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 can we make the most of the summer schedule? The summer is often the time when you’ll get guests visiting. This is not a time to dial back. It’s a time to get the most out of your summer ministry season. You can hack your summer in the following ways.

What is one thing I can do to be a better leader? Churches that see healthy growth have people who are pursuing God and getting a fresh sense of God’s passion for the lost every week. There are many things a congregation can do to see healthy growth but two that only a pastor can do.

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.

Did you know that the next biggest Sunday of the year is similar to Easter Sunday? Here are some great Mother’s Day ideas for the second biggest Sunday of the Year. People who don’t usually attend church might come on this Sunday too.

How do I create a healthy, biblical church that is growing in discipleship and maturity? Searching for ways to lead in the power of the Spirit? Eager to pass on the faith to the next generations? Look more like your neighbourhood? Reach your full kingdom potential? The Acts 2 Journey is for you.

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.

How can our church have a bigger impact at Easter with fewer volunteers? In 2023 you resolved to reach people in your community with the life-changing message of Jesus. What better time than Easter to host a community outreach? The best day to begin planning for Easter is today.

Ready to think about spring outreaches? Here are four fantastic outreaches you can do this spring. The sky is brightening. The air is warming. The snow is melting – well, not quite yet. But spring is coming, and this is a great opportunity to reach your community in the coming months. Your church can make a difference in your community by meeting the needs of your community. Building bridges of relationship and connection to the people who are not yet a part of your church but will be one day.

Is your church stuck? Do you find yourself in the tension of organizational structure and relational equity? Once you decide to focus on these seven things, you can begin to work and develop them as you go forward. The blend of organization and organism embedded in each of these areas will keep you growing in numbers while also growing in depth of relationship and commitment to Christ.

Why should I be optimistic about the coming year? “Aside from these five unalterable facts, I know nothing about the course 2023 will take. But, knowing these things, I know enough.” Our Pastoral Care Coordinator, Al Downey, predicts a banner year for Christ and His Kingdom on Earth.

How well can you lead changes in your church or ministry? Organizational change is inevitable. Unfortunately, it’s not easy. The true test of any leader is their ability to lead change in an organization. Pastors must lead change. They must lead it well. Here are five things you can do to lead change well.

What does the latest Census data reveal about the Canadian Church? The Canadian Census for 2021 was released recently, and the insights into Religion, Christianity and the Church in Canada are insightful. Although it’s not a positive picture overall, church leaders must press into this data instead of ignoring it; allow the information to challenge you to innovate, create and re-imagine ministry in Canada in these coming years.

What kinds of successful Kids’ Events are happening in the province? Kathy Zelman, our Children and Family Ministry Specialist, celebrates the wins of the Fall and Christmas season of events – especially outbound!

What can I do to help my church prevail in 2023? We can't see the future, but we can create it. Here is a reflection on ministry in 2022 and a projection for harvest in 2023.

How can our church bless another church or ministry? Now is the perfect time to consider how you can partner for a transformational summer ministry that reaches lost people, gives lift and builds partnership relations.

There are opportunities for the community at Christmas. We know that a lot of our community only attends at Christmas and Easter, so how do we reach them for Christ? Alayne Durand shares what BP Church in Calgary does at Christmas to build relationships all year round.

How can small churches have a big impact on their community this Christmas? Here are some ideas from guest writer Carolyn Wentzel from City South Church.