Author Archives: Andy Cornell

How Now Do We Talk?

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The 2021 federal election marked a new low for civil discourse in postmodern times. Leaders being confronted by protesters from other parties is par for the course but hurling eggs and handfuls of gravel at them was something new.

We should not be surprised. It was the logical next step from the online anger which has seethed for many years. I know it well. One of my many tasks as a newspaper editor was to monitor online commenting and remove anything that might be considered libellous lest we be named as co-accused in civil action. After a while, we gave up and closed comments altogether.

There is nothing new about confrontation in the public sphere. It’s part of the human condition. It’s why we learned in elementary school the rules and practice of debate. How quickly we forget the opening and closing handshakes.

I appreciate banter and sometimes I get into it. I’m a political animal, and I’m also an ideologue. Where on the spectrum does not matter for the purpose of this essay. Let’s just say I am convinced that one side of the left-right continuum is mostly correct. I have voted in every election in which I’m eligible to cast a ballot. That includes student council. I have volunteered on campaigns at every level. I was president of a riding association’s youth wing back in the day.

Of course, I am also a believer. My faith is fused into my steadfast belief that Canada is a great nation, amazingly blessed by our Maker. For the most part, we are a place of peace, freedom, order and security from domestic and international threats. I believe our democratic institutions are a gift from God and need to be protected. I love to point to preamble of the 1982 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which states that “Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law.”

So I freely shared the posts of the political party I support. I advised the local candidate, who was glad to hear the views of a local pastor. It was humbling and encouraging.

(Of course, there is a separation. I don’t tell my congregation directly how to vote. Just vote. It doesn’t matter for whom or what. My neighbour put up a sign on his front lawn during the federal campaign which said, “just vote.” Amen. Federal voter turnout as a percentage of those eligible to cast ballots was 66 per cent in 2019.  Provincially, it’s typically a lot less. Municipal turnout in most places never cracks 50 per cent.)

I often share my political views on Facebook. It’s an implicit encouragement to others to get thinking and be engaged. Another implied message is the necessity of an informed vote; making a decision based on facts, not assumptions.

Unfortunately, some responses to my political post sharing have had nothing to do with the issue at hand. Sadly, many of these commenters are fellow political animals – former colleagues and municipal politicians. “Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story,” the old adage goes. Reality is being replaced by perceptions. When I politely suggested that they check the facts, there was no reply or they made a response that was off topic.

Perhaps that’s the underlying problem: people believe what they want to believe. They see and hear what they want to perceive. And it’s fueled by emotion, anger and frustration.

I believe strongly that the separation of passion and emotion from reason is essential in the democratic decision-making process, and it’s one reason behind our historic national peace. And yet I see cracks in that armour. I have a sense that the politics of division we saw in the United States in the lead-up to the 2016 election has now seeped into the Canadian political consciousness. Pelting pebbles at the Liberal leader and eggs at the Peoples’ Party leader at campaign stops are a new low.

We live in an angry world.

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But the church is different, right?

Sadly, no.

Witness the vitriolic Facebook reply from a Presbyterian minister to another who likened the passing of the remits to apostasy: “I no longer consider you a friend in any sense of the word.” Ouch. Facebook friendship is a bit of a misnomer (a better term would be an association or perhaps acquaintance) but being “unfriended” on Facebook over theological differences seems extreme.

Apparently, some of us are incapable of associating with those whose opinions are different. Others might continue the “friendship” but are unable or unwilling to engage in respectful dialogue.

Consider the saga of the Facebook group “A gathering place for members and friends of The Presbyterian Church in Canada,” which had 2,437 members when volunteer administrators locked its doors in early April of this year. The shop still stands and all comments (unless previously removed) were in plain view as of mid September.

The group was created in 2007 by friends of the PCC as an open place of discussion. It’s not an official voice of the denomination, which maintains its own page. The fact that it lasted 14 years is a minor miracle. We have been divided theologically for decades. Liberals and progressives have been bent on moulding the PCC into a kinder and gentler church. Those in orthodoxy have been working to hold the line against any movement towards doctrine that might be more in line with secular thinking. Many progressives recoil and state that they are simply moving us to something more Christlike, suggesting that those who stand in opposition are operating out of a false dichotomy advanced by a patriarchal, sexist and homophobic church for several thousand years. It’s a back and forth, never ending no-win debate.

“Let’s ‘up’ our politeness and thoughtfulness a bit please,” one of the administrators posted in 2018. It was an oft-repeated plea.

The administrators of the page have taken a few hits in recent years for either shutting down conversations or removing certain individuals or from being overly tolerant. It was a no-win situation. It’s worth noting that the admins are of many theological mindsets and thus represented the wide diversity of thought and practice within the PCC.

The final straw for “gathering place” occurred in the wake of debate over the selection of an Anglo male as nominee for moderator of 2021 General Assembly. He was among three ministers on the ballot; the others were an aboriginal woman and a Caribbean woman. The ballot was put to a ranked vote by members of presbyteries. It was the same process used for many years. As soon as the nominee was announced, questions were raised.

Here’s an excerpt from the post which got the “gathering place” debate going: “Indigenous, Black and Asian people are disproportionally suffering in Canadian society. Systemic racism is active in our Canadian institutions. Education, Social Services, Health, Law, Politics, and Church. And, in this context we corporately choose a white male over an Indigenous woman or a Black woman to Moderate the Assembly of our Church? I weep.”

There were several thoughtful posts and replies. Much of it was mutually respectful. I point to one notable exchange between Rev. Harris Athanasiadis and Rev. George Robertson – ministers on different ends of the theological spectrum – who bantered back and forth. It was thought provoking and delightful and if you have a few hours, check it out. Sadly, their exchange produced very few “likes.” Most of the attention went to the more-entertaining and pithy comments. It didn’t take long for emotions to flare. A mere one day later, a page administrator shut down the conversation, citing the need to avoid personal comments.

But the lid on this boiling pot wasn’t going to contain the steam. Two days later, someone made a fresh attempt to rekindle the fire: “This conversation started with a very simple question – ‘what does this election say about the church?’ . . . What bothers me the most is the intentional misunderstanding of the issue at hand. Nobody has, or will ever, claim that the vote was racist by nature. Nobody believes that the voters said to themselves, ‘I’m only comfortable voting for the white one’. We are simply asking why, again, we have decided that a white man is the most qualified. Why does it ALWAYS seem as if the white male is the most qualified?”

Discourse is too polite a word to describe much of what followed. A few deliberately poked the bear. Like political barbs, a number of responders strayed from the facts and made hay from stereotypes. It got nasty. In one noteworthy exchange, a progressive and a conservative each blamed the other of being either racist or Marxist.

