters from alumni serving in Muslim-majority countries. In both cases, it was exciting to hear about people finding new life in Christ and being baptized! One other similarity — in both situations, these alumni are only able to stay in their countries of service on account of their business visas. Business and ministry are two sides of the same coin when Christ is the centre! Other developments are also creating the need for change. Holistic mission work — addressing spiritual, physical, economic, and social issues with the gospel of Jesus — requires a broad knowledge base and skillset. For all these reasons, Columbia has discontinued our previous Intercultural Studies program and integrated key intercultural courses and competencies into our Applied Leadership program. We believe that a key part of our mission is
to equip students with increased entrepreneurial and marketplace skills to prepare them for self-starting and bi-vocational futures wherever God calls them. We want our Columbia graduates to “act as transformative agents within culture, using their gifts, skills, and vocation” (see our Graduate Attributes on page 9). As we look to the future, I am so excited about the program innovation taking place at Columbia. We are determined to encourage and equip the next generation of authentic, transformational, and servanthearted leaders with the biblical foundation, the Christlike character, and the necessary skills to live out the gospel in ways that glorify God and draw people into His kingdom.
2021 STUDENT LEADERS
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G RA DUAT E AT T RIBU T E S
COLUMBIA GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES Integrated & Maturing
Christ-Centred & Critical
Graduates root their lives in a deepening relationship with Jesus that permeates identity, priorities, lifestyle, vocation, and relationships. They understand the biblical narrative and locate themselves and their continuing story within it. Graduates commit to lifelong growth through the ongoing transformative work of the Holy Spirit. They love the church and work actively toward the health and vitality of its local and global expressions.
Columbia graduates gather and evaluate a range of sources to find credible, relevant information and engage thoughtfully and respectfully with insights from multiple disciplines. Graduates are able to compare and integrate a Christian perspective with a variety of viewpoints and accurately interpret and apply the biblical message in creative, life-giving ways.
Clear & Agile
Ethical & Engaged
Graduates seek to understand other points of view through active and respectful listening. They participate in constructive dialogue, responding to diversity of opinions with grace and courage. Graduates express their intended messages clearly and creatively, choosing between oral, written, and visual tools to reach their audience. They articulate foundational Christian beliefs dynamically and effectively.
Columbia graduates act as transformative agents within culture, using their gifts, skills, and vocation. They serve people of all backgrounds with integrity, compassion, humility, and a willingness to learn. Graduates build community, locally and globally, in ways that proclaim the gospel, care for creation, make peace, and seek justice. They dedicate themselves to God’s kingdom mission of reconciliation, redemption, and disciple-making.
Disciples
Communicators
Thinkers
Neighbours
Authentic & Transformational
Leaders
Graduates adopt a leadership style that flows from awareness of their unique identity and strengths. They live intentionally and passionately, setting clear vision, goals, and plans for action. Graduates collaborate well, welcoming diverse voices and empowering others to reach their full potential. They embrace Christ’s model of humble, transformative leadership.
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Columbia Bible College seeks to equip people for a life of discipleship, ministry, and leadership in service to the church and community.
2022-2023
PRAYER CALENDAR Join us in praying for the CBC community over the next year.
JUNE 2022
SEPTEMBER 2022
• Pray for students working and making final decisions about attending Columbia.
• Classes begin September 6! May students and teachers alike experience growth and have their minds opened to wonderful things about God.
• Lift up our staff and faculty as they rest and take time to re-engage with the upcoming academic year.
JULY 2022 • Pray for summer camp staff as they connect with kids in outreach, discipleship, and leadership development. • Pray for our Admissions team as they continue to connect and support potential students in their preparations and decision-making.
AUGUST 2022 • Pray for our staff and faculty as they prepare for the arrival of students. • Lift up our student leaders who will arrive early for training this month. Pray for peace in their decision to serve their community. • Pray for protection for students as they leave home and arrive on campus. Pray that those who are leaving home for the first time experience peace.
