The church cannot be silent
We have entered the days of Advent. It’s usually one of my favourite periods in the church calendar, but this year, the waiting is heavy. The candle is a tiny flicker in a world of darkness, and Christmas music rings false with its promises of joy and celebration. Advent hymns, like “Comfort, Comfort, O My…
False unity vs. true unity
In B.C. we’ve heard stories of churches in at least two denomina- tions choosing to use secondary or tertiary doctrines and opinions as litmus tests for belonging. These groups are doubling down on the wrong ways of trying to maintain unity. The more you focus on secondary sources of unity, the farther away you get…
Vignettes from the waiting room
“How do you like my gown? Don’t I wear it well?” “You look amazing!” Smoothing the creases of her gown, she flutters her eyelids, strikes a pose, and smiles with the confidence and sass of a runway model. “I’m not going in there with you.” “I know. When you hear me scream you can come…
Teach us to pray
On a Wednesday in mid-October, I’m at the auto shop for winter tires; a TV on the wall flashes tanks, rubble and protests alongside talking heads. On social media, I can’t look away from children held hostage or from parents pulling kids from collapsed buildings. When my church gathers on Sunday, I struggle for words…
Whose side are you on?
In Joshua 5, we come across one of those wonderfully strange biblical stories that shakes our preconceptions and leaves us with more questions than answers. Israel is encamped at Gilgal, preparing to besiege Jericho at God’s command—so they firmly believe. Suddenly Joshua sees a man whom he does not recognize standing in front of him,…
A Saskatchewan pilgrimage
As a child, I was vaguely envious of others who had deep connections in Canada. In my family, that was not the case. My parents are from the UK and we spent our vacations going back to visit family. Although born in Canada, I longed for a deeper sense of belonging. So it came as…
Hear the climate call
It’s worth celebrating that the regions of MC Canada have identified the climate crisis as a priority ministry area in recent years. Like all priorities, where the rubber really hits the road is not in reports and lists and minutes from meetings, but where two or three (or 200 or 300) are gathered—the congregation. That…
Creating a community of calling
The first time I remember hearing of a shortage of pastors was over 35 years ago. I was in the process of completing my Bible College degree, and a conference leader was encouraging me to consider a career in pastoral ministry. While uncertainty about leadership for the church is not new, the task of calling…
Learning about waiting
I’ve been learning about waiting. After avoiding it for three years, I tested positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of July—just in time to disrupt the return of the Grand Wallace Road Trip. Each year we pile the kids into our vehicle and drive hard from Saskatchewan to Montana to Michigan and back to visit…
Executive road trip
It was a tour to remember: three days, seven venues, spanning Manitoba from east to west. Recently, Mennonite Church Canada Executive Minister Doug Klassen and I travelled around the province to meet with 45 pastors and other congregational leaders from 24 of our Mennonite Church Manitoba congregations. We wanted to know: How are our congregations…
