Fall 2015

REFLECTING THE DIVERSITY OF MINISTRY EXPRESSION WITHIN THE FREE METHODIST FAMILY | Winter 2015 | Volume 12, Issue 4

BUILDING

SPIRITUAL PASSION

INSIDE Maintaining Spiritual Passion in Seasons of Intensity

The Robust Discipleship of a Shepherd-Sheep Hybrid

Bishop Keith Elford

Jason Tripp

page 3

page 7

The Wesleyan Way Alison McKinnon page 8

Crossing Boundaries – right here in Canada!

Dan Sheffield page 16

MOSAIC is a publication of The Free Methodist Church in Canada | www.fmcic.ca

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

TRUST AND FOLLOW

MOSAIC is a publication of The Free Methodist Church in Canada

4315 Village Centre Court Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1S2 T. 905.848.2600 F. 905.848.2603 E. lisa.howden@fmcic.ca www.fmcic.ca For submissions: lisa.howden@fmcic.ca Dan Sheffield, Editor-in-Chief Lisa Howden, Managing Editor and Production

I have the benefit of reading through all the content of the MOSAIC before I have to write my editorial. This time, it gave me a unique insight into the theme: “Building Spiritual Passion.” All the contributors shared from their own perspectives what it is that building spiritual passion is all about, or what it isn’t about. They outline elements that are needed in order for spiritual passion to be ignited, but no one actually gives a definitive answer . . . . why is that? I believe there is a very good reason why no one outlined a “Building Spiritual Passion in three easy steps how-to guide” – there simply isn’t one.

At the very centre of our desire to be spiritually passionate stands Jesus, who walks with us and encourages the sparks of spiritual passion to ignite. We can help fan the flames by spending time in prayer, reaching out to others, by reading our Bible, by acts of service, and by a thousand other things that we need to be obedient to. The call to each person will be different, but the key is to be looking for the opportunities that Jesus presents us with and to be willing to follow.

I was inspired by the articles in the MOSAIC this issue, I trust that you will be too.

Lisa Howden, Managing Editor | lisa.howden@fmcic.ca

CONTENTS FEATURE

The Wesleyan Way ...................................................................... 9

MINISTRY AREAS On my mind — Bishop Keith Elford Maintaining Spiritual Passion in Seasons of Intensity ................... 3 Church Health — Marc McAlister Personal Building Project ............................................................. 4 Church Planting — Jared Siebert Building Spiritual Passion in our Movement ................................. 5 Leadership Development — Jason Tripp The Robust Discipleship of a Shepherd-Sheep Hybrid ................. 6 Stewardship Ministries — Sandy Crozier Take a Generous Breath ............................................................ 12 Global Ministries — Dan Sheffield Crossing Boundaries – Right Here in Canada! ........................... 16

The Wesleyan Way

8

COLUMNS Editorial — Lisa Howden Trust and follow ........................................................................... 2 Photo Gallery ...................................................................................6 Passages ....................................................................................... 10 From the Bookshelf — John Vlainic ............................................... 10 The Little Big Picture — Alison McKinnon My Thesis on how to Build Spiritual Passion in our Movement .... 11 Financial Q&A ............................................................................. 12 Our History — Dan Sheffield Church Service Causes Police to Investigate ........................... 13 International Child Care Ministries — Paula Moriarity Encounter Ethiopia .................................................................... 14 Giving Streams Resources ............................................................. 14 Student Ministries When Young People Pray .......................................................... 15

on my mind MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL PASSION IN SEASONS OF INTENSITY Here’s the thing about spiritual passion. Some of us have the idea that when we are living in seasons of blessing, or if at least the answers to prayer are somewhat outweighing the burdens and challenges, there will never be a deficit in spiritual passion.

Having a good look at Elijah’s experiences in 1 Kings 17 – 19 might help us get some perspective on this. If we look at the story of his life in that portion of God’s Word, we will see that he saw some absolutely dramatic answers to prayer and so, we could wonder why we find him slouched in despondency under the broom bush, with suicidal thoughts praying: “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

The experiences in these three chapters from 1 Kings stretch out over an extended period of time. In chapter 17, he announces an extended drought to King Ahab, runs for his life and hides out in a ravine where he was fed by ravens! Then he heads out to Zarepath where the Lord tells him to approach a widow who is gathering sticks to make a fire to cook the last meal for her son and herself before they die from starvation. Dramatically, God provides. “The jar of flour was not used up, and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah!” Some time later, the boy becomes deathly ill but the Lord hears Elijah’s prayer and brings the boy back to life!

Fast-forward to the famous “showdown” on Mount Carmel and God comes through in dramatic power! Then God tells Elijah to announce to King Ahab that heavy rain is coming, but the only cloud in the sky is the size of a man’s hand! Meanwhile, Jezebel makes him the most wanted man in the nation and swears by her gods that Elijah will be dead within 24 hours!