Two days later, commenting on that thread was closed. Shortly after, the page as a whole was closed to any new posts.

“We’ve never seen such a volume of posts and such a lack of civility on here before,” one of the volunteer administrators posted.

“A gathering place” now stands as a snapshot in time, a memorial to our fractious nature. It might be reopened. Or not.

I am a fervent defender of free speech, no matter how odious the comments. I see nothing wrong with the original questions posed. I adhere to the belief that there is no incorrect question. (Yes, they can be loaded, baited and passive aggressive, but that’s the right of the poser.)

The challenge for all of us in a supposedly free and democratic nation is to engage one another in respectful dialogue and debate.

Is an intelligent, well-moderated and mutually respectful conversation possible? I’m a perennial optimist, so my answer is “yes.” All opinions are worthy of consideration. Yes, even the most outlandish. Even those which are clearly being advanced by the enemy.

“Worthy of consideration” does not mean we agree in whole or part. “Consideration” means that we recognize that the suggestion, proposition or question is the result of a thinking and feeling person who was created in the image of God.

Dwell on that.

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“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” is the universal credo in defence of free speech.

Free speech is a rare gift. Only in very recent human history – measured by a few hundred years – has it had any measure of practice in our nations and cultures. This is why scripture doesn’t contain much direct encouragement for those who advance freedoms of speech. These are human rights, after all. The true freedom advanced in scripture is of a spiritual nature.

The closest encouragement, in my mind, are the words of our Lord as he proclaimed the Kingdom: “I tell you the truth.”

The truth will set us free once we know it and embrace it, the Lord stated in John 8:32. But he also shrugged off state control: give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. What’s more important is to be free from the wiles of the devil.

Scripture is clear, however, on the dangers of unbridled discussion.

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” James 3:5

We have been warned in no uncertain terms how our words and speech are powerful and dangerous.

Do we have ears to hear?

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We find ourselves in uncharted territory.

Theological divide has resulted in an official change in doctrine after remits ‘B’ and ‘C’ were adopted at 2021 General Assembly, allowing the coexistence of two “parallel” definitions of marriage and the “liberty of conscience and action” granting elders and ministers the right not to participate in the ordinations, inductions and installations of those in same-gender marriages or relationships.

The division is more than formally recognized — it’s been codified. Expect a a rewritten Living Faith to come.

How all of this fits with our ordination vows not to take any divisive course is an excellent question, one that was raised during the two-year discussion between the creation of the remits and their final approval. A satisfactory answer may not be possible. Nor resolution.

Interestingly, the same vow is followed by a pledge “to seek peace and unity of Christ among your people and throughout the Holy Catholic Church.”

Which brings us to the question, “How now shall we talk?”

One solution for those who don’t want to remain is simply to depart, which many have done. The exodus from the PCC has been going on for decades. While people can freely leave, it’s not easy for a congregation, which does not own its building. Efforts to allow congregations to leave the fold (for any theological reason) resulted in a carefully-researched and detailed proposal to allow “gracious dismissal,” which has still not been formally received by the council which commissioned it on behalf of General Assembly. There are also overtures calling for the creation of separate theological wings of the PCC, each with its own doctrine. Even if these initiatives are accepted as viable alternatives, it will take years to settle.

And then there are those who are content to stay. (Or they are simply not being called to depart.) Remaining faithful to orthodoxy might be a challenge, which creates a greater need than ever to lift one another up. But that’s only half of the challenge. There are the folks on the other side of the parallel definition. How do we talk to one another?

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I had coffee recently with a colleague from seminary. It had been several years since we talked face to face. It never ceases to amaze me how folks with shared experiences have a certain bond. No matter how long the separation, it only takes a few minutes for the ice to break when we meet.

I should point out that my friend and I do not share the same theological outlooks on some key matters. Yet as we shared our experiences of working in ministry – trials and tribulations, joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams – our theological differences of opinion didn’t seem to matter.

It got me thinking about our seminary days. Our cohort was diverse. We knew that we came from different theological perspectives but we didn’t dwell on that because we had more-urgent things on our minds: getting through the next Greek exegesis, finishing our papers on deadline, working together on group assignments and completing that week’s readings. Get through it and graduate.

Out of the tests and trials of seminary, lifelong bonds were formed. We attended each other’s ordinations and inductions. We shared the early experiences of venturing into new callings.

Eventually, we entered the “real world,” where theological differences started to matter. Church politics reared its head. Innocent days ended. Many of us settled into different cohorts based on shared theology.

Is it possible, in the real world of working ministry, to rediscover that childlike innocence we experienced in seminary? Our Lord does ask us to be like little children. Like seminary students focused on the task at hand, what if we were so focused on our collective calls that we paid no heed to our significant differences in theology and doctrine? It might be a naïve question. But, as noted above, all questions are valid.

I can think of one immediate stumbling block, and it’s agreeing on exactly what that collective call, that priority, should be. Is it the noble cause of social justice, feeding the hungry and fighting for fairness and equity? Is it the wonderous challenge of introducing Christ to those who don’t know Him? Salvation or encouragement? Prophecy or community? That’s just a taste. Our calls are as diverse as the needs.

And yet, with God, are all things not possible?

In addition to his work with Renewal Fellowship, Andy Cornell is minister at St. Andrew’s Dresden, Ontario

Fresh Focus for a New Season

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This blog represents the thoughts of the author. While they may reflect the theological position of The Renewal Fellowship, they should not be seen as an official statement.

I read a frightening statistic recently.

“Only 29 per cent of Christians believe that reaching unreached people around the world is 'very urgent.' ”

It's a quote from the Barna Group, the American research firm which specializes in faith and culture. I don't believe that it's far from the truth. (It could be even worse in Canada.) It holds up against recent research. In 2017, Barna asked churchgoers about The Great Commission. Only half had ever heard of it. It rang a bell for some, but only 17 per cent were actually familiar with it.

Yes, that's scary. It's frightening for the simple – and I would suggest “obvious” – reason that there is nothing more important for the church than to do our part in rescuing souls from eternal separation from God. Life is a blink of an eye compared with what's to come.

(It also begs the question: what on earth do we think church is about anyway? Also: what in blazes are pastors doing?)

Most denominations, congregations and believers simply do not place a high priority on evangelism. Tragically, it's only a few in Christendom who genuinely take it seriously.

The pandemic made it worse. Yes, being online allowed us to reach out in a new way. And yes, some of us received new people into our midst because of online technology – or at least we welcomed some back who haven't been able to be with us in person.

But in our race to adapt and go online – and establish protocols for meeting in person – evangelism went from the back seat of our churches to the storage room. Something that was already weak became even less of a priority.

