Congolese National Meeting – Leaders Summit

Nine pastors and an elder, all representing African diaspora churches from across Canada, met with CCMBC, provincial, and Multiply leaders at a special summit held June 5-7 at Steinbach Bible College. The primary purpose of the gathering was to listen and learn from one another. All participants wanted to better understand how all parties could support one another in making healthy disciple-making churches.

The summit began with participants introducing themselves, their families and ministries. Each person was then asked to share a story about their family’s immigrating to Canada, whether it was recent or many years ago. Most shared very difficult circumstances as being the reason for coming to Canada – war, famine, persecution, lack of any type of future for their children.

The main session focused on responding to four questions:

• What are the challenges faced?
  • Language barriers
  • Financial resources
  • Need for a facility
  • Next generation divide
• What does togetherness look like?
  • New Cdn. churches are willing to contribute.
  • New Cdn. leaders want to be involved.
  • Can we be curious about each other?
  • Networking is vital.
• What does fruitfulness look like?
  • Legacy and new Cdn. churches must “go” out with the gospel.
  • Making disciples who make disciples.
  • We must release our next generation.
• Where do we go from here?
  • Leadership training.
  • Help with evangelizing in a Canadian culture.
  • Resources for the ministry of the church.

Key quote: “Canada is a mission field which we are all called to reach with the gospel.”

SKMB Communications