Connie Jakab talks about being a brave leader but has noticed people who usually don’t see themselves as leaders: people like parents (even though you’re only raising the next generation), teachers (who only have influenced everyone you see today), and entrepreneurs (who bring new ideas to solve problems and lead change in our world). Here’s how she moved past fear.

What changes are you planning in the future? Don’t stay where you are. Keep moving forward. Make sure that as you change, you navigate through some of these challenges in a healthy way. Whenever we implement change, we can either underestimate or overestimate how complicated it can be.

I'm feeling overwhelmed by challenges. Where can I turn for help? Every pastor faces three challenges. Each one is big. Sometimes, all three will gang up on you on the same day. The nature of your ministry will be changed in these crucial moments, and you can ensure the changes are for the best.

What should I do when I have been badly hurt? My mentor heard my diatribe in silence. Then the wise old sage gave me some advice I have carried with me ever since that day.

Why should we receive counselling support? Christian counselling is a wonderful complement to our faith journey for many reasons. This article will explore those reasons.

Why would a church create a preteen ministry instead of combining this age group with kids or youth? Tweens are at a unique time in their lives when they need critical investment. It is a time when they make many life decisions and form their values.

How were we using our resources (both time and money) for VBS programs? Read why Jon DuHamel thinks that VBS needs to pivot in Canada.

How do I best disciple the people around me? Team leadership is the best leadership.

Can I make ministry a lifetime vocation? Al Downey, our Pastoral Care Director, gives some tips for staying in the race until the end.

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.

Can community service transform a congregation? Mill Creek Christian Assembly became like family to Ukrainian refugees. Congregants opened their homes in 2022 as more and more displaced families arrived.

How can our congregation make a difference in our community? Recently, the congregation in St. Paul initiated an outreach to local indigenous people and have seen many residents from Saddle Lake, Goodfish, Kehewin, Fishing Lake and Frog Lake reserves attend Sunday services in 2023.

A young Bible College graduate recently asked me, "Pastor Al, what has kept you in a place of vocational ministry for well over four decades?" His question was direct and simple, the answer not so much. Here it is with my attempted response.

How can you reach more families with young children? Many churches struggle with this question as they find that they are an older congregation or they think they don’t have the volunteer capacity to reach out to families. Here are some simple ways you can reach families with young children that won’t cost you a lot of money and utilize a lot of volunteers.

How many hours a week are you in your community? I encourage pastors to allocate 5 hours a week to be in their community, connecting with non-believers and building bridges of connection to people not a part of the church. Here are some ways to get out of your office and into 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.

Is the Acts 2 Journey helpful as a process of unifying, vitalizing and empassioning a congregation? Read how the Acts 2 Journey provided clarity and focus for Mark McMillan and his church in Cold Lake.

Feeling overwhelmed? You are not alone. Cut yourself some slack. You are a frontline worker. Pastors are on the frontlines every week, dealing with other people’s issues as well as those in your immediate family. And the unrealistic expectations that others place on you add to the overwhelm.