Category Archives: Renewal News

The domesticated church

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Renewal Day 2023.

Like wild animals removed from their natural environments, are today’s Western believers overly domesticated and thereby innocuous? Have we allowed ourselves to be tamed under the control of the ruler of this world in order to fit in and not be too offensive?

Cory McKenna, the speaker at our 2023 Renewal Day and annual meeting, has a unique calling. As the founder of The Cross Current, his job is to equip the Church to normalize sharing the Gospel in our personal and community relationships.

Cory delivered exactly the wakeup call and rallying cry the church needs. If you don’t have time to listen to the entire thing, fast forward to 36:06 where he tells a story about domesticated tigers which are removed from their mothers at birth and raised around humans. They have no idea who they really are. But there’s a warning. If they see another tiger, they come alive. Watch out.

Before he became an evangelist, Cory was a domesticated believer. He’d never seen a true believer in action. All it took was seeing one and his life was changed.

We are called to make disciples and to practice the Great Commission. Am I truly a disciple if I am not actively working to make new disciples? Who is coming to the Lord as a result of what I am doing? If not, I have to ask what’s wrong.

Is the problem the lack of other on-fire believers as examples in my life? Maybe. But I suspect the problem is staring at me in the mirror. How well do I know the Lord? For that matter have I ever truly met Him? I mean actually allowed Him in? Or is it just a superficial feel good, say and do the right things kind of faith and go through the motions?

We are, as Cory states in his insightful presentation, built for battle. Are we avoiding the conflict and deliberately living as if it’s permanent peacetime?

God has a natural order for things. Not just in the animal kingdom. If the true life of the soul is lived in the spirit then should we not be devoted to bolder pursuit of the sanctified spirit that’s more in line with the Spirit of Christ? Yes. No question about that. So, why aren’t we taking that more seriously?

Young Adults, the Gospel, and Creativity

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Parkwood’s Interactive Worship Experiment.

Worship is not a performance but a participative experience. Parkwood Presbyterian Church (Ottawa, ON) has been exploring this concept through a series of monthly interactive church services led by young adults (those aged 18-35).

The need for an interactive church service sprang out of Parkwood’s youth ministry. The congregation is blessed to have an active ministry to pre-teens and teenagers aged 11 to 18 led by the congregation’s dynamic Christian Education Support Worker, Vicky Mabie. However, the congregation was left wondering what to do once the teens graduated. Also, the youth leadership team – all in their 20s and 30s – realized that they had much to give but also needed to receive. Leaders desired an opportunity to worship on their own terms and share Christ’s message with friends their own age.

The solution Parkwood adopted was an interactive time of worship once a month on a Sunday evening. The service involves contemporary worship, prayer and a discussion-based sermon. The message is closer to a Bible study than a traditional sermon. Pastor James Hurd focuses on a particular passage of scripture and asks questions that bring the text to life. Participants can ask questions, make observations or recount short anecdotes. Young adults are able to participate in worship by reading a scripture passage, saying a prayer, or playing on the worship team.

The interactive service is not developed by osmosis as preparation is required. Roughly a month prior to the service, a planning meeting is held between the pastor and the young adults of the congregation. Potential themes and scripture passages are discussed with the topic and Bible texts for the service agreed upon by consensus. At this point, it is up to the young adults themselves to promote and prepare. The church’s secretary, Elizabeth Mabie, designs a poster which is promoted through social media. The young adults make a list of songs to include in worship.

So far, Parkwood has held three interactive services. Two of the services were for young adults only while the third was open to the entire congregation. This last was a special Lenten evening service where the Young adults introduced the congregation to new songs and stimulated a thought-provoking discussion on attitudes and actions.

The most rewarding part has been seeing my fellow young adults participate in worship in new ways. This may be playing the piano or learning what a call to worship is. The young adults would be the first to admit that the services are a work in progress. The biggest challenge so far has been promoting the services among young adults on the fringes of the congregation. The services themselves are the easy part compared to inviting friends and family.

Despite the challenges, the Parkwood young adults are excited about what the future holds. For those young adults in the Ottawa-area, feel free to join us. For those elsewhere in the country, my hope is that the interactive worship service concept stimulates your creative juices. The gospel may not change, but there are always new ways to worship Him to be discovered.

Philip MacFie is a member of the board of directors of The Renewal Fellowship.

Renewal’s Financial Situation

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Board may be faced with difficult decisions in November.

The good news is that Renewal Fellowship continues to be blessed with financial support from its members and supporting congregations. Every month, we receive significant donations. All of them believe that what we are doing to speak out on behalf of the evangelical wing of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and provide encouragement for ministers, elders, members and adherents is worthy of support.

In 2022, we received $32,740 from individuals and families, $11,873 from congregations, a grant of $1,500 and free office space. It’s humbling.

The bad news is that it wasn’t enough to support our personnel, operational and mission expenses. The shortage amounted to approximately $23,000. We can pay the bills only by dipping into financial reserves. Those reserves exist largely due to two sizable bequests. The Estate of Margaret Hill gifted $50,000 in September 2020. In 2016, we received $50,000 from the Estate of Myrtle Elizabeth Inglis. (We are still waiting for a $10,000 bequest that was notified about two years ago.)

By the grace of God, we have been able to remain afloat. But we can’t bank on one-time gifts. The reserves are rapidly dwindling.

Renewal started 2023 with total equity of $62,443. To the end of April we have received:

  • $7,624 from donations from individuals (compares to same-period donations of $10,269 in 2022 and $12,329 in 2021.)
  • $2,042 from donations from congregations (compares to same-period donations of $3,339 in 2022 and $6,142 in 2021.)
  • $570 from memberships.

This is a total income of $11,086.