Look at all of the exclamation marks in these two paragraphs!!

It has been an extended season of intensity – of both blessings and threatening challenges. Elijah’s spiritual passion is gone.

He’s done.

It’s interesting to note what God does to restore his passion.

He tells him to go to sleep. When he wakes up, the angel gives him a meal and tells him to go back to sleep. Eat. Sleep.

Eat. Sleep. And when he is somewhat replenished, God gets him moving, but it’s a hike to a place of solitude. There, the dialogue is dramatic. Powerful wind shattered the rocks. An earthquake. A raging fire. Once everything is purged, Elijah is able to hear the still small voice of God and he is able to give Elijah a new perspective – Elijah has things to do, people are around to help – in fact 7,000 of them.

Granted, this is a way wilder roller coaster ride than any of us have experienced, but what principles can we extract from it for maintaining spiritual passion for the mission of God? And could it be that what is true of person can also be true of a church?

• • • •

Seasons of intensity (positive and negative) require energy.

It is important to keep in touch with one’s energy level.

Exhaustion distorts perspective.

Replenishment begins in the dimension of physical rest.

Keith Elford is the Bishop for The Free Methodist Church in Canada | keith.elford@fmcic.ca

Read the Bishop’s Notes

They are sent out every Tuesday – if you would like them to be emailed to you let us know at info@fmcic.ca You can also read them from our homepage @ www.fmcic.ca The Free Methodist Church in Canada :: MOSAIC :: 3

{ Church Health }

PERSONAL BUILDING PROJECT Building spiritual passion in our movement is an important topic.

But I am afraid something very important can and does get lost in these types of discussions.

We can talk about (and should talk about) how the movement needs to provide a compelling vision, sound a clear call and resource leaders and congregations. That stuff is very important. We can talk about (and should talk about) how each local congregation needs to provide a clear plan for spiritual growth and disciple making for people, provide opportunities for people to serve and share God’s love both inside and beyond the walls of the church, and inspire people to obediently join God’s mission. That stuff is also very important.

But what gets lost in those large and important convesations is yours and my individual response to all of this. Because that’s where any sort of renewal or revival or whatever we choose to call it needs to start – with you and me. So the question for all of us becomes – What is your personal plan (and my personal plan) for becoming a Jesus centered, others oriented disciple of Jesus?

What is your plan (and mine) to grow spiritually, to serve, to give, to share the Good News, and to be involved in God’s mission?

Because until each of us has a plan (and is following that plan), it doesn’t really matter what our church or even our denomination says or writes down. Spiritual passion will be built in our movement as each of us takes seriously our own growth and service.

Think about it. What will be better? Our church involved in a serving ministry where we get to tell real cool stories (but probably not be involved)? Or each of us being involved in serving and meeting needs (where we are afraid to talk too much about it because we know we are on “sacred ground”)? The latter is a better building block.

serving

sharing the

building spiritual passion

giving

discipling

Here is another. Which is better? Our church baptizing some people? Or you and I standing in the water next to a friend we have been discipling as they get baptized? The first is great and we need to celebrate every baptism. But each of us should be working towards the second – because if we are each working towards it (instead of spectating) – well that’s a better building block.

Last one. It is a fine goal that our church preaches the Good News.

But a better building block would be if we each worked towards sharing the Good News with our lives every day, wherever God has placed us.

So again, as we talk about building spiritual passion in our movement, the challenge for each of us (including me) is that we have a personal response. So I ask us all one more time – What is your plan (and mine) for taking the next step towards becoming a Jesus centered, others oriented disciple of Jesus? I believe if we all answered this question (and then followed the plan), building spiritual passion in our movement wouldn’t be an issue.

Marc McAlister is the Director of Church Health for The Free Methodist Church in Canada | marc.mcalister@fmcic.ca

TWITTER FEED @ mcalister_marc 4 :: MOSAIC :: Fall 2015

Good News

CHURCH HEALTH BLOG

fmcic.ca/category/church-health/

{ Church Planting }

BUILDING SPIRITUAL PASSION IN OUR MOVEMENT For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’

The other leads to renewed hope and possibility. Here is what she has to say on the topic,

it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are “We have taken on responsibility for the running of the Church for

children of God. - Romans 8:15 (NRSV)

so long that when our efforts fail, we just try new efforts. Are we When I think about how to build spiritual passion in our movement I think of the word “desperation.” We live in truly desperate times. As the church, sometimes by choice, moves further and further to the edges of Canadian culture we can feel desperate. How can we engage with people that we feel so distant from? As some of us watch sons and daughters of the church walk away from the faith we can feel desperate. How can we engage with our children when they feel distant as well? As some of us watch our churches shrink to the point of closure we can feel desperate. How can we even think about growth when we are just trying to survive? And yet, somehow, desperation doesn’t always lead God’s people to despair.