• Pray for our Student Council team as they connect and lead their fellow students. • Pray that each student would experience deepened connections and relationships within the CBC community.
OCTOBER 2022 • Lift up the Chapel & TMT worship teams as they lead others in worship. Pray that this ministry will have a powerful impact on those in our community. • October 18-24: Pray for students as they prepare for mid-term exams. • Pray for our volleyball and basketball studentathletes as league games start.
NOVEMBER 2022 • Pray for motivation and perseverance as enthusiasm and daylight wane at this stage of the semester. • Pray for students who are receiving assistance through our counselling services.
COLUMBIABC.EDU
DECEMBER 2022 • Pray for safety for those travelling home for Christmas. May they experience a season of connection and rest.
PRAY FOR STUDENTS LIKE SARAH
• Pray for our International students, who will be away from family this Christmas, to experience hospitality, celebration, and safety (if they travel) over the Winter break.
As the College prepares for Fall 2022, we appreciate prayers for wisdom, courage, resources, and creativity!
JANUARY 2023 • Pray that the good news of Jesus’ coming would reinvigorate our students, staff, and faculty as they commit themselves to another semester together. • Pray for our Athletics teams as they continue to balance academics, games, practices, and travel in the Winter semester.
FEBRUARY 2023 • Pray for our students, staff, and faculty who wrestle with loneliness and desire greater connection in their lives. May they experience the family we have through Jesus and bravely pursue opportunities for connection. • Pray for a life-giving and restful Reading Break for students and faculty.
Please also pray for God’s guidance and peace to be clear to our students and graduates as they navigate possible summer jobs and internships.
APRIL 2023 • Pray for an excellent finish to the school year! Lift up students as they prepare for final exams. May there be opportunities to celebrate the year's achievements and efforts of our students and grads. • Pray for everyone during this time of transition. We value your prayers for wisdom, peace, guidance, and hope.
MAY 2023 • Pray for our students as they look for and settle into employment. May they seize opportunities to be a blessing in their work and practice what they have learned through their time at CBC.
MARCH 2023 • Pray for the Columbia Lead Team. May God give them wisdom and insight as they plan and make decisions. • Pray for our food services team and custodial team to be encouraged as they continue to diligently serve our students, staff, and faculty.
• Pray for our staff and faculty as they grieve/ celebrate the students who have left our campus. Pray that they can connect with their families, friends, and community outside CBC in significant ways this summer.
COLUMBIABC.EDU
CO M MUNIT Y
2022 ALUMNI GAMES We're excited to host our annual Bearcat Athletic Alumni games this fall. Bring your friends, family, and old teammates for a day filled with connection and competition. Interested in playing? Connect with us at athletics@columbiabc.edu
SAVE THE DATE — SEPTEMBER 24, 2022
SUMMER REFERRAL BONUS ALUMNI & FRIENDS REFERRAL BONUS 65% of students choose Columbia because a friend or relative encouraged them to! If you refer a student, both you and each student you refer will receive $100!
“I have grown so much during my time at CBC. One area of my faith walk that I have grown is in the confidence I have in myself because of who God says that I am. Before coming to CBC, I had always found my identity in what others said of me, and I never addressed how that is not healthy for me. Now, after having many classes on self-discovery and growth, I am starting to understand who God has made me to be and that I can find my security in Him.”
SHARE THE LOVE $250 REFERRAL BONUS to you and the student you refer. (Student receives it in tuition credit.) Rewards will be given once the student attends class in the Fall/Winter.
Any questions? Reach out to our friendly Admissions team at admissions@columbiabc.edu
— Jake Wiebe Quest Grad
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ACA DEMIC S
APPLIED LEADERSHIP BACHELOR OF ART S I N P R AC T I CA L T H E O L O G Y
MATT K A M I N S K I
K U RTI S K U BE
CO-PROGRAM DIRECTOR
CO-PROGRAM DIRECTOR
We believe God has created everyone with incredible potential for leadership. Our goal is to help students impact the world, because in today’s marketplace and global context, leadership skills are a must-have. Organizations are on the lookout for women and men of integrity, competence, and confidence who know how to transform ideas into action. We offer three distinct concentrations within the Applied Leadership degree: Leader Development, Social Entrepreneurship, and Intercultural Engagement. These concentrations offer the opportunity to develop practical skills through transformational learning.
