Index of Archived Articles

On behalf of the Board of the Renewal Fellowship, I want to extend our thanks to the Presbyterian Record for what it has meant to many Presbyterians past and present across our denomination. Over the years, we have benefited from the shared experience of having a national printed periodical that connected, challenged, and gave voice to what it meant to be Christian, Presbyterian, and Reformed in our congregations, in our communities, and across Canada.

In recent years, the Record has been very generous in giving the Renewal Fellowship a regular column to bring an encouraging voice of God's renewal and mission within our denomination. Our past Executive Directors, Calvin Brown, and more recently, Fred Stewart, have been regular contributors, along with others, bringing a prophetic and pastoral perspective of God's on-going renewal in our personal, congregational, and denominational life and witness. Most recently, we were pleased that in the Viewpoint column of the November issue, our Annual General Meeting was covered, and in particular, the topic of Being Present presented by Liz Honeyford and Alex MacLeod. To David Harris and the editorial staff, we are grateful, and the loss of the Record is also a loss of a positive and established relationship that the Renewal Fellowship will miss.

As a Board, we have also been asked to recommend an alternative periodical, and though it does not have the same denominational flavour and perspective as the Presbyterian Record, we would encourage readers to consider Faith Today, published by EFC (Evangelical Fellowship of Canada). The editors of Faith Today have made an arrangement with the Record whereby they will be advertising in the December Record issue, then gifting to the Record's mailing list copies of Faith Today in both January and March. Presbyterians can then subscribe or not as they may wish. Personally, I have found that Faith Today strives to bring a consistent perspective that is open to engaging various world views, ideologies, and theologies without compromising the basic orthodoxy of the Christian faith.

In this way, I have found the editorials, articles, and regular columns helpful, as one who is seeking to be an engaged Christian and pastor participating in God's renewal and kingdom work in a Canadian context. As an example, in a recent sermon on the topic of stewardship at Glenbrook PC, I referred to an article in the March/April 2016 edition of Faith Today called "Being, Doing and Having" which I found to be helpful in my research and preparation. Further, in the January/February 2016 issue of Faith Today, there was a timely article entitled "Responding to a Refugee Crisis in 1915" written by Rev. Peter Bush, pastor of Westwood PC in Winnipeg MB. If you are looking for a printed and online alternative for the Presbyterian Record, I would encourage you to give Faith Today a try.

Pastor Ian McWhinnie, Mississauga, Ontario <pastorian@glenbrook.ca>

A Year in the Life

Posted on December 21, 2016 by James Statham

I retired four years ago after 39 years as a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC). This naturally put me out of the loop for a while with much of what goes on nationally in our church. But my vantage point has improved due to a year of frequent online meetings with more than a dozen PCC ministers from British Columbia to the Maritimes. We are part of the recently formed PSALT organization. The acronym stands for "Presbyterians Standing for Apostolic Love and Truth". I am deeply concerned for the church that we share in common, and I hope that you are, too. If not, this article will further your awareness of developments within the PCC.

Since the 1980s, a persistent group within the PCC has continued to lobby for the acceptance, promotion, and celebration of homosexuality at the level of marriage and ordination. This may or may not be an issue for you, but it is now coming to a head in the PCC. Having only organized in the fall of 2015, PSALT is late in engaging this issue. PSALT is a national group which aims at building the Presbyterian Church into a thoroughly biblical and reformed expression of our Christian discipleship and witness. We seek to preserve the biblical, doctrinal, and personal unity that we all once valued in the PCC. We have designated representatives in most presbyteries and it is a growing movement.

If you disagree with me on this issue, God will be the final judge between us, and I'm good with that. My friendship and respect for you will remain, but this article reflects how I am compelled to act out my faith in Christ.

What have I seen as I look at the culture's impact on our church?

The culture:

The initial issue of homosexual ordination/marriage within society has become obsolete. It has morphed into one of "identity" which is now being reworked into a militant promotion of "gender neutrality", the obliteration of the personally obvious and doctrinally critical biblical identities of male and female. Something is broken.

The church:

For the PCC to accede to the demands that the culture is placing upon it would require our setting aside Scripture as the sole authority for faith and life, for the Bible nowhere endorses homosexual activity – nor lying, greed, adultery, etc., for that matter – but clearly condemns all. If the PCC decides to endorse and celebrate the phenomenon of the sexual confusion now so rampant in our culture, it would separate us from Scripture, and it is our adherence to Scripture that defines where and what the church is. We would also be set adrift from our biblically-based doctrinal standards such as the Westminster Confession and Living Faith, and alienate us from our international sister church partners.