During the same four-month period this year, our expenses totaled $24,255 (compares to same-period donations of $22,266 in 2022 and $22,911 in 2021) for a net loss of $13,169.

Our net assets are now $49,274. Our situation is not sustainable. If nothing changes, we will run out of money.

Our financial story is not unlike many congregations, whose budgets are directly tied to the number of people in the pews. The box to the right details total membership from RF’s beginning. For its first dozen years, there was a part-time Executive director. In 1995, the E-D became full time. These were the glory days. It included a robust membership and the publication of a national periodical, Channels, which was the voice for Reformed orthodoxy.

Unfortunately, there was decline. The E-D position had to be reduced to part time in 2013, where it remains at 40 per cent (two days per week on average.)

On that note, personnel costs (E-D and the Administrative Assistant) take up most of the operating budget – so they’d have to be reduced substantially.

The RF board of directors is well aware that tough decisions may have to be made. It’s why we are gathering for an in-person retreat November 4-5.

The bottom line is pretty obvious. For RF to continue to be a voice for evangelicals in the PCC and a source of encouragement for those who are now in the minority, we need an increase in donations. In an era of declining congregations and increasing costs of living, we realize it’s a very tough ask.

RF’s leadership will simply have to deal with whatever reality we find ourselves in. The board will also have to ask whether the will remains to support this organization at all – or can we operate on a further-reduced scale?

We cast all of this information out and simply ask you to pray.

You are Peter

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The Executive Director shared this message with the congregations of Elmsdale St. Matthew’s and Hardwood Lands in the Presbytery of Halifax and Lunenburg (Rev. Beth Mattinson, minister) on June 4, 2023, the eve of General Assembly.

Matthew 16:13-18 – When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (NLT)

Matthew 16:13-18 is a fascinating conversation. And revealing. It sheds as much light on the relationship between Jesus and His people today as it did about the dynamics He had with His disciples.

The problem then was that the world rejected The Son of God outright. To the Rulers of the Visible World (the Roman Empire) He was a nuisance to be controlled or eliminated. To the church of the day, he was a threat to their worldly privileged position.

I wonder how the world and the church would react if Christ was to return today? I can’t imagine He would be received any better for the simple reason that human nature has not changed. We think we’re more advanced. But the essential way we think and operate is tied into our basic human nature, which is fallen.

Let’s take a closer look at this scene. Jesus has an agenda with every question. He is the ultimate teacher and the opening question is that first step into an important lesson. He knows what they’re going to say. Their response is sad because it reveals their ignorance. How could Jesus be John the Baptist if John was still alive? It’s a puzzling answer. Elijah or Jeremiah make a bit more sense. Both prophets were known for attacking the corruption within the church. Christ was cut from the same cloth. He pointed to hypocrisy, the way the teachers of the law were all about legalism and missed the spirit of the law and how they loved money. But the disciples still didn’t see the big picture, the Kingdom agenda.

Jesus knew all that, so He came at it from a different direction. “But who do you say I am?” He wasn’t interested in second hand information. (Same thing with us today — Jesus wants to know how He has impacted us personally.) And then Peter hit the nail on the head. “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Here was Peter with an answer that if spoken in public might have resulted in arrest and trial for blasphemy.

Jesus, ever the wise and loving teacher, didn’t condemn the naïve responses. Rather, he praised the correct outlook. True wisdom comes from above. Fear or respect of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Divine truth is often at odds with the wisdom of this world. Where are the wise teachers of this age? Or any age? God makes foolish so-called secular wisdom. Talk, we are told, is cheap. And there is plenty of chatter in this fallen world. There is no shortage of people who think they hold the truth. They seek a platform and post their videos and sell their books. It’s all about them.

Peter had ears to hear. Eyes to see. He spoke the truth. Again, Jesus knew what Peter would say. So what follows is not a reward for coming up with the correct answer. Peter is the wild and crazy disciple. And he was still chosen to be among the apostles who would lay the foundations for the early church. Dwell on that for a second.

What’s next is key: “. . . and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” The powers of hell and darkness, Satan and his legion, are immensely powerful. Those dark powers will not prevail if we are rooted in Christ. Which means we believe in Him as the Messiah, the Son of God. And nothing less.

Throughout history, the church has come under attack. Satan is real. He is the author of deception and master of lies. He is the wolf in sheep’s clothing. In fact, he wants us to think that he doesn’t exist. Satan is creative and has wormed his way into every part of human culture. No one is immune. The trouble is that too many believers suffer from pride. They are too focused on themselves rather than the pursuit of God’s will.

I don’t want to be negative. I am here to share the good news. I am here to encourage you with the truth: that even though the church may appear to be crumbling, it will not die.

As long as God is alive and Christ rules in the heavenly Kingdom, there is hope. The ultimate battle has been won. It’s the here-and-now that’s tough.

Be encouraged. You are not alone. There are congregations just like yours across the nation and North America. They are filled with faithful believers who wonder what the next generation will bring. And of course, you are not alone in the Spirit. Christ was serious when He said in the Great Commission that he is with us always to the end of the age.

There is a next generation. They’re the ones who bravely talk about their faith with friends. They are active churchgoers because they are seeking a better way than the world around them. They see through the lies and deception of churches which try to be more like the world in an effort to appear accommodating and loving when in fact all they’re doing is accommodating the enemy and loving their self-righteousness.

Don’t stop believing. Submit — to God. Our hearts and minds will be opened. We will be hungry and thirsty. Then indulge. Go deeper. Be transformed. This requires a willingness to put aside the things that just don’t matter.

And do not ever let the enemy get you down. There’s plenty of politics going on in our churches. Frankly, it’s not worth the time because much of it is about people who just want to hear themselves talk. And others who believe the future of the church is about social justice, redefining marriage, being open to changing one’s gender, accepting other faiths as equally valid – and so on. What they forget is the narrow gate and the words of Christ: I am the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me.

