AGC News

Hamilton/Niagara Area Ladies Event

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:39:00 GMT

Calvary Gospel Church in Beamsville is hosting a special ladies event on Saturday, September 25th with Marion Ford. Click here for details.

President’s Comments – Summer 2010

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:37:00 GMT

President Bill Fietje reminds us of the importance of time to rest during the summer months…

Quebec News

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:33:00 GMT

The Quebec Council has produced a newsletter with lots of fantastic reports! Click here to download

President’s Comments – Summer 2010/Commentaires du président Juillet 2010

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:59:00 GMT

Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français

Dear Team Canada,

2 Corinthians 5: 18- 19 “All this is from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ not counting men’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

As I write this message Canada is at a moment of historic proportions. Today in Winnipeg the federal government through the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions is beginning to hear survivor stories of the First Nations and Inuit peoples that went through the ill fated residential school systems. The century and a half of government and church run school systems, however well intentioned by the founders, became for thousands of people a place of loneliness, separation, segregation and worst of all abuse. The process of “assimilations” became one of separation and worse, alienation; alienation from families, from land, from cultures, from language and alienation from a sense of belonging.

Truth is important but what is far more important is the reconciliation. Canada needs to heal from this episode of shame and hurt. I do believe that many of the good people running these schools have no guilt to atone for but many do. These are the ones that chose to abuse already uprooted, dislocated, innocent children. These children had no say in the matter; no power what so ever. The results have been that 150,000 plus children who have lost a connectedness to their souls anchor in our culture. Jesus said let the little children come to me and He obviously includes the first nation’s children as well as the ones of His day.

The answer is not revisionist history. The truth on all sides must come out. Yet past all that there must be forgiveness. Two years ago Prime Minster Harper asked for forgiveness on the part of the government and peoples. Last week First Nations leaders gave their official and national acceptance of the apology and gave forgiveness. This is an important, vital and historic beginning but what we need as a nation and as people is reconciliation.

God has given to us the ministry of reconciliation to Him through Christ. Much of the rhetoric of the alienation and abuse has centered on the church’s actions through the residential school program. We know that true reconciliation comes through Christ alone and His work on the cross to heal the pain and death of separation and alienation. We must pray that the First Nations and Inuit Canadian peoples can respond to God’s presence and light even through the dark shadows cast by the “Church”. As AGC we must ask ourselves how we and our churches demonstrate reconciliation in this hour of opportunity and hope. Can we be ministries of grace and reconciliation to the First Nations and Inuit peoples in the presence of Christ?

God bless you as you pray this month…. and by the way… have a great rest for your souls and bodies this summer.

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

Chère équipe du Canada,

2 Corinthiens 5: 18- 19 “Et tout cela vient de Dieu, qui nous a réconciliés avec Lui par Christ, et qui nous a donné le ministère de la réconciliation. Car Dieu était en Christ, réconciliant le monde avec lui-même, en n’imputant point aux hommes leurs offenses, et il a mis en nous la parole de la réconciliation.”

Au moment où j’écris ces lignes, le Canada est en train de vivre un moment d’une importance historique. Aujourd’hui à Winnipeg, le gouvernement fédéral, grâce au travail des Commissions de vérité et de réconciliation, commence à entendre les témoignages des survivants du Peuple des Premières Nations et des Inuits qui ont vécu la malheureuse histoire du système des pensionnats. Pendant un siècle et demi le système scolaire dirigé par le gouvernement et l’église, malgré les bonnes intentions des fondateurs, est devenu pour des milliers de gens un endroit de solitude, de séparation, de ségrégation et des pires abus. Le processus « d’assimilation » en est devenu un de séparation et pis encore, d’aliénation; aliénation des familles, du territoire, des cultures, de la langue et aliénation du sentiment d’appartenance.

La vérité est importante mais la réconciliation est de loin plus importante. Le Canada a besoin de guérir de cet épisode de honte et de blessure. Je crois que plusieurs des bonnes personnes qui dirigeaient ces écoles n’ont pas de culpabilité à expier contrairement à beaucoup d’autres. Ceux sont ceux-là qui ont choisi d’abuser des enfants déjà déracinés, déplacés et innocents. Ces enfants n’avaient aucun droit de parole, aucun pouvoir quel qu’il soit. Le résultat, plus de 150 000 enfants ayant perdu toute connexité avec leur âme sont ancrés dans notre culture. Jésus a dit laissez venir à moi les petits enfants et Il inclut certainement les enfants des Premières Nations tout autant que ceux de son époque.

La solution n’est pas l’histoire révisionniste. Il faut que la vérité sorte de partout. Cependant, au-delà de tout cela, il faut le pardon. Il y a de cela deux ans, le Premier Ministre Harper a demandé pardon au nom du gouvernement et du peuple canadien. La semaine dernière, des leaders des Premières Nations ont officiellement et au niveau national accepté les excuses et ont accepté de pardonner. Ceci est un début crucial, vital et historique mais ce dont nous avons besoin en tant que nation et peuple, c’est la réconciliation.

Dieu nous a donné le ministère de la réconciliation avec Lui par Christ. Une grande partie de la rhétorique de l’aliénation et des abus a été centrée sur les actions de l’église à travers le programme de pensionnat. Nous savons que la véritable réconciliation vient de Christ seul et de Son œuvre sur la Croix pour guérir la douleur et la mort causée par la séparation et l’aliénation. Nous devons prier pour que le Peuple des Premières Nations et Inuits canadiens réponde à la présence et à la lumière de Dieu même à travers les atrocités causées par « l’Église ». En tant qu’AÉÉ, nous devons nous demander de quelle façon nous démontrons la réconciliation en ces temps d’espoir et d’opportunités. Sommes-nous en mesure d’être des ministères de grâce et de réconciliation pour le Peuple des Premières Nations et Inuits en présence de Jésus-Christ?

Que Dieu vous bénisse pendant vos prières ce mois-ci…et en passant, profitez bien de l’été pour vous reposer.

Bénédictions,

Dr. Bill Fietje

Président

Focus on Church Planting

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:31:00 GMT

The AGC has a vision to be “a movement of healthy reproducing churches”. As part of that vision, the National Conference highlighted several church planting projects that have been birthed in recent years. Please click on the links below to view or download the video clips that were shown at Conference (more are available by contacting the AGC office).

One to One, Etobicoke, ON

Church Planter: Quincy Bergman

Iglesia Evangelica Hispana Eben-Ezer, Montreal, QC

Church Planter: Raphael Mixco

SimplyChurch, Waterloo, ON

Church Planter: Timothy Wai

Lighthouse Scarborough, Scarborough, ON

Church Planter: Neil Zagala

Eglise Chretienne Evangelique de Hawkesbury, ON

Church Planter: Denis Arcand

House of Praise, Pickering, ON

Church Planter: Belton Rivera

The Summit, Etobicoke, ON

Church Planter: Rob Cripps

Spirit of Truth Church, Toronto, ON

Church Planter: Siamack Shafti-Keramat

Eglise Evangelique de Blainville, QC

Church Planters: Charles Henri Cote & Greg Gibson

The Campus, Aurora, ON

Church Planter: Ian Ardill

Faith Community Church, Blackfalds, AB

Church Planter: Spence Laycock

Lend a Hand for Haiti - video

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:46:00 GMT

One of our Conference projects was to raise funds for the rebuilding of AGC of Haiti. This video was produced and is available for use in your church.

“ADVANCE” - National Conference 2010

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:40:00 GMT

June 3 – 6, 2010 at Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, ON was an exciting time of connection, learning and fun as we explored the theme “ADVANCE – a movement of healthy reproducing churches”. Dr. Bill Lawrence spoke to our hearts as he encouraged us to reach for the splinters of the cross instead of a crown. The full sessions with Dr. Lawrence are posted below in mp3 format.

Dr. Bill Lawrence Session One – Thursday June 3, 2010

Dr. Bill Lawrence Session Two – Friday June 4, 2010

Dr. Bill Lawrence Session Three – Saturday June 5, 2010 AM

Dr. Bill Lawrence Session Four – Saturday June 5, 2010 PM

If you would like a copy of the National and Canada East reports, they are posted below.

National Conference Reports June 2010

Canada East Reports June 2010

Meet Jim Houston!

Wed, 12 May 2010 13:28:00 GMT

Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français

Regional Superintendents in the AGC are often referred to as "Pastor to the Pastors."

As true as this may be for all our staff it certainly captures the heart of Jim Houston, Regional Superintendent for the AGC Western Region.

Jim has served as a valued western Pastor himself for 25 years before he became the Western Superintendent ten years ago.

Jim is a graduate of Briercrest Bible College with a Bachelor of Religious Education and has studied extensively since then despite his busy schedule. He completed his Masters of Theological Studies at Taylor Seminary. Jim is most often seen in a red Impala testing the endurance of the Prairie highway pavement. He covers some forty churches stretched out between the Manitoba Ontario border and due west to the Pacific Ocean. In my travels with Jim I find myself educated in the deeper issues of theology and spiritual awareness. Jim loves and walks with the Lord to such an extent that one cannot be around him long before your thoughts are turned to the things of God and His word.

I must say though that between these enjoyable chats we have on the road we do listen to Jim's favourite music... complete with banjos and "old Lone Star buckles".

Jim and his wife Carolyn live in Calgary where they enjoy gardening and walking in God’s great outdoors. Jim and Carolyn have three grown sons Philip, married to Jessica, Joel married to Dani and Andrew married to Sarah. Jim and Carolyn take great joy and delight in their first grandchild, Maggie Grace. Jim’s eldest son Philip is also serving as an Associate Pastor in our church in Stony Plain, Alberta.

The video this month highlights Jim and his work.

Would you take time to pray especially for the Houston’s this month? Remember the words of E.M. Bounds..." When we work, we work... When we pray God works."

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

Les surintendants régionaux de l’AÉÉ sont souvent surnommés “pasteurs des pasteurs”.

Aussi vrai que cela puisse être dans le cas de tout notre personnel, cela touche particulièrement Jim Houston, surintendant régional de l’AÉÉ pour la région de l’ouest du Canada.

Jim a servi en tant que pasteur très estimé dans l’Ouest pendant 25 ans avant de devenir le surintendant pour l’ouest du Canada il y a dix ans de cela.

Jim est diplômé du Collège Briercrest Bible College et est détenteur d’un baccalauréat en Éducation religieuse et il a poursuivi ses études depuis lors malgré son horaire très chargé. Il a complété sa maîtrise en Études théologiques au Séminaire Taylor. Jim est le plus souvent vu au volant de son Impala rouge, mettant à l’épreuve l’endurance de la chaussée sur les autoroutes des Prairies. Il couvre quelques quarante églises réparties entre la frontière de l’Ontario et du Manitoba et plein ouest vers l’Océan Pacifique. Dans mes voyages en compagnie de Jim, j’apprends beaucoup sur les questions théologiques profondes et sur la prise de conscience spirituelle. Jim adore et marche dans les voies du Seigneur à un point tel que si l’on passe un certain temps en sa présence, nos pensées se tournent à coup sûr vers les choses de Dieu et vers Sa Parole.

Je dois aussi dire que lorsque nous ne passons pas de moments agréables à jaser, nous écoutons la musique préférée de Jim… tout y est, les banjos et "old Lone Star buckles".

Jim et sa femme, Carolyn vivent à Calgary où ils aiment jardiner et faire des randonnées plein air. Jim et Carolyn ont trois fils maintenant adultes: Philip, marié à Jessica, Joel marié à Dani et Andrew marié à Sarah. Jim et Carolyn sont les heureux grands-parents de leur première petite fille, Maggie Grace. Le fils aîné de Jim, Philip sert aussi en tant que Pasteur associé dans l’une de nos églises à Stony Plain en Alberta.

Le vidéo de ce mois-ci met l’accent sur Jim et son oeuvre.

Veuillez prier spécialement pour la famille Houston ce mois-ci. Souvenez-vous des paroles de E.M. Bounds…" Lorsque nous travaillons, nous travaillons…Lorsque nous prions, Dieu travaille"

Bénédictions,

Dr. Bill Fietje

Président

Congratulations George!!

Mon, 10 May 2010 19:13:00 GMT

George Boyd, AGC Canada East Superintendent, was recently named Briercrest Bible College’s “Alumnus of the Year”.

Read the full story here

Bill on “100 Huntley Street”

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:31:00 GMT

Last week President Bill Fietje had opportunity to appear on the program “Full Circle” to discuss Missionfest, an organization that he helped to start some 15 years ago. Along with Bill was Jude Hodgson, the current director of Missionfest. Please click below for parts 1 & 2 of the interview, and consider how you might want to participate in Missionfest this year.

Quebec Rally/L'assemblée générale de l’AÉÉQ

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:22:00 GMT

The AGC Quebec annual meeting on March 13^th was a great time of praise and challenge from Jay Pinney (Quebec coordinator of Church Planting Canada) to enlarge our vision as a church family. We appreciated the hospitality of our hosts Église Biblique Pierre Angulaire.

Click here to view some pictures from the day.

Canada West Conference

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:22:00 GMT

The 2010 Canada West Conference was a time of great blessing! Pastor Rob Cochrane and the people of the Church of the Open Bible in Swift Current, along with President Phil Ruten and Millar College, were our gracious hosts for March 11-14.

At this Conference we focused on Living Grace: Becoming A People of Grace and were ministered to by Rev. Lane Fusilier, the Senior Pastor of Philpott Memorial Church, one of our AGC churches in Hamilton ON, as he lead us in considering this biblical focus. Lane is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, and has been a pastor and teacher for over 30 years.

The Conference report book can be downloaded here: Reports - CW Conference 2010

To view some pictures click here.

Thanks to all who joined us for great time of fellowship, joy and ministry!

Focus on Canada East

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:09:00 GMT

Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français

As we pray for the needs of the AGC this month our focus is on the Canada East region in particular our churches throughout Ontario. Nearly two thirds of all of the AGC churches in Canada are situated in Ontario with the majority of these being in the south western part of the province. This was the birth place of the AGC eight decades ago and continues to be a major center of AGC activity.

Please pray for George Boyd who along with his wife Cynthia does a masterful job of ministering to the pastors and churches in this region.

As Regional Superintendent George has many responsibilities, one of which is to care for the needs of our churches. He does this in concert with the church staff, leadership teams and boards. George's goal is to help create the vision of the AGC of Canada... "Being a movement of healthy reproducing churches".

George Boyd is well suited for this important role. He has been a church planter in Winnipeg (Southside Bible) as well as having served as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Church in Saskatoon for twelve years. George earned a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary specializing in the area of preaching. George brings these gifts and experiences to the work but his greatest asset is his passionate love for Jesus and his unwavering dedication to the scriptures.

As we pray this month let us focus on Ontario, on the many churches and church plants. Pray for George, Cynthia and their three grown boys. This month's Presidents Comments on the web will feature an interview with George ... please take time to get to know George and to pray for him as you watch.

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

Dans nos prières pour les besoins de l’AÉÉ ce mois-ci, notre attention se porte sur la région de l’Est du Canada, en particulier sur nos églises à travers l’Ontario. Près du deux tiers de toutes les églises de l’AÉÉ sont situées en Ontario dont la majorité se trouve dans la partie Sud-ouest de la province. C’est là que l’AÉÉ a pris naissance il y a dix décennies et continue d’être un centre important d’activités de l’AÉÉ.

Veuillez prier pour George Boyd qui, avec son épouse Cynthia, fait un travail colossal pour prêter main forte aux pasteurs et aux églises de cette région.

En tant que surintendant régional, George a plusieurs responsabilités dont celle de voir aux besoins de nos églises. Il le fait de concert avec le personnel des églises, les équipes de leadership et les conseils d’administration. Le but de George est d’aider à réaliser la vision de l’AÉÉ du Canada…soit “Devenir un mouvement d’églises saines qui se reproduisent”.

George Boyd est la personne toute indiquée pour ce rôle important. Il a implanté une église à Winnipeg (Southside Bible) et a servi en tant que pasteur principal à l’église Calvary Church à Saskatoon pendant douze ans. George possède un doctorat du Séminaire Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, spécialisé dans le domaine de la prédication. George fait valoir ses dons et expériences dans son travail mais sa plus grande qualité est son amour passionné pour Jésus et son dévouement inébranlable pour les Écritures.

Dans nos prières ce mois-ci, concentrons-nous sur l’Ontario, sur les nombreuses églises et implantations d’églises. Priez pour George, Cynthia et leurs trois fils maintenant adultes. Sur le site Web, les commentaires du Président présentent une entrevue avec George…veuillez prendre le temps de mieux le connaître et de prier pour lui pendant que vous visualisez l’entrevue.