It's time for that to change. And what better time than now, when we emerge from what we hope and pray are the final waves of COVID-19 and we enter a new church season.

Let's be reminded of what The Great Commission is, as stated in Matthew 28:18-20.

    All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (NIV)

I love how Jesus sets this up with a reminder that He is the Son of God. He is holy and heavenly royalty. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” He is God in human form. And if we truly believe that, then we are obligated to listen and follow everything He says in His final words before He ascended to heaven. “Therefore” is the kind of word which should make listeners or readers pause and open their eyes, ears, hearts and minds to what follows. Skin should tingle as we take it in.

“Go” means to move, with purpose and in complete faith. “Make disciples” means to actively work to a specific goal.

“Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This is not just for ministers. We are the priesthood of all believers. Notwithstanding what our denomination teaches – that the sacrament of baptism is to be administered only by teaching elders and those ruling elders who have been commissioned by presbytery – the truth is that real baptism is not a ceremony but rather being present to prayerfully and lovingly guide someone as they give their heart and mind – indeed, their entire eternal being – over to God in Christ.

There is nothing in this world or the next that is more important than this.

What will it take for the church to wake up to this? A church which does not make evangelism its chief priority is turning a blind eye and deaf ear to the will of God.

I am not aware of any 12-step program how to make this happen. And if anyone tries to sell you on one – buyer beware.

However, we can start by getting some encouragement from the apostle Paul – the great church planter – who was not particularly good on his feet. He was a powerful letter writer and brilliant theologian, but hardly a candidate to lead a megachurch. Not much to see in person, from what we glean from Scripture.

What he had was the ability to submit his entire being to the loving mercy of God, the brotherhood of Christ the Shepherd and the awesome capable power of the Holy Spirit to operate in ways that are unseen and beyond our abilities.

As Paul says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20 NLT)

Read it carefully and take in each word. “Mighty … power … at work … within us … infinitely more.” Do we believe God can do all that? And I mean, do we believe with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind? If so, let's live it and proclaim it.

Let all of us – teaching elders, ruling elders, members, and adherents everywhere – stop, drop, and pray for however long it takes to receive that power and hear our Lord's voice. For some of us, it will be the first time in quite a while. For others, it may be in a new and powerful way. Or it may even be the first time.

We are powerless on our own. We need Him. Allow Him to work.

As we emerge from pandemic distancing and as church programs (such as they are) fire up once again, we are invited to put aside pointless and destructive theological disputes which are orchestrated by the devil. Let us admit that we will never be able to reconcile our differences, at least not on human terms.

Shake off the dust and move on to what is more important.

Departure Gate, Destination Unknown

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This blog represents the thoughts of the author. While they may reflect the theological position of The Renewal Fellowship, they should not be seen as an official statement.

Precisely 60 seconds after the adoption of Remit ‘C’ by General Assembly, which allowed the call, election and ordination of those in same-sex partnerships, a motion was made to investigate the establishment of a separate theological synod for those who adhere to traditional standards.

The timing spoke volumes. It was evidence that the compromises in the remits, allowing parallel definitions of marriage and liberty of conscience regarding participation, failed to bridge the theological divide.

“A large number of congregations cannot accept this,” said the mover.

It wasn’t just about integrity. There was a practical concern.

“I bring this motion really to plant a seed … and perhaps stave off people or even churches leaving the denomination… . I am also really concerned about the sustained division within the church. I believe that by creating a separate theological space … the church can preserve its deeply held theological perspectives,” he explained.

The bid failed by roughly the same proportion that adopted the remits.

Some of those who spoke against the motion promised conservatives that they would be given the same safe space others have lacked for decades.

Give peace a chance, they said.

“Trust each another… Trust the new process for a year, for six months, but for longer than 30 seconds. Give God a chance to make us into a new people,” said one detractor.

But in the hearts and minds of many in orthodoxy, trust had already been broken, the process had already been lengthy and the denomination had walked away from God. The remits were non starters.

The departures have begun.

“I have had some people leave, or about to leave, from both ends of the spectrum,” one Ontario pastor told me recently. “Someone said they were leaving the congregation because they couldn’t be associated with a church who wouldn’t marry same-sex couples, and then two weeks ago someone said they couldn’t support a church in a denomination who would tamper with the definition of marriage.”

In another congregation, session exercised its liberty of conscience as promised in Remit ‘C’ and issued a statement upholding traditional marriage. It was met by a mixture of resignations of liberal-minded members and applause from others.

Behind the scenes across the PCC, ministers, elders and congregants are supporting one another in online gatherings and letters of encouragement.

While most departures so far have been in dribs and drabs, that was not the case in Trenton, Ontario, where in late June, all five members of St. Andrew’s session handed in their letters of resignation.

“This has been a difficult decision as I have served the Lord through The Presbyterian Church in Canada for many years in three congregations,” wrote clerk of session and representative elder Alan Brewster.

Citing 2 Timothy 4 and Jeremiah 6:16, he pointed to the remits as contrary to scripture. “I believe The Presbyterian Church in Canada is interpreting the scriptures to agree with society’s opinions at the expense of the truth.”

Fellow elder Andy Van Bodegom said he has been preparing for this possibility for years. God’s word “stands in opposition to the plurality of the definition of marriage. God’s word stands in opposition and I can do no less,” he wrote, citing 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Ephesians 2:12. “The denomination is (if not already so), headed toward a state of apostasy,” he added.

Elder Sue Van Bodegom has attended St. Andrew’s Trenton for her entire life – baptized, confirmed, married, and raising a family there.

“I love my church but I realize I do not own it, nor does it own me. I have one Master to whom I answer and that is Jesus Christ. Being brought up on His Word and being faithful to it is what is important to me. Knowing that the Church is straying from it by passing remits ‘B’ and ‘C’ breaks my heart and I do not wish to continue being a part of it. Resigning from the eldership was not an easy decision but it was necessary,” she wrote.

She added: “I want it known that I love my brothers and sisters who are LGBTQI oriented and in no way do I mean to be hurtful. My prayers are with them.”

While the resignations were noteworthy, so too was the manner in which they came about. Interim moderator Rev. Jennifer Cameron was fully aware of their discomfort after Assembly, so she reached out a pastoral hand.

“I thought about the position they were in, knowing the challenges faced by the congregation over the past seasons of transition, and tired after waiting and wondering how things would unfold in the denomination,” she wrote in In a July 12 letter to the congregation.

“I felt led to open a door for them to be relieved of the burden of leadership, so they might sit alongside you in the congregation as brothers and sisters and discern a path forward with you. I approached the Elders with this prayerful insight and raised the possibility of them resigning as an act of care for them. Just to be clear, I did not seek these resignations, but made the Elders aware that they had options.”