There I go again being negative.

The story of the disciples and Jesus is a perfect illustration of the church today. The church was built on the faith of the one who learned from the source, the one who believed in the Messiah at great risk to his personal safety.

If you are willing to be in the minority and stand up for truth, you are the church. You are the Rock on which the next church will be built. You are Peter.

Continue to believe. Continue to pray – it is by far the most powerful weapon we have. Go out of your way to pray. Open the Bible together, read it in groups and talk about it. And pray some more.

The future of the church may not lie in denominations as we know them. What that looks like – I honestly haven’t a clue. It could be a network of house churches. It could be people meeting in restaurants and bars on the slowest evening of the week. Whatever we do, don’t look down. Don’t be defeated. It’s what the enemy wants. Look up, be grateful that your name is written in heaven, where your treasure is stored.

Standing our ground

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PCC amends guidelines after outcry.

PCC’s Life and Mission Agency has amended its Calling a Minister guidelines in response to criticism from Renewal Fellowship and others within orthodoxy.

The issue was a new section added last fall that advised presbyteries not to appoint interim moderators who have exhibited discriminatory behaviour against LGBTQ+ people. This was in response to the redefinition of marriage to include two persons (along with one man and one woman) and allowed the call and ordination of ministers in same-gender marriage. The new section appeared one-sided and didn’t address the need to be open to traditional views in keeping with parallel definitions and liberty of conscience. Renewal Fellowship’s board of directors had a healthy conversation on the matter. In the words of one director: what we now have is “not an inclusive definition; in fact, it’s discrimination in itself.” Said another: “As someone in orthodoxy, I’m a second-class citizen; I’m feeling muzzled. If I believe someone is unfit for ministry (due to lifestyle choice), I discriminate.” In practical terms, “They’re favouring one child over another.”

In response, RF proposed a reworded section: “The presbytery shall instruct interim moderators when proceeding to a call to give equal consideration to all candidates. Any who, in the view of their presbytery, have exhibited discriminatory behaviour toward LGBTQI2+ individuals or have exhibited discriminatory behaviour towards those who adhere to traditional Biblical orthodoxy shall not be appointed interim moderators.”

We replied to the clerks and got the word out via social media and a Dec. 29 blog. Others of like mind in the PCC raised similar concerns.

On Feb. 15, we received n email from Ian Ross-McDonald, General Secretary of the Life and Mission Agency, who thanked all parties who “raised important and helpful questions and concerns about “Calling a Minister”. We have done some more reflection on and review . . .”

The offending section was dropped. The focus was shifted away from advice on appointing to advice on instructions on how the Interim Mods should act. It no longer potentially marginalized those who adhere to Biblical orthodoxy — not that that was the intent of the old section 1.2.3 — it just would have been interpreted that way by some courts.

The “reflection and review” took into account “best practices in the areas of human resources and human rights legislation as they relate to the work of calling a minister; the standards and principles of the church’s polity; and changes the church has made by adopting two equal, parallel and protected definitions of marriage etc.” Ross-McDonald wrote.

“We also wanted to make changes to some wording in the document so that the document better articulated the roles and responsibilities of interim moderators, of search committees and of presbyteries in the important work of seeking and calling a minister.”

Old section — revised 2022 

1.2 Appointing the Interim Moderator. The presbytery will appoint an interim moderator of Session . . .  after considering the recommendation of the Presbytery Pastoral Relations/Ministry Committee. . . .

  1. The presbytery should avoid appointing the same few people to serve as interim moderators. Interim moderator appointments should reflect the diversity in our denomination and involve equal consideration of all those eligible to serve.
  2. The law of the Church does not permit discrimination against women ministers. The presbytery shall instruct interim moderators when proceeding with a call to give equal consideration to women candidates. Any who, in the view of their presbytery, have exhibited discriminatory behaviour toward women shall not be appointed interim moderators (A&P 1980, p. 398, 64; A&P 1988, p. 391–92, 21).
  3. The law of the church prohibits discrimination against LGBTQI2+ individuals (A&P 1994, p. 251–74, 56; A&P 2021, p. 617, 22). The presbytery shall instruct interim moderators when proceeding to a call to give equal consideration to LGBTQI2+ candidates (BF Appendix L). Any who, in the view of their presbytery, have exhibited discriminatory behaviour toward LGBTQI2+ individuals shall not be appointed interim moderators.
  4. The presbytery will ensure that the interim moderator is in a secure and stable ministry and is not likely to consider a call to the vacant position. This will ensure fair treatment for all candidates (A&P 1987, p. 363).
  5. Neither the departing minister nor any other minister currently serving in the same pastoral charge should be appointed interim minister or interim moderator.

1.3 Instructions to Interim Moderators. The presbytery is responsible to ensure that its interim moderators understand which categories of people are eligible for a call . . .

New section — revised 2023

1.2 The presbytery will appoint an interim moderator of Session . . . after considering the recommendation of the Presbytery Pastoral Relations/Ministry Committee. . . .

  1. [unchanged — see above].
  2. [same as 4 — see above]
  3. [same as 5 — see above].

1.3 Instructions to Interim Moderators. The presbytery shall instruct interim moderators when proceeding with a call to present to the search committee the personal profiles and applications of all eligible individuals. The presbytery is responsible to ensure that interim moderators understand that individuals are eligible to serve as ordained ministers in The Presbyterian Church in Canada regardless of their age, gender, race, marital status or identification as LGBTQI.

Renewal Fellowship raises its flag

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“Voluntary associations” already exist in the PCC, committee told.

