Why are churches unable to stay open and grow? In an age where the Canadian population is growing, churches nationwide seem to be shrinking. The media calls it “the age of secularism,” but I call it a “wake-up call for the churches in Canada.”

Our Canadian churches have the greatest opportunity to reverse the trend of decreasing Christian influence in Canada. It works when we obey Christ and shed off everything else. We invite you to join us at the Church Vitalization Summit on August 29 and 30 for two 90-minute virtual sessions on reversing the trend in Canada.

Our Canadian churches have the greatest opportunity to reverse the trend of decreasing Christian influence in Canada. It works when we obey Christ and shed off everything else. We invite you to join us at the Church Vitalization Summit on August 29 and 30 for two 90-minute virtual sessions on reversing the trend in Canada.

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.

Why does a covering for pastoral ministry matter? Phil Kniesel has been pastoring for 25 years. Some of his most incredible experiences in ministry and significant opportunities have all happened because of the tribe he finds himself in – the PAOC.

Why is it important to belong to the PAOC and the ABNWT District? Mark MacKnight had a front-row seat to the benefits and blessings of belonging through his parents' ministry. As he began his own journey, responding to his own call to vocational ministry, he found myself taking his own steps toward belonging.

What price will I be called to pay as a Christian Leader in Canada in the days ahead? The societal cost of radical faith in Canada in 2023 and beyond.

Why should I preach directly from the Word of God? This Book is indestructible! It will survive every attempt to destroy it, modify it, nullify it, weaken, or ban it.

Were you able to join us at Ministers Gathering 2023? Over 500 ministers and their families joined us for a time of connection, renewal and equipping at the Banff Park Lodge in Banff, Alberta. This is a valuable family connection time and helps us support and encourage one another as we endeavour to reach the 4.1 million souls in our region.

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.

Do you manage your time well? Time management is a key component in effective leadership for pastors. Unfortunately, this is an area that many pastors struggle with. The nature of ministry is relational and entrepreneurial; these are often tensions that pull at one another. Is it possible to get things done and develop relationships with people? Here’s a look at how you can excel in managing your time.

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.

As ministers, prayer must be the engine that drives everything we do. We cannot move ahead without guidance and direction from God in prayer. Prayer allows us to unload our burdens before God and to take on His direction in our lives. Prayer is never rote or mechanical; it is always vibrant and alive, a real-time conversation with the creator of the universe.

Is the church a club for Christians, or is it a force for Kingdom expansion? When Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not stand against it” (Matthew 16:18), was He thinking of a Sunday AM service with 40 minutes of singing and 40 minutes of preaching? Was he thinking of an audience listening to one person talk at them?

After four years away, over 500 delegates were excited to join in person. There was also much thought and care given to those attending virtually. All in all, the sense of the event was positive and filled with anticipation.

What will our next 75 years look like? While it is impossible to predict what society will look like in the future, we can be sure that we will strive to accomplish our four core values regardless.

As the world begins to open back up, travel restrictions loosen, and mandates relax, the tendency is to want to get back to the way things were. For the church, this wouldn’t be the best idea.