Missional Church Consultation

Understanding our times.

Canada is changing. Kenya is changing. The world is changing.

Is the Church changing?

Dr. Rob Patterson challenged the gathering of Canadian and Kenyan Christian leaders at the beginning of Tuesday's discussions: "The men of Issachar (I Chronicles 12:32) were passionate and hardworking -- "men who understood their times" -- Are you?

Throughout the past two weeks, this group of Canadian pastors has been exploring the challenges and opportunities facing the church in Canada, England and Kenya with other key Christian leaders struggling with these same questions. Together their experiences and considerations has been shaping a fuller understanding of what it means to be the "missional church".

Bishop Ndambuki of the Africa Brotherhood Church (ABC) with Dr. Rev. Karanje of the African Christian Church & Schools (ACC&S) during the "Canadian Baptist Ministries Missional Church Consultation" held in Limuru, Kenya.

Participants of the consultation gathering for a photograph on the steps of the Jumuia Conference Centre. The main body of the consultation was made up of twelve Canadian Baptist pastors and twelve Kenyan pastors. As part of the week, the Kenyan pastors hosted their Canadian counterparts in their homes and churches. On behalf of our Kenyan contingent, I want to thank Cal, Rob, Laurie, Jim, Mark, Ross, David, Don, Jonathan, Paul, Randy, and Joyce for the encouragement and insight that you've shared with us.

Some highlights from our time: Watching the pastors having fun with the Somali women of Iftin; One on one times with the Kenyan pastors; Witnessing twelve pastors actually keep within their allotted speaking times (12 presentation in under an hour -- astonishing!); great conversations around a coffee pot (thanks Laurie); Crowding around a small television to watch the inaugaration of president Obama; bartering in the duka jungle; and of course Malcolm's 65th birthday party! We'll miss you all!