Among the tasks given by General Assembly to a special committee in response to racism last year was to look into the idea of establishing voluntary associations to provide places of community. Renewal Fellowship’s response was sent in late January.

To the Special Committee on Listening, Confession and Associations:

Thank you for the work you are doing to raise awareness of the vital need to address marginalization. Along with you, we recognize that courts, congregations and ministries within the PCC are not always welcoming to those who do not belong to the majority, whether cultural or theological.

Since 1983, The Renewal Fellowship within The Presbyterian Church in Canada (RF) has existed as a voice for those who are concerned about the theological drift in the denomination from orthodoxy to liberalism. Those who adhere to a traditional understanding of scripture and practice continue to be marginalized. This is especially true following the approval of parallel definitions of marriage in 2021, which marked a formal shift in theology.

We agree with the suggestion in your November 2022 discussion document that “relational connections” are needed. We specifically point to your example of “places of theological and missional companionship” where “voluntary associations could be places where theologically diverse Presbyterians find belonging.” Such a body already exists. The Renewal Fellowship is a national, self-supporting grassroots organization. We have a part-time paid executive director, an administrative assistant, webmaster, prayer coordinator, a board of directors and members and supporters from coast to coast. Our message to those in orthodoxy is that “you are not alone.”

We speak not only for ourselves but for any volunteer organization which provides community and support to minority voices. We would ask that General Assembly:

  1. encourage the courts and congregations of the denomination to lend support to any volunteer association through generous use of buildings, prayers, co-operative ventures and other relevant means; and
  2. provide visibility to RF (and other similar voluntary associations) on the floor of GA and on the presbyterian.ca website.

A complete description of our doctrinal basis, vision, mission and concerns can be found on our website, renewal-fellowship.ca, along with an overview of our recent activity.

In Christ alone we stand,

Rev. Andy Cornell
Executive Director

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Renewal News

Download the entire issue in PDF format, or read additional information and comment on the individual articles as follows:

Orthodoxy in the PCC

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Stay ’n Pray, Depart, or Discerning?

It’s a typical Sunday morning in my small-town Presbyterian congregation and I’m doing what I usually do. I’m preaching the Gospel. My messages are based on a verse-by-verse journey through entire books or letters from the Bible. Each week, we take 1-2 verses. We’re currently half way through Colossians, which we started in May. Once we’re done, on to another one. It’s my way of honouring the entire content and message of scripture. I don’t disregard or reinterpret difficult passages to satisfy what some itching ears, including mine, want to hear.

The Good News is there in every message. But it’s always prefaced by some uncomfortable truths: we are sinners, no amount of social justice will atone for it, everything we have (our planet and our bodies) are to be used for God’s glory not our pleasure. It’s a very traditional and orthodox reading. Sometimes, when called by The Holy Spirit, I point to how The Presbyterian Church in Canada and some other denominations, has lost its anchor and is drifting theologically.

Before you assume that my entire congregation is in complete agreement with my narrow (and I believe, correct) understanding of scripture, allow me to state that it is not. I look out at souls who represent a wide spectrum of thinking. While many are aligned with my thinking, quite a few have no issue with redefining marriage to include same-sex couples. With that in mind, I take great care to speak the truth in love.

That wasn’t always the case. During a small-group discussion several years ago on the issue of sexuality, someone pointed out that the traditional position was being pushed. Point made. Other than that, no one has said a word. And to my knowledge, no one has departed over my adherence to traditional Gospel truth.

As long as no one’s pressuring or attempting to force me to adopt a different theology, I will continue to do what I’m doing. I will continue to shine the light, not only in my congregation but in my presbytery, where I am the only called minister who is not in support of the PCC’s parallel definitions of marriage. My witness to the entire denomination, via The Renewal Fellowship, continues to be a logical extension.

There are others similar to me. No matter what the flavour of our congregation, we are the Stay ‘n Pray group.

Or, as Rev. Meridyth Robertson of First Presbyterian in Trail B.C. puts it: “Staying, and praying, praying, praying.”

But we are only part of the family. Among those who adhere to Reformed orthodoxy are those who are Planning to Depart. A few have a plan in place while most are still figuring out a way. Some who have already found New Pasture. And a final group, Discerning, isn’t completely sure where they will be in five years.

No matter where they are or will find themselves down the road, they have two things in common – their passion for biblical orthodoxy over cultural accommodation and their desire to remain friends. Hence this essay – an attempt to provide a view of the landscape so we don’t lose sight of one another.

First, a glimpse at those who have already departed.

Living Stones – A Movement of Reformed Churches in Canada, is the official legal name of an association of those called to leave the PCC: https://livingstoneschurches.ca/

Rev. Shannon Bell speaks for them.

Q – Let’s put some numbers on this. What can you say about the number of ministers or congregations represented?

A – It is difficult to actually put numbers on Living Stones in many ways. People are interested in what we are doing and becoming but it doesn’t mean that everyone involved is definitely on a path to departure. We have a monthly town hall meeting on Zoom to pray, share and reflect together. I can say that at the beginning of June 2022 we had about 100 people on our mailing list. After the GA, by the beginning of July that jumped to over 150 and it continues to grow.

We currently have seven pastors as officially received into Living Stones, one congregation (the Cariboo) and one non-congregational ministry. There are others who are exploring legal possibilities to deal with assets who will be joining us in the coming months. We know of a number of congregations who are at various stages of this process. There are also many other congregations who are still discerning God’s call in the current situation.

Q – Your website says much about what you believe. What about history?

