At our pastors' convention this April in Calgary someone made a profound statement. I can't remember who exactly said it, but it was so good I wrote it down. The quote: "Until the future of the world is more important than the future of your church, you won't have a church in the future".
If I didn't hear anything else that whole week that would have been enough... And as we head into our third week as a church replant in New Westminster, that statement has not left me. How do we do that? Keep that focus on the main thing and not get subtly nudged into the rut of just doing church?
As this is my first pastorate (and church plant) it's not guaranteed that this won't happen. In just this short time we have already experienced some of the pressures that come both from within and from without to just go with the status quo. We've had to navigate the choppy waters of transitioning an established church congregation into unchartered territory. And we're not through the rapids yet.
So why rock the boat? Do we really want everyone upset and risk losing our ratings. Can the church grow if we don't give everyone what they want! I don't know the answers. But the future of the world needs to be more important than the future of the church, otherwise we won't have a church in the future.
So we're going to take some time to challenge our worldviews, presuppositions, culture (yikes!) and traditions (double yikes). We'll take even more time to look at our identity and values and plumb the depths of where they are rooted. Who are we as a Foursquare church? Who are we as a church in New Westminster, Vancouver, Canada and the world? Who are we? Where do we need to realign ourselves with the truths of God's Word and purpose for our church?
Most of you who know me won't be surprised that one of the first things we will challenge is how we handle the area of finances and administration. As long as I have been a Christian I have been involved in this area of church ministry in one capacity or other. And as I have worked with churches over the years I have seen many testimonies of God's faithfulness and unfortunately some failures (not God's). I have pondered a lot, searched the scriptures and prayed.
This past week I met with our Administrative Coordinator, Kunal Marwaha. This young man moved to Canada 4 years ago from Tanzania at the age of 19 years to attend Providence Bible College (Degree in Business). His testimony of how he came to Canada when the odds were zero (no money & no chance) is amazing. I told him afterward that anyone with as much faith as he had was absolutely perfect for this ministry! Not only does he have a heart to serve the church with his skill and education but his experience of what God can do is not limited or shaped by our Western way of thinking about finances.
So, CAN we talk about money? I know it's a difficult subject for the church (and pastors) but I'd like to just share some of what we've been prayerfully considering. The most recent statistics that I was able to find (2009) says that 85% of church budgets go toward operational and staffing costs. That's leaves only 15% that actually goes to the costs of outreach and evangelism. Barely 2% of that goes to overseas missions.
When working with our Foursquare churches we recommend a 3-way split between operations/staffing/ministry. For Life Design Foursquare Church we are going to work towards a 4-way split: 25% staffing, 25% operations, 25% internal church ministry, 25% church planting/overseas ministry. That means that we want to give away 50% of our operating budget to outreach and evangelism. Maybe more if we are able.
We have a lot of vision for the various ministry areas: education, youth, children, prayer, outreach, evangelism, church planting, missions. We also have plans to be a resource to all churches (more details for another blog post). But the bottom line is that none of it will happen without resources. It will take extra effort to be intentional about what we commit to and be willing to giving generously away from ourselves. It may mean that we chose not to go with the status quo.
It will definitely require Giant Faith and a belief that the future of our world is more important than the future of our church...
Rhonda Berkhiem
Lead Pastor
Life Design Foursquare Church
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Jesus' Gifts for Life Design
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I'm perfectly content to do ministry as a team. So one of the first things we discussed after making the leap to re-plant into New Westminster was that we needed to start with "building" a strong leadership team. I put "build" in parenthesis because I didn't really do much from that point except pray and ask others to pray with us.
Doug Friesen chatted it up and got the word out about this new and exciting adventure. Wes & Gladys Wray took me under their wings and coached and cheered on the process. Barry Buzza and Rebecca Friesen have also been a continuos source of encouragement and wisdom.
I also got to know John Nathan quite well during that time as he and his wife Dona had walked the same path to replant a Foursquare church in Burlington, ON. Their input and insights have been very helpful.
Over the past 3 1/2 months of preparation it was somewhat overwhelming as people and circumstances came together. Many times it appeared - not out of control - but certainly beyond the control of anyone or our expectations. I never knew what a conversation, phone call or email would bring. Thankfully it usually entailed gifts being added to the church.
In Ephesians 4:7,8,11-13, it says;
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."...it was he (Jesus) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
And He (Jesus) has not scrimped on his gifts when it has come to the leadership team of Life Design Foursquare Church. Grace upon grace has been poured out in answer to prayer:
Kerry Pretty has faithfully served the congregation of Westminster Foursquare church and will continue to serve with Life Design as Teaching Pastor. Those of you who know Kerry know the amazing teaching gift he has. Kerry will bring his skill and knowledge to the leadership team to help develop a strong preaching/teaching ministry as well as discipleship training and studies.