Bénédictions,

Dr. Bill Fietje

Président

“Lending a Hand” for Haiti

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:51:00 GMT

Our prayers and hopes are still focusing on Haiti and we want to give an update:

Phase 1... We have so many reports of our AGC churches in Canada sending tens of thousands of dollars to the immediate relief and care of Haiti. Much of this has gone through World Relief and you can go to their website to get news of what is happening in Haiti. The world has responded to the immediate needs of Haiti's people and we thank God for this. Another good link for information is through the Integral Alliance.

Phase 2... As we had said earlier we are in the planning stage of the AGC Phase 2 "Lending a Hand" project to help rebuild Haiti. Our focus is on the AGC of Haiti churches and surrounding communities. This week Pastor Robert Pyram the President of AGC Haiti spoke to us about his assessments and reports of the damage done to AGC Haiti churches and schools. It is substantial. The pictures show the damage to one of the churches, as well as the church meeting outdoor for a worship service. This church also had a school, which was destroyed.

In addition I have been speaking to potential International Partners to see how best we can channel AGC Canada funds and work teams to help in the rebuilding. These potential Partners include World Vision, World Relief, CrossWorld and others. The difficulty is that there does need to be a master plan and we need to find a way to fit into it so that the money and work has maximum effect. Please continue to pray and to collect funds. Already several Canadian AGC churches have dedicated many tens of thousands of dollars to the Phase 2 rebuilding plan. We are awed by the goodness and generosity of God's people. This will be a slow and at times painful process as we help our sisters and brothers rebuild.

We have heard about two W5 programs featuring Dr John Yates of International Child Care. One of our AGC Phase 2 Task Team is Wes Romulus who has a great heart for ICC. This 2 part video clip is the best I have seen to get a feel of what has happened and what needs to be done. Dr John Yates is the eldest son of former medical missionaries that I had the privilege of serving as their pastor in Cambridge Ontario.

If you have any questions please contact the National office.

Blessings
Bill

AGC News for February 2010

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:33:00 GMT

Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français

I read the other day that a Canadian February is a great month because the winter is half over and we are only half frozen. You may feel that way but let me warm you up with some exciting initiatives that are being launched this month.

1. AGC National Conference June 3-6, 2010.

The Metropolitan Bible Church of Ottawa is hosting this year's conference events in their new building. The Lord has blessed the ministries of the Met throughout the years and we have an opportunity to celebrate these blessings with them this year.

Our key note speaker is Dr Bill Lawrence. Bill is a Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas Texas. Bill’s passion is biblical preaching and preparing leaders and pastors for ministry. You can experience Bills heartbeat through his writings as well. I would recommend that you read his book ‘Effective Pastoring’. This book is part of Chuck Swindoll’s Leadership Library series.

Conference begins on Thursday June 3^rd and runs through till Sunday June 6^th. All conference details are posted on the AGC website. Plan now to attend with your whole staff and do not forget to arrange for delegates from your church to attend as well.

2. Annual Board and Commission council February 23^rd to 25^th, 2010

The AGC has one annual face to face National Board meeting per year. In addition to National Board agenda items we also invite the National Chairs of our three major Commissions (Doctrine and Credentials, Church Heath and Leadership; Church Planting) to join us for these three days.

We are very privileged to have Bruce Clemenger as our guest for National Board this month. Bruce is the President of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and is a distinguished Christian leader in our nation. Bruce will speak to the role of the EFC in the nation and help us to think through what it means to be an evangelical in today’s society. The AGC is a supportive member of the EFC of Canada. Bruce will be with us on Tuesday February 23^rd.

On the 24^th the National Chairs will lead their regional counterparts in setting the 2010 goals and actions steps for their Commissions. It is a learning time for all of us as National Board members sit in on the discussions and learn first hand the opportunities and the challenges that face our Commissions. The Commissions will present their strategies for 2010 to the Board on Thursday the 25^th.

3. “Operation Lend a Hand”…Haiti Relief Project 2010

Last month’s devastating 7.5 earthquake just to the west of Port au Prince, Haiti has left the impoverished capital city in ruin. As they try to rebuild their lives the AGC has helped to mobilize immediate relief funds through its partnership with Christian NGOs working in Haiti. There is still much to be done. Many of you will remember that AGC of Canada has helped to birth a sister cluster of churches in Haiti called AGC of Haiti. These ten churches so far have strong relationships to our AGC of Canada Haitian churches in Quebec. A number of these church buildings have collapsed and many of the congregants are still without shelter. We can continue to help them rebuild as we pray and as we give. Funds are being received through the AGC National office and distributed through other partners to aid in the rebuilding. Some of you can go and help build. Many of you can give generously but all of us can pray.

We are all such busy people but this month can we stop along the way to pray for these events and to ask God’s blessings upon these three initiatives.

May God bless you as you pray this month.

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

L’autre jour j’ai lu qu’un mois de février canadien est un mois extraordinaire parce que la moitié de l’hiver s’est écoulée et nous ne sommes qu’à moitié gelés. Peut-être vous sentez-vous de cette façon mais laissez-moi vous réchauffer avec des initiatives excitantes qui seront lancées ce mois-ci.

1. Congrès national de l’AÉÉ – du 3 au 6 juin 2010.

L’église Metropolitan Bible Church à Ottawa sera l’hôtesse des événements du Congrès de cette année dans son nouvel édifice. Au cours des ans, le Seigneur a béni les ministères du Met et nous avons une occasion de célébrer ces bénédictions avec eux cette année.

Notre conférencier présentateur est le dr Bill Lawrence. Bill est professeur au Séminaire Dallas Theological Seminary, à Dallas au Texas. Sa passion est la prédication de la Bible et la formation de leaders et de pasteurs pour le ministère. Vous pouvez aussi mieux ressentir cette passion de Bill à travers ses écrits. Je vous recommande la lecture de son livre “Effective pastoring”. Ce livre fait partie de la bibliothèque d’une série sur le Leadership de Chuck Swindoll.

Le Congrès débutera le jeudi 3 juin pour se terminer le dimanche 6 juin. Tous les détails relatifs au congrès sont affichés sur le site Web de l’AÉÉ. Planifiez d’y participer dès maintenant et amenez tout votre personnel. N’oubliez pas de prendre des arrangements pour que des délégués de votre église puissent aussi y prendre part.

2. Réunion annuelle du conseil d’administration et des commissions, du 23 au 25 février 2010.

L’AÉÉ tient une rencontre physique par année de son conseil d’administration national. En plus des points à l’ordre du jour pour la rencontre du conseil d’administration national, nous avons aussi invité les présidents nationaux de nos trois principales commissions (Doctrines et Lettres de créance, Santé et Leadership des églises et Implantation d’églises) à se joindre à nous pour ces trois journées.

Nous sommes honorés d’avoir Bruce Clemenger comme invité ce mois-ci à notre réunion du conseil d’administration national. Bruce est le président de l’Alliance évangélique du Canada et il est un éminent leader chrétien dans notre pays. Bruce nous parlera du rôle de l’Alliance évangélique du Canada dans notre pays et nous aidera à nous pencher sur la signification d’être un chrétien évangélique dans la société d’aujourd’hui. L’AÉÉ est un membre qui donne tout son appui à l’Alliance évangélique du Canada. Bruce sera parmi nous le mardi 23 février.

Le 24, les présidents nationaux dirigeront leurs homologues régionaux dans des discussions pour déterminer les objectifs pour 2010 et les actions requises pour chacune de leur Commission. C’est une période d’apprentissage pour nous tous en tant que membres du conseil d’administration national que de prendre part aux discussions et d’apprendre directement, quels sont les occasions et les défis auxquels font face nos Commissions. Les Commissions présenteront leurs stratégies pour 2010 au conseil d’administration le jeudi 25.

3. “Opération prêtons main forte”…Projet de secours pour Haïti 2010

Le mois dernier, le tremblement de terre dévastateur de 7,5 à l’échelle de Richter juste à l’ouest de Port-au-Prince en Haïti, a laissé la capitale pauvre en ruines. Alors que les gens de la population tentent de reconstruire leurs vies, l’AÉÉ a aidé à mobiliser des fonds de secours d’urgence par le biais de ses partenariats avec des ONG chrétiennes qui oeuvrent en Haïti. Il y a encore beaucoup à faire. Plusieurs d’entre vous se souviendront que l’AÉÉ du Canada a aidé à donner naissance à un groupe d’églises soeurs sous le nom de AÉÉ d’Haïti. Ces dix églises jusqu’à présent ont des relations très étroites avec nos églises haïtiennes de l’AÉÉ du Canada situées au Québec. Un bon nombre des édifices de ces églises a été démoli et plusieurs membres de ces congrégations sont toujours sans abri. Nous pouvons continuer de les aider à se reconstruire en priant et en donnant financièrement. Des fonds nous arrivent au bureau national de l’AÉÉ et sont distribués via d’autres partenaires pour aider à la reconstruction. Certains peuvent aller aider à reconstruire. Beaucoup d’entre vous peuvent donner généreusement mais nous pouvons tous prier.

Nous sommes tous très occupés mais ce mois-ci, prenons le temps de nous arrêter pour prier et pour demander à Dieu de bénir ces trois initiatives.

Que Dieu vous bénisse dans vos prières ce mois-ci.

Bénédictions,

Dr. Bill Fietje

Président

AGC of Haiti

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:59:00 GMT

In February 2009, President Bill Fietje, along with Quebec Director Wes Peach and AGC Pastors Kichner Firmin (Église Biblique Pierre Angulaire) and Osner Jean-Louis (Église Évangélique Baptiste Lumière) travelled to Haiti to meet with church leaders who wanted to affiliate with the AGC to share our common purpose, vision, values and doctrinal statement. Although these ties are familial rather than legal, AGC of Haiti is part of our Association.

While in Haiti, the AGC team met with church leaders, visited and taught at the seminary there, and preached in the churches. This video is a collection of images from that trip. We have not had any contact with any of the AGC of Haiti team. Please continue to pray for them, and for the AGC Haitian churches in Montreal.

Help for Haiti

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:35:00 GMT

Acts 2:42-47 tells us of key characteristics of the earliest church. Alongside the marks of teaching, worship and the Lord's Table there was the outstanding demonstration of love for each other. "All believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods and they gave to anyone as he had need."

By now the news of the after effects of the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti is beginning to move our hearts to compassion for the millions of people affected by this most recent in a long run of disasters.

We are anticipating two important phases for our AGC response to this disaster. Phase 1 is Humanitarian aid and relief; Phase 2 Rebuilding

First and foremost, please rally your people to prayer for Haiti. The evangelical church in Haiti is strong but needs our help. AGC Haiti is now approximately ten churches and growing. They need our prayers.

Our Haitian AGC pastors and families in Quebec need our prayers and support as well. Many have still not heard from their families to know that they are safe. Some have lost their family homes in Haiti. All of us are affected by this disaster. I know that we all want to help.

It is too early to say what the best long term recovery strategy would look like. We are already working with our Haitian pastors to assess the damage and to formulate a longer term rebuilding strategy which is our Phase 2 strategy.

That said the more urgent need is for disaster relief and humanitarian aid (Phase 1). The millions affected need food, water and shelter. One of our sister partners is World Relief Canada and we are suggesting that immediate aid be channelled through them.

The following has just come in from World Relief....

"There were reports of extensive damage to buildings in the capital, including a hospital that reportedly collapsed,” says Laurie Cook, CEO of World Relief Canada, “An eyewitness at the scene reported that the city was “just gray with dust.” Many thousands of people are going to be left in a desperate situation and in need of our assistance.”

Haiti, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, has suffered from several major disasters in recent years, including deadly hurricanes and floods.

World Relief Canada urgently needs your support for the need in Haiti. To donate online go to http://www.wrcanada.org/donate or call 1-800-567-8190 toll-free."

You may have alternative agencies that you know and trust. World Vision is another such agency that our office would recommend. The important thing is to give, and to give as soon as possible, to trusted agencies that can be on the ground in Haiti to bring this urgent care.

Over the next weeks AGC will lay out a Phase 2 plan to help our sister AGC churches in Haiti to rebuild and to do ministry. Please consider how you might plan to support these initiatives.

In summary, these are the action steps:

Pray for Haiti, our AGC Haiti churches and for our Haitian families in Canada
Phase 1…Give immediate humanitarian support to the agency of your choice (we suggest World Relief)
Phase 2…Prepare for further communication for the rebuilding of AGC Haiti but please begin to set aside funds for the rebuilding phase. Funds for this project can be sent directly to the AGC office for “AGC Haiti”.

Please contact our office should you have any questions. Thanks for being the Body of Christ in action. Let us know what you are doing so that we can share this with others for mutual encouragement.

Our Haitian brothers and sisters in Canada and Haiti need our Acts 2:44 acts of love right now.

Blessings,

Bill Fietje

President , AGC of Canada

Focus on Quebec/Le Québec en vedette

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:43:00 GMT

Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français

At the beginning of another year of opportunity to serve and to proclaim we stop to give thanks for the blessings of God in 2009. God has given to us many new pastors and churches over the past twelve months and our prayer is that we will see many more new ministries and churches this year as well.

We continue to press home the need to focus on our vision of “being a movement of healthy reproducing churches”.

Did you know that just a few decades ago a person could be arrested in Canada for preaching the gospel publicly? Where you ask?… in the province of Quebec! As we pray this month let’s focus on our AGC ministries in Quebec. The pod cast this month features an interview with Wesley Peach director of the AGC Quebec work. This month we will get to know more about Wes, the ministries in Quebec and the great need for passionate prayer to be made for the region.

Of the 23 churches in Quebec 10 are Creole Haitian, 7 are French language, 5 English and 1 Spanish speaking. In addition Wes covers two French speaking churches in Ontario. Wes and his wife Priscilla also church plant as well as teach. All this makes for a very busy and demanding schedule. The Peaches represent a number of our pastors who are also missionaries. In the case of Wes and Priscilla they are members of CrossWorld who have a passion and call to minister in hard to reach places. After 50 years of faithful hard fought gospel witness there is still less than 0.5 % of the population of Quebec that would call themselves evangelical Christians. The percentage across the rest of Canada would be closer to 19 % including all brands of Christians including Catholics who would be called evangelical. This comparison shows the great need for continuing ministries in Quebec and it all begins with persevering prayer.

God bless the work in Quebec and may God bless the AGC of Canada as we go to prayer this month.

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje, President

Au début d’une nouvelle année remplie d’occasions de servir et de proclamer l’Évangile, arrêtons-nous pour rendre grâces à Dieu pour Ses bénédictions au cours de l’année 2009. Dieu a pourvu de nombreux nouveaux pasteurs pour nos ministères et a permis l’implantation de nouvelles églises au cours des douze derniers mois et notre prière est que nous voyions la naissance de beaucoup d’autres nouveaux ministères et églises au cours de l’année qui s’annonce.

Nous continuons d’insister sur la nécessité de nous concentrer sur notre vision, à savoir « être un mouvement d’églises saines qui se reproduisent ».

Saviez-vous qu’il n’y a pas si longtemps de cela, une personne pouvait être arrêtée au Canada pour avoir prêché l’Évangile en publique? Où vous demandez-vous?...Dans la province de Québec! Dans nos prières ce mois-ci, élevons nos ministères de l’AÉÉ situés au Québec. Notre bulletin de nouvelles ce mois-ci relate une entrevue faite avec Wesley Peach, directeur de l’AÉÉ pour le Québec. Ce mois-ci, nous apprendrons à mieux connaître Wes, à en savoir plus sur les ministères au Québec et sur la nécessité de prier passionnément pour cette région.

Des 23 églises de l’AÉÉ situées au Québec, 10 d’entre elles sont haïtiennes et utilisent le créole comme langue, 7 sont de langue française, 5 de langue anglaise et 1 de langue espagnole. En plus, Wes s’occupe de deux églises francophones en Ontario. Wes et son épouse Priscilla enseignent et s’occupent aussi d’implantation d’églises. Tout cela les occupe énormément et fait en sorte qu’ils ont un horaire très chargé. Les Peach font partie d’un certain nombre de nos pasteurs qui sont aussi missionnaires. Dans leur cas, ils sont membres de Cross World, organisme qui a une passion et un appel pour évangéliser dans les régions difficiles d’accès. Après 50 ans de travail acharné et fidèle pour répandre la bonne nouvelle de l’Évangile, il n’y a quand même que moins de 0.5% de la population du Québec qui se considère chrétienne évangélique. Le pourcentage dans le reste du Canada serait plus près de 19% en incluant tous les types de chrétiens, y compris les catholiques qui seraient considérés comme étant évangéliques. Cette comparaison reflète le grand besoin de développer des ministères au Québec et tout cela commence par la persévérance dans la prière.

Que Dieu bénisse le travail qui se fait au Québec et que Dieu bénisse l’AÉÉ du Canada suite à nos prières ce mois-ci.