A – After the GA 2019, a few people saw the likelihood that if the PCC continued on its trajectory there would be people and congregations who would feel the need to leave. These folks formed Ancient Hope to try to create a landing place so that those who left wouldn’t be scattered to the wind but could form the basis of a new movement of ministry. It would hold the very best of being Presbyterian along with a faithfulness to scripture and a commitment to mission and living out the kingdom of God. Ancient Hope first looked at existing denominations to see if there would be a good fit. They studied and interviewed a number but in each case found significant areas of concern, whether theological (such as the ordination of women) or practical (such as cross-border CRA issues). In the end it was felt that the best fit would be to align in some way with ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians in the U.S. Ancient Hope developed a relationship with the leadership in ECO and benefited from the experience of their move from the PCUSA to where they are now. ECO offered training and courses for PCC folks in visioning and other areas.

After the GA 2021, ECO contacted Ancient Hope and suggested that it was the right time to develop a Steering Council to start the new movement officially. The leadership of Ancient Hope approached several people including myself to be on the Steering Council. Some of the council were on the Ancient Hope core team and others were new. I was asked to be the chair of the council. We began to meet in the summer of 2021 and developed five sub teams to work on various aspects of setting up a new entity. I chair the Vision Team and we also have a Doctrine Team, Polity Team, Pension & Benefits Team and Legal & Finance Team. Not everyone on these teams is in a position to depart the PCC, but they are supportive and willing to offer their gifts. The teams have been working hard for the past year and more and the Steering Council works on the big picture.

ECO has walked alongside us through the development of Living Stones. We are not officially connected in any legal way, but we will be sister denominations, sharing the journey. We are grateful for their wisdom and help and will maintain our relationship.

We see a church that is joy-filled, kingdom-focused and emphasizes the work of local expressions of the church. We believe we are taking the best of Presbyterianism and shedding the things that have bound us while standing firmly on the authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Jesus Christ, knowing that God is on the throne and the Spirit empowers and sustains us. We are excited for where God is leading us together and have a vision for planting new expressions of the church. It is a slow process – sometimes frustratingly so – as we lay the groundwork. My heart is to be able to gather all the orphans (those who have left churches with nowhere to go) and form new bodies right away. However, we are still a small group and spread thin with the work that needs to be done. We are in the process of incorporating and seeking charitable status. We are holding monthly town hall meetings to answer questions, discuss issues and most importantly to pray together.

We continue to pray for the PCC. We are not recruiting for Living Stones, but realize that God calls each of us differently. We hope that every congregation will be able to set aside concerns and attachments to the material things of bank accounts and buildings in order to really hear God’s call. Those things are tools in God’s hands, but not the centre of ministry and mission. God will call some to stay and pray. God will call others to leave and we would welcome any congregation or individual to explore a relationship with Living Stones. But those decisions must be made in a way that allows us each to step out in faith, risking losses in order to see how God might provide in new and different ways – beyond our imagining!

So here we are in the Fall of 2022, looking into an unknown future, but excited for where God will lead us.

Q – You have one congregation and another ministry in your association. Any more in the wings?

A – There are a number along the road, but cannot be named so that it doesn’t jeopardize their processes.

Q – Other thoughts?

We are encouraging people to be creative in their thinking, finding ways with sympathetic presbyteries to try the unconventional as ours did, or without their presbyteries to find ways to follow their call to depart I think that the greatest challenge for congregations with buildings is to let go of the idea that ministry depends on buildings and finances. They are important, but our faithfulness in following the truth in Christ is much more important. God takes care of us and we need to trust him to do just that. We follow a God who can do much more than we can possibly ask or imagine.

Q – Cariboo Presbyterian Church was the congregation you and your husband, along with Mark Carter, pastored in Presbytery of Kamloops. What is the new status of your congregation? Same name?

A – We are now Cariboo House Churches, incorporated in September 2021 and with full charitable status with the CRA since March 2022. We are the first congregation to be welcoming into Living Stones: A Movement of Reformed Churches in Canada. Jon, Mark and I as well as the congregation have all shifted from the PCC to LS. We hope that Mark will be ordained in the future. Jon and I have received letters of standing which have been transferred to LS.

Q – How did you get to this point – ie. a brief description of the process you went through to get presbytery’s approval.

A – The Presbytery of Kamloops has been supportive of the Cariboo all along. They have been sad to see us depart from among them, but they understand that we feel this is God’s leading and have tried to do all they could to help make the process as fair and smooth as possible.

The session has been monitoring the developments in the PCC for the past several years and spent months and years praying and discerning the future direction of the ministry while waiting and praying for the decisions at each subsequent GA. We had informal conversations with others in the Presbytery about responses to the changing direction of the PCC, but not about specific plans for the Cariboo. In the Spring of 2022, after the remits were finalized in 2021 and the reports of the AC and gracious dismissal came out, it was clear that there would not be a fair and just process for leaving the PCC. The session made a request of the Presbytery to consider a process that would allow us to keep our building but at that time the executive was not comfortable bringing it to the whole court. The Presbytery struck a special committee tasked with finding ways to make the departure process more feasible for not only the Cariboo but other congregations who might consider departure in the future. Over the summer the session met and prayed and came up with a proposal that we brought to the Presbytery at a special meeting in August called for that purpose. The Presbytery was uncomfortable with the proposal but instead offered a solution that was much better for everyone. We truly felt that God was leading and guiding that meeting. The groundwork for the process was done with the advice of a lawyer and brought back in October.

At the next regular meeting of the Presbytery in October, the Presbytery passed four motions:

  • that the Presbytery approve a five-year renewable lease agreement between the Cariboo Presbyterian Church and the Cariboo House Churches for the building in Lac La Hache beginning October 15, 2022 for $1/year. The ministry will pay all costs related to the building: utilities, insurance, maintenance etc. The lease is binding on any future owners of the property.
  • that the Presbytery approve a similar lease for the two ministry vehicles.
  • that the Presbytery release the Cariboo ministry into the care of Living Stones as of October 31, 2022.
  • that the Presbytery provide letters of standing for Jon and I as of October 31, 2022.