What kind of responses have I seen and heard this past year from individuals and sessions regarding the leadership of PSALT in the PCC? There is anger at PSALT: "Why would you oppose what is so obviously acceptable?" There is bewilderment: "We are okay here at St. Andrew's, and we don't wish to deal with this." There is hope: "Can't we all just get along together?" There is sacrifice: "I will be (or my congregation will be) leaving the PCC if this passes General Assembly." And there is also relief: "I am so glad PSALT is there."

It would be naive of us to think that the systemic brokenness that has befallen the United Church, the Anglican Church, and the Lutheran Church could not happen to us. Even a small split in our now precarious national church would have a serious impact on Presbyterians Sharing, the Pension Plan, and Church Offices at 50 Wynford Drive. It will affect your congregation. I want to make you aware of the threat to your church, to encourage your prayers for the PCC, and to motivate you to take appropriate personal action as the Spirit leads you. Yes, I'll even come and speak at your church or else find someone closer to go.

Our role as Canadian Presbyterians is not to be as so many churches have become – "chaplains to the culture" – but to be fearless, prophetic voices proclaiming the good news of new life and eternal life through Jesus Christ as Lord. Scripture teaches us that our true identity is found when we are in Christ, and when it is, we experience what I have personally experienced and seen in so many others, and of which Paul writes so much: the Christian life is transformational.

Sincerely,
James Statham,
Peachland, British Columbia

Check out www.psalt.info
Find us on Facebook
Contact us by e-mail at <contactpsalt@gmail.com>
If you resonate with PSALT's mission and would like to stay in touch, please drop us a note at PO Box 15065, Aspen Woods PO, Calgary AB T3H 0N8

Sure, I'll come and speak at your church – or find someone closer to come.
J.S. <jhwstatham@shaw.ca>

Two-Faced Renewal

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Ian Shaw

The ancient Roman god, Janus, was portrayed with two heads looking in opposite directions. January, the first month in a new year, shares this concept of "double vision" – conveying the sense that as a new year begins and we're now focussing forward, we are not quite free of where we have been. That's a reasonable concept of renewal – going into uncharted territory, yet still connected to one's heritage.

However, I prefer my childhood cartoon images of this transition from one year to the next. The ending year was presented as a bent-over, long-bearded, haggard-looking old man. The approaching year was pictured as a bright-eyed, bouncing, beaming baby.

Now that I appear more and more like the year-ending old man, I find myself preferring the image of this "baby" as a model for renewal. The exuberant infant communicates a delightful message: here is almost unlimited potential; here is a fresh start; here is hope; and here is that often longed-for opportunity to have a "do-over".

You see, the baton passing from a worn-out, weary, old man to a fresh little baby implies that the past mistakes don't go forward with you, but the wisdom acquired from those mistakes does. And that implication has great attraction for me. In over thirty years of congregational ministry, almost as many as a husband and a father, and almost seven decades of life, my list of potential "do-overs" is lengthy.

Regrettably, as much as I am attracted to this "baby" image, spiritual renewal is more like the Janus concept. The thrust is definitely forward, seeking to venture into newness, aspiring to turn good into better, and revelling in the possibility of God's Spirit being released in ways and measures beyond one's imagining.

Yet the past must still be acknowledged – sometimes in good ways – as in affirming the faith that has nurtured us to this point, and celebrating the wisdom that has been acquired and the truths that have proved to be sustaining. And sometimes, this past is less helpful. Consider broken relationships that limp along into the new ventures, or past poor decisions whose effects linger and limit, as well as nostalgic longings that lessen capacity to embrace newness.

With that Janus perspective in mind, let me suggest a prayer for renewal that, if offered in humble trust, might bring the renewing hopes of the Baby more fully into our lives in 2017.

Lord of time and space, healer of brokenness, finder of the lost, source of eternal hope and provider of strength and wisdom, hear my prayer for renewal.
May all that has gone before me be a guide into ways of living that are compassionate, grace-filled, and righteous.
Teach me to embrace with passion what I and my forebears have learned of Your holy love and tender, generous mercy.
May Your abundant forgiveness free me – and all who love You – from debilitating memories, futile remorse, and paralyzing fear.
Bless my eyes with visions of service to others that restore and embrace the desperate and the desolate.
Fill my heart with dreams of passion that confront entrenched mindsets and systems which diminish and destroy.
Infiltrate my mind with insights that discern truth from error and substance from shallowness.
Steel my will with courage and boldness.
And may the glory be Yours alone. Amen.