Desperation can be ground zero for reviving spiritual passion.

When the people of God are desperate to see His hand at work in their world they can respond in all sorts of ways. Desperation can lead us toward humility. Desperation can force us to start listening. Desperation can lead to repentance. Desperation can lead us to fasting. Desperation can lead us to prayer. Desperation can lead us to renewed spiritual discipline. Desperation can lead us to greater dependence on God and deeper faith. Desperation can also lead us toward renewed action.

So what is the difference between desperation that leads to despair and desperation that leads to renewed spiritual passion?

My thoughts on this subject have been heavily influenced by a blog post from a new friend of mine, Mandy Smith. She talks about two basic postures that make all the difference when it comes to desperation. One posture leads to demoralizing despair.

SEABASS TRAVELCAST

Follow Jared as he chats with church planters and leaders about their stories

living in fear, working like slaves, shouldering the burden of this work alone? What would it look like to feel the desperation, not as slaves, but as children?”

Mandy reminds us that the desperation that children feel is quite different from that of slaves. Slaves feel desperation from the pressure of power and duty. The desperation that children feel comes from a place of love and relationship. As we move forward in desperate times I think it’s a powerful reminder that we need to consider the posture we’re coming from. When you enter the future that we all face together will you be seeing through the eyes of a child or the eyes of a slave?

Jared Siebert is the Director of Church Planting for The Free Methodist Church in Canada | jared.siebert@fmcic.ca

TWITTER FEED @jaredsiebert

The Free Methodist Church in Canada :: MOSAIC :: 5

Here are some of our latest community images! They help to connect us and tell the story of who we are and what we do.

You can check out even more pictures on our flickr site: www.flickr.com/photos/fmc-gallery

Photo Album What’s been going on?

Starting at the top row (left to right) • Frankford Regional Gathering April 2015 • Board of Administration meetings , Leadership Committee members - 2015 • Dan Massey receives the June Callwood Award - April 2015 • Michael Morris Induction service • • • • • • • • •

6 :: MOSAIC :: Fall 2015

at Malvern Methodist - April 2015 Regional Gathering in Northern Ontario Regional Gathering at Wesley Chapel Pine Grove FMC in Seeley`s Bay May 2015 Regional Gathering in Merritt, BC - May 30, 2015 First FMC, New Westminster, BC May 31, 2015 Regional Gathering in Alberta June 6, 2015 Family Camp at Wesley Acres June 28, 2015 Family Camp - Severn Bridge Assyrian Gospel Church - July 2015

{ Leadership Development }

THE ROBUST DISCIPLESHIP OF A SHEPHERD-SHEEP HYBRID Recently my family and I spent a week in Cleveland, Ohio.

The reason for our visit was to connect with other pastors and their families that have collectively been a part of a discipleship ‘huddle’ to celebrate and culminate a year long journey together.

What was reaffirmed for me during our time together is that passionate spirituality is built through intentional and holistic discipleship and mission that integrates both information and imitation, leading to innovation.

there were opportunities Jesus seized as teaching moments (information) as well as opportunities to invite and challenge his disciples to participate in his mission (imitation).

In my own journey this past year, I have seen and experienced the value in such multi-faceted and intentional discipleship. Even during our time in Cleveland there was a blend of information (engaging in a Family on Mission Workshop) and imitation (being invited to witness and participate in morning family devotional times and a missional community).

In John 14:12 Jesus shares these fascinating and challenging words with us, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

Here, Jesus goes beyond information and imitation to innovation where Spirit led Christ followers operate as a unique family on mission together in their local context.

As someone who enjoys teaching, I need to be reminded that while disseminating information is part of the discipleship process, information alone does not translate into mature and passionate disciples. Missiologist Ed Stetzer articulated this point in a recent article for Outreach Magazine: While I don’t think one can appropriately grow without seeking more biblical knowledge, many times believers reduce the discipleship process to, “Read this. Study this.

Memorize this. Good to go.” This is unfortunate.

Instead, discipleship is to be more like Jesus. Christ-like transformation is the goal, as we are “to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom. 8:29). The point is not information, but Christ-like transformation. And that means it is not about knowledge in general, but about knowing Jesus better.1

When Jesus invited his disciples to follow him, he wasn’t inviting them to a weekly lecture or event, nor was he inviting them to check their brains at the door and become thoughtless mimics.

No, Jesus was inviting them into sharing the fullness of his life as his apprentices on the journey of life and faith. Along the journey

If we are to continue to intentionally build passionate spirituality in our movement, we need to imitate the holistic discipleship Jesus models for us and invites us to. This means shifting our understanding of discipleship from a view that all too often sees the trained “professionals” as the shepherds and the congregation as the sheep, to an understanding that every Jesus follower is called to be both a disciple and a discipler.

What would the passion and maturity level of our movement look like if everyone looked like a sheep from the front and a shepherd from the back on the journey towards wholeness in Jesus?