We finished the meeting with those motions and went directly to the Lord’s Supper together. I offered a blessing over the Presbytery, its congregations and leaders. Lots of expressions of support, hugs and shared sadness were shared. We really like our fellow presbyters and will deeply miss that gathering.

Q – Reaction if any from General Assembly Office or Assembly Council?

A – No negative responses. No official responses yet. We contacted Canadian Ministries and the National Indigenous Ministries Council personally to let them know from us rather than the grapevine. We have greatly appreciated all the support and fellowship we have received from both entities over the years. The responses were sadness expressed graciously.

Q – Reaction in general from supporters and others in orthodoxy?

A – Nothing but positive support and expressions of prayer.

Q – Do you have a vision for your congregation – where are you headed?

A – COVID has hit us as with so many other congregations. We developed a new vision statement through last spring which focuses on the development of ministry and leadership in our small remote communities. Mark has taken a 1/4 time job that gives him the opportunity to get out into the far reaches of the region meeting with ranchers. We see this as an awesome opportunity for him to make new contacts with a view of starting new house churches. Thus he has dropped back to 3/4 time with the Cariboo. Jon and I continue to witness to the love of Jesus in the Indigenous communities in our area and are excited about a newer house church that started just before the pandemic and is very alive and growing. Other house churches were lost to disagreements that arose about the pandemic and we will need to restart some ministries in some areas. The basic vision to reach out in remote areas is the same, but our vision is more focused and revitalized. We have a new website and logo and a fresh look. We hope to ordain new elders in the new year as two of our lay missionaries have retired though they remain active in ministry. We are on a new adventure with God and Living Stones and are excited to see where God will take us.

Q – How will this new entity be financially supported?

A – We are now in a new place of complete trust in God to provide for all our needs. Over the past three decades we have relied heavily on grants from the PCC and the support of individuals and congregations across the country. The grants of course stopped on Nov 1. They amounted to $90-100,000 per year and provided all of Jon’s and my stipends and expenses for our part of the ministry as well as some of Mark’s stipend. As well, we have received a substantial amount of our budget from those outside the Cariboo. We realize that some of those folks may no longer wish to support us because of our theological stand and our decision to leave the PCC. So we have a huge uncertainty in the financial area. However, our God is greater than a budget bottom line and we trust and pray that God will provide for us in ways we haven’t yet imagined. Jon and I have some savings set aside for a trip to the Holy Land in 2023, but have committed to staying in Nazko and the Cariboo and living off of those savings if necessary. After 31 years of being under a mission appointment, we’ve learned to live frugally!

We are hoping that we will continue to have good relationships with congregations in the PCC who will see that this work of God in the Cariboo isn’t changing and still needs support and will continue to partner with us.

FaithWorks Ministries is Living Stones’ non-congregational mission. We spoke with founder Rev. Glynis Faith.

Q – Tell me a bit about your journey out of the PCC.

A – Since my youth, driving between Prince Edward Island and Ontario has been a consistent part of my life. When I was young I enjoyed seeing certain landmarks year after year. My favourite was the big potato in Fredericton. In my teens I acted rather bored with it all, but there was something comforting about the familiar journey with its familiar landmarks. As an adult, with terrible navigation skills, I worried about getting lost, but soon found the route was etched in my memory.

It is a long journey with lots of hills and bends in the road, and something I have learned is that it takes more than one highway to get me to my destination.

In the past few years I have questioned the path God has placed before me. Recently, I was reminded that it is sometimes necessary to take an off ramp to continue to your destination.

In my final year at seminary there was a strong indication that the PCC was bending to the social pressures regarding gender identity. This did not sit well in my soul, and I found myself asking, “Lord, is this where I am meant to serve You?”

I believe God loves and welcomes all people. I believe in a welcoming church. I believe God’s Word is our authority and the truth in how we are to worship Him, live in truth, and serve as we are called. Despite the various attempts by some to wordsmith Scripture into an affirming text, we cannot ignore texts we are not comfortable with and redefine others to align with current social agendas. God’s Word is meant to transform us, we are not meant to transform God’s Word!

What I believe was not matching up with the direction the PCC was going, so I continued to pray for guidance. Why would God call me on a path that was stepping in a direction I could not support with His Word?

Struggling for clarity, I sought the guidance of a trusted mentor and friend who advised me to consider the needs of the flock. If the shepherds leave, who will pray with and for the flock? Who will continue to preach God’s Word in truth and love? Clearly people are divided on issues of Christian marriage for same-sex couples, as well as the ordination and leadership roles, within the church, of those professing to be part of the LGBTQI2 community. Prayer is needed. Pastoral care is needed.

So, I decided I would stay and pray. Clearly there is a need for prayer and a listening ear. Many things have happened since my decision to stay and pray. It is clear there is great division and people are being asked to take sides. Many find themselves being pushed out of their church. Liberty of conscience seems to be fading quickly.

What I have seen and heard leads me to believe that it will be impossible for the PCC to function effectively with polar-opposite views on doctrine.

Members of a small Presbyterian congregation were recently forced to vote on the choice of being affirming or non-affirming. Prior to the vote, the congregation was given the interim moderator’s views on what God’s Word says (or does not say) regarding marriage, sexuality, and leadership. Some members wanted to get together and discuss what they had read on the subject, and they were forbidden by the interim moderator. Some members made a formal written request to the Session to have someone come in and speak to the traditional views. They were flatly denied by the interim moderator. No debate or liberty of conscience was granted to this congregation. The vote was taken, and the congregation divided. Prayer is desperately needed!

