It has been wonderful to see Canada in the spotlight thanks to the Winter Olympics - a host to the nations! And in January, leaders from across Eastern Canada gathered for a conference hosted by The Kings Family Church in Oakville, Ontario. We were joined by guest speakers Jeremy Simpkins (Manchester, UK) and Roger Bye (Cockermouth, UK).
Jeremy opened the conference by declaring God’s promise that Canada will be a reproducing, church-planting nation. This reproduction will not just be for the benefit of Canada, but for the nations! From small beginnings, our Newfrontiers churches are in a new phase of leadership here. We’re coming out of the desert and into a new phase of establishment and growth. Speaking from Joshua 5, Jeremy addressed the need to take seriously the responsibility of working together with other churches, not in isolation, but in unity for the purposes of God. Our working together will be fruitful if we, like Joshua, submit ourselves to God’s plans with devotion and obedience. As we choose to align ourselves with Jesus and His prophetic plans for Canada, Jeremy prophesied that we would see a huge flock of churches in Canada raised up!
Jeremy’s message was followed by a momentous time in the Spirit, fuelled by Danny Duggan (Kings Church, Edinburgh, UK) prophetically playing the drums. The Spirit of unity and a sense of delight in being on the Lord’s side was very present in the room. Again, God spoke, declaring that as we align ourselves with Him we will be victorious torchbearers for Christ. The promises are gold!
Chris Maclean (The Kings Family Church, Ontario) brought a powerful message to those gathered regarding partnership in mission. As the Apostle Paul’s work depended on fellowship and partnership, so we too need to promote ourselves to servanthood. As we turn our backs on independence and partner together, we will have a thunderous impact on Canada and the nations.
Roger Bye addressed the need for biblical shepherding leadership in the afternoon session, speaking from Exodus 32. If we are to see churches strengthened and growing, we need to release the correct gift of leadership. We need churches with leaders who are first and foremost servant-hearted; not lusting after glory and power and position. It’s a costly calling, but our lives are not our own, they have been bought at a price! As we turn from impatience, idol-making, independence and indulgence, striving instead for perseverance, partnership with a passion for Jesus, we will move forward together.
This was a significant weekend. Leaders from Milton in Ontario to Fredericton, New Brunswick were prayed for and prophesied over. We are thrilled that David Campbell and others from Owen Sound, Ontario were with us, who are becoming part of Newfrontiers. Several couples from the UK also attended, looking to join in with our mission in Canada. The homegrown worship leaders and musicians who served us so well were a particular joy.
The Winter Olympics might be over, but the establishment of a radical, New Testament Church right across Canada is just beginning!