1

Outreach Magazine “4 Strategies for Better Discipleship” – Ed Stetzer http://www.outreachmagazine.com/features/5239-4-strategies-for-better-discipleship.html

Image source: Adapted from the book Building a Discipling Culture by Mike Breen

Jason Tripp is an ordained minister with The Free Methodist Church in Canada and currently serves at Valleyview Community Church in Blezzard, Ontario. | trippjs@gmail.com

The Free Methodist Church in Canada :: MOSAIC :: 7

The Wesley Way Making Disciples for Missional Living

I

N OCTOBER 2014, SIX FMCIC PASTORS AND THREE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM SPENT FIVE DAYS TOGETHER

AT CRIEFF HILLS RETREAT CENTRE, IN PUSLINCH, ONTARIO TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VERY FIRST “THE WESLEYAN WAY” EXPERIENCE – A THREE-DAY DISCIPLE MAKING IMMERSION EXPERIENCE. Dan Sheffield, Director of Global and Intercultural Ministries, developed The Wesleyan Way in response to research completed by the Systems Analysis Taskforce from 2009 to 2011, “We realized that intentional discipleship wasn’t happening in very many of our churches so we began working on various components that would beef that up in our movement.

We developed discipleship resources and videos. One of the things that came up in our talking groups with network leaders was that we should do some kind of experienced-based disciple making training for leadership in our churches. And that is how The Wesleyan Way came about.”

Dan Sheffield and Kim Henderson proposed the idea of an immersion experience and when Marc McAlister, Director of Church Health, came on board the three of them began developing a disciple-making experience that would focus on encouraging and equipping leaders as they make disciple making a core practice in their congregations. This would be accomplished through practicing the means of grace – the disciplines and practices that shape the inner and outer life of a Jesusfollower and encompass both loving God and loving one’s neighbour.

For those of you who need to brush up on the means of grace – John Wesley, the father of Methodism, divided “means of grace” into two categories: Acts of Piety and Acts of Mercy. Prayer, the Lord’s Supper, corporate worship and fasting are all Acts of Piety and they deepen our relationship with God. Serving others by meeting physical, social, emotional, education or spiritual needs are all Acts of Mercy and they deepen our relationship with others through service.

While living life together in community, participants also take reflective quiet time three times a day, share and explore their own discipleship stories and examine the discipleship resources available to FMCIC leaders including the Journey Discipleship Survey and Journey Toward Wholeness in Jesus. At the end of the three days, participants are able to identify a “clear pathway” for Christian growth and maturity as part of their essential ministry rhythms as a Christian leader.

So why participate in The Wesleyan Way? Beverly Kay, Associate Pastor, Prince Edward County FMC, Picton, ON, chose to participate because, “Since graduating from bible college thirty years ago, I have been very aware that as evangelical churches we are really good at going out and bringing people in. We’re doing well at birthing baby Christians but we were not doing well at helping them to grow in their faith or discipling them to be Jesus followers. And this has been a burden for me for a long time.”

Chris Fiorito, Pastor, O’Connor FMC in Kakabeka Falls, ON, echoed a similar thought, “I’m not seeing growth at our church and I was wondering if it’s the way I’m doing things. I realize that I missed the part about being intentional. I’m a do-it-myself type of guy so this experience is teaching me to become more aware of who I am discipling, where they fit and how to move them along.”

This time in community together looks different for each participant.

Different ideas will come into focus as topics and ideas are explored. Kim Henderson, Director of Personnel, shared, “If people come to this thinking it’s going to be a quick fix they are going to be disappointed and frustrated.

This really is about wrestling with a lot of questions and realizing that one

The Wesleyan Way is an apprenticeship approach to discipleship rather than a training approach. Dan explains, “This is not your standard come to a hotel, sit in a meeting room and listen to a lecture. We want this to be a whole life experience. We cook meals together, share a dorm room together and put into place many of the means of grace.”

John Wesley

8 :: MOSAIC :: Fall 2015

Journey Discipleship Survey

This survey helps churches understand where people are at in the discipleship journey.

size doesn’t fit all. We have to know our people and our context. We need to understand who we are entrusted with and then start to think through some of these big questions.”

Grant Wolfe, Pastor, Grapeview FMC in St. Catherines, ON, affirmed that The Wesleyan Way was not a quick fix but the beginning of a process, “We need to figure out what people need to learn and experience in order to become that disciple that Jesus is calling them to be. As we each go back to our individual contexts it’s about asking the same questions and having the same discussion with our leadership.”

Beverly’s experience directly impacted her ministry, “The most practical place that The Wesleyan Way impacted my ministry was during a bible study group as we studied the book of Hebrews. The principles of growing in community and being responsible to and for one another came up during the study. I was able to speak into those lives about what discipleship might look like. A few of them have caught on to the concept of mentoring others and are actively involved now in this type of ministry.