Two weeks ago, I received an email from this interim moderator saying, “Due to changes in circumstances in the ministry direction at ___________, I am withdrawing my invitation for you to preach at ___________ effective immediately.” I had been scheduled to lead the congregation through Advent. It appears that only those who share the interim moderator’s views are now welcome at this small church!

There is a need for ministers to stay and pray, to support the interests of those who hold to the Truth of God’s Word. There is great need for prayer that includes all people, whether we agree or not. Prayer should be focused on repentance, healing, transformation and seeking God’s good will in our individual and collective lives, not on furthering agendas.

Just as the road signs are clear that I cannot stay on the 401 once I come to the Quebec border, the spiritual signs were telling me that I could no longer stay in the PCC if I wanted to go where God was calling me.

Writing the request for my letter of standing was a painful task, but once written and sent, I felt the weight of many things lift off my shoulders and I knew for certain I had taken the correct off ramp for the journey I was called to.

Q – What are you doing and what’s the vision for your ministry?

A – Today, FaithWorks Ministries is addressing the spiritual needs of older seniors by bringing consistent weekly worship into a local retirement residence. We also bring weekly Bible study into another retirement residence. The goal is to bring the church in amongst people who are less mobile. This ministry opens doors to conversations with individuals who may be questioning their faith in the midst of aging and declining health. It also opens doors for building relationships with others who may not have opened the door to Jesus in their lives – people who may be asking, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17).

The FaithWorks discipleship groups have also begun, meeting in various locations. This model follows the pattern of Jesus using various locations and situations to teach His disciples what it means to take up your cross and follow Him, and to train them to call and lead the next generation of followers. The discipleship model is based on individual small groups gathering weekly and coming together as one group for worship monthly.

FaithWorks is now part of Living Stones: A Movement of Reformed Churches in Canada. It is no surprise to me that God has gifted me for small group leadership, prayer and ministering to seniors over the years, and now calls me to use these gifts in this new ministry. I believe small groups will play an important role in rebuilding the church, as people sit and study God’s Word together, seeking to be informed and transformed in Truth and Love.

God brought me into the Presbyterian Church in Canada for part of my faith journey and I pray for God’s blessings upon its congregations, ministers, courts, and its future. My prayers remain with you!

And then there are the Presbyterians who know what’s right, theologically, but they’re not sure exactly how they should respond. They are Discerning.

Don Bartlett, a ruling elder and a member of the Renewal Fellowship board, has been in touch with many such souls. They have been in discussion with one another for support and discernment about where to go from here. Bartlett says traditional Presbyterians find themselves in congregations with a mix of people:

  • Some are strongly PCC, often lifelong and second or third generation and will never leave, regardless of PCC’s theological beliefs.
  • Some, unwilling to wait for the outcome of any withdrawal process, have weakened the congregation by leaving already.
  • Some are unwilling to remain in or move into a leadership position because the congregation is part of PCC.
  • Some are willing to engage in a multi-year, secular legal fight for ownership of their congregation’s assets.
  • Some don’t want a secular legal fight, but are willing to depart using the PCC’s multi-year official process, in which a congregation re-establishes itself as a new entity and either buys its building at 50 per cent of its value or walks away with 50 per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of the building.
  • Some have no interest in any delay: they want to walk away from their property and found a new church. If the congregation is not moving in this direction, they will leave the congregation.
  • Most are ignoring the issue of PCC’s theological beliefs. Their allegiance lies with the local congregation as it currently functions: will they stay if there is prolonged uncertainty or if the congregation cannot continue in its current building?

Each congregation has varying proportions of each group. In Bartlett’s words: “It’s a crazy mix of people.” That’s not meant as a pejorative. Rather, it’s testament to the diversity of their thoughts and emotions.

“How do you know the mix within your congregation until you raise the issue?” Bartlett asks. “When you raise the issue to the congregation, you will create greater unrest, and people on both sides of the issue will be leaving until the issue is resolved. But a resolution can’t begin until the issue has been raised to the congregation.”

All of this is in reaction to what many see as a church that stepped into apostasy after formally approving a definition of marriage that’s at odds with scripture and gender complementarity. To agree with this new doctrine, one must ignore some parts of scripture. (It’s more than just a matter of interpretation.) The issue is actually much greater than sexuality. If scripture can be ignored on one matter, then it can be disregarded for another. It’s part of the larger debate between orthodoxy and progressivism which has been raging for decades.

So while this is nothing really new, the marriage issue brought it home in a very political and divisive way. Congregations are divided. As a result, Bartlett says discerning when to raise the issue within the congregation is a “terrific strain on a congregation’s leadership. It’s an extraordinarily tricky situation. Congregational unity is sure to be challenged.”

Derreck Conrad is an active elder. He calls himself a “relatively newer Presbyterian who has no lifelong attachment to the denomination but loves the local body where he worships.”

Here’s a glimpse into his thinking:

“It appears that, in essence, the denomination is already beginning to crumble for the following reasons. There can be no argument that a denomination must, at a minimum, consist of two things: a common theology and an agreed upon form of governance. The passage of the remits [which changed the definition of marriage and allowed the ordination of those in same-sex marriage] has exposed and exacerbated deep differences in our understanding and practice of the first and fundamental institution created for man, which is ordained by God in His word, and by which the relationship of the believer to the Lamb is often defined; that being marriage between a man and a woman – and not further defined. We no longer believe the same thing on this critical question because there are those who desire a worldly definition. . . .

“As leaders in our churches, we have many responsibilities but our primary responsibility is to obey Christ’s Great Commission which includes the great imperative in it, which says, ‘….teaching them to observe all that I commanded you’ – with all that implies. At this time, I am uncertain that we can continue to do that within the PCC. For Christians who have been well taught for many years, that won’t be a problem. But for younger or less well taught believers who are in need of maturing, it will become increasingly difficult going forward.

