What It Means to Be a Part of The PAOC Family?
I strongly believe that the Lord’s hand is still on the PAOC fellowship. For me, to be a part of the PAOC family is to be a part of great potential. Potential to see the Lord move in a fresh and new way as He shapes, moulds and forms His body together to steward the next move of His Spirit in our nation. I believe that a move of God is imminent and needed, not just in the PAOC but also in other incredible denominations and fellowships across the globe. I also believe we are perfectly positioned to see this move of God in our lifetime. When I think about the infrastructure, processes, theological foundation, the new SOET and the people in our fellowship, I think, “God! Do it again! We are primed and ready! And we need it!
When I think of the 1100+ churches in our fellowship and see the faithful work of the saints, I see great potential for leaders, both young and old, to steward and welcome the harvest of souls that is coming. Calling PAOC my family means having brothers and sisters to labour alongside and collectively carry the burdens and victories we see in our day-to-day ministries. It means having brothers and sisters to lift and encourage one another through intercession and encouragement. The conduit of the PAOC has so much potential for God to move in a fresh way, and it truly is a beautiful thing to be in a family that longs for another move of God. We have our systems and structures in place, but we don’t allow them to handcuff God in our fellowship. These systems and structures set the table for God to bring the meal. A meal that this fellowship longs for and that I have full confidence God will receive all the glory and honour for.
That’s what being a part of this family means to me. It is a privilege to be a part of a fellowship bigger than myself or the local church I’m serving. It is an honour to be part of a fellowship that hungers and thirsts for God’s kingdom to come and for His will to be done in Canada as it is in heaven. Do it again, Lord!
James grew up in Devon, where his parents, Simon and Ruth Clarence, were church planters. He received a BTh from Portland Bible College. James is the Associate Pastor at First Assembly, Calgary. He is married to Karina and a dad to Lennon and Kendrick.