Thoughts & Reflections

Reflections on the Commons Call

When it comes to keeping in step with the Spirit, discernment is a key piece in knowing what we should be doing. This is true for individuals who desire to follow Jesus into the world, but it is also true of the church both locally and nationally. But how does the church in Canada discernContinue reading “Reflections on the Commons Call”

What are the questions we are asking?

ver the last 8 weeks as we have encountered “staying in place,” I have heard church leaders from across the country asking a lot of questions. Why wouldn’t we? We have been in unusual times.

Missional Commons: A Canadian Conversation

It is 28 years since I planted Southside Community Church in Burnaby, BC. I did not know what I was doing, so my mentor, John Zimmerman, advised that I walk the neighbourhood for several months, watching for what was happening and talking to the Lord and to people about what should happen. I listened andContinue reading “Missional Commons: A Canadian Conversation”

Understanding the Times

The spread of COVID-19 has everyone from governments and business to families and churches trying to tell what the future holds and how they should respond. We’ve been confronted with a disease we’ve never seen before. Yet, this time we’re seeing unprecedented steps, like whole nations being put on lock down, to prevent and contain its spread. When uncertainty runs high, panic and fear begin to reign.

Evaluating Mission: Are You the Church, or Should We Look for Something Else?

Guest contribution by Heather Card.

Evaluation. Is it something that you embrace, or something thing that you dread? I think if we are honest, most of us are a little apprehensive about evaluation. Maybe we even wonder if evaluation is appropriate in the church context. 

The Decade Ahead

Linked In reminded me this last weekend that it has been 20 years since God birthed Forge in Canada. Linked In actually congratulated me on it being 21 years, but at this stage who is counting. I think it is likely we are entering our 21st year, but as I get to this stage of life, I find it hard to remember my kids’ names let alone how many years I have had the privilege of serving God in Canada. It has been a wonderful journey, and I trust that there is even more ahead.

Peace

The question is –in the midst of turmoil, tragedy, terrorism and trauma–how do we communicate that Aslan is still on the move, in our midst, a God who cares, has come, is here and coming again?

Perhaps, advent provides us with such an opportunity– To go beyond the sentimental,

Recognizing Advent

Advent was not a season that I recognized growing up. I was part of a conservative evangelical tradition that, for one reason or another, eschewed the liturgical calendar. As I’ve aged and (hopefully) matured I’ve come to appreciate more of the rhythm and cadence of the church calendar, although I’ve had to grow into it and submit myself to its influence.

I had to learn that

Perfection in Rags

“Perfection in rags.” That was how my friend Justyn Rees described the incarnation of Christ this last week. Brilliant. Inspiring. Worthy of our worship. Glorious. Jesus – fully divine, fully human and the greatest example of what life to the fullest looks like. 

It reminded me of one of my favourite advent passages

An Invitation to Wait

Advent is a season of preparation and waiting – an invitation for us to reconsider with fresh eyes the birth of Christ. During our lives, we may experience times of waiting. Waiting for a visitor, for important letters or emails, news from the doctor or for the moment when a baby takes their first breath. Sometimes these times are filled with anxiety, frustration, panic and when the arrival takes longer than anticipated, we start to question the outcome.