“My grasp of theology is tenuous but I am certain of one thing, if we no longer agree on the inerrancy and authority of the complete revelation then we are already a house divided and unless there is repentance for hardness of hearts, we are in danger of acting after the manner of Rehoboam.”

Back to Stay ‘n Pray. It’s also a crazy mix. Some haven’t even seriously thought about leaving. Some have, but decided against it because they’re too close to retirement, they’re not feeling the spiritual nudge or they’re just not seeing a financially viable way of departing. That last issue is huge. While some in the PCC see the offer to purchase their buildings at 50 per cent of their value as gracious (given the fact that this process didn’t exist before) others see great insult in taking out a huge mortgage for something they’ve already paid for and maintained. Walking away and taking 50 per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of their building might be attractive to those who have no attachment to their building, but not many people appear to be of that mindset.

Walking away and taking 50 per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of their building might be attractive to those who have no attachment to their building, but not many people appear to be of that mindset. The requirement that 80 per cent congregational support is required in two separate votes for departure is a non starter for many, including the session at St. Paul’s in Leaskdale, Ontario. They’re stay ’n pray, says their lead pastor, Rev. Andrew Allison. What that will look like remains to be seen.

“We are working at trying to determine what assignment and alignment we have with the denomination and also what presence we intend to have in our staying. Will we try to influence directly or basically function as Congregationalists?”

They’ll have plenty of company with a congregationalist approach. There’s been a dramatic increase in the number of congregations which give little or nothing to the support of the denominations via Presbyterians Sharing. In 2021, 29 congregations with $100,000+ budgets gave nothing; several had $1 million+budgets.

Valleyview Community Church in the Presbytery of Calgary will remain because they see no viable option. Grant Gunnink is their minister.

“I and our leadership at Valleyview are of the stance that if there was a gracious way to exit from the PCC we would likely take advantage of it. However there is no easy way out for us, even the current voluntary withdrawal would require us to raise money in order to buy ourselves out according to the financial formula. We are not willing to leave and surrender our assets and our property (which we see as a beach-head in our surrounding community). We won’t surrender these things for the benefit of a denomination that will use them to implement the unbiblical revisionist agenda. Our relationship with our Presbytery is decent however, and we anticipate being able to continue to minister as a Biblical orthodox congregation at a comfortable arm’s length respectful relationship with them.”

There’s a mutual respect within orthodoxy I find encouraging. It was evident at the PCC Pastor’s Retreat in November, which was widely representative of the diversity of opinion. Within that collection of pastors were ministers who are firmly entrenched and committed to the PCC who were worshipping and dining elbow to elbow with those who are actively departing or have already left the building.

This mutual respect can be summed up by Andrew Allison: “I realize this is a tough decision for everyone and people who love Jesus just as much or even more than I do will come to a different conclusion than I will.”

He adds: “There has always been a place in the history of the people of God for a faithful remnant. When Ahab and Jezebel were leading the people of God astray Elijah whined and complained but he didn’t set out to start a new Israel. Instead he hunkered down and called people back to right living with God, even when no one was listening. There’s at least a place for considering this as a viable option.”

That’s the ethos expressed, to a large degree, by Cruxifusion, the network of evangelical ministers within the United Church of Canada. Three decades after the UCC became affirming, they exist as a vibrant witness in a denomination which does not require its ministers to hold any creed or doctrine and harbours at least one atheist minister.

Scores of believers departed the UCC in a wave in the late 1980s and early 1990s over the same-sex marriage and ordination issue. Former adherents settled in other congregations or started their own. Many severed all ties with those they left behind, even those who remained stay ‘n pray.

Bell, who is on the front lines of departure, does not want that to happen within PCC orthodoxy. She has gone out of her way to reach out to those who have no thought of leaving.

“We love our brothers and sisters in the PCC. We don’t want this move to disrupt relationships. We hope that we can be of encouragement to others whether they are on a path to departure or to staying in the PCC. We are on an adventure with God! Join us whether in prayer, partnership or just keeping in touch!”

We welcome your feedback. <renewalfellowshippcc@gmail.com>.

 

Many reasons to be thankful

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By Deb Stimphil, RF Board Chairperson

At this time of year, I always want to thank the people that have meant something special in the past year. I want to thank, on behalf of the Board of Renewal Fellowship, all our wonderful supporters. You are very special to the Renewal Fellowship. This year at Renewal Fellowship we have much to be thankful for. Our focus this past year was on Prayer, Listening and Supporting each other. We did this in many ways this year. There is our daily Prayer Calendar. At our Renewal Day we heard great encouragement from Stephen Farris, a past moderator of General Assembly and visiting professor of preaching at Knox College. Andy Cornell ran several Renewal Cafes where people could talk about how they were feeling and realize they were not alone.

We sponsored Pray for GA — A time of prayer, in the four weeks leading up to General Assembly, and before and during each sederunt. There was a six-week online book study on the book “Prayer-does it make a difference” written by Philip Yancey. We started Listening Ear Here, which paired people with an individual who would listen and offer support to the other person in an attempt to facilitate a community and encourage believers. Then there was “Come to Me, a Retreat for PCC Pastors.” It was a great success by all accounts.

Renewal Fellowship could not have done any of these things without your support. Whether your support is prayer, financial or participatory — our supporters make the Renewal Fellowship continue to be a presence for orthodoxy in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. A shining light for the people that are staying true to the traditional views of the Christian Church. You help us live out our Mission: To lead each other and the Presbyterian Church in Canada to authentic Biblical thinking, powerful Spirit-led prayer and effective Gospel witness.
I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and God’s blessing in the New Year.