Ian Shaw, Simcoe, Ontario
<rianshaw48@gmail.com>

A Call to Prayer

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Fred Stewart

I suppose most of us have heard the words “change” and “transition” enough these days to last us a long time. The small course corrections that we all make daily sometimes (often?) result in significant changes down the road, decisions we make with prayer and an ear to God. And then there are the big changes that take us by surprise, coming sooner than expected, or events we should have been prepared for if we were paying attention.

The Presbyterian Record has been part of my life for some 45 years, challenging me, informing me, encouraging me, delighting me. I am sad to see it go. What will fill the empty place it leaves? As part of the Renewal Fellowship I have appreciated the newsletters, prayer chain, daily devotional, annual conference and website. Now as a member of the board, we are considering what we can offer the church to fill part of the need for conversation, stimulation, encouragement.

We too are in transition as we look for a new executive director to help us fulfil our role in supporting renewal in our churches. Three years ago our General Assembly shone a spotlight on the need for renewal and agreed to take measures to help congregations. In the midst of the controversy on human sexuality, our theological differences have been front and centre, overshadowing the urgent need for individual and congregational renewal. The fellowship recognizes the need for leadership in renewal and we will be working to bring people and resources to congregations.

Other agencies of the church will also be doing their part.

Of course, Jesus Christ is the one who gives us new life. Who breathes in us that Spirit. As we draw near to him, to listen, to fellowship, our souls and spirits will be renewed, each of us, and all of us together.

We have some learning to do, not just to live our faith but to be able to talk about it. What encouragement we give and receive when we tell our story and hear others’ stories of how God has been present; and then to move beyond that, hearing from those outside our faith circle, about others’ spiritual quests, what they believe and need, what they are looking for, what they have found. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” How great is the need in our world today for those who can listen and understand, and offer the living water, the bread of life, to those who are hungry and thirsty.

The Renewal Fellowship calls everyone to pray: not just for our church, but daily seeking God, that He would be working through us in everything to draw others to Him.

The temptation is to pull into our shells. However, that is not what Jesus came for. Christ is out there in the streets, in the arenas, in the malls, in the schools, the hospitals, wherever people are. It takes faith and courage and wisdom in the Holy Spirit to be there with people, where they are, making God visible and audible. Then renewal will come.

Published in The Presbyterian Record on December 1, 2016.

Mass in Motion

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Fred Stewart

Tom Cochrane sang “Life is a Highway,” but that musical metaphor of the journey is one that God’s people have been taking to heart for more years than Yonge Street has miles. Ancient Israel’s beginnings were as a travelling people—travelling with God, to God, and sometimes (at least metaphorically speaking) away from God!

We sometimes see that history of travelling begin with Abraham and Sarah. But a quick look at Genesis 11 shows that it actually began a generation earlier, with Abraham’s dad, Terah: “Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot … and his daughter-in-law Sarai … and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan.”

The only problem is that the extended family didn’t make it to Canaan. Genesis says “but when they came to Haran, they settled there.” Like so many journeys, theirs grinds to a halt before reaching the intended destination. And those few verses provide a meaningful reflection point for all of us who would travel with God, both as individuals and as part of the community of the church.

Like Terah and his family we set out, hopefully with enthusiasm, towards a God-given goal, “the promised land,” “the undiscovered country.” We want to be in the place that God wants us to be, and be the people whom God wants us to be. But somewhere along the way, we lose momentum. It may be that life, even life in the church, has worn us down. It may be that, like the church in Ephesus, we have simply abandoned the love we had at first (Revelation 2:4). The journey we began with such enthusiasm has drained us. We want to be done with walking, if only for a while.

And, when that happens, then like Terah we “settle.”

Now, at least in English, “settle” is a word with multiple meanings. In this case it means that they established a home. They put down roots. The problem was that they came to feel at home in a place they weren’t meant to be. Of course, for us, “settle” can also mean accepting less than is due, promised or desired. And they seem to have done that, too!

So here are some questions for us to think about on our journey with the living God, whether as individuals, congregations or as a denomination: Where have we come to feel at home that is not a part of God’s plan for us? Where have we settled for less than God has for us, or stopped short of what God intends for us? And how are we feeling about the journey? Is it still fuelled by that first love, or are we feeling like it has run us into the ground? Has our former momentum been transformed by our settling into inertia?