Rafik Daudjee (and Safia) moved here with his family from Tanzania four years ago. He is an evangelist and church planter with extensive experience in reaching the Muslims. As Outreach Pastor he will teach and guide the church into ways of reaching the community and the world through evangelism, church planting and missions.
Dawn Waterman bings 34 years of ministry experience in all areas of church life but in particular through prayer and care. She recently graduated from PLBC with her degree and has a vision to see meaningful connections made in and outside of the church through the ministry of prayer.
Ken & Silvana McNulty have been a part of the Westminster Foursquare Church for 20 years. Their faithful service and strong connections with the city of New Westminster will continue through their leadership as Elders/Pastoral care.
Sarah Daudjee is a true worshipper and will be serving as the Worship Arts Coordinator. This past weekend, during our Easter Service, we were able to witness the passing of the baton between Sarah and the church's former worship leader Audrey Husak (Audrey met her future husband while attending Grace Church and so will stay behind to start her new ministry adventure :) It was a sacred moment as the leadership was able to bless Audrey for her years of service, and then have Audrey pray for and bless Sarah as she takes up her new ministry role.
Kim Hargreaves and Manvir Johal will be teaming together as Youth Interns for the summer. Kim and Manvir have served together in other ministry activities and have a shared vision to reach the youth in New Westminster through sports activities, the arts and annual camps and events. Gonna be a fun summer!
Kunal Marwaha just graduated from Providence Bible College (Manitoba) with his degree in Businesss Administration. As Admininstrative Coordinator he will oversee the financial and operational ministry of the church. Ask me if I'm excited about THIS :)!!! God is good!
Razia Daudjee is a student with the Emily Carr School of Arts and will be leading our Design Team in developing our church design and print media. Looking forward to see the future of our church Life Design.
Last, but definely not least, Sandra Venn will serve as Deaconess and will oversee our Sunday Service offering and usher teams. Sandra has faithfully served the New Westminster church for many years and will continue to do so "as long as the Lord wills and continues to give her strength" (her words). I continually marvel at her response when I ask her what she thinks about all that's happening with the church. Every single time she gets this girlish smile on her face and says "I think it's wonderful". So thankful for her adventurous heart.
We're currently in the process of confirming leaders for our Children's church and will continue to keep our arms open wide for those the Lord leads to the ministry of Life Design Foursquare Church.
Continually Awed by Him,
Rhonda Berkhiem
Lead Pastor
Life Design Foursquare Church.
Doug Friesen chatted it up and got the word out about this new and exciting adventure. Wes & Gladys Wray took me under their wings and coached and cheered on the process. Barry Buzza and Rebecca Friesen have also been a continuos source of encouragement and wisdom.
I also got to know John Nathan quite well during that time as he and his wife Dona had walked the same path to replant a Foursquare church in Burlington, ON. Their input and insights have been very helpful.
Over the past 3 1/2 months of preparation it was somewhat overwhelming as people and circumstances came together. Many times it appeared - not out of control - but certainly beyond the control of anyone or our expectations. I never knew what a conversation, phone call or email would bring. Thankfully it usually entailed gifts being added to the church.
In Ephesians 4:7,8,11-13, it says;
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."...it was he (Jesus) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
And He (Jesus) has not scrimped on his gifts when it has come to the leadership team of Life Design Foursquare Church. Grace upon grace has been poured out in answer to prayer:
Kerry Pretty has faithfully served the congregation of Westminster Foursquare church and will continue to serve with Life Design as Teaching Pastor. Those of you who know Kerry know the amazing teaching gift he has. Kerry will bring his skill and knowledge to the leadership team to help develop a strong preaching/teaching ministry as well as discipleship training and studies.
Rafik Daudjee (and Safia) moved here with his family from Tanzania four years ago. He is an evangelist and church planter with extensive experience in reaching the Muslims. As Outreach Pastor he will teach and guide the church into ways of reaching the community and the world through evangelism, church planting and missions.
Dawn Waterman bings 34 years of ministry experience in all areas of church life but in particular through prayer and care. She recently graduated from PLBC with her degree and has a vision to see meaningful connections made in and outside of the church through the ministry of prayer.
Ken & Silvana McNulty have been a part of the Westminster Foursquare Church for 20 years. Their faithful service and strong connections with the city of New Westminster will continue through their leadership as Elders/Pastoral care.
Sarah Daudjee is a true worshipper and will be serving as the Worship Arts Coordinator. This past weekend, during our Easter Service, we were able to witness the passing of the baton between Sarah and the church's former worship leader Audrey Husak (Audrey met her future husband while attending Grace Church and so will stay behind to start her new ministry adventure :) It was a sacred moment as the leadership was able to bless Audrey for her years of service, and then have Audrey pray for and bless Sarah as she takes up her new ministry role.
Kim Hargreaves and Manvir Johal will be teaming together as Youth Interns for the summer. Kim and Manvir have served together in other ministry activities and have a shared vision to reach the youth in New Westminster through sports activities, the arts and annual camps and events. Gonna be a fun summer!