Bénédictions,

Dr. Bill Fietje

Président

Meet the Baptists!!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:31:00 GMT

Lambert and Marie Baptist, that is! We were delighted when we found out that 100 Huntley Street had interviewed this wonderful couple who is so dear to the hearts of many in our Association, and most especially to our AGC Head Office staff! (Might have something to do with the treats Marie brings in most Mondays!) Lambert is on staff at Compass Point Bible Church, with Marie as his ministry partner. They are a tremendous blessing to the congregation there, and to all that come across their path. Click below for parts 1, 2 and 3 of this inspiring and heart warming interview with Moira Brown:

Visit to Wiky

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:04:00 GMT

Recently President Bill Fietje and Canada East Superintendent George Boyd had the opportunity to visit the Wikwemikong Fellowship and DayStar Native Outreach in Manitoulin Island. During their visit with Shirley Hamilton and the team, they were able to present DayStar with a gift on behalf of our AGC churches in memory of Don Hamilton. It was a rich time of great blessing. We are compiling a video presentation of that visit and will have it posted soon.

Until that time, please view the presentations below, produced by Crossroads Christian Communications and broadcast on 100 Huntley Street earlier this year. (posted with permission)

DayStar Native Outreach Documentary, Part 1

DayStar Native Outreach Documentary, Part 2

Christmas Greetings

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français

Below is a story that I think speaks to the heart of Christmas. I hope that you can take the time to pull up a chair, have a mug of cider or eggnog and take some quiet time to reflect.

A Modern Christmas Parable … “Take my Son”

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.' The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?' There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.' But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting. Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?' Another voice angrily rose up, 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh’s, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!' But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long time gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. 'We have $10, who will bid $20?' 'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.' '$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?' The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!' A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!' The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.' 'What about the paintings?' 'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!'

God gave His most precious Son 2,000 years ago to be born in a crude manger and to die on rugged cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?' Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON ,THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE

May you and your loved ones enjoy your time together as you celebrate the birth of God’s most precious Son. May God grant you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

Voici une histoire qui je pense, reflète l’esprit de Noël. J’espère que vous pourrez prendre le temps de vous « tirer une bûche”, avec une bonne tasse de cidre chaud ou de “eggnog” et de vous asseoir tranquillement pour réfléchir.

Une parabole moderne de Noël… « Choisissez mon Fils »

Un homme riche et son fils aimaient collectionner les oeuvres d’art rares. Ils possédaient tout dans leur collection, de Picasso à Raphaël. Ils s’assoyaient souvent ensemble et admiraient les grandes œuvres d’art.

Lorsque le conflit au Vietnam a éclaté, le fils est parti à la guerre. Il était très courageux et est mort au combat en essayant de sauver la vie d’un autre soldat. Le père en a été avisé et a été très chagriné de la perte de son fils unique. Environ un mois plus tard, juste avant Noël, quelqu’un frappa à la porte. Un jeune homme se tenait debout avec un gros paquet à la main. Il dit : « Monsieur, vous ne me connaissez pas mais je suis le soldat pour qui votre fils a donné sa vie. Il a sauvé beaucoup de vies ce jour-là et il me transportait à l’abri lorsqu’une balle l’a atteint en plein cœur et il est mort sur le coup. Il parlait souvent de vous et de votre amour pour l’art.” Le jeune homme a tendu le paquet. “Je sais que ce n’est pas grand chose. Je ne suis pas vraiment un grand artiste mais je pense que votre fils aurait aimé que vous ayez ceci. » Le père ouvrit le paquet. C’était un portrait de son fils que le jeune homme avait peint. Le père regarda avec étonnement de quelle façon le soldat avait réussi à capter la personnalité de son fils dans sa peinture. Le père était tellement attiré par les yeux sur la peinture, que ses propres yeux se sont remplis de larmes. Il remercia le jeune homme et lui offrit de le payer pour la peinture. « Oh non, monsieur. Je ne pourrais jamais repayer ce que votre fils a fait pour moi. C’est un cadeau.”

Le père accrocha le portrait au-dessus du foyer. Chaque fois que des visiteurs venaient chez lui, il leur montrait le portrait de son fils avant même de leur montrer n’importe quelle autre œuvre d’art qu’il avait collectionnée. L’homme est mort quelques mois plus tard. Il y eut un gros encan de ses peintures. Plusieurs personnes influentes s’y étaient réunies, excitées à l’idée de voir les grandes peintures et avoir l’occasion d’en acheter une pour leur propre collection. Sur la plateforme se trouvait la peinture du fils. L’encanteur frappa son maillet. “Nous allons commencer les enchères avec cette peinture du fils. Qui veut miser sur cette peinture?” Silence. Alors une voix au fond de la pièce cria “nous voulons voir les fameuses peintures. Passez celle-là.” Mais l’encanteur persista. “Quelqu’un veut-il miser sur cette peinture. Qui veut commencer les enchères? 100$, 200$? Une autre voix s’éleva en colère “nous ne sommes pas venus pour voir cette peinture. Nous sommes venus voir les Van Gogh, les Rembrandt. Procédons aux vraies enchères! » Mais l’encanteur continua quand même. “Le fils! Le fils! Qui veut choisir le fils?”

Finalement une voix venant du fond de la pièce, c’était le jardinier de longue date de l’homme et de son fils. « Je donnerais 10$ pour cette peinture. » Étant un homme pauvre, c’est tout ce qu’il pouvait se permettre. « Nous avons 10$, qui misera 20$?” « Donnez-la lui pour 10$. Voyons les maîtres.” “10$ est la mise, est-ce que quelqu’un veut miser 20$? La foule commençait à s’agiter. Ils ne voulaient pas la peinture du fils. Ils voulaient les investissements de plus grandes valeurs pour leurs collections. L’encanteur frappa son maillet. « 10$ une fois, deux fois, vendu pour 10$! » Un homme qui était assis dans la deuxième rangée cria “maintenant passons à la collection!” L’encanteur déposa son maillet. « Je suis désolé, l’encan est terminé. » “Et qu’en est-il des peintures?” « Je suis désolé. Lorsque l’on m’a demandé de diriger cet encan, on m’a fait mention d’une clause secrète dans le testament. Je n’avais pas le droit de révéler la teneur de cette clause jusqu’à maintenant. Seule la peinture du fils devait être vendue aux enchères. Quiconque achetait cette peinture hériterait de toute la fortune y compris des peintures. L’homme qui a acheté le fils reçoit tout! »

Dieu a donné Son Fils le plus précieux il y a de cela 2 000 ans pour venir au monde dans une mangeoire et mourir sur une croix. Tout comme l’encanteur, son message aujourd’hui est : « Le fils, le fils, qui choisira le fils? » Car voyez-vous, quiconque choisit le fils reçoit absolument tout.

CAR DIEU A TANT AIMÉ LE MONDE QU’IL A DONNÉ SON FILS UNIQUE, AFIN QUE QUICONQUE CROIT EN LUI NE PÉRISSE POINT, MAIS QU’IL AIT LA VIE ÉTERNELLE. C’EST ÇA L’AMOUR!

Puissiez-vous et vos proches profiter de votre temps ensemble alors que vous célébrez la naissance du Fils le plus précieux de Dieu. Que Dieu vous accorde un Joyeux Noël et une Nouvelle Année remplie de bénédictions.

Bénédictions,

Dr. Bill Fietje

Président

Church Planting in Aurora

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:31:00 GMT

God is doing mighty things in our churches! Here is a report from Community Bible Church in Aurora…

Community Bible Church Aurora has had a vision to start a new congregation on the East side of Aurora to serve the new homes that have been, and are being, built with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Currently there is no local church presence in this growing locality. We have called this location The Campus - Bayview; Bayview being the street on which the congregation meets and The Campus as a place where disciples of Jesus to learn at His feet and grow to maturity as as His followers.

Planning has been going on for about 2 1/2 years with more detailed plans developed and put in place in December 2008. Very early on we decided not to invest in a building rather we elected to meet in the Cineplex Odeon Theaters located on Bayview. Cineplex Odeon has been very helpful and supportive of this initiative and have provided what we believe to be very reasonable rental rates.

Church on Wheels was selected to provide the technology, equipment and trailer to allow us portability in setting up the auditorium, children's ministry rooms and coffee / fellowship station.

In April 2009 we hired our Campus Pastor - Ian Ardill who is responsible for shepherding this congregation where we focus on Children, Youth, Missions, Home Groups and Sunday Worship. We are now two campuses, one church meeting in multiple locations, with a common Vision, Mission, Preaching / Teaching and Elders Board.

In September and October we had 2 test services where the logistics of setup and take down were tested and adjusted in readiness for a November 1st launch, where we had 150 attending the initial service. Since then we have been averaging 120, a number that exceeds our startup goal of 100.

We were pleased with this article that appeared in the local paper.

The Lord has provided wonderfully through this process as we stepped out in faith, especially in a time of great economic uncertainty where conventional wisdom would suggest we delay any investment due to the economy. We know that God is faithful and will see this work bear fruit for the growth of the Kingdom and His honour and glory.

A Mind For God/Un esprit pour Dieu

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:09:00 GMT

Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast”

I often find myself singing or humming songs from my past don’t you? One such song is “Be Careful Little Eyes”… what you see and ears what you hear and so on. Five decades have passed since I learned that song and it is as true today as then. God is very concerned about how we think and what influences our thinking.

As believers in the Lord Jesus we are often found speaking of our heart for God, but what about our mind for God? Many times in the Old and New Testament we see how closely the heart and the mind are connected when speaking of our relationship with God.

· Jeremiah 17:10 “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind”

· Jeremiah 20:12 “O Lord Almighty, You who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind”

· Psalm 26: 2 “Test me oh Lord and try me; examine my heart and my mind”

· 1Chron 28:9 when David is instructing Solomon his son on how to rule Israel he says: “acknowledge the God of your father and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind.”

· Matthew 22:37 in the great commandment the Lord says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

· Philippians 4:7 “…guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus”

The process of our sanctification and maturity as believers is very much tied to how we think and how we feel. We could say that the heart is the seat of emotions or feelings and that the mind is the seat of reason and volitional will in our lives. Both of these are in need of daily care. Psychologists tell us that even though people often think that they are making cognitive rational decisions the truth is that at least 80% of our daily decisions are made by our emotions. We make decisions according to how we feel and how we think. Our feelings often dictate to our minds on how to think.

Our minds then must be as much under construction as our hearts if not more. This may be why Paul tells us in Romans 7:23 that the law of sin and evil are at war with the law of the mind even when the mind is a slave (servant) to God’s law. Our natural mind is depraved. Again in Rom 12:2 Paul instructs believers to not be conformed or shaped by the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Paul uses the word ‘renewing’ as an ongoing verbal form not a once for all. We need daily renewal. In Ephesians 4:23 Paul calls this renewal “to be made new in the attitude of your minds.” This is a reference to be actively putting off the old nature and putting on the new nature of Christ.

As disciples of Christ we are to set our minds on the Spirit which is life and peace. We are exhorted to set our minds (affections in old KJ) on the things above and not of those of the earth (Col 3:2). The things above are clearly found in scripture. Scripture shapes our minds.

Why is this so important in our lives? Simply put it is to move us toward the goal of attaining the heart and mind of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:1-5 in paraphrase, our union with Christ (salvation) opens the door to being of one mind, one heart and one spirit with Christ (sanctification) and with each other but only as we appropriate the attitude (mind) of Christ. What is the “mind of Christ”? It is to be humble and to serve out of love for the Father God. Humility of heart and mind is the beatitude that we aspire towards as Christ followers. A heart and mind conformed to the pattern of Christ our Lord will be evident to all and a blessing to the church, not to mention pleasing to “our Father who art in heaven.”

Prayer is the ultimate act of our humility before God. Without a humble mind we cannot have a servant heart. Humility is submission to the will of God over our own. We cannot say “Thy will be done” unless we first say my will not be done. Let’s be humble this month as we bring our prayers to God to intercede for the Kingdom.

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

Ésaïe 26:3 “À celui qui est ferme dans ses sentiments, Tu assures la paix, la paix, parce qu’il se confie en Toi”

Est-ce qu’il vous arrive comme moi de vous surprendre à fredonner des airs de votre passé? Pour moi, l’une de ces chansons est “Be Careful Little Eyes”(“Attention petits yeux”)… à ce que vous voyez et oreilles à ce que vous entendez et ainsi de suite. Il y a maintenant 5 décennies qui j’ai appris cette chanson et elle est encore aussi vrai aujourd’hui qu’à l’époque. Dieu est très inquiet de ce que nous pensons et de ce qui influence notre pensée.

En tant que croyants en notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ, nous parlons souvent de notre amour pour Dieu mais qu’en est-il de notre pensée pour Dieu? À plusieurs reprises dans l’Ancien et le Nouveau testaments nous voyons à quel point le cœur et la pensée sont inter reliés lorsque nous parlons de notre relation avec Dieu.

· Jérémie 17:10 “Moi, l’Éternel, j’éprouve le cœur, je sonde les reins…”

· Jérémie 20:12 “L’Éternel des armées éprouve le juste, Il pénètre les reins et les cœurs…”

· Psaume 26: 2 “Sonde-moi, Éternel! Éprouve-moi, Fais passer au creuset mes reins et mon cœur”

· 1Chroniques 28:9 lorsque David donne des instructions à Salomon sur la façon de diriger Israël il dit: “connais le Dieu de ton père, et sers-Le d’un cœur dévoué et d’une âme bien disposée”

· Matthieu 22:37 dans le grand commandement, le Seigneur dit: “Tu aimeras le Seigneur, ton Dieu, de tout ton cœur, de toute ton âme, et de toute ta pensée."

· Philippiens 4:7 “…gardera vos cœurs et vos pensées en Jésus-Christ”

Le processus de notre sanctification et de notre maturité en tant que croyants est vraiment relié à la façon dont nous pensons et à nos sentiments. Nous pouvons dire que le cœur est le siège de nos émotions et de nos sentiments et que la pensée est le siège de la raison et de notre volonté dans nos vies. Les deux ont besoin de soins quotidiens. Les psychologues nous disent que même si les gens pensent qu’ils prennent des décisions cognitives rationnelles, la vérité est qu’au moins 80% de nos décisions quotidiennes sont dirigées par nos émotions. Nous prenons des décisions selon la façon dont nous nous sentons et selon ce que nous pensons. Nos sentiments dictent souvent la façon dont notre pensée fonctionne.

Nos esprits doivent donc être en construction autant que nos cœurs, sinon plus. C’est peut-être pourquoi Paul nous dit, dans Romains 7:23, que les lois du péché et du mal sont en guerre avec la loi de l’esprit même lorsque notre esprit est un esclave (serviteur) de la loi de Dieu. Notre esprit naturel est dépravé. Encore, dans Romains 12 :2, Paul enseigne aux croyants de ne pas se « conformer au siècle présent, mais soyez transformés par le renouvellement de l’intelligence… » Paul utilise le mot ‘renouvellement’ comme une action continue et non pas une action exécutée une fois pour toute. Nous avons besoin de nous renouveler chaque jour. Dans Éphésiens 4:23, Paul appelle ce renouvellement “à être renouvelés dans l’esprit de votre intelligence” Ceci est une référence qu’il faut activement se débarrasser de notre vieille nature et se vêtir de notre nouvelle nature en Jésus-Christ.

En tant que disciples de Christ, nous devons fixer nos esprits sur le Saint-Esprit qui est la vie et la paix. Nous sommes exhortés à fixer nos pensées sur les choses d’en haut et non pas sur les choses terrestres (Col. 3 :2) Les choses d’en haut sont clairement décrites dans l’Évangile. L’Évangile façonne nos pensées.

Pourquoi est-ce si important dans nos vies? Tout simplement pour nous diriger vers le but d’obtenir le cœur et l’esprit de Jésus-Christ. Pour paraphraser Philippiens 2:1-5, notre union avec Christ (le Salut) ouvre la porte pour que nous fassions un avec Christ en pensée, dans nos cœurs et notre esprit (la sanctification) et les uns avec les autres mais seulement lorsque nous nous approprions l’attitude (l’esprit) de Christ. Qu’est-ce que c’est que d’avoir l’esprit de Christ? C’est d’être humble et de servir par amour pour Dieu le Père. L’humilité du cœur et de l’esprit est une béatitude à laquelle nous aspirons en tant que disciples de Christ. Un cœur et une pensée conformes à Christ, notre Seigneur sera évident à tous et une bénédiction pour l’église sans mentionner que cela fera plaisir à « Notre Père qui est aux cieux »

La prière est l’ultime acte d’humilité devant Dieu. Sans un esprit humble, nous ne pouvons avoir un cœur de serviteur. L’humilité est la soumission à la volonté de Dieu. Nous ne pouvons proclamer « que Ta volonté soit faite » que si nous disons avant tout que ma volonté ne soit pas faite. Ce mois-ci soyons humbles alors que nous amenons nos prières à Dieu pour intercéder pour le Royaume.