One has even borrowed my copy of Mulholland’s Invitation to a Journey.

The other question that came up that of Christian maturity and what that looks like. So I was able to bring out the Journey Towards Wholeness in Jesus card and ask them to identify where they are in their personal faith journey.”

So who can participate in The Wesleyan Way?

of eight to ten participants per session and it is by invitation. Ask for an invitation if you are interested!

Two final thoughts Adrian Collins, Pastor, St. Joseph Island FMC, Hilton Beach, ON, found strength in numbers during his Wesleyan Way experience, “We’ve been talking about discipleship for a long time but it’s easier to talk about it than to actually do it. It’s easy to feel like you don’t know what you are doing but when you gather with 10-12 others it’s amazing what the Lord will do.”

Dan and Marc don’t have a huge list of criteria, “We ask the National Leadership Team, ‘Who are pastors or leaders who you’ve talked with in the last year or so who are concerned with disciple making and trying to figure it out.’ We aren’t looking for people who are doing disciple making and doing it well. We want people who say, ‘I need help with this and where do I get it?’”

Mary Lee DeWitt, MEGaP, sums up why FMCIC leaders need to be fully engaged in the discipleship process, “I believe discipleship is important in the ongoing development of the Christian community. If we aren’t making disciples this whole process is going to come to a halt.” And a little shout out for the three day immersion experience, “The dynamic of practicing Christian community intentionally and learning together drives the point home a little easier. We can all read a book but to experience it hands on within community with all the warts and wrinkles is pretty special.”

This experience works best for leaders who are working on, concerned about or struggling with discipleship right now. Think of it as a justin-time educational opportunity. The plan is to offer The Wesleyan Way twice a year – once in the East and once in the West. There is a maximum

Alison McKinnon, Social Media Journalist | alison.fmcic@gmail.com

The Free Methodist Church in Canada :: MOSAIC :: 9

{Passages} APPOINTMENTS

MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES

Michael Brain Assistant Pastor Rice Road FMC Welland, ON

Nathan Colquhoun Pastor The Story Sarnia, ON

Danii Harris D H i Assistant Pastor The FreeWay FMC Oshawa, ON

Joe Jobin Lead Pastor Through the Roof Flinton, ON

Daniel Massey Lead Pastor Pine Grove Community Church Seeley’s Bay, ON

Pierre Ndoumai Pastor Communauté Chrétienne de Moissonneurs Gatineau, QC

Joseph Schaefer Lead Pastor Campbellford FMC Campbellford, ON

Brent Steeves Lead Pastor New Horizons Community Church Brantford, ON

Grant Wolfe Network Leader Mentor

Edrice Clermy Network Leader

Paul Millar Board of Administration

Chantal Lemaire Quebec MEGaP

Aaron James Network Leader

Ian Isaak Board of Administration

Ordained! Congratulations to Holly Raymond Peterborough FMC

Michael Brain Assistant Pastor at Rice Road FMC – Welland, ON

Nathan Colquhoun Pastor at The Story – Sarnia, ON

Joe Jobin Lead Pastor at Through the Roof – Flinton, ON

Brent Steeves Lead Pastor at New Horizons CC – Brantford, ON

From the Bookshelf

John Vlainic is Chaplain at Hamilton Health Services in Hamilton, ON | johnvlainic@rogers.com

10 :: MOSAIC :: Fall 2015

Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth (Harper, 1998)

Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God (Harper, 1998)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian in Community (Harper, 2009)

Tony Campolo & Gordon Aeschliman, Everybody Wants to Change the World: Practical Ideas for Social Justice (Baker, 2006)

S

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I like clearly defined things which is why I LOVE my dictionary. I am also a big fan of my thesaurus, but that has no relevance here. When I couldn’t find a definition for spiritual passion I was forced to figure it out on my own and based on my research (read Googling) I think spiritual passion means living out my faith in a committed, joyful and enthusiastic way.

Since I’m just learning about spiritual passion, I’ll refrain from writing a thesis on how to build spiritual passion within our movement. I am however pondering my own spiritual passion or as the case may be, the lack thereof.

I have moments or seasons of living out my faith in a committed or joyful or enthusiastic way but I have yet to experience all three simultaneously for an extended period of time. My commitment to my faith is the most consistent of the three. From the get-go God provided me with an amazing group of Jesus followers who taught me what it means to follow Christ and how to live that out together in community. My life continues to change and transform which in turn fuels my commitment.

The joy and enthusiasm I feel about Jesus and my transformed life is experienced but it’s internalized. It’s not an outward expression that others can see which I think is what is meant when talking about spiritual passion. I’m still sorting out how to be outwardly joyful and enthusiastic about my faith in an authentic way that feels like me.