For now, the elders remain in the congregation and are working with Cameron to maintain a semblance of stability until presbytery can appoint assessor elders.

“I will … if needed, assist my brothers and sisters in Christ as they discern their next steps,” said Brewster.

Andy Van Bodegom added: “I will … stay with my church family until their future is decided. After that I will be leaving the PCC. Like Luther said many years ago, ‘Here I stand, I can do no other.’ ”

Cameron said she appreciates their servant leadership: “I respect these elders. They are unbelievably gracious.”

As noted in her letter: “They love the Lord and this congregation and did not want it to seem like they were walking away from their commitments. It is quite the opposite.”

Like travellers approaching the departure gate with no immediate destination in mind, the Trenton elders – and many in their congregation – are watching and waiting. Theological separation in the PCC may still happen, as formal responses to the myriad of overtures calling for theological synods have yet to happen. At the same time, the report on the feasibility of gracious dismissal also awaits formal consideration.
One thing is for sure: they and others who have resigned in recent weeks are not alone.

Tales From GA, In Their Words

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Was there a defining moment from General Assembly 2021?

Often with a major story we’re able to point to an image or remark which sums it up or at least puts it into perspective.

Sometimes, it’s an iconic photo – an exhausted, soot-covered first responder. Or a pithy quote – “Say it ain’t so!” or “You had an option, sir.”

Being online this year for the first (and perhaps the final) time, images are limited to screen shots or commissioners in front of multiple screens. But GA isn’t really a visual experience. It’s more about words and opinions, propositions and theology, decisions and implications, fears and joys.

Here’s a sampling of notable quotes from GA 2021. They appear in chronological order. Unless otherwise noted, they are quotes from commissioners.

As a package, they hint at the big story. You are invited to read each one as a teaser to a much greater story which lies behind it. Those stories may come in the weeks and months to come.

Take it in, pray. Enjoy.

“Our hearts also call us to acknowledge that we are in the midst of a time of terrible grief, pain and anger prompted by the discovery of the unidentified graves of approximately 215 children on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian residential school … I am wearing an orange stole today in remembrance of the children.” – Rev. Amanda Currie, 2019-2020 Moderator, Sederunt 1 opening worship.

“We are facing a time crunch … According to my count we have 193 items of business to deal with during this GA. After one sederunt out of seven we have only dealt with five. If we continue at this rate it will require 35 sederunts or approximately five consecutive planned General Assemblies to conclude all of the business …” – David Robinson, Presbytery of Prince Edward Island, Sederunt 2.

“To cram into three days all the business that would have been ordinarily done by two Assemblies is unreasonable. The overtures that are asking for a limiting of the business … the need for careful, thoughtful consideration of major items. … I would suggest that we need time. And If we can’t take the time to do the business properly we should not be doing the business.” – Rev. James Hurd, commission from Presbytery of Ottawa, Sederunt 2.

“This GA is extremely important for the many minority ethnic congregations of this denomination because of the potential changes which may alter our church laws as well as our doctrine. … The petition that both Han-Ca presbyteries brought to this Assembly and written on behalf of the many ethnic minority congregations … ask that this GA would give ear to the minority ethnic voice in this crucial point in time. But once again we have been silenced. We ask that this General Assembly allow discussion to take place concerning our petition so that our voice can be heard.” – Rev. Jonathan Hong, Presbytery of Eastern Han-Ca, Sederunt 2.

“I’ve lost count of how many General Assemblies I’ve attended. I think I’ve heard more immediate votes called than any assembly I’ve been at before. My understanding is that immediate votes are called when arguments are exhausted and nothing new is being said. With respect, moderator, I don’t hear you giving opportunity to discern that voices have been heard. … I’m in favour of the remits, but I don’t want to see our heritage of listening with grace to minority voices swept aside for an expediency of a quick result. … I’m as Presbyterian as they come and I am deeply concerned that we are throwing too much of our heritage away and that all the time we’ve spent trying to stop each other speak is taking up more time than it would have taken us to listen.” – Rev. Thomas Kay, Presbytery of PEI, Sederunt 3.

“I was part of the breakfast club that wrote the remits that I sure hope get voted on at this General Assembly but that does not appear will be the case today. I’m disappointed by some of the tactics I’ve seen today … tactics to obscure and obfuscate and remove trust in our denomination and in our process and our ability to trust one another.” – Rev. Roberto DeSandoli, Presbytery of Northern Saskatchewan, Sederunt 3

“I speak as one of the Rainbow Communion’s storytellers. I joined the Canadian Navy in 1980 at a time in which it was still prohibited if you were gay. I was also a very creative youth, so I was often labelled as gay, even though I was not. I was repeatedly harassed, bullied, threatened with being investigated for being gay and being kicked out of the Forces. … I know something of the stress that my LGBTQi siblings have endured.” – David Robinson, Presbytery of PEI, Sederunt 3.

“I hope that in these days together, we hear a call or perhaps a recall of angels I think are still afoot. Opportunities come up right here in meetings taking place – God is in those opportunities, those problems, those impossibilities, calling you – even if it scares you. Maybe, just maybe, the things that make your heart pound and your palms sweat are God calling you into God’s movement in the world in Jesus Christ the Risen One.” – Rev. Dr. Richard Topping, opening worship message, Sederunt 4

“This is a significant moment, so we want to seek the mind of Christ. … It is in Christ that the treasures of wisdom are hidden. So we lack wisdom and You promised that if we lack wisdom, so if we asked, You would give it to us, generously, without finding fault …” – Rev. Dr. Dan Scott, moderator, Sederunt 4 prayer prior to consideration of the remits.

“I speak in favour of the remits. As a gay man, I would like to invite my fellow commissioners to think about being blessed by God in that you would be gifted with that special person in your life, that is exclusively your person. Think about what it’s like to have found someone you love and wish to cherish every day. … This is one of the greatest graces a human being can receive from God. … But sadly, the church did not recognize these gifts. …The remits correct this.” – Rev. Dr. Charles Fensham, Presbytery of East Toronto, Sederunt 4.

“I speak against this remit. … This is a choice, despite the heartbreaking stories of so many of the LGBTQi people. This is a choice between truth and our culture, because they’re very much opposed to each other. … it is an attempt to twist God’s Word and change what is very clear truth – and the truth has made me free and I will not give it up.” – Ross Bassingthwaighte, Presbytery of Kelowna, Sederunt 4.