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje, président

Do you Have Three Minutes to Learn About Human Trafficking?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:58:00 GMT

Over 600 women and children are trafficked into Canada each year for sexual exploitation and 1,800 people are trafficked from Canada to the USA. Inform and alert your congregation or youth group with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's new three-minute video. Feel free to use the clip at any ministry gathering.

Transference and Transformation

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:12:00 GMT

Cliquez ici pour obtenir la version en français

We are all leaders in life. Do we lead well or do we do leadership badly? It is often said that everything rises and falls on leadership and I fully agree.

Usually when we read statements like these we think of the point leaders; the CEO or the charismatic leaders that take charge and gets things done. Yet true leadership is also a philosophy as well as a person. Leadership is something that can be ingrained in the whole of the organization. When leadership is the root philosophy of an organization it makes the organization more efficient and more effective.

When an organization sees each of its members as leaders and empowers them to be leaders, these same members change and grow. They change in the way they see the organization and in the way they see their role and relationships to and in that organization. When everyone is a leader they are ready to embrace and embody the vision and values of the organization. Intentionally empowered leaders live out these healthy visions and values everyday as they engage in the task. They also instinctively pass them on to others that interact with the organization. These types of organizations know how to attract and recruit the right people for the task. Imagine the benefit to the organization when these new members are quietly and quickly embraced as leaders themselves.

The transference of the leadership attitude is what transforms organizations into productive, valued driven and vision centered organizations. These are the types of organizations high quality leadership people want to join and want to help to grow. What about you and what about your church? Be the leader you are called to be and become trained to be the leader you want to be.

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

Transfert et Transformation

Nous sommes tous des leaders dans la vie. Sommes-nous de bons ou de mauvais leaders? On dit souvent que tout provient et tout retombe sur le leadership et je suis complètement d’accord avec cela.

Lorsque nous lisons des énoncés de la sorte, nous pensons habituellement aux leaders attitrés: le PDG d’une entreprise ou les leaders charismatiques qui sont en charge et qui s’assurent que les choses soient exécutées. Cependant, le vrai leadership est tout autant une philosophie qu’une personne. Le leadership est quelque chose qui peut être ancré au coeur de l’organisation. Lorsque le leadership est la philosophie de base d’une organisation, cela la rend plus rentable et plus efficace.

Lorsqu’une organisation considère chacun de ses membres comme un leader et le responsabilise dans ce rôle, ces mêmes membres changent et grandissent. Ils changent dans leur perception de l’organisation et dans leur perception de leur rôle et leur appartenance à cette organisation. Lorsque chaque personne est un leader, elle est prête à adhérer et à faire siennes la vision et les valeurs de l’organisation. Les leaders qui ont été responsabilisés de façon intentionnelle, reflètent ces visions et valeurs saines de façon quotidienne lorsqu’ils se mettent au travail. Instinctivement, ils les transmettent aux autres qui interagissent avec l’organisation. Ces types d’organisations savent comment attirer et recruter les bonnes personnes pour accomplir les tâches exigées. Imaginez les retombées pour l’organisation lorsque ces nouveaux membres deviennent doucement et rapidement des leaders eux-mêmes.

Le transfert de l’attitude de leadership est ce qui transforme les organisations en des organismes productifs, à la recherche d’excellence et centrés sur la vision. Ce sont à ces types d’organisations de leadership de haute qualité auxquelles les gens veulent se joindre. Qu’en est-il de vous et de votre église? Soyez le leader que vous êtes appelé à être et devenez le leader que vous désirez être.

Bénédictions,

Dr. Bill Fietje

Président

Preparing for Pandemic

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:45:00 GMT

As more reports come in of the potential for a flu pandemic, there are practical steps that churches can take to prepare and to help their church members prepare. Please revisit this page for more details.

Area Pastors Days

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:36:00 GMT

Attention all Pastors! AGC "Pastors Days" have been planned for this fall/winter season. Check the events page for one in your area.

You feed them...

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:52:00 GMT

Please view the video clip below which features an introduction by President Bill Fietje of Pastor Shawn Ketcheson of Trinity Bible Church in Osgoode, Ontario. Trinity is involved in a unique ministry in partnership with a church in Kenya to help feed the local community...

Why AGC?

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Ever wondered why pastors want to minister in the AGC? Just click this link to view 2 video testimonials from AGC Pastors Rev. Adam Brown (Senior Pastor, The Rock Community Church, Woodstock, ON) and Shelly Calcagno (Director of Children's Ministries, Compass Point Bible Church, Burlington, ON)

Canada West Conference

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:29:00 GMT

The Canada West Conference took place at East Parkland Bible Church in Stony Plain, AB, May 29 - 31, 2009.

We were blessed to welcome Dr. John Neufeld of Willingdon Church in Burnaby BC as our Conference speaker. Click below to download the mp3 audio file for each of his messages:

Friday, May 29th

Saturday, May 30th

Sunday, May 31st

We also have a few Conference Photos available - if anyone has any more to contribute, please email them to the AGC office

Canada East "re:connect" Conference

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:18:00 GMT

The Canada East "re:connect" Conference took place June 2-4, 2009. Click below for a video summary!

You can also find more pictures here. Thanks Charles Henri Cote for providing these!

Click the links below for a Conference report, audio clips of the Conference sessions, report books and notes for Bill Fietje's address.

Report on Canada East Conference 2009

Conference Reports

The following are audio files in mp3 format. Some are very low volume.

Opening night communion - led by Bill Fietje

Wednesday night - speaker Mark Kotchapaw

Thursday morning (includes President's report, Commissions forum)

President's Address - "How Did We Get Here?"

Notes for "How Did We Get Here?"

Video message for May

Mon, 11 May 2009 13:46:00 GMT

Please click below for a message from Bill...

I am not sure if I have a favourite season, but if I needed to choose, it would be spring. These long winter months have given way to atmospheric pressure changes caused by our planet moving closer to the sun. The sun’s rays are warming the earth, the days are filled with glorious sunlight and the spring rains energize the waiting life buried in the cold soil. It always amazes me how just a few degrees of our earths trajectory can bring us all so much enjoyment.

Lois and I enjoy the little town we live in, made all the more beautiful this time of year by the almost magical growth of the plentiful orchards, grape vines and lush gardens. Soon the dreary days of winter are forgotten in the bursts of new spring growth.

Yet the growth of gardens and orchards isn’t magical at all. In fact, is it is expected and relied upon for the garden industry that makes up so much of the Niagara region. This phenomenal and beautiful growth is completely natural. A garden that has the right soil, the correct exposure to light, the right moisture and free from invading toxins and weeds will grow in what is understood as natural biological growth. In fact, if it didn’t grow in just this magical way everyone would be surprised as time and experience has always proven that the natural way of growth is the best way.

Christian Swartz, founder of the Natural Church Development church health analysis speaks of eight key factors for natural growth in a church. These factors include:

Leadership that empowers others to growth
Spiritual gifts used in service for others
Passionate spiritually filled lives
Effective decision making (Structures)
Inspirational worship
Small groups that build teams of disciples
Community based proclamation and evangelism
Loving relationships in the church and the community

Like a garden, given the right soil, light and water, it grows naturally, so a church body with the right combination of factors will grow naturally “all by itself”.

Spring is the result of the earth tilting just a bit closer to the sun and what wonderful results that brings.

So also in a church, as we get ever closer to the Son we too will experience the joy, the magic and the beauty of spring like growth.

As we pray this month let’s focus on growing deeper, higher and more grace filled.

Blessings,

Bill

Preparing for Pandemic

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:43:00 GMT

The latest news of outbreaks of Swine Flu has once more reinforced to us all that we as the AGC family in Canada need to be prepared to respond with God’s grace and love in times of great need. To truly be ready to bless our communities we must first be ready to minister to our own church families as well.

We began two years ago to urge all of our churches to prepare. Below you will see bits and pieces that we have collected over the last two years. These will act as a link to the resources that you will need to be prepared to protect and to serve the communities in which we live.

Some key thoughts to consider:

The senior leadership must take this seriously,
Do it right and do it right away.
Establish an Emergency Task Team (ETT) that can react to all sudden emergences, not just health.
The ETT could include: health care professionals, administrators, those well connected in the community such as police, fireman, social workers, educators etc. These folk should have good communication skills.
Appoint a point manager and an assistant in case of illness.
Plan redundancy into your program; ie have multiple ways of communicating, information gathering, etc.
Have a family plan, a church plan and a community plan
Coordinate with Public Health and with other faith groups

There will be some challenges that will be specific to churches. More thought is needed to consider the following issues:

How to minister to the church and community if public meeting places are closed
How to continue to receive donations/offerings from the congregation
How the church facilities will be used to serve the community

We need to hear from you. If you already have a plan in place, please send us a copy. If you have questions, or wish to contact other churches who have already formulated their plan, please call our office. Redeemer Bible Church in Niagara Falls has instituted a full Preparedness Plan, developed by Lois, as the church Parish Nurse, together with Roger the Church Administrator. They would be very open to share with you what it takes to get going.

That said much work has been done in Canada by the government and various faith groups. Below you will see work done by “Bridges of Love “. I have been a part of this discussion with Bridges Love and highly recommend what they are doing. Some detailed information on this group is below and attached.

In addition to the above Bridges of Love information, the other information below attached is a lot but it will get you motivated, informed and ready to get going. Please forward it to your Emergency Task Team, once established, so that they may use it to formulate your plan.

God bless you as you plan and prepare,

Yours in His service,

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

Church Preparedness Checklist Bridges of Love - pandemic preparedness

Pandemic Planning Checklist Pandemic Preparedness - Anglican Church Response

Pandemic influenza Family Plan - Pandemic Preparedness

Family Plan - Pandemic Preparedness PDF

Bridges of Love Ministry is dedicating the next two years as Coordinator for the Regional Faith Community Emergency Preparedness Coalition. The focus will be the Faith Emergency Preparedness Initiative, mobilizing the Christian Community to be ready to stand in the gap for any emergency but specifically for an Influenza Pandemic. We know to be ready for a Pandemic is to be prepared for any Emergency which might occur.

Our first responsibility is to be ready personally for ones family. If you would like a copy of a little pamphlet prepared by Public Safety Canada, on how to “Know the risks”, “Make a plan” and “Prepare a kit”, please let Bridges of Love know and we will mail out a copy. The Government is asking all individuals to be ready to care for their own needs, for at least 72 hours, so have kindly shared this information with us.

For more information, visit www.bridgesoflove.net or contact the Administrator, Marg Pollon at margpollon@bridgesoflove.net

The document entitled “Pandemic influenza” was written by Dr. Timothy Foggin, a medical doctor working in BC with community and faith groups to address Pandemic Preparedness.

Another good article to support church partnerships can be found at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/faq/planningresponse/pr-0014.html.

International Centre for Infectious Diseases’ web site at www.icid.com/faith

Also see www.projectsafetynet.ca

Video message for April 2009

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:32:00 GMT

Please click below for a message from President Bill Fietje;

Cliquez SVP sur le lien suivant pour un message vidéo du Président Bill Fietje;

Taking Up the Cross…. Prendre sa croix….

April is passion month for many believers throughout the world. Our non liturgical, Ana Baptist roots usually means that our churches focus on the passion of Christ is restricted to the weekend of our Lord’s betrayal, death and resurrection. Yet, for many in the Christian world this month is the beginning of a season of lent. It is not uncommon for many churches or individuals to give up some normal human indulgences or necessities to more clearly identify with the passion of Jesus as He lays down His life for the sins of the world. Our Lord came as a sacrifice for sin and as such the Lord also calls us to levels of sacrifice. What then did Jesus mean when he said in Matt 10:38 “and anyone that does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”?

In today’s world it is quite common to hear believers and non believer’s talk of their discomforts or challenges in life as their cross to bear, but surely Christ meant more than that. It must be understood as much more than just identification with a cause or grief in this world. The context of these words of Jesus is always a follow-up to our Lords beginning discourses on His own betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. In other words it is said in the context of His own passion, His death for sin.

Our western world is far removed from the ancient world of public, disgraceful and often brutal forms of capital punishment. Roman crucifixion and the humiliation of that event was common place in Jesus ‘day. When Jesus speaks to those that are His disciples He is clear to make them know that discipleship would actually bring them to the place of public scorn, humiliation and even a brutal death. This death would be, Jesus says, the lot for those that would publically and in humility first claim Him as their Lord and Saviour in a hostile world. Luke (chp 9:23) reminds us that this is the way we are to live daily. In 1 Corinthians 15:31 the apostle Paul declares that for the sake of Christ he is putting his life at risk every day. In 2 Corinthians 4:10-11 Paul states it this way, “we always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake so that His life may be revealed in our mortal bodies”.

Just as there is no Christian faith without the historical, atoning death of Jesus of Nazareth for our mortal sins and His historical, actual resurrection from that death to propitiate, justify and purify His disciples, so there can be no real living as a disciple without this daily and life long application of being ready to die for the very Lord who indwells us. There can be no real prayer that says “Your (Christ’s) kingdom come” unless there is first the Christians declaration of “my kingdom go”. Now what that will mean to each of us as His disciples will vary but the heart attitude must be the same. Here we see the power of the gospel of Jesus to transform us and those we touch.

As we pray this month let’s do a “reality cross check” on our life as a reflection of Christ.

Blessings,

Dr. Bill Fietje

Prendre sa croix

Avril est le mois de la passion pour de nombreux croyants à travers le monde. Nos racines non liturgiques, anabaptistes signifient habituellement que pour notre église, la passion du Christ se limite à la fin de semaine où notre Seigneur a été trahi, mis à mort et ressucité. Cependant, pour de nombreux chrétiens dans le monde, ce mois est le début d’une saison de carême. Il n’est pas rare de voir plusieurs églises ou individus abandonner certaines habitudes ou nécessités humaines tout à fait normales, pour s’identifier plus clairement à la passion de Jésus alors qu’Il donne Sa vie pour les péchés du monde. Notre Seigneur est venu comme sacrifice pour le péché et de la même façon, le Seigneur nous appelle aussi à des niveaux de sacrifices. Que voulait donc dire Jésus dans Matthieu 10:38, lorsqu’Il a dit : “celui qui ne prend pas sa croix, et ne me suit pas, n’est pas digne de moi.”?

Dans notre monde d’aujourd’hui, il est assez fréquent d’entendre des croyants et des non-croyants parler de leur inconfort ou de leurs problèmes dans la vie comme étant leur croix à porter mais le Christ voulait sûrement dire plus que cela. Il faut le comprendre avec beaucoup plus qu’une identification à une cause ou à une épreuve dans ce monde. Le contexte de ces paroles de Jésus est toujours une suite du début des discours de notre Seigneur concernant Sa propre trahison, Son procès et Sa crucifixion. En d’autres mots, ces paroles sont dites dans le contexte de Sa propre passion, Sa mort pour le péché du monde.

Notre monde occidental est très loin du monde de l’antiquité de la peine de mort publique, humiliante et souvent brutale. C’était pourtant le monde du temps de Jésus. La crucifixion romaine et l’humiliation associée à cet événement étaient monnaie courante. Lorsque Jésus s’adresse à ceux qui sont Ses disciples, Il est très clair pour leur faire comprendre que d’être Ses disciples, ils seraient méprisés publiquement, humiliés et exécutés brutalement. Cette mort serait, selon Jésus, le lot de ceux qui déclareraient publiquement et avec humilité reconnaître Jésus comme leur Seigneur et Sauveur dans un monde hostile. Luc nous rappelle que c’est de cette façon dont nous devons vivre chaque jour (chapitre 9:23). Dans 1 Corinthiens 15:31, l’apôtre Paul déclare que pour l’amour de Christ, il met sa vie en péril chaque jour. Dans 2 Corinthiens 4:10-11, Paul le dit de cette façon : « portant toujours avec nous dans notre corps la mort de Jésus, afin que la vie de Jésus soit aussi manifestée dans notre corps. Car nous qui vivons, nous sommes sans cesse livrés à la mort à cause de Jésus, afin que la vie de Jésus soit aussi manifestée dans notre chair mortelle. »

Tout comme il n’y a pas de foi chrétienne sans l’historique mort expiatrice de Jésus de Nazareth pour nos péchés humains et Sa résurrection historique et réelle de cette mort pour réconcilier, absoudre et purifier Ses disciples, il ne peut y avoir de vraie vie en tant que disciple sans cet engagement quotidien et de toute une vie d’être prêt à donner sa vie pour ce même Seigneur qui vit en nous. Il ne peut y avoir de vraie prière qui dit « Que Ton règne vienne » à moins qu’il n’y ait avant tout la déclaration «d’abandon de mon royaume » de la part des chrétiens. Maintenant, ce que cela signifiera pour chacun d’entre nous en tant que disciples de Christ variera mais l’attitude du cœur, elle, doit être la même. Ici nous voyons la puissance de l’Évangile de Jésus pour nous transformer, nous et ceux que nous côtoyons.