“Spiritual Passion, to me means living out my faith

So I had to do some Googling to get a better understanding of the term “spiritual passion.” As someone who is newish to church, this is yet another term in a long list of churchy terms I’ve had to research. I was surprised when no clear definition appeared in my Google search. Articles about finding, rekindling, restoring and igniting spiritual passion were plentiful but no Webster’s like dictionary definition.

in a committed, joyful and enthusiastic way!”

MY THESIS ON HOW TO BUILD SPIRITUAL PASSION IN OUR MOVEMENT

I’m processing all this stuff with those in my community which in turn has led to discussions about how we as a community of Jesus followers are living out our faith in a committed, joyful and enthusiastic way.

Maybe that’s how you build spiritual passion?

Alison McKinnon, Social Media Journalist | alison.fmcic@gmail.com

as The Free Methodist Church in Canada :: MOSAIC :: 11

{ Stewardship Development Ministries}

TAKE A GENEROUS BREATH… The summer cold made its way through the house. No one was spared. But when it was my husband’s turn, it was different. Having just recuperated from surgery, and suffering from asthma, it was clear this was more than just a chest cold. The doctor sent us right to emergency for a chest x-ray and blood tests. The diagnosis was pneumonia.

On our way to emergency, we read the report the doctor gave to take with us. It made an interesting diagnosis – ‘patient has difficulty inspiring.’ (Fellow asthma sufferers will understand that ‘inspiring’ means breathing in.) Then the emergency doctor asked him to take a deep breath, and then asked him to ‘take a generous breath’.

As I reflected on this when it was time to write this article, those two phrases stuck with me. I thought how important it is to take a ‘generous breath’ – because without it, we have difficulty ‘inspiring others’.

How can we inspire people to breath and live generously?

1. Make giving easy. Make it easy for people to live and give

generously. Instead of resisting change in how we handle giving, look at ways to adopt new methods that allow both spontaneous and systematic giving.

2. Tell the story. Connect your budget to the church vision and

tell the story of how people are making a difference through their giving.

3. Keep the Trust. Do not violate your people’s trust in the

church. Be transparent, authentic and accountable in all you do. Your goal should be that your church is not the only place to give to, but it is one of the best places to give to partner with God in His mission for your community.

4. Overcome Fear. Teach and preach on the Kingdom Economy

that counters the world’s message of fear, worry and deficiency.

And perhaps more importantly, when we cannot ‘inspire’ generously, do we become spiritually asthmatic?

So what can it mean to take a ‘generous breath’? I think of Jesus’ words in Matthew telling us not to worry. How? By ‘considering the lilies’. Perhaps when we are having difficulty ‘inspiring’ is because our lungs are filled with fear and worry. Taking time to stop, reflect, look around at how much God has already generously provided us with. The Lilies. The air we are breathing. The sun, the earth, family, good friends and so much more. As we ‘breath in generously’ let us ‘inspire’ others to not only breath generously, but to live generously.

SO WHAT’S UP WITH THE SOCIETY MEETING?

12 :: MOSAIC :: Fall 2015

5. Find the Joy in Generosity. Celebrate generosity. Be

thankful for all things because generosity is the overflow of a thankful heart. Give thanks in all things because it reminds our hearts who is the provider and giver of all things – including the very air we breathe.

Sandy Crozier is the Stewardship Ministries Director for The Free Methodist Church in Canada sandy.crozier@fmcic.ca

{Our History }

CHURCH SERVICE CAUSES POLICE TO INVESTIGATE     

Those are headlines from The Toronto Daily Star in 1922. The church services in question were the Toronto District Quarterly Meeting, with 300 in attendance, held at a church plant location at 105 Eglington Ave E. The North Toronto Mission, begun in 1920, was an outreach ministry of the more central, Broadview Ave. Free Methodist Church. By 1925 it was a congregation in its own right; Eglington Ave. Free Methodist Church. In 1960 the congregation would move to Warden Ave, eventually being renamed as Wesley Chapel in 1970.

But way back in 1922, they were making quite a name for themselves in the neighbourhood. The Daily Star says two police constables were dispatched to investigate complaints. The officers “reported that they heard noises and saw crowds outside the church looking in. They found the congregation of men and women kneeling and some women prostrated on the floor. They stated that shrieks of ecstasy burst from many a mouth and that the people swayed and some even rose and danced, evidently with great emotion. A number of small children were present whom the officers said imitated their elders.”

The Rev. G. H. Bray told the officers “that it was a manifestation of the spirit which was present at the meeting. He explained that it was in accordance with the creed in which the Free Methodists believed, that is, the faithful adherence to the teachings of John Wesley.” The

For most churches, the last quarter of the year means getting ready for the annual Society Meeting.

For those that are new to our movement, here are some basics of what is a society meeting and what should be happening in one.

A Society is the Free Methodist term for the members of a local church. The Society Meeting is when all members of the local society meet to discuss and vote on church matters. Absentee or Proxy Voting is not permitted.