“Our General Synod was supposed to have happened a couple of times already but was postponed a couple times because of COVID and is now scheduled for a special in time in October, where many of the same discussions [as in the PCC] will be taking place there and voting on some major decisions, so we do ask that you keep us in prayer as well.” – Rev. Marijke Strong, Reformed Church in America ecumenical visitor, Sederunt 4.

“I speak against Remit ‘B’ because it would mean than that many of the Rainbow Communion recommendations that the court approved yesterday would no longer be valid because they are not in line with the remits. … using fully inclusive language regarding sexuality is in contrast to our [proposed] definition of marriage. …” Rev. Jinsook Khang, Presbytery of Eastern Han-Ca, Sederunt 4

“Speaking in favour of [Remit ‘B’], God gives us the gifts of love, marriage and sexuality. He gives these to all of his children, to all of his people alike so that we all may grow with a beloved partner within the deep joy of Christlike love.” – Beth Carey, Presbytery of Hamilton, Sederunt 4.

“I would suggest that each of us, in our own ways, reach out to our Muslim friends and neighbours. If you are in London, and are a minister or elder there, visit the mosque and show your concern on behalf of our church. … It’s that kind of thing the church can do so well.” – Rev. Dr. Dan Scott, Moderator, Sederunt 5

“I would like to speak against Remit ‘C’. Without repeating other justifications regarding the uncontestable will of God pertaining to creation of humanity and marriage, I have only this to say: I do not fear homosexuality – I fear the Lord,” Lydia Su, Young Adult Representative, Presbytery of Montreal, Sederunt 5.

“As a gay man it took me some time to come to be in favour of this remit. The General Assembly in 2019 approved the full inclusion of people who identified as LGBTQi. But in the remits, the Assembly agreed to a compromise that would allow for discrimination against LGBTQi people to continue. … Nevertheless, I recognize that this is a significant step forward …” Rev. Bob Faris, Presbytery of East Toronto, Sederunt 5.

“I’ve been a lawyer for over 30 years. I’ve been involved in Canadian charities that address constitutional and religious freedom cases … In 2019 I retained two constitutional law experts to provide legal opinions about the remits that have been distributed widely … This past week a new 57-page legion opinion was posted to PC-Biz … It, along with the opinions I received in 2019, describe many serious risks to the denomination if anyone actually uses the liberty of conscience and action.” – David Jennings, Presbytery of Westminster, Sederunt 5

“People who define as LGBTQi+ have a unique and beautiful lens that I need and that is so much needed by the PCC. They have a voice I don’t have, nor do any of my fellow white, cisgendered males. They understand the crucified Christ in a way that I never can. They understand the pain and the suffering that Christ endured in a way that I never I can. They give insights into the complexity of what it is to be human in ways that I can never imagine without their help. They are a beautiful gift to the PCC.” – Rev. Marty Molengraaf, Presbytery of Oak Ridges, Sederunt 5

“Our synods struggle to pay their portion of the administrative costs for the college. Lecturers and staff can sometimes go months without a paycheque. The PCC provides consistent grants that allow those who work at the college to pay their bills. For this quiet work we are deeply grateful.” – International partner, Rev. Dr. Takuze Chitsulo, principal of Zomna Theological College in Malawi, Sederunt 5

“We are not truly capable of truly living out the ideals of these remits. They do not satisfy anyone. Reading the report of Rainbow Communion is heartbreaking, recognizing the harm done to LGBTQi people. However, it is clear from the report and the comments of a commissioner this week that the very presence of people with traditional view of marriage within the PCC causes harm. How can we allow harm to continue happening?” – Rev. Shannon Bell, Presbytery of Kamloops, Sederunt 5.

“I respect those who do feel they cannot call or affirm a minister or conduct a same-sex marriage. I understand that; I respect that. In fact, I will speak that you will be accorded the protection and respect that was not accorded to most of us.” – Sue Senior, Presbytery of Waterloo, Sederunt 5.

“So far in this Assembly we’ve passed a bunch of omnibus motions. Several times commissioners have tried to ask for a motion to remove. Every single time, discussion has been stifled … Is this the way we discern together? Do we discern by just passing dozens of motions with no discussion or clarifications? … At least once in a while allow people to ask questions, to discuss items to get to the business of discerning.” – Rev. Mikal Schomburg, Presbytery of Paris, Sederunt 6.

“Commissioners, I’m going to suggest we go into double overtime.” – Moderator Rev. Dan Scott, Sederunt 6

“There is a profound lack of, I’d hate to use the word ‘trust’, but that’s kind of what we’re dealing with. These things going to Assembly Council and clerks and being put off … The Han-Ca petitions have asked for something at this Assembly. We haven’t even heard it. It’s going to wait until next Assembly.” – Rev. Dr. Christine O’Reilly, Presbytery of Lambton West Middlesex, Sederunt 6.

“I’m speaking against this omnibus motion. If we look at the poll that was distributed to us … number 006 had 61 people who wanted to discuss it, number 007 that dealt with an $8 million budget had 62 people wanting to discuss it … As a General Assembly, we’ve come to discuss and debate. By having this omnibus motion we don’t get that chance. I don’t know what I’m doing here.” – Rev. Linda Park, Presbytery of Lindsay-Peterborough, Sederunt 7.

“We have had difficulty. But next year, we pray, we will be out of this and we’ll be able to resume the life of the church together.” – Rev. Dr. Dan Scott, moderator, Sederunt 7.

“We can’t handle the additional motions. We did indicate they could be sent by overtures. We have a list of all of them. If there’s a letter to be written, if it’s a time sensitive thing … we can look at possibly sending it off. … We will not ignore them. But there’s always the option of overtures.” – Rev. Stephen Kendall, principal clerk, Sederunt 7.

NOTE: Renewal Fellowship will continue to provide a place where stories can unfold and be told in light of our mission: “To lead each other and The Presbyterian Church in Canada to authentic Biblical thinking, powerful, Spirit-led prayer and effective Gospel witness.”

God Is Still In Charge

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At 4:37 p.m. Eastern time on June 8, 2021, the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada made official what many had believed for years. The approval of Remit ‘B’, with two parallel definitions of marriage, provided legitimacy for those who interpret and apply Scripture through human eyes rather than submitting to the unfathomable, often inconvenient, countercultural yet loving Spirit of God. Ninety minutes later, the Assembly approved the ordinations of those in same-sex marriages.

None of this was unexpected. It was not a dream.

But it felt surreal.

The next morning, I was on my backyard patio, reading Scripture, occasionally looking up at the trees, when I saw a tiny twig floating in midair. It wasn’t supernatural; it was suspended by an invisible thread, spun by a spider. The nearest branch was at least 30 feet above, which was amazing in itself. There was almost no wind, but the tiny twig, perhaps two-inches long, still moved back and forth. I watch for several minutes, then took my eyes off, distracted by movement elsewhere. When I returned my attention to the twig, it took a few seconds to find it again. It had moved a few metres to my right, continuing its sway. Inspired, I went inside to get my laptop and when I returned, it look that much longer to relocate it.