Dans nos prières ce mois-ci, faisons un examen de conscience de notre vie comme étant le reflet de Christ.

Bénédictions

Dr. Bill Fietje

Président

Kingdom Bound '09

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:41:00 GMT

Compass Point Bible Church in Burlington, ON is working to coordinate volunteers for this annual 4 day Christian Music Festival at Darien Lake, August 2-5, 2009.

For more information, click here

Homegoing of Former AGC President Dr. Don Hamilton

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:16:00 GMT

We were saddened to hear the news of the homegoing of Don Hamilton on Saturday March 14th after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Though we grieve with the family, we do so not as those who have no hope, but with peace in the knowledge that Don is with our Lord whom he loved and served so well.

The AGC owes a large debt of gratitude to Don for his many years of ministry, starting with his formative years at Calvary Church in Toronto, then through over 50 years serving in 6 AGC churches including:

Westmount Park Church, Etobicoke, ON
Redeemer Bible Church, Niagara Falls, ON
Peoples Church of Montreal, QC
Parkway Bible Church, Toronto, ON
Grace Church, Newmarket, ON
The Wikwemikong Fellowship, Manitowaning, ON

We were blessed to have him serve as our AGC President from 1990 to 1998. In his time as President, he was a mentor to many Pastors, and always took time to affirm and encourage those who were shepherding their own flock. He has touched countless lives with the message of the Gospel, and with his example of unshakable faith, even in the midst of devastating illness.

Don’s presence will be greatly missed within the AGC, but we rejoice that he is now experiencing full communion with the Saviour and like the apostle Paul can say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

A wake will be held on Sunday March 15th and Monday March 16th at the DayStar Centre in Wikwemikong, with the funeral taking place at the Holy Cross Mission in Wikwemikong on Tuesday, March 17th at 11:00 am

On Wednesday, March 18th, there will be a private burial in Newmarket, ON, followed by a memorial service at Parkway Bible Church in Toronto at 7:00 pm.

Video Message for March 2009

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:50:00 GMT

AGC Updates

Click below to view a video message from President Bill Fietje. Bill is joined by Michael Pawelke, Senior Pastor of Compass Point Bible Church, Burlington, ON

The great benefit of reading the Pentateuch each January is that I am constantly reminded of the Sovereignty of God who will not share His glory with another. “You will have no other gods before me declares the Holy One of Israel.” Even all the Levitical laws and sacrifices, tedious as they may sound to us, are intended to get mankind realigned with the holy nature and character of God so that He can pour out His intended blessings on His people who bear His name.

God’s instructions for holiness found in the first eight verses of Exodus chapter 20 is to direct us to see the perfect, holy and exclusive character of God. We as His church and His people are to then reflect that holiness to a world that has forgotten or mislaid the person and character of God. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (KJV Exodus 20:7). The NIV says it this way, “you shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.” We are to believe and live and value a perfected way of declaring the true person and character of God. We are not to supplant it nor misuse it. When we do, we fail to honour God, give Him glory and confuse the image of God to the people around us who do not know God.

The Barna Group is well known for its in-depth surveys and analysis of the church in 21^st century America. David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Group, together with Gabe Lyons, founder of Fermi Project and keen post modern thinker , have written a disturbing yet stimulating critic of what non believers in America think of evangelical Christians and their churches . The book entitled ‘Un-Christian’ reflects what they believe this new generation (the under 40’s) intrinsically believes about Christianity as they know it in America. The issue at stake is not whether or not a non Christian’s view of Christianity is accurate but rather what is their perceived reality. The unbelievers surveyed see that the lives of evangelical believers are inconsistent with what they want to believe about Jesus. They see ‘Christians’ as “hypocritical, judgmental, anti homosexual, too political, out of touch with reality, insensitive to others, boring, not accepting of other faiths and confusing." (page28). In short they are saying that they believe that church going believers demonstrate an unchristian reflection of Jesus.

The tendency may be for us to react defensively and to want to bring truth to bear on this perception but that may be counter productive.

The Apostle Peter in 1Pet 4:14-15, is addressing suffering for the name of Christ. The lesson here is that suffering and abuse will come to the believer but he says it ought not to come because we are murders or meddlers but rather because we reflect Christ. Peter reinforces this when he says you suffer because the “Spirit and the glory of God rest on you.” What a reality check Peter’s statements are for all of us who minister to others. Does the unbelieving yet searching person say disparaging things about Christians because they see the clear image of the glory of Jesus in our lives? Do they see the nature of the Spirit of Christ in our lives, conversations and church ministries as we demonstrate love, joy, peace, long suffering, etc? Or do they have this attitude because we fail to demonstrate the reality of the nature of Jesus who is the exact image of our Father who is in heaven Holy is his name.

How has the 21^st century church gone so wrong? What are we missing in our lives that the world sees no difference in the evangelical church? The answer to that question is contained in Peter’s statements. The world has yet to see the true glory of God in the church. That glory is the Holiness of God, seen in the presence of Christ’s Spirit in and though the church. Is that glory gained by working harder or trying better? I do not think so. It is found in faith and in resting on God’s Spirit. It begins with a cleansing from the sin of self. It moves forward in faith and obedience.

That is our goal as believers and as a family of AGC churches.

Let’s pray for the glory of the Lord to be in us and with us, weak as we are.

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

L’un des grands avantages à lire le Pentateuque chaque mois de janvier est que cela me rappelle toujours la Souveraineté de Dieu qui ne partage pas Sa gloire avec quiconque. “Vous n’aurez pas d’autres dieux devant ma face déclare l’Éternel.” Même toutes les lois et sacrifices lévitiques, aussi pénibles qu’ils puissent nous sembler, ont pour but de faire en sorte que l’Homme soit de nouveau en règle avec la nature sainte et le caractère de Dieu, pour qu’Il puisse répandre Ses bénédictions sur Son Peuple qui porte Son nom.

Les directives de Dieu pour vivre une vie de sainteté et que l’on retrouve dans les huit premiers versets du chapitre 20 de l’Exode nous font voir le caractère parfait, saint et exclusif de Dieu. Nous, en tant que Son Église et Son Peuple, devons donc refléter cette sainteté dans un monde qui a oublié qui Dieu est. “Tu ne prendras point le nom de l’Éternel, ton Dieu, en vain” (Exode 20:7). Nous devons croire, vivre et valoriser une façon parfaite de déclarer la vraie nature et le vrai caractère de Dieu. Nous ne devons ni le supplanter ni l’utiliser en vain. Lorsque nous le faisons, nous déshonorons Dieu, nous ne Lui rendons pas gloire et nous présentons une image confuse de Dieu aux gens qui nous entourent et qui ne connaissent pas Dieu.

Le Groupe Barna est bien connu pour ses sondages et analyses en profondeur de l’église du 21e siècle en Amérique. David Kinnaman, président du Groupe Barna conjointement avec Gabe Lyons, fondateur du projet Fermi et vif penseur de l’ère post-moderne, ont écrit une critique troublante mais stimulante de ce que les non-croyants pensent des chrétiens évangéliques et de leurs églises en Amérique. Le livre s’intitule ‘Non-Chrétien’ et reflète ce que cette nouvelle génération (les moins de 40 ans) pense intrinsèquement du christianisme tel qu’elle le connaît en Amérique. La question en jeu n’est pas de savoir si la perception du christianisme d’un non-chrétien est exacte ou non mais plutôt quelle est la réalité qu’il perçoit. Les non-croyants questionnés remarquent que les vies des croyants évangéliques ne sont pas conséquentes avec ce qu’ils veulent croire à propos de Jésus. Ils perçoivent les ‘chrétiens’ comme des “hypocrites, jugeant les autres, anti-homosexuels, trop politisés, déconnectés de la réalité, insensibles aux besoins des autres, ennuyeux, intolérants des croyances des autres et difficiles à suivre. » (page 28). Bref, Ils disent qu’ils pensent que les croyants qui vont à l’église démontrent une image de Jésus qui n’est pas chrétienne.

Notre tendance serait peut-être de réagir en étant sur la défensive et de vouloir proclamer la vérité pour poursuivre la discussion face à cette perception mais cela pourrait s’avérer contre-productif.

L’Apôtre Pierre dans 1 Pierre 4:14-15 fait allusion au fait d’être persécuté pour le nom de Christ. La leçon à tirer ici est que les croyants doivent s’attendre à souffrir et à subir des abus mais il dit que cela ne viendra pas parce que nous sommes des meurtriers ou des malfaiteurs mais plutôt parce que nous reflétons l’image de Christ. Pierre renforce cette idée lorsqu’il dit que vous souffrez parce que « l’Esprit et la gloire de Dieu reposent sur vous ». Les propos de Pierre nous ouvre vraiment les yeux sur la réalité, tous ceux qui évangélisent auprès des autres. Est-ce que le non-croyant, quoiqu’à la recherche de la Vérité, dit des choses désobligeantes au sujet des chrétiens parce qu’il voit l’image très claire de la gloire de Jésus dans nos vies? Voit-il la nature de l’Esprit de Christ dans nos vies, nos conversations et les ministères de l’église alors que nous démontrons de l’amour, la joie, la paix, etc.? Ou les non-croyants ont-ils cette attitude parce que nous ne reflétons pas la réalité de la nature de Jésus qui est l’image même de notre Père qui est au ciel, Saint est Son Nom.

Comment est-ce que l’église du 21e siècle a-t-elle pu dévier de sa mission d’une telle façon? Que manque-t-il dans nos vies pour que le monde ne voit aucune différence dans l’église évangélique? Nous retrouvons la réponse à cette question dans les propos de Pierre. Le monde ne voit toujours pas la vraie gloire de Dieu dans l’église. Cette gloire est la Sainteté de Dieu, reflétée dans la présence de l’Esprit de Christ dans et à travers l’église. Est-ce que nous atteindrons cette gloire en travaillant plus fort ou en essayant mieux? Je ne le crois pas. Nous la trouverons dans la foi et en reposant dans l’Esprit de Dieu. Cela commence par le fait que nous devons nous laver de notre péché d’égoïsme. Cette gloire avance par la foi et l’obéissance.

Tel est notre but en tant que croyants et famille d’églises de l’AÉÉ.

Prions pour que la gloire de Dieu soit en nous et avec nous, faibles que nous sommes.

Dr. Bill Fietje, Président

Video Message for February 2009

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:15:00 GMT

AGC Updates

Click below for a video message from President Bill Fietje:

Jim Collins in his book Good to Great states that the reason there are not more great companies is that there are so many good companies. The same can be said of practically every institution. Can we apply that same reality to our churches? Is the reason that we seem to have so few great churches simply because there are so many good ones?

It does beg the question what is a ‘good church’ and what is a ‘great Church’, but leaving that aside, Collins in his book highlights that to be a great organization one must lead with humility yet with intentionality and vision. Our goal in the AGC is not necessarily greatness as one might define it, but rather our goal is to bring glory to God in the greatest way we can. That is our goal and to this end becoming ‘great for God’s glory’ means that we are not satisfied with just being ‘good enough’.

My observation is that there pulses through the AGC a constant and consistent desire to be vital; to be great for God’s glory. Our vision is to be a movement of healthy reproducing churches and this demands change. It begins in our own private, personal walk with Jesus and grows as we share in corporate prayer, worship and ministries.

The goal of our vision is realized as we sense a transformation of our hearts, minds and hands (Romans 12:1-2) and to be the church in the community. The power to change is the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17).

As we pray this month you will notice the focus on our AGC National Council and Commissions meetings held at Fair Havens February 24-26, 2009. Our intention at these annual meetings is to highlight the effective work of our three major AGC Commissions and to set clear and compelling action steps for each of our Commissions for the next twelve months and beyond. Unless these hours of strategic interaction and decisions are washed in prayer we may miss God’s best for our Association and that must not happen.

A significant element of our life of obedience in the AGC is developed through three major AGC Commissions comprising of…

1. Church Health and Leadership - This group evaluates, engages, equips and encourages all of our churches and their leaders to be healthy. Healthy leaders listen to God. Healthy leaders inspire others to action. Healthy churches reproduce healthy people, ministries and churches.

2. Church Planting - the organic nature of a healthy church leads to the natural growth. This growth can be measured in reproducing new church plants and new church congregations.

3. Doctrine and Credentials - by ensuring that all of our present and future ministers are called, equipped and motivated to serve the Lord, and by requiring constant affirmation of both the statements of faith and doctrine as well as the lifestyle standards, we, with the Lord’s help, will have a highly motivated team of pastors and leaders.

As we pray this month, lift up these Commissions and their leadership across Canada. By doing this we will ensure God’s favour, God’s blessings, and most of all, God’s glory.

May God bless you as you pray.

Dr. Bill Fietje, President

Jim Collins, dans son livre De la Performance à l’Excellence, énonce que la raison pour laquelle il n’y a pas plus d’excellentes compagnies est qu’il y a beaucoup de bonnes compagnies. C’est la même chose en ce qui concerne presque chaque institution. Pouvons-nous appliquer cette même réalité à nos églises? Est-ce que la raison pour laquelle il semble que nous n’ayons pas d’excellentes églises est que nous en ayons beaucoup de bonnes?

Ceci nous amène à nous poser la question “qu’est-ce qu’une bonne église?” et “qu’est-ce qu’une excellente église?” Maintenant, faisant abstraction de ces questions, Collins dans son livre souligne que pour être une excellente organisation, il faut diriger avec humilité mais aussi avec intentionnalité et avec une vision. Notre but à l’AÉÉ n’est pas nécessairement l’excellence comme on pourrait la définir mais plutôt, de rendre gloire à Dieu de la meilleure façon possible. Voilà notre objectif et à cette fin, devenir ‘excellent pour la gloire de Dieu’ signifie que nous ne nous contentons pas d’être simplement ‘assez bons’.

J’observe qu’il existe, à travers l’AÉÉ, un désir constant et répété d’être vital; d’être excellent pour la gloire de Dieu. Notre vision est d’être un mouvement d’églises saines qui se multiplient. Pour y arriver, cela requiert du changement. Il faut d’abord commencer par notre marche personnelle avec Jésus pour ensuite grandir à travers le partage par la prière collective, l’adoration et les ministères.

Nous atteignons les objectifs de notre vision à partir du moment où il se produit une transformation dans nos coeurs, dans notre esprit et dans nos mains (Romains 12:1-2) et lorsque nous devenons une église dans la communauté. Le pouvoir de changer vient du pouvoir de l’évangile (Romains 1 :16-17).

Dans nos prières ce mois-ci, vous remarquerez l’accent mis sur nos réunions du Conseil d’administration national et des Commissions de l’AÉÉ, réunions qui se tiendront à Fair Havens du 24 au 26 février 2009. Notre intention, lors de ces rencontres annuelles, est de souligner le travail efficace accompli par nos trois Commissions principales à l’AÉÉ et d’identifier des actions requises claires et impératives pour chacune d’elles pour les douze prochains mois et au-delà. La seule façon de s’assurer de ne pas passer à côté de ce que Dieu a réservé de mieux pour notre Association, est de « baigner » ces heures d’interaction et de décisions stratégiques dans la prière.

L’un des éléments significatifs de notre vie d’obéissance à l’AÉÉ est développé par le biais de trois commissions principales à l’AÉÉ…

1. La Commission de la « Santé des églises et Leadership » – Ce groupe évalue, communique, équipe et encourage toutes nos églises et leurs leaders à demeurer sains. Des leaders sains écoutent la voix de Dieu. Des leaders sains inspirent les autres à prendre action. Des églises saines se multiplient et reproduisent des personnes, des ministères et des églises en santé.

2. La Commission des « Implantations d’églises » – La nature organique d’une église en santé engendre une croissance naturelle. Cette croissance peut être mesurée par le nombre d’implantations de nouvelles églises et par la croissance des congrégations dans les églises.

3. La Commission des « Doctrines et Lettres de créance » – En s’assurant que tous nos pasteurs actuels et futurs soient appelés, équipés et motivés à servir le Seigneur et en exigeant une affirmation constante, à la fois de l’énoncé de foi et de celui des doctrines, de même que des standards de styles de vie, nous aurons, par la grâce de Dieu, des équipes de pasteurs et de leaders hautement motivés.

Ce mois-ci, dans vos prières, élevez ces commissions et leurs leaderships partout au Canada. De cette façon, nous nous assurons d’obtenir les faveurs et les bénédictions de Dieu et par-dessus tout, nous nous assurons de Lui donner gloire.

Que Dieu vous bénisse au cours de vos prières.