The goals of the annual society meeting are: • • • • •

To report and celebrate what has been accomplished To cast vision for the future To elect the official board / committees* To elect/re-elect nominating committee* To receive the financial statement, refer it to audit and approve a budget for the coming year**

police could find nothing that demanded their call, except that the neighbors were disturbed, and returned to the station.

The Daily Star went on to interview neighbours, the minister and church members in attendance. Some neighbours spoke of it as a joke, “they never really disturbed us, but we were amused by it all.” Another neighbour was quite distressed; “I like to hear good singing but the shrieks were too much for me. Several women were lying on the floor and two men ran up to the minister and kissed him.

That does not seem like religion to me… What can children think when they see their parents lying on the floor and shrieking or twostepping around? They are just like the Holy Rollers.”

Rev Bray clarified: “We were speaking of the difficulties we had overcome in our church work, and two men came up to me to congratulate me and embraced me, putting their arms around me.

There was no kissing.”

“As far as being called Holy Rollers,” said Mr Bray, “we have nothing to do with that. We have been called Ranters, but never Rollers.”

Further, “I know that there are people who cannot understand our services. We believe that conversion should be a real experience for everyone. In some cases it affects the persons so that they give great expression to that emotion, but we do not maintain that there is any necessity for demonstration.”

Question. What would the neighbours of your church, today, be calling the police about?

Dan Sheffield| dan.sheffield@fmcic.ca

Society Meetings must happen at least annually (the date can be determined by either the society or the official board) and must be announced at least 30 days in advance.

Special Meetings may be called by either the Pastor or the majority of the Official Board – but are strictly limited to the announced agenda and must be announced at least 15 days in advance.

Either the pastor or chairperson may chair the society meeting. In their absence, the society may elect a chairperson for the meeting by ballot. Robert’s Rules of Order is the standard of parliamentary procedure. *

For information on qualifications of board/ committee members please see The Manual, Chapter 3, sections 320.3-5 and 372.2.4.2.

** For information on the church audit and selecting an auditor, please see The Manual, Chapter 3, section 2.7.2.4.2.

The Free Methodist Church in Canada :: MOSAIC :: 13

{International Child Care Ministries} ENCOUNTER ETHIOPIA

DID YOU KNOW THAT . . .

ICCM DIRECTOR, PAULA MORIARITY LED AN ENCOUNTER ETHIOPIA TEAM THIS PAST SUMMER. CANADA SPONSORS 262 KIDS IN FIVE SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT ETHIOPIA. THE TEAM HAD A CROSSCULTURAL EXPERIENCE, MET FREE METHODIST LEADERS, AND SAW HOW GOD IS WORKING THROUGH THEM! HERE IS ONE TEAM MEMBERS EXPERIENCE:

I’ve seen a lot of Ethiopia in three days, mostly from the windows a moving van. We have covered over 1,000 kilometres and I have become accustomed to the landscape as we travelled through various communities. We have been through mountainous areas, flat lands and farmland. The fields I’ve seen looks like patchwork quilts and are tended mostly by single horse drawn wooden shank cultivators with a steel blade. From what I have observed, while the country relies heavily on agriculture they are behind on the type of farming equipment that is currently available. The people are very poor, so I suppose they have to make due with what is available to them.

I had the opportunity to meet Yichalal, a sponsored child, at one of the schools we visited. He is nine years old, and he lives with his parents and four siblings. His home was very simple – just a concrete structure with little furnishing signifying how very little they had. Yet, even in their poverty they were extremely hospitable and very warm. After some lunch, I shared with them the gifts that I had brought and they were met with excitement and great appreciation.

When it was time to leave Yichalal’s mother prayed for us and sent us away blessed.

We visited a few schools in our travels, and it was apparent that they were quite rustic compared to what we are used to seeing in North America. However, the exterior did not represent the quality of education the children received. From what I observed the children are being taught and trained well despite the deficiencies in the schools. Families are very poor and that is seen throughout all aspects of the living from houses, roads people travel on to the uniforms of the children. They do the best with what they have and remain quite warm and friendly.

Planning Ahead If you would like to send a monetary gift to your child, please send it two months beforehand to ensure they receive it for their birthday or Christmas.

Special Funds 100% of special project contributions are sent to the country ie. India Rice fund are sent to ICCM India Updating your contact information Have you moved or has your email address, home or cell number changed?

Please contact the ICCM office to let us know. iccm@fmcic.ca

written by Lee Speer Paula Moriarity is the International Child Care Ministries Director for The Free Methodist Church in Canada | paula.moriarity@fmcic.ca | childcareministries.net

Follow the stream is our new Giving Streams campaign.