It was a perfect illustration of how the hands of God work.

The twig on a thread had no obvious purpose to me, but surely the spider does not spin in vain.

The spectacle appeared magical. To someone who does not have the capacity to understand the physics involved, you can suggest that the twig is floating on its own. This is childlike faith and wonder.

Turn our eyes from the phenomena and we can lose it. Lose sight of the wonder when we get caught up in the world and it takes time to recalibrate our spiritual vision.

Things may happen which make no sense, at least to us. They may feel surreal. But we need to trust that God’s invisible hands are in control, working with purpose, although it may not seem obvious. What’s dismissed as random might be embraced as the possibility that God may be up to something.

We are invited to search for the wonder. Keep our eyes focused on Christ, remembering His promise that He will be with us always, to the end of the age. The end has not yet arrived, so let us continually recalibrate our spiritual bearings and refuse the temptation to be discouraged.

Renewal AGM – a Snapshot

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Approximately 60 members remained online for the AGM, which was chaired by Ian Shaw.

Report of the Chair Over the past 18-24 months we have been wrestling with the thought, “Do we still have a mission in the Presbyterian Church in Canada?” The board has concluded that yes, we do. We offer authentic Biblical thinking, passionate prayer, vibrant evangelism. We can help to grow and reflect the grace and truth of Jesus. Over the last few years our finances have decreased as our expenses increased. Ian expressed gratitude to the staff, executive director Andy Cornell, administrative assistant Kyoungsoo Hwang, webmaster Robin Ross, prayer calendar co-ordinator Linda Shaw.

Report of the Executive Director: The remits and the pandemic have prompted us to work more with like-minded groups, such as PSALT. We are partnering not only with them but with many others in the wider evangelical community within the PCC. Andy continued to blog, but the pandemic completely changed the face of his duties. He logged only 222 km of travel in 2020, compared to 16,755 by land, sea and air the year before as he met with congregations and supporters in Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and across Ontario — as well as the PCC Pastor’s conference in the Dominican Republic. Virtually everything is done online or by phone. New in 2020 were online Conferences, Renewal Café and PCC-Covenent town hall gatherings in partnership with others.

Report of the Treasurer: We ended the year with a bank balance of approximately $118,000, up from $15,957 the year before. This is due to a $50,000 bequest from the Estate of Margaret Hill, along with $24,316 Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Donations from individuals remained strong at approximately $40,000, down very slightly from 2019. Support from congregations were $14,158 compared to $16,221 the year before.

Nominating Committee: Rev. Glynis Faith and Philip MacFie joined the board, as Rev. Germaine Lovelace, Leslie Ruo and Diane Eaton ended their terms.

Membership: We had 441 members at the end of 2020, down from 496 the year before.

Hear the Good News

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While the Gospel call to salvation is the true and lasting Good News, it’s also true that people working together, sharing their successes and know-how is also good for The Kingdom.

In January 2020, the session of Zion Presbyterian Church in Charlottetown, PEI, sent an invitation to each congregation in the Synod of Atlantic Provinces asking them to share their success stories. “We are gathering Good News information from every church within the Atlantic Synod. By ‘Good News’, we mean special services, fellowship events, fundraising projects, etc. that have worked well for your congregation,” the letter said.

In faith, the seeds were planted. After a bit of work, the fruit was a 68-page collection entitled “Hear the Good News!” Categorized into 15 themed sections, it’s a rich mix of the expected, the unexpected and the genuinely delightful activities found in God’s earthly Kingdom.

Renewal executive director Andy Cornell asked Zion’s clerk of session, John Barrett, to provide a deeper look into thinking behind it and how it all came together.

Q: I note your closing thought [in the introduction page of the publication] in which you state your wish is to strengthen the PCC as we learn from others. I get the sense that we operate in a more congregational mindset these days. What’s the value of working together denominationally — especially in light of theological division and calls to create two national theological synods etc.

A: I’ve always been of the opinion that we have so much to learn from each other. During my six years on Assembly Council it was certainly an eye opener for me regarding the differences in styles and practices taking place within the PCC. What a wonderful melting pot of ideas and approaches we have going on within our denomination. By sharing our successes, we all become more successful.

Q: Walk me through the process — step by step from conception to distribution.

A: By using the Synod directory for names and addresses, I wrote to each minister and representative elder in every church within the Synod. I explained the project and provided them with two sample submissions from Zion Church so they could in turn send me their submissions in a similar word count and format. With people being people, many were either too long, too short, required editing, follow up emails etc. At the end of the day, however, we were able to create similarly styled and formatted submissions. As you would well know, many folks did not respond initially, so acting like a dog with a bone, I kept records of those not responding and basically hounded them until they gave in! I do think though that even those I likely annoyed were very pleased by the end result and that their congregation will benefit from at least one of these ideas. Once I had reached a point in time when I felt no more submissions were going to be received, I started grouping the submissions in like areas as noted in the table of contents. I then went about formatting the documents for type style, spacing, etc. Some folks were kind enough to include photos which I also incorporated into their submission. Once proofed, I started producing copies using the photocopier available to me at work. While I purchased paper specifically for the duplication, our firm absorbed the actual photocopying costs. Due to the length of the publication and the copies required, there were over 11,000 pages copied (two sides).

Q: Financial cost?

A: The only expenses we incurred were the spiral binding costs of the final publication, some paper, the postage costs for the initial introductory mailing and the mailing of the final publication. I had advance approval from session for a budget of $500. for the project. Actual costs came in at $686.

Q: If someone was to ask “How does this expand or serve the Kingdom?” what would you say?

A: It’s ironic really that in a day and age when communication tools have never been more plentiful and the world is getting increasingly smaller, that throughout our denomination we seem to be coming more and more insular.

Involvement in presbyteries, synods and even General Assembly for that matter are perceived more of an inconvenience rather than an opportunity to share in God’s Kingdom. As churches become financially challenged to keep the lights on, fundraising activities, rental solutions and other activities that lead us away from our respective mission statements tend to occupy our energy and focus. To rejuvenate our collective focus we need to increase our interest in what others are doing. We need to talk to each other and we need to take our participation in church courts more seriously. In our own tiny way, I think the Zion Church session initiative of creating Hear the Good News is a good start to get us talking, sharing, and ultimately expanding our Creator’s Kingdom. As we continue to cope with the restrictions of the coronavirus and approach a General Assembly where substantive changes in theological practices will be affirmed, there has never been a time more important than now to renew our relationships, rely on our fellow Presbyterians’ depth of experience and realign our approach to the fact that we are in fact a national denomination.

