While it was disappointing to not be able to join together in Halifax, NS for our 2020 General Conference earlier this month, it was encouraging to see so many join us online for a condensed conference. As part of the in-person schedule we had planned together, we looked forward to having local Halifax church planter, Mike Miller, share at the Church Multiplication Plenary Session. I'm happy to let you know that Mike has recorded that session so that we can make it available to you as part of this month's new content! You don't want to miss out on what he has to share!
Other new content this month includes, not one, but two new podcast episodes! In the first, I interview Travis Blackstone, Executive Director of Lionhearts, and future church planter in Ottawa, ON. The second new podcast features an interview by Jim Molloy (Maritimes District Office) in discussion with leaders Chad Nickerson and Dave Sawler, who are leading the way in church community outreach in the Maritimes.
As a follow-up to my Church Multiplication Report, which was shared during the 2020 General Conference online session, I have also prepared a short video in which we do a deeper-dive of our fellowship's church planting stats over the past decade. I think these numbers tell a story of where we've been, but more importantly, where we need to be headed into the next decade.
Now is not the time to shrink back or give up. The changes and pivots we've had to make in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic have not been easy. But how we invest our time now matters for the future of Canada.
Now is the time to serve our communities. Now is the time to love our neighbours. Now is the time to seek the Lord like never before; to be both strategic and Spirit-led - Because every Canadian deserves an access point to the Gospel!
Church Multiplication Co-ordinator
Interviews
General Conference 2020 Church Multiplication Plenary Speaker Mike Miller
With the cancellation of our in-person PAOC General Conference, we still felt that we needed to hear from Mike Miller, who was going to be the speaker at the Church Multiplication Plenary Session. Mike was gracious enough to record his talk for us so we could have it available here. We know it will be an encouraging word for you as a leader and for us as a fellowship!
Watch Here
Episode #38 - Expert Drummer to Executive Director, as well as Church Planter? - Interview with Travis Blackmore
In this episode, we talk with Travis Blackmore, who is the Executive Director of Lionhearts, a charity that helped distribute 2.3 million dollars worth of food last year, and has already served over 20,000 meals since early March in the Kingston, Ontario area. Travis oversees this charity and the great work they are doing, and is also looking to plant a church in Ottawa this September. In this interview, we talk about how Lionhearts started, how Oxygen church can work together with this charity, and what a potential digital launch of a church could look like. Lots to cover in the interview - We know you will love this story! To listen or download, click on one of the links below and select Episode 38.
Stories and Videos
5 Church Multiplication Shifts We Need to Make in the Next Decade
Paul is taking some more time to unpack his original report for the PAOC online General Conference citing stats from the last 10 years of church multiplication in our fellowship. He talks with us about what we need to be thinking about as we plan for the next 10 years.
Watch HereMoving from Community Focus to Community Engagement; An interview with Jim Molloy, Chad Nickerson, and Dave Sawler
Multiply Network Lead Team Member Jim Molloy, from the Maritimes District Office, interviews pastors and practioners Dave Sawler from Glace Bay, N.S., and Chad Nickerson from Saint John, N.B. They talk about real, practical steps for how we can help our communities navigate this pandemic season and also into the future. They discuss the importance of developing community partnerships, being consistent in your help to your local community, and how to make sure these new community engagements stay with our churches moving into the future.
Read MoreGet Started
Interested in church planting? Whether you’re just thinking about it, or you’re ready to move forward, this is your next step.
Check out iwanttoplantachurch.cawhere we help take the guesswork out of church multiplication.
If you require specific files or need help, please don't hesitate to get in touch through multiplynetwork@paoc.org
Articles and Blogs
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on the Church in America
In the days, months, and years after COVID-19, when America (and much of the world) will be rebuilding, the church has an opportunity to give a glimpse of the kingdom of God that was inaugurated at Jesus’ first coming and will be consummated at his return. The glimpse of the King and his kingdom is more than just spiritual reconciliation with God.
Read MoreThe Mental & Emotional Health of Pastors and Their Congregants Amid COVID-19
In this unprecedented time full of disruptions and uncertainty, Barna has continued to check in on pastors and church leaders across the U.S. In this article, we’ll look at the findings from this week’s national pastor panel data, featured on the latest ChurchPulse Weekly episode, to see what pastors have to say about their own mental and emotional well-being, as well as that of their congregants.
Read More6 Ways to Shepherd When You Can't See the Sheep
In the wake of our pandemic, many godly shepherds are now faced with the daunting challenge of shepherding from a distance. We can’t be with the sheep, at least not in the ways that were once understood. So, what’s a shepherd to do now that proximity with the sheep is impossible?
Read MoreStay Connected with Multiply Network
Donate
Your donation will go to our efforts as a Fellowship to further God’s kingdom work. Our goal is to see 1,500 disciplemaking communities by December 2020. This goal will only be realized as we partner with God to do His work, and as we support these efforts with both prayer and the finances necessary to see goal realized.
Thank you for your support.
We appreciate your partnership as we work towards having access points all across our nation for people to hear the gospel message. We truly thank you for your financial gift and for your continued prayers as we expand into new communities, context and cultures in Canada.