As pastor Andreas Tabert heads into the fall, he’s mindful of (and grateful for) the steady presence of Christ in and through Capilano Christian Assembly (Edmonton, AB).
CCA is a growing and spiritually vibrant group of believers who are committed to God, each other, and their community.
Andreas knows their history of faithfulness and unity isn’t to be taken for granted – but recognizes it is evidence of God’s continued work through the hearts and minds of people who desire to be true to their calling as the people of God in their particular context.
While the fall doesn’t necessarily hold anything out of the ordinary for them as a church, Andreas and the elders are committed to leading the church through consensus as they think through complex issues of our time.
Even grieving with each other as the reality of today hits home.
It means careful study of the Word, reliance on the Spirit through prayer, and patience as they listen to God, discerning which cultural movements can be embraced and which need to be questioned.
Together, Andreas and the elders wonder what their vision of growth might be.
The September long weekend was almost 80% full – so how to steward this growth well?
Just this past spring, several key volunteer positions opened up within the church – children’s ministry, youth ministry, young adults ministry.
These were big positions to fill.
He wondered who might step in and was reminded of God’s faithfulness as qualified and invested people signed up to serve.
Though there’s challenges and things to figure out, these are not met with despair or hopelessness.
Just as God has been with them throughout the decades, Andreas and the team of elders continue to trust that God will sustain and provide and direct.
That steadiness of spirit.
That persevering hope.
That “long obedience in the same direction” (to use one of Andreas’ favourite titles.)
These are the particular graces of God for this congregation as they desire to keep close company with God.