Dr. Bill Fietje

Video message for January 2009

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:07:00 GMT

View the latest video message from President Bill Fietje here:

AGC Update - December 2008

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:05:00 GMT

AGC Updates

Pray for those without a Shepherd

Consider how Jesus Himself is at work in peoples’ lives, pursuing them and caring for them, like a shepherd would care of His own sheep.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters….” Psalm 23 vss. 1-2

Chuck Colson in his CD messages “Being the Body” which compliments his book “The Body” gives a striking analysis of the attitude of the churches in America after what has become known as the infamous 9/11; the sudden and devastating destruction of The Twin Towers in New York city on September 11, 2001. He observed that America had returned to church. Close friends of ours who were living and working in New York could see the crumbling building from their office tower. They recalled how people everywhere walked the streets in an understandable daze and hundreds huddled together on the streets in prayer. Many sought shelter in the churches for their bodies, their hearts and their souls.

The churches were suddenly places of refuge and strength for hurting people. Colson remarks how the churches of America opened their doors and their hearts to hurting people and they in turn made Sunday worship, a forgotten or neglected experience for so many, a central part of their life. Yet not four months following this sudden and welcome return to the pew America saw a massive though silent exodus of these same people. Why did his happen? No doubt there are a host of reasons from the fickleness of human nature all the way to severe spiritual warfare. Yet Colson states that in his opinion the attitude of the churches had quickly turned from concern and compassion to a return to their normal schedules. His observation is that the people of America, and likely to a lesser degree the same phenomenon in Canada, came intrinsically searching for the answers to the questions posed by 9/11. They had come dazed but open to hear God answer their questions, ‘Why did this happen, is there a God in Heaven who cares, is there an answer to the devastation of the loss of loved ones in such a senseless way, what does the future hold and, in short, is there hope as well as comfort?’

Colson acknowledges that likely there were some churches that answered these questions but he says that in light of the mass exodus of these searchers from the pew the vast majority of Christian Churches after an initial high degree of serving out comfort went back to business as usual. Rather than answering the big questions of life and death, heaven and hell, certainty verses chaos in a broken world the message soon became “come join our church, sign up for our choirs, pay your tithes and get busy in ministry”. The result of this lack of vision was that the vast majority of these open hearts left answerless and remaining hopeless.

To this the scriptures teach us that in the midst of all the chaos of a broken, evil, fallen and desperately dysfunctional world, micro and macro, there is a Lord who is our shepherd and we shall not be in ‘want’. He, the Lord Jesus, is the great Shepherd of the sheep. He causes us to lie down in green pastures, leading us beside still (not turbulent, chaotic and threatening) waters and He restores our souls. The Shepherd Jesus walks with us even through the valley of the shadow of death we will ‘fear no evil’.

Many around us have lost their health, their jobs, their marriages and even their lives. Many live without hope. We live with the effects of cosmic terrorism 24-7. As we pray this month remember to release in our prayers the mighty power of a heart of peace in desperate circumstances coming from the Lord of all Peace, who is our Shepherd.

Blessings

Bill Fietje, President

Priez pour ceux qui sont sans Berger

Songez de quelle façon Jésus Lui-même est à l’oeuvre dans la vie des gens, cherchant à établir une relation avec eux, prenant soin d’eux, tout comme un berger prend soin de Ses propres brebis.

« L’Éternel est mon berger; je ne manquerai de rien. Il me fait reposer dans de verts pâturages, Il me dirige près des eaux paisibles… »Psaume 23: 1-2

Chuck Colson dans ses messages sur CD « Being the Body » qui ajoute à son livre « The Body » a fait une analyse frappante de l’attitude des églises en Amérique depuis ce jour fatidique du 11 septembre 2001; la destruction soudaine et dévastatrice des Tours jumelles dans la ville de New-York. Il a observé que les américains avaient fait un retour à l’église. Des amis proches qui vivaient et travaillaient à New-York pouvaient voir de leur bureau, l’édifice qui s’écroulait. Ils se souviennent comment les gens déambulaient dans les rues en état de choc et des centaines de personnes qui se serraient les uns contre les autres dans la prière. Plusieurs ont cherché refuge pour leurs corps, leurs cœurs et leurs âmes dans les églises.

Les églises sont devenues tout à coup des endroits de refuge et de force pour les gens qui souffraient. Colson remarque de quelle façon les églises ont ouvert leurs portes et leurs cœurs aux personnes en détresse et, en retour, ces personnes ont fait du dimanche d’adoration une partie centrale de leurs vies alors que c’était devenu pour un bon nombre, une expérience reléguée aux oubliettes ou négligée. Pourtant, pas moins de quatre mois après ce retour soudain et bienvenu des gens vers les bancs d’églises, l’Amérique a vu un exode en masse, bien que silencieux, de ces mêmes personnes. Pourquoi en est-il ainsi? Il ne fait aucun doute qu’il y ait une foule de raisons en passant de l’inconstance de la nature humaine jusqu’à la bataille spirituelle sévère. Cependant, Colson dit que selon lui, l’attitude des églises est vite passée de l’inquiétude et la compassion à un retour à leurs horaires normaux. Son observation est que les américains et il en est de même au Canada à un niveau moindre, sont venus intrinsèquement chercher des réponses aux questions soulevées par les événements du 11 septembre 2001. Ils étaient venus stupéfaits mais ouverts à entendre Dieu répondre à leurs questions : « Pourquoi est-ce que cela s’est produit? Y a-t-il un Dieu au paradis qui nous aime? Y a-t-il une réponse à la dévastation de la perte d’un être cher d’une façon aussi dénuée de sens? Qu’est-ce que l’avenir nous réserve? Bref, y a-t-il de l’espoir et du réconfort?’

Colson reconnaît qu’il y a probablement des églises qui ont répondu à ces questions mais il dit qu’à la lumière de cet exode en masse de ces chercheurs, la vaste majorité des églises chrétiennes, après avoir initialement servi avec un si haut niveau de réconfort, sont retournées à leur routine. Au lieu de répondre aux grandes questions de la vie et de la mort, du paradis et de l’enfer, de la certitude par rapport au chaos dans un monde déchu, le message est vite devenu « venez vous joindre à notre église, joignez-vous à notre chorale, payez vos offrandes et dépêchez-vous de servir dans le ministère”. Le résultat de ce manque de vision fut que la vaste majorité de ces cœurs ouverts sont restés sans réponses et demeurent sans espoir.

À cela, les Écritures nous enseignent qu’au milieu du chaos d’un monde ruiné, où règne le mal, déchu et désespérément dysfonctionnel, micro et macro, il y a un Seigneur qui est notre berger et nous ne manquerons de rien. Lui, le Seigneur Jésus, est le grand Berger des brebis. Il nous fait reposer dans de verts pâturages, nous dirigeant près des eaux paisibles (pas turbulentes, chaotiques et menaçantes) et Il restaure notre âme. Le Berger, Jésus, marche avec nous. Même dans la vallée de l’ombre de la mort, nous ne craignons aucun mal.

Plusieurs personnes autour de nous ont perdu leur santé, leur emploi, leur mariage et même leur vie. Plusieurs vivent sans espoir. Nous vivons avec les effets du terrorisme cosmique 24 heures par jour, 7 jours par semaine. Dans nos moments de prière ce mois-ci, rappelons-nous de libérer dans nos prières la puissance d’un coeur en paix en dépit des circonstances, paix provenant du Seigneur de toute Paix, qui est notre Berger.

Que Dieu vosu bénisse,

Bill Fietje, President

Getaway 2008

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:44:00 GMT

Getaway this year has been called by many leaders and students as the best one ever. The core team was pleased to see 384 people attend this years retreat. Phil Cann our guest speaker is a gifted communicator and story teller. The Hanger (meeting place) was silent and echoed with Phil’s voice as both student and leader tracked with Phil. Many students made a decision for Christ, while others wrestled with issues in their lives.

Muskoka Woods facility was the perfect place for this years retreat. With an indoor skate park for students and leaders, the field house (gym) hosted a number of inflatables from Niagara Inflatables along with basketball and volleyball. The Hanger (meeting place) for our sessions was large enough to give everyone leg room. And so much more.

The core team (John, Doug, Joel, Terry) would like to thank all the churches that participated this year; in helping to make this year’s retreat run smoothly and effectively for the kingdom of Christ. The team has met and gone over the evaluations and have begun to dream, share, and plan next years retreat in 2009. We are grateful to God for what he is doing among students and using the retreat to impact both students and leaders for the rest of their lives.

Submitted by Terry Miller, Youth Pastor, Grace Gospel Church, Niagara Falls, ON

Message for Church Treasurers

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:29:00 GMT

The countdown to fiscal year end has begun for many of you! Here in the AGC office we would like to offer our support as you work away at year end and beginning of year duties such as T3010 preparation, T4’s, Partnership Payment calculation, etc. If we can be of assistance, please call the office.

Partnership Payments for 2009

It's time to fill out the annual Partnership Payment Calculation sheet. It is important to note that this 4% calculation is an agreed upon part of your church’s membership in the AGC. Having the Partnership Payment slip returned by the middle of February helps us immensely as we prepare our budget for AGC fiscal 2009 (May 2009 – April 2010) to be presented to our National Board at their February meeting. Remember that you can use your last complete fiscal year to make the calculations. Please click here to complete this form online.

Pastor’s payroll worksheets for 2009

Many of you have commented that these worksheets make figuring out deductions, clergy housing, benefit packages, etc., much simpler. This year we will only be sending them to you on request. Please contact our office and we’ll be happy to mail or e-mail them to you. These worksheets are provided to us by Ron Gooding of Charitable Solutions Inc. Ron presents a number of very valuable seminars on Church Finances and T3010 preparation throughout the year in various locations. For more information, please contact him at charsol@golden.net or (519) 895-0019.

AGC Group Insurance

This plan which includes Health, Dental, Life, Long Term Disability and Travel Insurance is provided for the benefit of your church staff. If you wish to enroll your church or have questions about your coverage, please contact Susan Page at sue@agcofcanada.com Also, please contact Susan if you need to make changes such as new employees, employees going on sabbatical, changes in employment status, family changes (marriage, new baby) etc.

At this time of year, many churches will have payroll changes. It is very important to let Susan know each time there is a change in payroll – having incorrect payroll information can affect the amount that an employee receives if they ever have to make an LTD claim. A change form was sent with your last billing – please send it in as soon as possible if there are any changes.

Pre-Authorized Payments

We are very pleased with the number of churches that have signed up for Pre-authorized Payments for AGC Insurance and Partnership Payments. If your church is not yet signed up, please consider it! It is by far the easiest method of payment – no cheques to send, reduced postage costs for both parties, and no worries about covering payments should the treasurer/bookkeeper be away. Please contact the office for an enrolment form.

We are available Mon – Fri, 9 – 5 (EST) to address any questions or concerns. If you need to contact us after hours, please leave a message on Donna’s voice mail at 905-634-8184, ext 238, or send me an e-mail at david@agcofcanada.com I’ll do my best to get back to you promptly. Some of you are paid church staff, however, many of you are volunteers. We highly value each and every one of you! Our prayer is that you are blessed as you serve the Lord in this way.

Yours in His service,

David Grant

Finance Manager

AGC Update - November 2008

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:58:00 GMT

AGC Updates

Maybe it’s my age or just this time of year, but I find myself thinking about the need to find “rest in the Lord” from the busyness of life. E.M. Bounds once said that when we work, we work and when we pray, God works. Hudson Taylor, just a few demanding years into his mission in the inlands of China felt overwhelmed with the burdens of the Chinese millions all around him. Through a letter from his brother in-law in England came the words that would form his life’s spiritual secret. In the letter, Broomhall explained that the Christian life and ministry wasn’t accomplished by striving but by resting. As Taylor often quoted in later years “it is not lost time to wait upon God”.

Prayer is the ultimate act of submission to God. It is releasing His will through our prayers to replace our often misguided self will. It is laying down our tight grip on power to embrace the all sufficiency of Christ. There we find rest for our souls as well as our physical bodies.

Mark Buchanan in his helpful book ‘The Rest of God”, says, “Sabbath is both a day and an attitude to nurture such stillness (be still and know...). It is both time on the calendar and a disposition of the heart. It is a day we enter, but just as much a way we see. Sabbath imparts the rest of God - actual physical, mental, spiritual rest, but also the rest of God - the things of God’s nature and presence that we are missing in our busyness” (pg 3). I like that.

Jesus said “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (NASB Matt 11:28). Rest is not something we earn, we plan, or we schedule (as important as that may be for many) but rather it is a gift of God that we have through Jesus’ finished work on the cross. It is the life of faith, of trust, of peace and of rest. “I will give you rest”, Jesus said.

If we want rest for our souls and our bodies we need simply to pray.

Blessings

Bill Fietje

President

Je ne sais si c’est l’âge ou la période de l’année mais je ressens souvent le besoin de me retrouver seul à seul avec le Seigneur, pour prendre un temps d’arrêt, pour m’évader de la course folle de la vie. E.M. Bounds a dit que lorsque nous travaillons, nous travaillons et lorsque nous prions, Dieu est au travail. Hudson Taylor, après quelques années passées sur le champs missionnaire à l’intérieur des terres de la Chine, s’est senti débordé et découragé par le fardeau d’être entouré de millions de chinois. Une lettre provenant de son beau-frère en Angleterre contenait les mots qui allaient façonner le secret de sa vie spirituelle. Dans sa lettre, Broomhall expliquait que la vie chrétienne et le ministère ne s’accomplissaient pas en travaillant mais en faisant un temps d’arrêt. Comme Taylor l’a souvent dit par la suite, « ce n’est pas une perte de temps que d’attendre Dieu ».

La prière est l’ultime acte de soumission à Dieu. C’est se soumettre à Sa volonté par l’entremise de nos prières pour remplacer notre propre volonté si souvent faussée. C’est accepter de lâcher prise et embrasser la toute suffisance de Jésus-Christ. C’est là que nous trouverons du repos pour nos âmes ainsi que pour nos corps physiques.

Dans son livre “The Rest of God”, Mark Buchanan a écrit que “le Shabbath est à la fois une journée et une attitude du coeur pour apprécier un tel temps d’arrêt (« arrêtez, connaissez que moi je suis Dieu.. »). C’est à la fois un moment inscrit au calendrier et une disposition du cœur. C’est une journée que nous entamons mais aussi une façon de voir. Le Shabbath communique le repos de Dieu – physiquement, mentalement et spirituellement – les choses reflétant la nature de Dieu et Sa présence que nous laissons passer à cause de nos vies affairées » (page 3). Cela me plaît.

Jésus a dit “Venez à moi, vous tous qui êtes fatigués et chargés, et je vous donnerai du repos.» (Matthieu 11 :28). Le repos n’est pas quelque chose que nous méritons ou que nous planifions (aussi important que cela puisse être pour de nombreuses personnes) mais c’est plutôt un cadeau de Dieu que nous recevons grâce à l’œuvre accomplie par Jésus-Christ sur la Croix. C’est la vie de la foi, de la confiance, de la paix et du repos. « Je vous donnerai du repos », a dit Jésus.

Si nous voulons du repos pour nos âmes et pour nos corps, il ne faut que prier.

Que Dieu vous bénisse

Bill Fietje

Président

AGC Update - October 2008

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:21:00 GMT

AGC Updates

Lately I have been contemplating the whole issue of alienation and reconciliation. I know that this is from God's heart to His church and should be a part of our prayer ministry as well. As we face elections both in the Canada and the USA, combined with the worldwide economic instability we are called as a people of God to pray for reconciliation.

Recently, while traveling the Western provinces, I stopped to buy gas on the Stoney Indian reserve near Calgary. Being an Easterner, I realized that I had entered a unique Canadian culture, one that is somewhat at odds within the larger cultures of Canada. There was a cartoon on the wall that basically said “thanks for the apology - what’s next”. I knew this gentle reminder was one that is felt deeply among our First Nations peoples. It is one that comes from generations of alienation. It is a heart-felt concern that demands reconciliation. This needed reconciliation has begun with the fine work of our Prime Minster but is one that also requires action which leads to reconciliation. Reconciliation is both an imperative and an affirmative action. This reconciliation is more than simply compensation or words, but a spiritual and emotional reconciliation as well. The EFC has been involved with this issue as part of the Aboriginal Ministries Council. It met on Oct. 2- 3 in Ottawa and began the development of a resource series, tentatively named “After the Apology,” in relation to the June 11 Apology from Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The Council hopes that its efforts, starting with its Response to the Apology will promote unity among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Evangelicals.

The apostle Paul addresses this whole issue in his letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 2 verses 11-22. The Gentiles were experiencing a devastating cultural and spiritual alienation. They were alienated from God (verse 12) because they were separated from Christ (spiritual/soul alienation) and from Israel verse 12. They were not citizens of Israel and they felt it in the church. There was a barrier between the Gentiles and God and a barrier between the Gentiles and their fellow believers on an ethnic, cultural and human level. This barrier Paul calls a ‘wall of hostility’. The power of the gospel Paul says is what breaks these two strong barriers down. Verse 13, “you have been brought near through the blood of Christ”, verse 14 “for He (Christ) is our peace who has made the two one”.

