Fellowship Views FEBC Bands with Evangelical Organizations by Blaine Donaldson, President


On behalf of the Fellowship, I have been privileged to attend several meetings of presidents of Canadian evangelical denomina- tions. Tese gatherings are hosted by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) (evangelicalfellowship.ca), of which FEBC Canada is a member. EFC represents us to the Canadian govern- ment and to Canadian media. Tere are several purposes for these meetings and my attendance at them. I hope to accomplish: 1. Representation of FEBC views and perspectives in the broader evangelical community. FEBC is one of the more Biblically con- servative of the groups represented. Our voice needs to be heard.


2. To raise awareness of relevant cultural and societal issues and the evangelical efforts to address these issues. Current issues include the Truth and Reconciliation Commission regard- ing residential schools and a Christian response to the First Nations community. Physician-assisted suicide is another issue that is especially relevant at the current time. Sweeping legisla- tion is proposed and will likely be introduced to Parliament by the time you read this. Awareness of efforts and opportunities for facilitating the Syrian refugee integration into Canada is a significant point of discussion.


3. To evaluate the practicality of strategic partnerships with other Canadian evangelical denominations. FEBC is small, and our resources are limited. I am developing relationships with key leaders in other Evangelical denominations in the hopes of opening doors so that FEBC could participate in things like the sponsorship of a Syrian immigrant family. Tese meetings provide information on many other potential strategic part- nerships as well.


4. To glean ideas, inspiration and encouragement to do what God is calling us to do. It is exciting to hear what the Lord is doing


Churches seeking lead pastors: Hodgson Bible Church: While Hodgson had a promising candidate, some medical insurance issues have interfered with his ability to come. Please ask God to provide a pastor for them.


Grunthal EMB Church: Te pastoral search is continuing. Please pray for them. What’s Your Story?


We would love to hear how you have used an opportunity to share the Gospel with someone. On the back page a “Catch the Vision” story is featured each month. We’re looking primarily for “proclamation stories,” not of how someone came to Christ, but how God opened an opportunity for you to tell someone about Jesus. Send your story (about 400 words) to fellowshipfocus@febcministries.org.


Fellowship Focus, May/June 2016 5


in other denominations. Many of the topics that I have written about in my column began with ideas that came out of my meetings with leaders from other denominations. EFC represents dozens of denominations and more than


7,000 Canadian Evangelical churches. Yes, there are consequential theological differences amongst the leaders who gather in this capacity. But the meetings I have attended have been marked by a profound sense of humility and a strong desire to embrace each other as brothers and sisters in the Lord. I would suggest that our Fellowship is in 90 percent agreement theologically with the de- nominations of the EFC. Again, there are consequential differenc- es, but what we hold in common is far more consequential than what separates us. I do not envision any scenario where merger would be possible. However, brotherly love and mutual respect are more than possible. I believe that this is commanded of us (cf. Ephesians 4:1-3). As Christians become more and more marginalized in Canadi-


an society, it becomes more important that we know that we are not alone. I have spent many hours in prayer with the presidents of dozens of Canadian denominations. I am humbled to be count- ed among them. FEBC USA has just renewed its membership with the


National Association of Evangelicals. I am looking into what practical opportunities are available to make similar connections on this side.


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