WHAT D O E S TH IS D E G REE PREPARE YO U FO R? The Applied Leadership degree prepares students to engage with others in their area of passion. Each concentration seeks to equip students for vocational leadership and management roles, whether as a Pastor, Executive Director, front-line or HR manager, community developer, and the list goes on. These concentrations offer an opportunity to grow in selfawareness, character development, and relational ability. It will also equip students with leadership skills, such as team building, coaching, and spiritual directing. Students will leave as highly empowered individuals, who are prepared to develop leaders.
H OW D O E S S C RIPTU RE I MPAC T O U R PRAC T I C E O F L E ADE RS H IP & BU S IN ESS? We believe that faith needs to be intertwined in all areas of life, including leadership. Through scripture, we are given a powerful picture of what leadership ought to look like through the life of Jesus. His example teaches us that leadership should be authentic, transformational of self and others, and servant-hearted. This is the type of leader the Applied Leadership program is designed to develop.
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WHAT IS THE DIF F E RE NCE BE TWE E N L E ADE R SHI P & M A NAGE M E NT? We see them as complementary sides of the same coin. We believe people can manage without leadership, but cannot lead without management! If one wants to make a distinction, we offer the following: management focuses on the data and applying metrics, and leadership employs soft skills and leading people. Both are critical.
APPLIED LEADERSHIP BAC HELOR OF ART S I N P R AC T I CA L T H E O L O G Y
CORE TOPICS
Year 1 & 2 Columbia Core Classes
YEAR 1 & 2 • • • •
Biblical Studies Intro to Business Intro to Leadership Studies Self Awareness
Year 3: Choose your Concentration SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
INTERCULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
LEADER DEVELOPMENT
AREAS OF STUDY
AREAS OF STUDY
AREAS OF STUDY
• • • •
• • •
• • •
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
INTERCULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
Marketing Accounting NPO Management Economics
Cross Cultural Communication Global Theologies Community Engagement
LEADER DEVELOPMENT Organizational Development People Development Personal Sustainability
Year 4 Columbia Core Classes & Internship completion* *INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP OPTION
CEARA H.
ANDREW M.
2022 GRADUATE
2019 GRADUATE
"Social Entrepreneurship helped give me the skills to understand the business industry and everything that goes into running a business. The balance of business and Bible classes gave me a Kingdom perspective on an industry that is so focused on money, and helped me to see how I could be a light by caring for people, the planet, as well as profit."
"When I entered into the Applied Leadership program I was unsure of myself, my strengths, and I lacked self-confidence. Throughout the duration of the program I was challenged to safely leave my comfort zone. I started to gain more selfawareness, more confidence, and a greater understanding of my strengths and abilities." 14
BE A RCAT AT HLET IC S
EQUIPPING LEADERS J A SO N WA R K E N T I N MEN'S VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH
This year, we started our training camp with a teambuilding challenge, Amazing Race style. Players were put into teams of three and four and were asked to complete various physical and mental challenges that took them across portions of West Abbotsford, all while carrying a 30-pound weight that could never touch the ground and reciting our team values from memory. After explaining the event, teams were sent out and given the authority to decide which direction they would go, how hard they would compete, and whether they would work together with other teams to complete the challenge. Matthew 10:1-15 contains another story of sending out. In this case, Jesus gathered his twelve disciples together and began sending them out, two by two. They were given authority to cast out evil spirits and heal every disease and sickness, but contrary to
the players on my team, they were told to take nothing but a walking stick. As Jesus sent these young men out, they were not only engaging in perhaps their first short-term mission trip, they were experiencing Next Generation Leadership. As Dr. Jeff Duke notes in his book, 3D Coach, "Delegating tasks creates followers. Delegating authority creates leaders." We witness both of these aspects in Jesus' ministry; he delegated tasks but also delegated authority, and the result was the development of a group of leaders. Most of them became founders of what we historically call the early church. As a coach, it can be challenging to think about what it looks like to delegate authority, so maybe a better term to use is empowerment. When an athlete is empowered to own their learning and growth in the gym,