As you read this, Thanksgiving weekend will be a past event but as I write it stands just before me. I thank God for breaking our own soul- felt terrifying alienation from Him and for the death of Christ Who is our peace, Amen. Yet, I am reminded that we may still have cultural and human heart felt barriers between us as the people of God in Canada. The AGC is made up of ten distinct cultures across Canada including First Nations peoples.

This month we will once more have an opportunity to worship with our brothers and sisters in ‘The Wikwemikong Fellowship’ in Manitowaning, Manitoulin Island Ontario. May our prayers be for them and for the Hamilton’s who shepherd them. Remember Don Hamilton struggling with his cancer. The First nation’s peoples, many of whom know Christ need our prayers but they also need any residue of cultural divides to be torn away.

Blessings,

Bill Fietje, President

Dernièrement, je me suis penché sur toute la question d’aliénation et de réconciliation. Je sais très bien que ce sont des sujets que Dieu exprime à Son Église et qu’ils devraient aussi faire partie de notre ministère de prières. Alors que nous faisons face à des élections au Canada et aux États-Unis, en plus d’une instabilité économique à l’échelle mondiale, nous sommes appelés, en tant que Peuple de Dieu, à prier pour la réconciliation.

Tout récemment, alors que je voyageais dans les provinces de l’ouest, je me suis arrêté pour faire le plein d’essence dans la réserve indienne de Stoney près de Calgary. Étant moi-même de l’est du pays, je me suis rendu compte que je venais d’entrer dans une culture canadienne, culture pour le moins en conflit avec les autres plus grandes cultures du Canada. Il y avait au mur une bande dessinée qui disait simplement : « merci pour les excuses – maintenant, qu’est-ce qui va se passer? » Je savais que cette douce remarque est le reflet de ce que pensent vraiment les gens de nos premières nations. C’est un sentiment qui provient de générations victimes d’aliénation. C’est une inquiétude sincère qui exige une réconciliation. Cette œuvre de réconciliation a débuté avec le bon travail accompli par notre Premier Ministre mais qui exige aussi une prise d’action qui mènera à une réconciliation. Cette réconciliation est à la fois un impératif et une action positive. Cette réconciliation est beaucoup plus qu’une simple compensation ou des paroles mais aussi une réconciliation spirituelle et émotionnelle. L’Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) fait partie du Conseil des ministères autochtones sur cette question. Il s’est réuni les 2 et 3 octobre derniers à Ottawa et a commencé à développer une série-ressource, intitulée, tentativement « Après les regrets », en lien avec les regrets exprimés par le Premier Ministre Stephen Harper le 11 juin dernier. Le Conseil espère que ses efforts, en commençant par sa Réponse aux excuses faites par le Premier Ministre aideront à promouvoir l’unité entre les chrétiens évangéliques autochtones et non-autochtones.

L’apôtre Paul adresse toute cette question dans sa lettre aux Éphésiens, chapitre 2, versets 11 à 22. Les païens faisaient face à une aliénation culturelle et spirituelle accablante. Ils étaient privés de la présence de Dieu (verset 12) car ils étaient séparés de Christ (aliénation spirituelle/de l’âme) et d’Israël (verset 12). Ils n’étaient pas citoyens d’Israël et cela se faisait sentir au sein de l’église. Il y avait une barrière entre les païens et leurs confrères croyants aux niveaux humain, culturel et ethnique. Cette barrière, Paul l’appelle le “mur de l’hostilité”. Le pouvoir de l’Évangile, selon Paul, voilà ce qui détruit ces deux fortes barrirères. Le verset 13 dit : « …vous avez été rapprochés par le sang de Christ ». Au verset 14 : « Car Il (Christ) est notre paix, lui qui des deux n’en a fait qu’un… ».

Alors que vous lirez ces lignes, le week-end de l’Action de Grâce sera chose du passé mais au moment où je les écris, cette action de grâce se trouve face à moi. Je remercie Dieu d’avoir brisé, d’avoir mis fin à cette terrifiante séparation de nos âmes de Sa présence et pour la mort de Jésus-Christ Qui est notre paix, Amen. Cependant, je demeure conscient que nous pouvons quand même être face à des barrières culturelles et humaines réelles entre nous en tant que Peuple de Dieu au Canada. L’AÉÉ est constituée de dix cultures distinctes à travers le Canada y compris celle du Peuple des Premières Nations.

Ce mois-ci, nous aurons encore une fois l’occasion d’adorer Dieu en compagnie de nos frères et soeurs dans le “Fellowship de Wikwemikong” à Manitowaning, sur l’île de Manitoulin en Ontario. Que nos prières soient pour eux et pour les Hamiltons qui leur servent de bergers. Gardez en prière Don Hamilton qui lutte contre son cancer. Le Peuple des Premirères Nations dont plusieurs connaissent le Seigneur a besoin de nos prières mais il a aussi besoin que n’importe quel résidu de barrière culturelle soit détruit.

Bénédictions,

Bill Fietje

AGC Board, Staff meetings

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Last week saw several AGC meetings;

First up was the newly elected AGC National Board, led by Moderator Randy Jost. The time at Fair Havens Bible Conference was very productive, with great discussions and times of fellowship. We went there to see the beautiful fall colours and ended up with snow!

In addition to the Board, our 3 national commissions also had time to meet together: Doctrine & Credentials led by Werner Peters, Church Planting led by Raj Sandhu, and Church Health & Leadership Development led by Lane Fusilier.

Our Staff also had a rare opportunity to briefly meet together, which was greatly enjoyed by all! We took the opportunity for a "class photo";

From left to right:

Front row: Jim Houston (Canada West Superintendent), John Friesen (Fair Havens Executive Director), Wes Peach (Quebec Director)

Back row: David Grant (Finance Manager), Donna Leung (Administrative Assistant), Bill Fietje (President), Susan Page (Church Relations Coordinator), George Boyd (Canada East Superintendent)

Building in the West!

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:48:00 GMT

Several Western churches are engaged in exciting building projects! Here are some highlights...

In Provost, Alberta, Provost Associated Gospel Church is moving ahead with their new building...

Church of the Open Bible in Swift Current, Saskatchewan is completing a new addition to their building...

While in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Pastor Wayne Wicks takes the time to give President Bill Fietje a tour of the new facility in progress for Wetaskiwin Mission Church...

And in Banff, Alberta, Banff Park Church is adding a Nursery, Small Check-Out Library and a larger Study Hall/Reference Library upstairs with a Prayer Room attached. Their desire for the Study Hall is to be a source for pastors coming out to Banff for study days as well as our own preachers traveling to Lake Louise and serving at BPC. If you have resources available for Banff to add to their library, good references books, commentaries, etc., please contact Pastor Norm Derkson.

AGC Update - September 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:54:00 GMT

AGC Updates

We all need to make decisions every day. As leaders our choices often determine the direction and health of the churches and organizations that God has called us to lead. How do we make wise decisions? Recently I have been studying the story of Abram and Lot found in Genesis 13. When faced with a dilemma (crisis) of not enough land resources to share they decided to part company. Abram wisely allowed Lot to choose first. True to Lot’s value system he chose the fertile plain and the wealthy cities. By human standards Lot got it right but by God’s value system Lot got it all wrong. As a consequence he lost everything. Just think of the impact of Lot’s decisions on his family and all those who looked to him for guidance.

On the other hand we have Abram. With his value system as the anchor of his decision making he left the choice up to God. Abram by faith believed that God would give him the wisdom to move in the direction of God’s revealed will and plan and promise for his life. After Lot had left the scene for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, God spoke to Abram and re-promised to him to give him all the land in each direction including the fertile valley that he needed for his sheep and goats. Abram walked in the promises of God and we must as well.

As you pray this month remember to pray ’your will oh God be done on earth as it is in heaven” and we should be just fine.

Blessings

Bill

Salutations à toute l’équipe,

Chaque jour, nous devons tous prendre des décisions. En tant que leaders, nos choix sont souvent déterminants dans la direction et la santé des églises et des organisations que Dieu nous a appelés à diriger. Comment devons-nous prendre des décisions sages? J’étudie présentement l’histoire d’Abram et de Lot que l’on retrouve dans la Genèse, chapitre 13. Faisant face à un dilemme, une crise, où ils n’avaient pas suffisamment de terre à partager, ils ont décidé de faire bande à part. Abram, avec sagesse, a permis à Lot de faire le premier choix. Selon son échelle de valeurs, Lot a choisi la plaine fertile et les villes riches. Du point de vue des humains, Lot a eu la main heureuse mais selon les critères de Dieu, Lot ne s’en n’est pas tiré à si bon compte. Par conséquent, il a tout perdu. Pensez un peu à l’impacte qu’ont eu les décisions de Lot sur sa famille et sur tous ceux qui comptaient sur lui pour les guider.

D’un autre côté, nous avons Abram. Selon son échelle de valeurs comme point d’ancrage dans sa prise de décision, il a laissé le choix à Dieu. Abram, grâce à sa foi, savait que Dieu lui donnerait la sagesse de suivre la direction qu’Il lui révélerait et que Dieu accomplirait Sa volonté, Son plan et Sa promesse dans sa vie. Après le départ de Lot pour les villes de Sodome et Gomorrhe, Dieu a parlé à Abram et lui a encore une fois fait la promesse de lui donner tout le pays y compris la vallée fertile dont il aura besoin pour ses troupeaux de brebis et de chèvres. Abram s’est accroché aux promesses de Dieu et nous devons en faire autant.

Lorsque vous prierez ce mois-ci, demandez “que Ta volonté soit faite, O Dieu, sur la terre comme au ciel” et tout ira bien.

Que Dieu vous bénisse,

Bill

AGC Update - August 2008

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:26:00 GMT

AGC Updates

Hi Team,

The whole world was focused on China as the much anticipated and issue ridden Beijing Olympics unfolded. In the midst of all the controversy surrounding drug testing, terrorism tensions, human rights tribunals, freedom of the press issues and even the desire of China to suppress any religious activities one would not at all be faulted for losing sight of the central mandates of the Olympics which are the games, the athletes and the unity that the games bring. These are epic days for the nations as China emerges. The sleeping giant awakes and her first forays into the international world leadership are one of openness and cooperation China style. The world will never be the same. President Bush is cutting the ribbon on the new U.S. embassy in Beijing to coincide with the opening of the Olympics. This display of unity, however fragile, is of immense importance to the future of our global village in terms of peace, prosperity and global community.

Yet, all of this is simply political. What does it all mean for the expanse and impact of the Kingdom of God around the world? This calls for much prayer for the nations and the kings of the nations. As we watched the events unfold, could we remember to pray for the nations and for the individual athletes and teams. Can we pray “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven?” Can we pray that the power of the gospel will not be ineffective in these days of global interaction? For many in China this may be the first time that they will have met believers in Christ. We must pray that these divine appointments will transform lives.

Lastly, we see the easily flawed attempts of the world to unify around a common theme of sport. Do we as believers in Jesus take every opportunity to fulfill the mandate of the high priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17 that we all are one in Christ even as the Father, Son and Spirit are one? The oneness of Jesus in His church begins in our homes, churches and communities. It is transforming because it touches every part of man’s experiences. It is also transforming because it is powered not by the determination of man, but of God Himself. As we pray for the needs of the AGC family please also take time to pray for our world and especially for the precious peoples made in the image of God and loved by the Father.

Blessings

Bill

Salutations à toute l’équipe,

Le monde entier était tourné vers la Chine alors que se déroulaient les Jeux Olympiques de Pékin, événement très attendu et controversé. En plein cœur de controverses entourant le contrôle anti-dopage, les tensions occasionnées par le terrorisme, les tribunaux défendant les droits de l’homme, les problèmes concernant la liberté de la presse et même le désir de la Chine de vouloir réprimer toutes activités religieuses, on ne pourrait être blâmé de perdre de vue le but principal des Olympiques qui sont les jeux, les athlètes et l’unité que l’on retrouve dans ces Jeux. Nous vivons des jours mémorables pour les nations alors que la Chine est en pleine émergence. Le géant endormi se réveille et ses premières tentatives sur la scène internationale en tant que leader sont de faire preuve d’ouverture et de coopération, à la façon de la Chine. Le monde ne sera plus jamais le même. Le président Bush coupe le ruban pour inaugurer la nouvelle ambassade américaine à Pékin, question de faire coincider avec l’ouverture des Jeux Olympiques. Cette démonstration d’unité, quoique fragile, est d’une importance cruciale pour l’avenir de notre village global en termes de paix, de prospérité et de communauté globale.

Cependant, tout ceci n’est que politique. Qu’est-ce que tout cela veut dire en ce qui a trait à l’étendue et l’impacte sur le Royaume de Dieu à travers le monde? Il va falloir beaucoup de prière pour les peuples et leurs dirigeants. Alors que nous suivons le déroulement des Jeux, n’oublions pas de prier pour les peuples, pour les athlètes et leurs équipes. Prions “Que Ta volonté soit faite sur la terre comme au ciel”. Prions que la puissance de l’Évangile ne soit pas inefficace en ces jours d’interaction globale. Pour de nombreuses personnes en Chine, il se peut que ce soit la première fois qu’elles rencontrent des croyants en Jésus-Christ. Nous devons prier que ces rencontres divines transforment des vies.

Finalement, nous sommes à même d’observer les tentatives infructueuses pour le monde de faire front commun autour d’un même thème, le sport. Est-ce que nous, les croyants en Jésus-Christ, profitons de chaque occasion pour accomplir notre mission telle qu’énoncée dans la prière de Jésus dans Jean 17, que nous soyons tous unis en Christ, tout comme le Père, le Fils et le Saint Esprit ne font qu’un? L’unité de Jésus dans Son Église commence dans nos foyers, nos églises et nos communautés. Cette unité transforme parce qu’elle touche chaque partie de ce que vit l’homme. Elle transforme aussi parce qu’elle trouve sa puissance non pas dans la détermination de l’homme mais dans celle de Dieu lui-même. Alors que nous prions pour les besoins de la famille de l’AÉÉ, veuillez aussi prier pour notre monde et particulièrement pour les personnes spéciales faites à l’image de Dieu et aimées du Père.

Que Dieu vous bénisse

Bill

AGC Update - July 2008

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:37:00 GMT

Summer time is usually a time to find reprieve from the constant demands of church ministry. It is our desire that God grants each of you the times of refreshment and rejuvenation that you need.

Yet for some the summer intensifies our ministry schedule. In particular, continue to remember Don & Shirley Hamilton who are running over 20 DayStar summer camps at various First Nations locations surrounding Wikwemikong. Many AGC churches are providing teams to participate in these camps. Also remember Don’s continuing health struggle as he receives aggressive chemotherapy during this time.

Fair Havens has reached the half way point of their summer ministry – please continue to pray for them. They are having a great year, and are thrilled with the addition of a splash park for young families. John Friesen has given great leadership to this ministry, and would covet your prayers for the team and their families.

As we pray for one another over August, please use the AGC prayer guide to prompt you. Remember that we are here to serve you. Our superintendents and directors are ready to listen, assist, visit or help in equipping your church leadership team. Please contact our office to let us know how we can partner with you.

Yours in His service,

Dr. Bill Fietje

President

AGC Updates

AGC Update - June 2008

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:06:00 GMT

Please read the updates from Bill Fietje & Bud Penner and download the AGC Prayer Guide for July 2008

AGC Updates

"Into the Future" at Conference 2008

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:15:00 GMT

The theme of "Into the Future" was evident at the AGC National Conference held at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario, June 5-8, 2008. We welcomed a new Canada East Superintendent, a new President, and bid a fond farewell to our outgoing President.

The Conference began with the Canada East Regional Conference, at which appreciation was expressed to Bill & Lois Fietje for their ministry over the past 5 years as Canada East Superintendent. Delegates also had the opportunity to affirm the appointment of George Boyd as the new Superintendent, beginning July 1, 2008.

We enjoyed wonderful weather and a great time of fellowship at the opening night BBQ in the Redeemer courtyard. Everyone agreed that the campus was a beautiful setting for our Conference. At our first Conference session, Ian Campbell challenged those gathered to be the "As we go" church instead of the "If they come" church, speaking from Matthew 28. Over the next few days, Ian would expand on that theme as he challenged us to be the "Converting Church", the "Teaching Church", and the "Incarnational Church" as we seek to make disciples. We hope to have Ian's messages available for download soon.

Our Conference business moved along swiftly on Friday & Saturday mornings. For full detailed reports, please click here. If you wish to review the minutes of the meeting, click here.

Friday evening was a time of outstanding ministry by violinist Trevor Dick, and an opportunity for corporate worship as we sang, prayed and read scripture together.