Q: You mention that this was distributed to other synod clerks. Was it disseminated elsewhere and have you received any response?

A: One of the unexpected benefits of this initiative was the communication that resulted following the release of the publication. Because the book was shared with all synod clerks and moderators across Canada as well as national office staff, churches in far reaching areas of the country were contacting churches within the Atlantic Synod to learn more about specific projects they had read in Hear The Good News. This communication alone was a wonderful side effect of the project, to say nothing of the positive impacts that the implementation of these ideas have had. Furthermore, I have heard from some presbyteries and at least one synod that they are hoping to produce a similar publication from the resources within their own court. Wouldn’t this be a wonderful project to be done on a national scale so that every church had the benefit of all the Good News being shared. Imagine, an 800-page document that contained all the best practices, worship concepts, fundraising ideas and the like from every perspective and approach contained in our rather diverse PCC.

Remembering Stan Cox

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Renewal Fellowship lost a key leader in March with the passing of Stan Cox.

Although he was in hospital at the time, Stan’s departure was unexpected. At the age of 84, he remained an active member of the board executive as treasurer of the organization. He had just completed the 2020 year-end financial statements.

He leaves behind his wife Sharon, daughters Kristen Ghesquiere of Simcoe, Amy Ferreira-Iwanochko of Toronto and son Jeff Cox of Troy and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by sons Bill and John.

Stan grew up in Dundas, then attended Moody Bible Institute, University of Dubuque, Wheaton College Graduate School (Biblical Literature), University of Chicago Divinity School and Princeton Theological Seminary.

After ordination in the United Church of Christ, and service in Chicago-area congregations, he and his family returned to Ontario to serve at St. James United Church in Simcoe. He served alongside developmentally challenged young adults for 15 years, then returned to local church ministry at Paris Presbyterian for 10 years. He served for many years on the Board of Christian Horizons, including several terms as Board Chair.

After retirement from Paris Presbyterian, he served on staff at Innerkip Presbyterian Church.

Stan’s ministry demonstrated one who endeavoured to love God with all his heart, strength, mind and soul and his neighbour as himself. Grace and truth were hallmarks of Stan’s interaction with others in everyday life, as he practised business and as he served as minister of Word and Sacrament.

He had a special passion for those who lived on the fringes of society. We give thanks to God for the gift Stan was to so many.

Well done good and faithful servant!

Hungarian Congregations Speak Out

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This blog represents the thoughts of the author. While they may reflect the theological position of The Renewal Fellowship, they should not be seen as an official statement.

What’s inclusive for some is having the opposite effect for others.

A group of Hungarian Presbyterian congregations is the latest to go on the record about feeling excluded by the ongoing liberal theological drift in The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

“We sadly observe and experience that our beloved Church we have belonged to for decades as Hungarian Calvinists goes into a direction that may exclude us,” states a petition signed by the ministers of six congregations.

The May 21, 2021 statement describes how the PCC provided a welcome home for “Calvinist Reformed Hungarian immigrants arriving to Canada” at various times in the last 100 years. They describe being “received graciously, lovingly by The Presbyterian Church in Canada. We joyfully joined this denomination because of our confessions and traditions were very similar to the Canadian Presbyterians.”

They resisted the push toward an inclusive theological agenda in recent decades. The 2019 remits proposing dual definitions of marriage and the ordination of those in same-sex marriage represent a line they refuse to cross. The remits are on General Assembly’s June 6-9 agenda for approval.

The petition is the latest official statement by PCC ethnic congregations. It follows petitions by both Korean-language presbyteries, a statement from a coalition of Chinese congregations and a letter from a large Arabic congregation.

Rev. Miklos Szigeti, of First Hungarian Presbyterian Church in Vancouver, said in an email, “We just wanted to support our beloved brothers and sisters and also to demonstrate our unity.”

The petition appears to speak for most of the Hungarian-language congregations in the PCC. Szigeti said his Hungarian cohorts feel that those who are advancing a liberal theology are “pushing us with power to accept that is against the revelation of God – but we are unable to be in unity with that.”

The petition does not seek a specific remedy.

“We will listen to the Lord and also to our Korean, Chinese and other ethnic brothers and sisters. We are praying and waiting,” Szigeti wrote.

The Hungarian petition – signed by ministers from congregations in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal – is too late to be received by this year’s General Assembly, but it provides powerful support for the landmark petitions by PCC’s Korean-speaking congregations.

In March, Western and Eastern Han-Ca presbyteries joined forces to adopt petitions alleging that they are being treated as “nothing more than a marginal group whose voice is deemed as one which can, and should be ignored.” They accuse the “primarily Anglo-driven dominant culture” of the denomination for sidelining the beliefs of ethnic minorities, most of whom adhere to conservative theology.

In response, GA’s Bills and Overtures Committee is recommending the appointment of a special committee to consider the allegations and report to a future Assembly.

The Han-Ca petitions are backed by a coalition of six Chinese congregations, known as the Chinese Consultation. In a May 10 statement, they declared a similar experience as the Koreans. The Chinese statement accompanies a letter asking General Assembly not to approve the remits.

In April the session of Chapel Place Presbyterian Church – an Arabic-speaking congregation in Markham, Ont. – released its own strongly-worded letter to the Clerks of Assembly, supporting the Han-Ca concerns.

General Assembly meets online June 6-9.

PresbyCan at a Quarter Century

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In a pandemic, daily devotional more vital than ever

As the world enters a second year of physical distancing and restricted travel, PresbyCan Daily Devotionals promise to become more important than ever. For many devoted readers, the online ministry is a vital daily dose of scriptural wisdom. As some readers attest (see comments below) this ministry has kept them grounded in Christ in a world which has become somewhat unhinged.

With a volunteer staff of five, PresbyCan ministers daily to more than 5,700 people around the world through email, with 900 hits every day on its website as well as 600 readers on Facebook. There are over 9,000 devotionals in their searchable archives written by over 550 authors.

Those numbers are powerful. But there’s an even greater story behind it. It’s about how God works in ways we cannot imagine, preparing a foundation, piece by piece. Because of the sovereignty and providence of God, whenever we do something, however simple, we never know where the Lord will take it, or what effects our action will have.

All that is a fitting tribute as PresbyCan celebrates 25 years in May 2021.

The following is a first-person account of the PresbyCan story from one of its founders, Rev. Robin Ross – who is also Renewal Fellowship’s webmaster – who continues to guide the ministry in his retirement.