You can download resources like bulletin inserts, PowerPoint slides and short video clips from our website at http://fmcic.ca/gs-bulletin-inserts/

14 :: MOSAIC :: Fall 2015

{ Student Ministries }

When Young People pray When young people pray, powerful things can happen. When anyone prays powerful things can happen but there is something special about young people praying and especially when praying for other people.

In Weyburn, we teach on praying for specific things compared to general “just be with them” prayers. We also encourage them to write these requests down so that we recognize when they have been answered. This boosts their faith and increases their passion.

In our lads small group, over a year ago we prayed for a non-Christian friend of theirs at school who had seriously injured himself that week by running into a window and cutting up his arm, and face - narrowly missing important arteries. We prayed not just for his healing but also for his salvation and specifically that he would connect with the youth group. It was roughly three weeks later that he started attending youth group after his sister, who had been invited by another member of the youth group, had attended the week before. At Easter, he was helping with the VBS and this summer he came to family camp at Arlington Beach. I am not sure if he has yet arrived at “Jesus is my Lord and Savior” but he definitely appears to be moving in the right direction.

Recently another young chap injured his finger and so he was prayed for during the small group time. He was healed.

This testimony of what the Lord has done has been shared many times since.

When young people are passionate for Jesus, incredible things happen. Imagine for a moment what it would look like to see ten/a hundred/a thousand plus young people engaged in ministry around your city/community/province. What would it look like to see these young people share and show the Gospel to the people they come in contact with and what could the impact be?

James Brackpool is the Associate Pastor of Youth at Weyburn FMC in Weyburn SK | jbrackpool@weyburnfmc.com

The Free Methodist Church in Canada :: MOSAIC :: 15

{ Global Ministries }

CROSSING BOUNDARIES – RIGHT HERE IN CANADA! Recently, I heard about an older woman who goes out of her way to speak kindly with women wearing traditional Middle Eastern head coverings.

She says, “I know they have a lot of negative contact with people like me, (white, European-background people), so I chat them up and try to show a different face.” She does this in grocery stores, shopping malls and bus stops, in the course of her normal activities.

John Wesley would have loved that woman. On the other hand he could be a bit harsh with those who didn’t pay attention to their “different” neighbours: One great reason why the rich in general have so little sympathy for the poor is because they so seldom visit them. Hence it is that (according to the common observation) one part of the world does not know what the other suffers. Many of them do not know, because they do not care to know: they keep out of the way of knowing it – and then plead their voluntary ignorance as an excuse for their hardness of heart.

(Sermon 98: “On Visiting the Sick”)

Wesley recognized the importance of relationships that cross boundaries.

When believers had personal connections with their neighbours, they could understand their situations better and respond effectively. Wesley understood clearly the necessity of holding together the qualities of universal love and particular, personal care. Lofty statements about loving every person as one’s neighbour had to be accompanied by acts which brought the Christian face-to-face with those persons most commonly excluded from the “neighbourhood” (Christine Pohl, Making Room) So often, we think about “different” people “over there” somewhere.

Today, one of the most significant locations for “reaching the world for Christ” is right here in Canada. In the midst of various political parties espousing “this policy or that” in regard to newcomers to Canada, Christians are called to open our arms, our homes and our hearts to the strangers among us.

I would like to bring to your attention a great resource that some Free Methodists made a contribution toward. Finding Our

Way: Immigrants, Refugees and Canadian Churches. This

Guide to Action is a practical, interdenominational toolkit for congregational leaders in Canada.

It features eleven key strategies 16 :: MOSAIC :: Fall 2015

(described as “Wayfinding Actions”) that Church leaders can use in working with - and learning from - immigrants and refugees. The Guide also encourages individuals and groups to balance the “doing” of settlement and integration ministry with the “being” of a cultivated spirit of love, friendship and welcome. www.communitybasedresearch.ca/Page/View/Guide_to_Action

If your church would like help in thinking through and implementing some of these approaches, feel free to contact me directly.

Canada is home to one of the most multi-ethnic, multicultural, multireligious populations on the planet. As a result, we are facing some of the most significant upheavals in our nation’s history. So what does this mean for Christ’s church? World Vision asked that question of 40 churches across the country. Probably one in your neighbourhood, and at least one Free Methodist church is featured. [Try to guess who and where! Or pick up the book and find out for sure ] Shifting Stats: Shaking the Church

offers a fresh take and a hopeful outlook on the Canadian church. Each story highlights a congregation that has responded to new opportunities presented in the areas of Family, Finances, Immigration, Technology, Time/ Volunteering and Youth, and how a perceived challenge has resulted in a new way to engage their local community with the love of God. What is a Global Ministry Partnership? A relationship that exists between a local church in Canada and an international church or ministry, reflecting the strengths and concerns of both groups. A global ministry partnership will involve an exchange of resources and experience which mutually benefits both groups and moves both groups toward the realization of their Spirit-directed goals.

Dan Sheffield, Director of Global and Intercultural Ministries | dan.sheffield@fmcic.ca