In physics, momentum is a property of mass in motion. Inertia, however, is the resistance of a mass to any change in motion. For an object that has stopped, or settled, a fresh application of force is necessary to overcome inertia and impart momentum once again. And that’s precisely what happens in Genesis 12 when God calls Abram to get up and go to Canaan—Abram receives a divine impartation of momentum. To me, that’s not a bad description of renewal.

Published in The Presbyterian Record on November 1, 2016.

Five Years of Fortune

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Fred Stewart

It is time for me to bid this column, the Renewal Fellowship and my Encouragement Road Trips a wistful goodbye. At 67, I can no longer pretend to function at the energy level or capacity I once did. So, after five years of serving the denomination under the Renewal banner, I sadly must hand it on to the next fortunate individual to take on these responsibilities.

I say “fortunate” because it has been a rich and rewarding time. I have met so many of you and shared your pulpits, your homes and even your lives. The Presbyterian family across Canada has a warmth and hospitality that I believe is second to none.

I say “fortunate” because I had the privilege of listening to so many of you. I got to share your hopes and fears, your faith and anxieties and your joys and pain. It was especially poignant when I sometimes realized that I was hearing a story that you had never previously shared.

I say fortunate” because I met so many new friends on the journey. Many I connected with were part of the Fellowship or at least supported the evangelical/conservative/ traditional beliefs we hold. But it may surprise you that a significant number of friends made during this time either subtly or profoundly disagree with me. But we talked and we shared our hearts and we became friends.

I say “fortunate” because I got to witness and experience the generosity of God’s people in new and palpable ways. There was generosity of hospitality. I visited more than 100 churches and stayed in dozens of billets these past five years. From the Atlantic to the Pacific I was welcomed graciously and enthusiastically. There was generosity of prayer. Almost everywhere I visited, inevitably someone would in a quiet moment tell me of their constant or daily prayers for me and the ministry I lead. There was generosity of financial support. As most of you know, the Renewal Fellowship is solely supported by its friends and members and does not receive funds from the PCC. For these sacrifices I am truly grateful. But there was also a generosity of advice. There were many of our educators, senior ministers, committee convenors and Moderators of General Assembly who took the time and effort to speak into this ministry and its direction. Often, these men and women would also serve as sounding boards as our board of directors and I sought to discern God’s direction for our future.

At the end, I seek no credit for any good that was done. To God be all glory. For any mistakes that were made I take full responsibility. My prayer is that the last five years have made a difference as we attempted to serve and to love as our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ commanded and demonstrated.

There is still much to do. I want to encourage the denomination, presbyteries, sessions and members to love and encourage your ministers, educators and leaders as never before. Love them so that they can love and serve you with joy and enthusiasm. “The harvest is great but the labourers are few.”

Published in The Presbyterian Record on October 1, 2016.

Understanding and Interpreting the Bible

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Ian Shaw

Virtually all branches of the Christian Church refer to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the standard of belief with regard to their doctrine and to their practices of faithful living and rituals. In spite of that common affirmation, the diversity of doctrine, practices, and rituals among those who self-identify as Christians is staggering. Even when one narrows the sample down to one particular denomination (e.g. The Presbyterian Church in Canada), the range of doctrinal emphases and/or exclusions, of stresses in personal faithfulness, of methodologies in worship, and of priorities in mission are unbelievably high.

Yet, in denominational life, core unity in essential doctrine, lifestyle practices, and governing regulations is a requirement for organizational vitality and focus. To determine the extent and the content of those requirements, Presbyterians most often turn to the Scriptures for guidance. Given all the diversity arising from various understandings of the Bible as noted above, how do we achieve that goal of core unity?

At last June's General Assembly, the Committee on Church Doctrine presented a study paper, Understanding and Interpreting the Bible. It outlines some principles of interpretations that seek to provide a basis for a common and accepted approach to understanding and applying the Scriptures to our life, mission, and governance as a denomination. The 2016 General Assembly has commended this document to The Presbyterian Church in Canada for use, but also invited response both to its usefulness and to its comprehensiveness. The deadline for said responses is January 31, 2017. Responses can be sent to the Committee Convenor, Blair Bertrand, through the General Assembly Office. The document, Understanding and Interpreting the Bible, can be downloaded at presbyterian.ca/downloads/29161/ or found on pp. 265-278 of the 2016 Acts and Proceedings. This study paper provides good material for personal and congregational reflection. Your feedback can assist the Committee, so what is now good can become excellent. Given the challenges before us in this century, a guide that is excellent is a treasure to be passionately pursued.