Our Saturday evening banquet was a time of reflection and celebration. We would love to post the "this is your life" pictures of Bud Penner, but he may not speak to us again if we did! Ask anyone who was there, it was quite a presentation! We had a roving cameraman throughout the Conference asking folks to say a few words of appreciation to Bud. Unfortunately we had some technical difficulties and couldn't show the completed video at the banquet. Bud has since received a copy and appreciates your affirming words.

We also had opportunity that evening to formally welcome George Boyd as our new Canada East Superintendent. Our outgoing Canada East Chair Wayne Foster asked that the two former Superintendents, George Bradford and Bill Fietje join George Boyd as they "passed the baton" on to him.

Saturday evening also marked the installation of Bill Fietje as the new AGC President. It was a very meaningful time as Board members past and present joined new Moderator Randy Jost for a commissioning prayer.

On Sunday morning, our delegates along with a number of Hamilton area churches joined together for a worship service as Bill Fietje spoke from Philippians.

Thank you to the many volunteers who helped to make our Conference a success, to those who were able to attend, and to those of you who couldn't attend but were praying for us.

Ministry Opportunities

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:21:00 GMT

The AGC Ministry Opportunities page is full of openings for Senior Pastors, Associates, part-time, full- time and intern positions. Fair Havens Ministries is also looking for maintenance staff. Please forward this information to people in your church who may be seeking such employment.

New Canada East Superintendent

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:41:00 GMT

AGC Canada East Council is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. George Boyd was strongly affirmed for the position of Canada East Superintendent by a vote at the Canada East Conference on June 5, 2008.

George will begin his ministry with the AGC on July 1, 2008. Welcome George! We look forward to your ministry.

AGC partners with Canadian Youth Network

Thu, 29 May 2008 14:13:00 GMT

Leadership development at all levels of the AGC Church family is vital if we are to reach our vision of “Being a Movement of Healthy Reproducing Churches”.

Over these past four years we have placed a renewed emphasis on our AGC younger leaders. To this end we are pleased to announce a partnership with Canadian Youth Network along with details of how we can partner together with you in building effective leadership principles as well as spiritual formation in our young emerging leadership.

The AGC Canada East Regional Council together with our National Office is very pleased to commend to you this partnership that the AGC has with Dale and John of the Canadian Youth Network. Over the past year we, the AGC and CYN, have worked together to establish an intentional mentoring program geared to the strategic and effective development of younger leaders. To download details on the program, please download the document below.

To contact CYN directly, please e-mail John Latta or Dale Winder. For more information on this partnership, please contact Bill Fietje or the AGC Office at 905-634-8184

Coaching Emerging Leaders

AGC Update - May 2008

Tue, 20 May 2008 16:02:00 GMT

Please read the update from President Bud Penner below. The AGC Prayer Guide for June 2008 /Guide de Prières juin 2008 is available for download

This may be my last update to you as leader in the AGC in that my good friend and co-labourer Bill Fietje will be inducted as our new President at our June 5-8, 2008 Conference. It has been a pleasure serving with you!

You are in a place of great influence for God as Pastors and/or chairs. Your life sets the tone and pace in the congregations you serve. As bible teachers you are prophets bringing the word of God to His people. As pastors you care for and intercede as would a priest for the people of God. You are also a leader that has a clear sense of vision and direction the people can follow. You bring and sacrifice a lot to be in His service. God who is the true judge will reward you!

New Leadership

The prayer part of my leadership will continue. I often reflect that this dimension of being President may be the most significant and lasting part. I have you in my heart whether in leadership or not.

Bill will do a marvelous job. His life, his positive attitude, his love for the pastors and churches along with his experience are what God will use to His greater glory.

Into the Future

This theme will be the focus at the AGC National Conference, June 5-8, 2008 with speaker Pastor Ian Campbell. Ian is a great model of leading a church into the future. Please register online if you have not yet done so or call our office. If you are able to come to the farewell banquet Saturday night along with others from your church, please call Donna at the AGC office. This banquet will also include the induction of Bill Fietje.

Partners International

Beulah and I will take July – December 2008 off as a sabbatical. On January 2009, I will login to serve full time with Partners International. I would love to keep in touch with you and be of further service. Whether we meet for a coffee, lunch, or a visit to minister at your church, let me be your servant. I will be working on a series of messages on “Mission and the Glory of God” that would work well at a Missions weekend or Sunday. Partners also brings National leaders in the fall and spring from various countries that I would love to have you meet. You can contact me on my Partners Cell (905) 975-5137, or through the Partners office: 1-800-883-7697.

Thank you

I count you as partners in the faith, the ministry and in the Christian life. I value your friendship! Please accept my thanks for the years that we’ve walked and worked together.

With Appreciation,

A.F. Bud Penner

AGC Updates

AGC Update - April 2008

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:05:00 GMT

Read the April 2008 Update from President Bud Penner and download the AGC Prayer Guide for May 2008 .

Books by AGC Authors

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:26:00 GMT

VISION THAT WORKS

by Rev. Dave Collins

Dave is the Moderator of the AGC, and formerly the pastor of Carruthers Creek Community Church in Ajax, ON. He currently holds the position of Executive Director of the Tyndale Centre for Leadership, and is founder and President of Life Change Consulting.

Vision that Works follows the journey of a pastor of a plateaued church as he struggles with stagnation and discovers the importance of his church's mission, vision and values and their ultimate impact on church health and relationship to planning. Copies are available for purchase through the AGC Office.

ONE SMOOTH STONE

by Marcia Lee Laycock

Marcia and her husband Spence are church planters in Blackfalds, AB. Their church, Faith Community Church, is just two years old, but is seeing some wonderful response from the community.

Marcia is a gifted author, and many have enjoyed her devotional column, The Spur. Set in the Yukon, this first novel is a compelling story about God never letting go. For more details, or to order your copy, click here

THE BEAUTIFUL DISAPPOINTMENT

by Rev. Colin McCartney

Colin is the Executive Director of UrbanPromise Toronto, a faith based charity founded by Dr. Anthony Campolo that serves at-risk urban families, in the city of Toronto. He holds his ordination with the AGC.

In The Beautiful Disappointment, Colin shares his personal struggles in dealing with the murder of one of his staff, the death of a child in his program and his own near death experience from a paralysing water accident in Hawaii. While he was recovering from this life threatening accident in the critical care unit of Maui Memorial Hospital he slowly realized that trials are "beautiful
disappointments" God can use to purge us of all the false things we have allowed to disfigure who we truly are. To order a copy, click here

PASTORS TIM'S CLEANLAUGH COLLECTION

Compiled by Rev. Tim Davis

Tim Davis, aka "The Pastor of Disaster" has been entertaining us in the AGC for years with his daily dose of "cleanlaugh" e-mails. This book is a compilation of some of the best of these jokes.

Tim is the Pastor of Westside Bible Church (AGC) in Victoria, BC. For more info on Tim and his various web ministries, check out his website, www.cybersalt.org To order a copy of the book, click here

NEW - Resources for Pastors

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:45:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce a new addition to the AGC website - a "Pastoral Resources" section. Wondering about the latest books? Trying to find good web resources? Found a great resource that you'd like to share with other pastors? All of this and more will be posted in this section. Werner Peters of Westmount Park Church in Etobicoke, Ontario has graciously offered to manage this section and will be making regular posts. You can find the first entry here. We are working to add this to the menu at the top of the website homepage, but until then, you can access the blog by clicking on "Pastoral Resources" above.

AGC Update - March 2008

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:44:00 GMT

The AGC Prayer Guide for April 2008 / GUIDE DE PRIÈRES avril 2008 has been posted. Please read the update below from President Bud Penner:

The Lord spoke to me this past week through a variety of sources all on the same topic. At a time when there are endless excellent things that call me to them, God seemed to say to me these words of Jesus in the context of speaking to religious professional doers such as myself.

“You have neglected the more important matters of the law, - justice, mercy and faithfulness.” Matthew 23:23.

I had listened to a message on “Priorities”, read two articles on the “Kingdom of God” and “Transformation”. All were saying don’t lose sight of God, the poor, and the ordinary people of this world. I thank God that He keeps speaking even when I don’t always listen very well.

Area Pastor’s Meetings

It has been fun interacting with you on some observations on 44 years of Pastoring. The following meetings are in the works and let’s keep on talking!

Mar.25/08 12:00 noon Niagara Area Pastors Calvary Gospel, Beamsville, ON (Bring a bag lunch)

Mar.27/08 12:00 noon Toronto Area Pastors Westmount Park Church, Etobicoke, ON (Bring a bag lunch)

Apr. 1/08 12:00 noon Hamilton/Burlington Area Pastors Foo Ho Restaurant, Plains Rd, Burlington, ON Cost is $ 12 – please confirm by e-mail

Apr. 3/08 10:00 a.m. Western Ontario Area Pastors Forest City Bible Church, London Lunch at church or local restaurant

Apr. 17/08 12:00 a.m. North of Toronto Area Pastors Community Bible Church, Aurora Lunch at the church

May 21/08 10:00 a.m. Toronto Chinese Pastors Grace Chinese Gospel Church

Western Regional Conference – April 10th - 13th 2008

This conference in Calgary will be a great time of focusing on past, present and future. Pastor Mike Pawelke will provide excellent ministry for both the Pastors and wives. It will be the best of a lot of things coming together.

Quebec Celebration April 18th to 20th 2008

The Haitian brethren are putting together a weekend of celebration as Beulah and I enjoy their hospitality and seek to minister at a number of meetings. Thanks brothers!

AGC National Conference, June 5-8th Ancaster (Hamilton)

All the stops have been pulled out for these days together as we look to the future. Donna is very encouraged with the early registrations. Pastor Ian Campbell will bring some challenging ministry focused on what shape the church might take in the future. He is a practitioner and understands modern movements in Canada better than most.

South Asian Ministry/Education Trip, January 6 – 24th 2009

This trip more than any other that I’ve been a part of takes us to India and China, the most populous nations in the world. We will also be seeing ministries in Nepal and Hong Kong. Pastors, if you are interested in coming, or if people in your church would like to come, please contact me soon because space is limited.

With Appreciation,

A.F. (Bud) Penner, President

AGC Update - February 2008

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:25:00 GMT

I trust you are “weathering well”. Everything seems to be more “extreme” this winter. But as good Canadians, winter brings out what we are really made of.

When you receive this update the Regional Councils and the Quebec Committee, and likely the AGC National Board, will all have met. It is the beginning of many “final” meetings for me in the AGC. It has been a good journey!

Canada West

Jim Houston continues his exhausting pace of covering the four western provinces whether it is to encourage Pastors, help resolve differences in a church, or to encourage Pastors and Churches to move forward in their communities. Churches without pastors are fewer. Several are at various stages of finding and calling pastors. Two churches in Alberta, Wetaskiwin and Provost, are building new facilities.

Canada East

Under the chairmanship of Pastor Wayne Foster, a search committee has settled on a new Superintendent to be presented to the Region in June as part of the AGC National Conference. Wayne was also the point person when Bill Fietje was recruited and confirmed by the Region. Great job once again Wayne!

Quebec Churches

There are a lot of great things happening in Quebec! New buildings are being found, renovated and moved into. Churches are being selected to be re-vitalized in a three way approach. This involves the AGC, the individual churches developing new strategic direction, and help from other churches and donors.

AGC Conference

You have received your 2008 AGC National Conference brochures with registration forms by mail. These documents are also available here. Please register soon to take advantage of the Early Bird pricing! It is available until Feb 29/08. If you have any questions related to Conference, please call Donna at the office.

Prayer Guide

The AGC Prayer Guide for March 2008 / Guide de Prières mars 2008 is available for download. Thank you for your continuing prayers for fellow AGC churches, our staff, and various ministries. If you would like to send in a request or prayer item for the April edition, please send it to Susan Page in our office before March 8.

With appreciation for your partnership,

A.F. Bud Penner

President

AGC Updates

AGC Update - January 2008

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:55:00 GMT

The January update from President Bud Penner is below. The Prayer Guide for February 2008 / Guide de Prières février 2008 is available for download.

I was encouraged from Psalm 5:3, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” I’m amazed at how much a person can get accomplished in the first 3 hours after getting up. Studies show that most people are more productive in the first 3 hours of their job than the remaining 5 in an 8 hour a day job. This verse reinforces my desire to “lay my requests before the Lord and wait in expectation” each morning. God is fully functional 24/7, but He knows we might not be and therefore invites us to start our prayer life early in the day.

Motivational Opportunities

The Revive Your Soul Conference held in North Toronto and sponsored by Tyndale College February 25 – 27, 2008 is detailed on our website and has an excellent series of presenters. http://www.agcofcanada.com/blogs/events/181/post.aspx

Cross the Street Conference is this year being held in Winnipeg, MB, April 11-12, 2008. It will give you some excellent stories of reaching out into the community. Please check the EFC website for more details. http://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=4979&srcid=189

Focus on the Family is holding a number of Pastors Gatherings across the country in February. Their website contains information on venues and dates. http://www.fotf.ca/pastorsgatherings/

In a fast changing society and an increasingly complex church environment it is important to hear from as many sources as possible how God is working so that we can be encouraged in our walk and relationship with God.

Superintendent Search in Canada East

Please pray with the Search Team who have narrowed their search and have interviewed candidates. The hope is to be able to invite a single candidate to consider a call to this position in early February after the Canada East Council meeting. Your prayers are appreciated.

Quebec Developments

Église Biblique Pierre Angulaire, with Pastor Kichner Firmin, have moved into their “new” facilities that seat 1500 people. They are praying for the sale of their old church building and for the Lord to fill the “new” church with people.

The Église Évangélique de Blainville is one of our fastest growing church plants. Pray for Pastor Charles-Henri Côté and his new Associate Greg Gibson. Greg is also raising his support as a Quebec missionary. He is a member of Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa and feels a strong call to this ministry in Quebec. His support is beginning to come in to our office, while he also subsidizes his income through other work.

Canada West

I believe Superintendent Jim Houston may have set a new record in the number of kilometres travelled in December! He covered the full breadth of the West, hitting some northern and southern spots along the way. Pray for Jim as he travels in these winter months.

National Conference, June 5-8, 2008

The planning team is working hard to put together all the details for our June 5-8, 2008 National Conference, being held at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, ON. Early bird discounts are available until February 29^th – register early to save!! There are some details on our website, with more to follow in the mail. http://www.agcofcanada.com/blogs/events/130/post.aspx

Thanks once again for your partnership and please thank your church as well for their contribution.

With Appreciation,

A.F. Bud Penner

President

AGC Updates

AGC Update for December 2007

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:11:00 GMT

Download the December 2007 President's Update to read a message from Bud Penner. The AGC Prayer Guide for January 2008 is also available, as well as the bulletin for the AGC Week of Prayer 2008

AGC Updates

AGC Update - November 2007

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:12:00 GMT

The Christmas season in the church opens many doors to the community, especially to those who have some Christian background, or who want to establish some memories that are positive around the holidays. In conversing with some Sikh families, they asked if they could celebrate Christmas with us this year. They perceived that Christmas is a festival of joy that they want their children to experience and participate in.

Insidedge December 2007

Each church has been sent a quantity of this newsletter to distribute to their congregation, but you can also download it by clicking on the title above. This winter feature shares the excitement of ministry in Quebec, Denise DeGraaf’s walk to raise funds for impoverished children in Africa, etc.

Christmas Gifts for Pastors

Each pastor will be receiving one of the following two books;

“Acts 29” is written by Chris Kovac and is an excellent tool to equip believers to share the good news of the Gospel. It avoids stereotypical approaches to evangelism that are often awkward and unnatural. It is a great mix of Bible study, faith steps, discussion, accountability and practise. Chris is a practitioner, not a theorist. He is doing it!

“How to Lead and Still Have a Life” by Dale Burke is very practical, bringing leadership down to where we live. It is especially written for Pastors by a Pastor.

Revive Your Soul Conference

This Conference features a number of well known people who will touch our hearts and minds in a number of areas. If you register through the AGC office before December 15, 2007, you will share in the discounted price of $199 per person. Please contact Donna. For conference details, visit the Tyndale website at http://www.tyndale.ca/leadership/events.php and scroll down the page to the "Revive Your Soul" logo.

Prayer Guide

Thanks for participating in praying for the specific needs, events and people named in the AGC Prayer Guide for December 2007. Please make it available to your church congregation.

You Matter

You are important in God’s plan of evangelism, establishing, equipping and sending people out to their market place, their school, their neighbourhood, their world! I find myself praying with greater intensity that we will have a clearer sense of call, and also a deeper appreciation that our service is worthwhile to God and those we touch.

With Appreciation,

A.F. (Bud) Penner

President

AGC Updates

Insidedge Newsletter - December 2007 edition

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:10:00 GMT

Click here to download the latest edition of the AGC Insidedge newsletter