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“The roots of PresbyCan actually began in the mid 1960s. When I was in university 55 years ago, I was facing a 120-hour job of manual statistical calculations for a geography assignment. Computers were just coming into prominence, so I decided that I would rather spend 120 hours learning how to program a computer to do the work. I asked a friend to show me how to program those massive calculations on the computer. I grew to love writing computer programs immensely. Later on in seminary, as I stood watching the whirring IBM 360s in the Engineering building, I asked myself why I wasn’t pursuing a career in programming! I rationalized that computers are predictable, but people are more important, and re-affirmed my decision to enter the ministry. Little did I know that what I thought I had given up to serve the Lord would later become a major means of serving the Lord through these devotionals.

“Back in the early 1970s, straight out of seminary, I was posted to a two-point charge on the Trans-Canada Highway in Saskatchewan. As I was considering ways to do mission in our community, one of my ideas was to put an answering machine on a telephone line and record a brief devotional message that people could call in to hear. SaskTel said that if this outreach proved to be too popular, the line-up of calls could tie up the whole telephone exchange, so they insisted on multiple lines and call-switching equipment at business-class rates. The package was more than I could pay or ask my congregations to pay, so I abandoned the idea — or so I thought.

“My next charge was in Trenton, Ontario. During my time there, area ministers were asked to come into the local radio station and record three-minute devotionals to be aired at 8:00 a.m. each weekday. During that time, I wrote and recorded about 30 devotionals. I kept the scripts. Also during that time, the first desktop computers came out, so I bought one and learned how to program it.

“By 1996, I was ministering in Mission BC, and email and the Internet were just becoming popular. Michael Farris began PCCWeb with a grant from the church’s Experimental Fund. He posted a new editorial each week, but I suggested that he needed some feature that would bring people back each day. I suggested that he program a date function so that each day’s Presbyterian Prayer Partnership prayer request would be posted automatically without being manually changed. Michael took up the challenge, but instead of putting the prayer request on the home page, he put it on its own page. It looked pretty bare by itself, and he challenged me to write some devotionals to go with it. Daily made its public debut on May 25th, 1996. I used my 30 devotional scripts to get going, soon to be joined by 70 other volunteer writers. Within a year, Michael gave me access to the site, and I wrote scripts for the PrayerLine so that people could post prayer requests.

“By April of 1998, the Daily was still attracting only about 60-80 readers a day to our website, and I realized that we could minister to a greater audience if we sent the devotionals out by email. So I wrote computer scripts that would automatically send out the devotionals by email each day. I sent out emailed notices, and within two days, well over 200 people had signed up for this free service. That required more scripts to handle the subscriptions automatically. Obviously, we had developed a good reputation. People were subscribing from around the world. So often, people would write encouraging feedback saying that the day’s devotional was exactly what they needed to hear from the Lord!

“As my programming skills improved and my computer equipment was upgraded, I gradually added more design features. A year later, our circulation had reached 883 a day. Unfortunately, the growth had seriously cut into the time that I needed to spend on my congregational ministry. Reluctantly, I tendered my resignation to the church’s Internet Task Force. Instead of accepting it, they countered that at that time, I was the only person in The Presbyterian Church In Canada who was trained to do this, and they offered me help in the form of Jane Anne Waller, who immediately looked after the subscriptions and feedback, and still does today. Garnet Schenk offered to moderate the PrayerLine and was recently replaced by George Myers. Mary Jane Hanson served for several years as the Submissions Editor. These days, I prepare devotionals for publication and record the podcasts, and James T. Hurd is the Devotional Editor, while Terry Folster administers the Facebook page.

“When I look back on these desires and decisions of mine, I realize that God was preparing me for this ministry long before I (or anyone else) had even dreamt of there being an Internet on which a Christian computer programmer could present devotionals to a worldwide audience! It boggles the mind even trying to think about God’s foreknowledge – from before we were born! How could we ever doubt His care and loving kindness, seeing how He prepares us for unique ministries through our unique experiences? What a wonder and privilege it is to have the opportunity to exercise the gifts and inspiration that God has prepared for us, for His glory! And that’s not all that He has prepared for us: heaven awaits – the best is yet to come! Paul wrote, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ (1 Corinthians 2:9b NLT). With unrestricted vision, He sees the whole scope of life, and how to fit in what we’re doing, right now, with His great scheme of things. We see only in part; we know only in part. Resolve today to trust His wisdom, who sees and knows all.

“As I think about my career decisions, there seems to be an important principle in life that something has to die before something else can be born. Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’ (John 12:24 NIV) Jesus had to die before He was raised to new life. In order to serve the Lord in full-time ministry, I sacrificed my desire to do computer programming – the death of a vision. The Lord gave that back to me in an unexpected computerized ministry – the re-birth of a vision. So when the door closes, the Lord says ‘No!’ or a dream of yours goes up in smoke, remember the principle of ‘the death of a vision – the re-birth of a vision.’ In the Lord’s economy, what dies gives birth to new life somewhere else. We believe in the overcoming power of the resurrection – life conquers death. God gives back to us, in improved form, what we sacrifice to Him in obedience.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: As with any volunteer-based enterprise, the future is never certain. Devotionals require editing and revision, PHP-based websites require constant supervision. Is the Lord calling you to lend a hand? Contact Robin Ross at rross@telus.net.

‘Calming reprieve in the hubbub of earthly matters’

PresbyCan readers voice their appreciation:

“In an increasingly troubled world, PresbyCan Daily Devotional reminds us of what is truly important, the love of God and His active presence in our lives. I have started every day for the past year with PresbyCan Daily Devotional and the Bible reading selections. While the world remains troubled, PresbyCan Daily Devotional is helping  me to live ‘in the world’ and not ‘of the world.’”

“Thank you! This message is exactly what we needed to hear this morning. We are going through difficult times, and now we are reminded of God’s promise for us through this verse in your devotional.”

“I love these devotions and every morning it is the first thing I read. Because of the devotions, I see God more and more in the ordinary things of my daily life and find myself asking what is God teaching me here now in this time.”

“I find the Daily to be a calming reprieve in the hubbub of day-to-day earthly matters that cause us stress and concern. Whether I read the Daily in the morning, evening or somewhere in between, I find it calms my thinking and reminds me that God is in control, that I am one of His children, and that He loves me in spite of my sins.”

“It blesses lives in need of spiritual uplift. Yes, you might say, the Daily blesses me. But that’s not very original. For me it is also God’s Daily dose of love, encouragement and instruction. Also, it is an uplifting Daily morsel from God’s word.”

“It seems to set my mind on the right path and makes a good start for the morning. . . . I have a granddaughter 16 years old that I have forwarded some very good advice to given in the devotional. Keep up the wonderful messages.”