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cmA.ca: How do you see justice and compassion becoming more prominent at the local church parish level? What are some practical, effective strategies churches can implement at the local level?
 FP: The Parish concept is a way to set acceptable boundaries on our involvement in the community so that our involvement may be very deep and holistic. I encourage churches to define a geographic and/or demographic boundary which they realistically believe they can influence. When that has been determined I encourage them to survey the area so that spiritual needs may be identified and so that justice and compassion needs may also be identified.
One church discovered that the children of the local elementary school were in need of fresh fruit. The church now supplies that need for those children. Another church has become the chaplain for a mall. The list of opportunities to serve is almost endless if we will get out into the community and ask questions. |
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cmA.ca: In your report you suggested that by the year 2030 you wanted the C&MA to be recognized across Canada as a church that walks the talk, where justice and compassion is reality, not just theology. From your perspective what will things look like by 2030?
FP: In 2030 I believe that every church will know what it does to bring the presence of Christ into the lives of people around it, and that will include practical ministry and spiritual ministry. And I believe the people in the surrounding communities will sense the love of Christ from these congregations, even if they never ever attend. |
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cmA.ca: What are some of the key changes we have to make as a denomination to realize this vision?
FP: As stated above, we have to take the positive step of actually knowing what goes on in our communities, and listen to our communities, and respond to the needs that they express. There is no use at all talking about justice and compassion, we simply need to get out there and do it. |
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cmA.ca: What we are really talking about is a transformation of how this denomination, the Church, and Christians address the issues of justice and compassion. What do you see as the biggest obstacle to overcome to make this transformation happen?
FP: The biggest hurdle is our own personal agendas. For myself, I have a very busy schedule. But, I want to respond as my local church calls me to help. And each of us must make this commitment. |
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cmA.ca: Who needs to take the lead on the ground at the local parish level? Is this more of a bottom up grass roots movement or a visionary top leadership issue?
FP: Of course the pastor and elders must take the lead. But, in every congregation there are people to whom the Lord speaks and he lays a burden and vision on their heart. So, if you are one of those people to whom the Lord has given a cry for a need around your church, speak up. Your elders may not have seen it for the Lord may desire you to be the one to point it out. And, accept responsibility, for the church cannot move forward until people step out and say that they are willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus for this need. |
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cmA.ca: Do you have some final thoughts to share with our readers?
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FP: Let us remember that love is not an abstraction, it is an action. We need to show God?s love, not once, but as a lifestyle. |
We need to show God's love, not once, but as a lifestyle |
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Peter White is an independent communication, media and adult education consultant |
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 Dr. Franklin Pyles on expressing the love of Christ as a lifestyle
by Peter White |
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When the authorities found out they were given five days to leave the country they called home
Anonymous |
DEPARTMENTS
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Feeding Your Mind |
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Practice of Prayer |
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Impressions |
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Alliance Compassion |
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Ministry Tracks |
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Your Church |
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World at Your Door |
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Now You Know |
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