Kunal Marwaha just graduated from Providence Bible College (Manitoba) with his degree in Businesss Administration. As Admininstrative Coordinator he will oversee the financial and operational ministry of the church. Ask me if I'm excited about THIS :)!!! God is good!
Razia Daudjee is a student with the Emily Carr School of Arts and will be leading our Design Team in developing our church design and print media. Looking forward to see the future of our church Life Design.
Last, but definely not least, Sandra Venn will serve as Deaconess and will oversee our Sunday Service offering and usher teams. Sandra has faithfully served the New Westminster church for many years and will continue to do so "as long as the Lord wills and continues to give her strength" (her words). I continually marvel at her response when I ask her what she thinks about all that's happening with the church. Every single time she gets this girlish smile on her face and says "I think it's wonderful". So thankful for her adventurous heart.
We're currently in the process of confirming leaders for our Children's church and will continue to keep our arms open wide for those the Lord leads to the ministry of Life Design Foursquare Church.
Continually Awed by Him,
Rhonda Berkhiem
Lead Pastor
Life Design Foursquare Church.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The beginnings of Life Design
A new friend recently asked me how I came to be the pastor of a church - Life Design Foursquare Church. An answer to that question does not come about quickly in my mind. My life has not taken on the forms and patterns of many I know that have served as pastors or who are preparing to be. And I have not readily put myself into the category of the called. For the most part it has just sort of happened along the way; a series of seemingly random strokes that were beyond my control.
I would be mistaken to say that it has been haphazard. Not long after I received salvation at the age of 27 I stumbled across a Truth in the Bible that radically altered how I perceived my life and the God I had chosen to follow. This is what I read:
It has taken years to rip out the taint of those lies and unravel the knots of thought that would continually pressure me into old patterns of living and relating. With each strand that has been removed, my Father has lovingly woven in new colors to accentuate the life design He had in mind from the beginning. Now, 18 years later, a picture is emerging for my life. New layers and depths are being applied that I would never have imagined or dreamed could be possible.
Most surprisingly this has entailed the role of pastoring. All that is expected in return for this amazing life is that I live it for His glory AND pick up the needle of God's Word to help others discover the Truth for their original Life Design. As the undershepherd of this flock, my "job description" is to provide space and opportunity for His people to be guided into will and design of the Father for their lives. All with the "soul" purpose of being presented to Him at the end so they can hear from His mouth, "Well Done".
So, in answer to the question that was asked by my friend I can joyfully say, "I'm not too sure how I got to this place but I would be an absolute fool to say no to the offer of a life like this...and the unbelievable privilege of helping others do the same."
............................
This past Sunday we had our first service back in the city of New Westminster. The leadership team pulled together in an amazing way and it was a great day. More than the fact that we had a great attendance and friends and family showed up for support. The whole day just felt right - absolutely God's time for the life design of this church to start. I love it!!!
Designed for Life in Him,
Rhonda Berkhiem
Lead Pastor, Life Design Foursquare Church
I would be mistaken to say that it has been haphazard. Not long after I received salvation at the age of 27 I stumbled across a Truth in the Bible that radically altered how I perceived my life and the God I had chosen to follow. This is what I read:
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16To that point, life had done a pretty good job of convincing me that it was all a mistake. People and circumstances conveniently confirmed the belief I had that my existence was (at worst) at the mercy of bad choices and (at best) tolerated because of it. On that day the Lord cut the thread of that deception to let me know that He was the One that chose to give me life. I was free to live it for Him.
It has taken years to rip out the taint of those lies and unravel the knots of thought that would continually pressure me into old patterns of living and relating. With each strand that has been removed, my Father has lovingly woven in new colors to accentuate the life design He had in mind from the beginning. Now, 18 years later, a picture is emerging for my life. New layers and depths are being applied that I would never have imagined or dreamed could be possible.
Most surprisingly this has entailed the role of pastoring. All that is expected in return for this amazing life is that I live it for His glory AND pick up the needle of God's Word to help others discover the Truth for their original Life Design. As the undershepherd of this flock, my "job description" is to provide space and opportunity for His people to be guided into will and design of the Father for their lives. All with the "soul" purpose of being presented to Him at the end so they can hear from His mouth, "Well Done".
So, in answer to the question that was asked by my friend I can joyfully say, "I'm not too sure how I got to this place but I would be an absolute fool to say no to the offer of a life like this...and the unbelievable privilege of helping others do the same."
............................
This past Sunday we had our first service back in the city of New Westminster. The leadership team pulled together in an amazing way and it was a great day. More than the fact that we had a great attendance and friends and family showed up for support. The whole day just felt right - absolutely God's time for the life design of this church to start. I love it!!!
Designed for Life in Him,
Rhonda Berkhiem
Lead Pastor, Life Design Foursquare Church
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