How could our church support local athletes and share the gospel? First Assembly in Medicine Hat has become one of the most highly engaged Canadian churches in chaplaincy to a local sports team. The WHL Tigers organization trusts the church as a partner in the development of their young men. Players in the WHL (ages 16-20) live away from home, balance hockey and school, and face pressure that their peers wouldn’t understand, but they appreciate mentoring with no strings attached.
Get Out of Your Office and Into Your Community
Being A Solution Provider In Your Community
Are you a solution provider in your community? Churches often see themselves as "providers of religious goods and services" in the place where they are located. They relegate themselves to society's "faith and religion" aspects and do their best to stay in their lane. However, the Church of Jesus Christ is called to make an impact on the world it is a part of.
Christmas is Much More than Fa La La La La
Why Are They Not Coming Back is the Wrong Question
Have you ever asked why aren't people coming back to your church? I know this seems a little opposite of how we typically view church; come here, and we’ll fill you up for the week. But, I would say we have an opportunity here to reframe what church looks like in this season and meet people where they’re at. The gospel never changes, but our methods can change constantly.
5 Characteristics of a Vitalized Church
What does a vitalized church in Canada actually look like? The reality is every church is on a trajectory and we can’t look at an individual month or year, but we need to look at the overall trends and characteristics of a church that is vitalized. Let’s look at 5 characteristics of a vitalized church.
How Your Church Can Change Lives in Public Schools
The Turn Around Church Movement In Canada
12 Ways To Be A Welcoming Church
Our Canadian churches have the greatest opportunity to reverse the trend of decreasing Christian influence in Canada. It works when we obey Christ and shed off everything else. We invite you to join us at the Church Vitalization Summit on August 29 and 30 for two 90-minute virtual sessions on reversing the trend in Canada.
Reaching Young Families When You Have None
God at Work in Rural Canada
Reversing the Trend
Our Canadian churches have the greatest opportunity to reverse the trend of decreasing Christian influence in Canada. It works when we obey Christ and shed off everything else. We invite you to join us at the Church Vitalization Summit on August 29 and 30 for two 90-minute virtual sessions on reversing the trend in Canada.
The 100 Opportunity
What kind of strategies will help me break the 100 barrier, and why I should care? The 100 Opportunity is just that – an opportunity to get unstuck, reach people, grow yourself, and your church. We all know that attendance is not the be-all and end-all of church. However, it is one part of the character of your church. Some leaders see 100 in attendance as a “barrier,” but it really is an opportunity. An opportunity to spur congregational prayer, community impact, and make new disciples. Isn’t that what you pray for?
Creating A Space For Belonging
On May 10, 2023, over 260 pastors and ministry leaders from across the Alberta and Northwest Territories gathered for a round table for a family forum-styled conference to discuss what it means to “Belong, Grow, and Serve” together in the PAOC family in our region. The day was buzzing as people made new connections, visited with old friends and dialled into the day's agenda. Here are seven things that we learned at this past District Conference.
How To Hack Your Summer
A Line in the Sand
DISCIPLES MAKING DISCIPLES
When we think of making disciples as in the Great Commission, we wonder, now what? That started me on a 3-year journey to understand how the local church and the average believer can play their part in the Great Commission, in the making of these disciples. Read more from Brad Murray, PAOC Mission Global Worker to Latin America.
The Next Biggest Sunday of The Year
The Acts 2 Journey
19 Ideas For An Easter Chain Reaction
What are some practical ways to invite in more guests and for them to have an awesome experience at Easter? Imagine starting an Easter chain reaction. See lives transformed. Entire families coming to know Jesus. Building relationships with guests. All because you designed your Easter service to be about more than Easter.