Ian Shaw, Simcoe, Ontario
<rianshaw48@gmail.com>

Recommendation No. 7 That the document Understanding and Interpreting the Bible be commended to congregations, presbyteries, and other groups in The Presbyterian Church in Canada for their use.

Recommendation No. 8 That sessions, presbyteries, and other interested groups using the document Understanding and Interpreting the Bible report comments to the Committee on Church Doctrine through the Assembly Office by January 31, 2017, and that the results of these comments be reported to a future General Assembly.

Renewing of Minds

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Fred Stewart

“Do not be conformed to this age but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

Sometimes a text of scripture sticks in my mind for days and even weeks. While this can be true of music as well, I have come to realize the spiritual significance of these Bible passages that take hold of my consciousness for a time.

When I get captured by a verse or two I try to figure out what God is saying to me through His word. Occasionally, the message is easily comprehended. More often it takes days or even weeks to attain any confidence that I have really heard from the Lord. I am fairly certain this is more my thick-headedness than scripture’s opacity.

A couple of weeks ago Romans 12:2 became the latest verse to “get stuck.” For the first few days I let it roll around in my mind. As it became more pervasively present, I began to ask myself why it was this verse at this time. This did not result in any insight or specific revelation.

Then I moved to realize once again that if it is God trying to get my attention, I needed His help to decipher His message. I should add at this point that this is still a work in progress. Here are some of the questions I am processing.

First, does the scope of what I am supposed to be learning concern only my life or is it intended for my ministry context? I am leaning towards hearing this in terms of both. It may seem obvious that these contexts are tied together. However, as I finish up my time with the Renewal Fellowship this month and face discussions with my congregations and family about my retirement plans, there is some fuzz around whether this is about God’s will for my future post-congregational ministry or while still in my current charge.

The bigger question is this: What is it that my mind has distorted because of the influence of the world and culture so that God has to renovate in my mind and heart before I can discern His perfect will? I continue to struggle with it as I write this. What I can tell you is that I am in great need of having my mind renewed so that the pull of the Kingdom of God can far outweigh the pull of this age and culture.

All this to say many of us face challenges these days in figuring out the perfect will of God. Congregations are trying to discern their futures. We all are struggling with the current issues concerning human sexuality. Many are looking for direction in their families and ministries.

What I know is that God is challenging me with this verse at this time. Maybe it will stick in your mind as it has mine.

Published in The Presbyterian Record on September 1, 2016.

Some Assembly Required

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Fred Stewart

I sit here in Blind River, Ont., a Timmy’s stop on the drive from Sault Ste. Marie to Pembroke, I find myself reflecting over the past few weeks. As some of you know, I am roadtripping around Ontario these days. As I visit congregations and ministers, I share encouragement from those who care, pray and give for the journey. This year, in the middle of the roadtrip, I got an all expense paid trip to General Assembly. I am telling you this so you can appreciate why General Assembly was a bit of a blur this year.

Here then are some of the things that made an impression on me in spite of my road weariness. They are not in any particular order other than this is how they came to mind.

General Assembly is about community. Connecting with old friends and new is so much more than a cliché. I experienced much joy and shared such excitement with so many people in a short weekend of time. Ironically it had nothing to do with how much we agreed or disagreed on the issues currently facing us as a denomination.

The Moderator matters. Douglas Rollwage set a tone in his manner, his deportment and especially his careful attention to prayer. One of the fruits of all this was the Young Adult Representatives’ presentation at the end of assembly. It was completely focused on scripture and prayer. It’s not that I haven’t enjoyed the humorous presentations that normally take place. It is just how significant and moving this cohort’s deep and personal prayers were.

Commissioners have a corporate personality and will. I have been to eight GAs in the past 14 years. Often there has been discussion about how ‘different’ or ‘unique’ a particular year is. This was no exception. In the questions on human sexuality before the court and the country, irrespective of their position, the court was set on keeping the process that has been put in place. They resisted both multiple efforts to accelerate and to slow down the eventual decision point, which seems destined to happen next assembly.

Introverts (I’m not one) and ADD/ADHD folks (I am one) pay a heavy price in experiencing General Assembly. There were many of us that returned to our homes planning on at least 24 hours of peace, quiet and rest.

Last, and certainly not least, in prayer times that I had the privilege to host, the theme of God’s sovereignty surfaced many times. We can trust Him. He is faithful. Christ loves his Church more than we can even imagine. And that is why, I believe, the corporate anxiety was lower than last year.

Published in The Presbyterian Record on July 1, 2016.

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