New Research Highlights Unique Aspects of Small Canadian Churches
There is more to the thousands of small churches in Canadian neighbourhoods than many people realize. A new study digs into the realities of these churches and examines their needs and strengths from the perspective of their pastors. Significant Church: Understanding the Value of the Small Evangelical Church in Canada is a collaborative research project undertaken by 13 Canadian Christian organizations and led by the EFC research team. To download a free copy, go to TheEFC.ca/SignificantChurch.
Government to Propose Delaying MAiD Expansion
The government will propose to delay the expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying to people with mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition. The justice minister announced that he will introduce a bill when Parliament returns from the Christmas break to delay the expansion from taking effect. Thank you to everyone who contacted their MP. This delay is an answer to prayer. However, the Minister has made it clear that this is only to be a delay. Please continue to pray for this expansion to be stopped.
Abuse and Power in the Church: New Free Course by EFC Affiliate
The Christian Reformed Church in North America has released a free course that explores the nature of power and authority in the church, reflecting on its use, abuse and how it can be redeemed for the glory of God and the flourishing of God’s people. The Power to Do Good: The Use and Misuse of Power in the Church has six parts, covering different aspects of abuse and better, healthy practices for stewarding power. Find out more and enrol here.
Early Death Raises Questions for Prosperity Gospel (Faith Today blog)
Religion reporter John Longhurst explores the implications of the cancer death of Leon Fontaine, a popular Winnipeg preacher who told people they could live healthy and successful lives through faith in Jesus.
Discounted Tickets for Outpour YA Conference in Ontario
Know someone who’d love to attend a Christ-focused young adult conference on March 4 in Scarborough, Ont.? Love Is Moving (the EFC’s publication for Christian young adults) is offering 50% off tickets for Outpour (formerly Fluid). Young adults attending a church affiliated with the EFC can purchase tickets using the discount code LOVEISMOVING23. Find out if your church is an affiliate by searching for your church’s name on this list.
Correction
In our Nov. 29 edition, our weekly prayer prompt mistakenly linked to the US counterpart of Every Home for Christ, which exists “that every person on earth would have a genuine opportunity to respond to the truth and love of Jesus.” The correct link for EHC International Canada is EHC.ca (not EveryHome.org). The two are independent organizations. EHC International Canada is a longstanding, valued affiliate of ours, and we apologize for the error.
Francophone Prayer Summit
Last Sunday (Jan. 15) was the final registration deadline for Rencontre au Sommet, the annual francophone prayer summit held in Granby, Que. Don't miss this encouraging time away from daily ministry to focus on being in God's presence, Jan. 23-24.
Ensure Patients, Not Doctors, Initiate MAiD Discussions
The EFC has asked the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to make sure that discussions about MAiD are only initiated by patients, not doctors. As the EFC submission to the CPSO says, “Doctors are in a position of authority, and ideally, trust. Raising MAiD as an option suggests to a patient that the clinician sees their life as not worth living, or that ending their life is something worth considering.” The EFC also asked the CPSO to protect doctor’s conscience rights and to push for MAID to be included as the cause of death, on death certificates. Read the EFC's submission to the CPSO here.
New Podcasts at FaithToday.ca
Al Lopus is the author of a book on flourishing workplaces. He spoke on the Faith Today Podcast about his two decades of work at Best Christian Workplaces Institute and how toxic workplaces can change into places where people love what they do and find deep satisfaction.
How can parents best help their children grow in their faith? How can churches best support the parents? Ministry expert Lesli van Milligen joined Karen Stiller to offer encouragement and insights for parents and churches alike. Van Milligen, who works for the Christian Reformed Church, offered new insights from her work on an EFC-led, partner-built research study (expected later this spring) about parents’ roles in the faith formation of their children and the role the local church plays.
Three Gentle Spiritual Resolutions for a New Year
Author and Toronto pastor Darryl Dash shares why his goal this year is “growth that allows rest, not just hustle.”
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→ Introduction to Alpha Marriage Course (Alpha Canada), online, Jan. 17
→ The 2023 World Watch List Release Event (Open Doors), online, Jan. 18
→ Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, worldwide, Jan. 18-25
→ Five Steps of Video Production (CCCA), online, Jan. 20
→ Rencontre au sommet 2022 (prayer summit), Granby, Que., Jan. 23-24
→ Backyard Pilgrim: A Webinar with Matt Canlis (Forge Canada), online, Jan. 23
→ Mission Central Conference, Vancouver, Jan. 27-29
→ Scientists and the Church (American Scientific Affiliation), online, Jan. 28
→ Gather Rise Conference, Calgary, Feb. 4
→ Leading Women Series (Women Together), online, Feb. 7
→ Calvin Symposium on Worship (CICW), online/Grand Rapids, Mich., Feb. 8-10
→ Communications Workers Watercooler Break (CCCA), online, Feb. 10
In Case You Missed It
→ Job Openings: Vice president academic (Hamilton); pastor (Lethbridge, Montreal, Brampton, Toronto, Ottawa, Sault Ste Marie, Uxbridge); Toronto congregational justice and mercy coordinator; Montreal director of leadership programs; and more (FaithToday.ca/Classifieds)
→ Charitable Status for Pro-Life Organizations (includes EFC video interview)
→ A place to flourish (Faith Today article)
→ Pope Benedict XVI: A Reflection (Faith Today blog)
→ EFC Staff Article About Disability and Belonging in the Church in CMDA Magazine (page 14)
→ EFC President Bruce Clemenger Releases New Book
→ EFC Submission to the CPSO on MAiD and Human Rights