Ontario Churches Challenged to Be Missional

February 2, 2008 -- A recent conference presented by Christian Reformed Church Home Missions Central and Eastern Canada Ministry Team challenged more than 200 people to focus on the communities outside their congregations' walls.

"Missional Living: Touching Lives . . . Impacting Communities," which was held in January at Georgetown CRC in Georgetown, Ontario, attracted ministry leaders from churches all across Ontario. They came to hear speakers like Dwayne Cline, pastor of Hughson St. Baptist Church in urban Hamilton, Ontario, who spoke on the theme, "From Maintenance to Missions."

In his address, Cline explored how churches can go from maintaining the status quo to becoming missional forces for God’s kingdom through deliberate outreach programs.

During this session, a member of First Hamilton CRC spoke about how that church has successfully moved from maintenance to missional through community outreach.

"Duane challenged all of us to be incarnational in our communities, to care for the poor, and get involved in local schools and other institutions," observes Hilda VanderKlippe, ministry developer for evangelism for the Central and Eastern Canada Ministry Team of Home Missions. "He showed us how we can bless the cities we’re in, and he inspired us all to live outside our comfort zones by being more evangelistic."

The conference also featured 14 workshops, including sessions led by Home Missions staff members. Workshops covered topics such as prayer, evangelism, youth, church planting, neighborhood outreach, and small groups.

The Home Missions Central and Eastern Canada Ministry Team serves CRCs in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.

—Ben Van Houten, Christian Reformed Home Missions