Good News: Assembly 2016
One of the things that I enjoy about being a pastor with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec is attending our annual Assembly. This has looked a bit different the last number of years as I took three years off from being a pastor. The first year, we didn’t attend Assembly and it felt strange reading about my friends being there. The second year, Amanda and I attended as delegates of Queensway Baptist Church, which we were attending at the time. The third year, we didn’t officially attend but we did visit since I was in the area while doing some ministry at Toronto Chinese Baptist Church.
This year, Amanda and I were able to return as delegates of the church where I pastor, Queen Street Baptist Church. It was so nice to be back in this capacity and to be able to catch up some of my colleagues.
It was a great Assembly and it was nice to hear a message from executive minister Tim McCoy, one of the people I respect the most in this world. Also speaking at Assembly was Anna Robbins, who happens to be one of my supervisors for my my Doctor of Ministry thesis at Acadia Divinity College. Another highlight was sitting in a workshop led by Deane Proctor (our “old” pastor at Queensway) on mental health and the church.
An awkward but encouraging part of being at Assembly was chatting with people who have been keeping track of me online. For some it was about following me on Facebook, for others Twitter. I just seemed to be the social media guy. I also got to visit someone who knows me primarily from thus blog. I realize I probably do a bit more online than is “normal” but it seems as if people appreciated the content I was sharing.
My good news is that Amanda and I had some time away from the kids. In that time away we had the opportunity to enjoy some great worship led by Glen Soderholm and to be encouraged by some gifted speakers. I felt inspired by the potential for ministry for us a QSBC and I have some ideas of what that could look like.
I’m thankful for the time we has at Assembly 2016.
Yes… Many of us out here in blog land appreciate/benefit from ur writings (I wish I could keep up with them all, ha!). And we love and pray for ur ministries & family. Thank you, and God bless!
Thank you for your encouragement!