something neat happens, and they begin to look for ways to empower others. While not perfect, we try to model this within our program, giving athletes opportunities to take on leadership, be empowered, and have the authority to make decisions in practice, with their teammates, and with our team culture. Dr. Jeff Duke goes on to share, "At the end of the day, that's what this coaching profession is really all about: building up the next generation of leaders. But they will never get the chance to truly lead if we don't provide that opportunity on the practice field and on the playing field. From there, it will naturally spill over into the classroom, into the community and into their homes." I can still remember an instance several years ago when this concept became a reality for me. Each year, our team commits to a fundraiser which involves the entire group coming together to set up the gym for a school function or banquet. This includes laying tarps, setting
"DELEGATING TASKS CREATES FOLLOWERS. DELEGATING AUTHORITY CREATES LEADERS." DR. JEFF DUKE
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PHOTOS BY GIBI SAINI
up tables, chairs, and a stage. The setup happens after 10 p.m. after all the practices are finished, and as the coach, I typically am responsible to stay and ensure setup is completed well. About 15 minutes into this particular evening, one of the team captains pulled me aside and commented, "Hey Coach, I know you have a young family at home and already spend a lot of time at the gym. We got this. Go home and spend time with your family." Pause for a
moment and think of the magnitude of that situation. Here, a young man, still figuring out his way in life, felt like he had the authority to pull his coach aside and suggest something that was in the coach's best interest. While I was the clear leader of the team, he felt empowered enough to seek what was in my own best interest and take on the leadership role and responsibility for that evening. We know from scripture that the disciples didn't always use their
authority well, they made mistakes, and my athletes have as well. I have countless stories where my attempts at empowering athletes have gone awry. Yet, the process of developing the next generation of leaders must involve playing the long game. It involves delegating authority, and allowing individuals to succeed and fail, while providing safe spaces for them to get back up and try again.
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Columbia is more affordable than you think! NOBODY WANTS TO LEAVE COLLEGE WITH A MOUNTAIN OF DEBT. At Columbia, we believe that a Bible College education should be as accessible as possible, and we make every effort to follow through on that conviction. We asked our Financial Aid Director, Chantelle Ramage to share a few tips to consider when planning for your education.
Check it out →
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PLAN AHEAD Start your financial plan early! Make sure you're aware of payment deadlines and application due dates. Planning ahead for the school year will save you stress in the long run.
EXPLORE MULTIPLE FUNDING SOURCES There are many resources you can take advantage of to help pay for college. Columbia has many scholarships, bursaries, and partner grants you can apply for. Student loans, government grants, and Registered Education Saving Plans (RESP) are also great options to help fund your education.
BUILD A BUDGET Check out Columbia's cost calculator and make a plan! Make sure you have a budget not only for paying for tuition, but also for any other expenses you might have (coffee, gas, clothes, etc.). Building a budget helps your finances stay on track!
REACH OUT We're here for you! Our finance department is passionate about helping students gain confidence and independence and giving students the tools they need to pay for college. Don't be afraid to ask for help — that's why we're here!
If you have any questions about Financial Aid at Columbia, please visit columbiabc.edu/financial-aid
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DO YOU WANT TO HELP PEOPLE EXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATION? $250 Referral Bonus to you and the student you refer!
Do you have a sibling, child, relative, friend, or neighbour who could use a year or more of Christ-centred growth, practical education, and authentic community? Invite them to experience Columbia! It’s pretty simple. Tell a friend about Columbia. When they start class, you each get $250.
C O L U M B I A C O N TA C T Columbia Bible College 2940 Clearbrook Road Abbotsford, BC Canada V2T 2Z8 Send change of address and alumni updates to alumni@columbiabc.edu