Toronto Church

Surviving the Tornado

2011-11-13T11:50:00.001-08:00

Burlington Community Church has been going through some changes as we have seen God send us more people. We have entitled the November series, Tornado Survival for Dummies. This is a series designed to go through the storms of doctrine that sway a person with "every wind of doctrine." My initial purpose was to teach and preach about the foundations and truths that will always guide our vision and purpose.

The series has taken a turn because I started to think systemically about the church and how to survive storms so we (as a church) stand strong. We began with restating our vision. This is a good place to start so we know what we are standing firm on. BCC is Building Community in Christ! We are to build each other up in faith, reach out to our community all for the cause of Christ and the changes He has made in our lives! What a wonderful way to think through what God has done for us.

Today, I focused on a Servant's Heart and what that means. Commitment and to each other and service makes all the difference in the world! It is also what bonds our hearts together in Christ. I am the closest and strongest with those who I serve and serve with. That bond is the strength like a rock that can stand the winds and storms.

Next week we finally get to the doctrinal pieces. It is not enough to have a vision and commitment. It MUST be anchored in the Word of God and the truth that each church must have to stand for years to come. We are proud of our church and can't wait to bring this message next Sunday!

2011-09-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

October! This month holds some very busy but fun memories for Tracey and me. We used to lead a big event at our church in Virginia called Trunk or Treat. It was a lot of fun and had a lot going on in a 2 hour window of time that ended with a professional fireworks display. What a fun thing to do for trick or treaters and church families. We had as many as 7000 in attendance one year but that crowd was a little overwhelming.

Though we are not doing something that grandiose in Burlington, we are hosting a series of Sunday sermons called, Beyond the Grave. A man who just started coming to our church and reconnecting after years away from the Lord did some great artwork for us. Very happy to have him around.

For this series, we are going to explore messages from people beyond the grave. Hollywood has given its spin on these concepts through character popular to teenagers. In the last few years, there has been a fascination with vampires, werewolves, zombies and other beyond the grave creatures. Why not show what the Bible has to say about this and what really happens Beyond the Grave. It is a scary reality unless you have faith in Christ.

One Year!

2011-09-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

Burlington Community Church is one year old! We have had some tremendous things happen and have to praise God for all the He has done. We could not have come this far if He were not our guide. The Bible says it is foolish to build on any other foundation than Christ so that is what we have tried to do.

On August 28, 2011, we had 64 in attendance! To have that many is incredible and it is the highest attendance we have enjoyed so far. There were a lot of guests both from Burlington and other places. It is always a blessing to have family around and my parents were there to celebrate with us. Tracey's mom also made the trip up from Windsor with an old friend from years ago. I really appreciated them being there!

Allan Gallant and his group from Church By The Canal came to worship with us for the day. This church planted last fall and will soon celebrate their one year anniversary. There are a number of us who are partners in ministry and watching God work in our churches. We are blessed to have other pastors starting churches and reaching out to help each other. Allan and others are becoming great friends in ministry up here.

Tom and Tammy Haines from FEB Central were also there. Tom helped us get the paperwork and process done to become a legal entity in Canada. Not only that, but he brought a check to pay off our sound system. What a blessing to have that bill behind us so we can use our funds in greater outreach ways.

Finally, some sweet friends from Fair Oaks Church showed up to encourage us. The King family and Jackie Jones and some of her family arrived that morning. We did not know they were coming but so thankful they made the trip. To complete the day of Fair Oaks Church visitors, we were blessed to have so many great wishes from the staff and friends via video. Pastor Stokes completed the video with his greeting. The video was such a hit for our church family that 2 couples will probably take a trip to visit VA this fall. I am looking forward to them getting some ideas and support from our home church!

All in all, it was a day of celebration for the things God has done. We are working hard talking to the Burlington guests and asking them to be a part of what we are doing. Some of these guests still need to make a faith commitment to Christ so we are busy in our witness too. We pray we are double our size in a month then moving forward to greater things in year 2!

Looking Back

2011-07-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have had a lot of reflection lately as we approach the 1 year anniversary of the Burlington Community Church. I had been warned of the difficulties of the first year as a church planter and even more so when it is just your family to start. As I think through what we have accomplished and how much there is still to do, I can get overwhelmed but have a sense of joy for the things God has done!

When I look back over the year, we have had a lot of activities and lives we have touched along the way. From neighbors we met at the beginning to church attenders, we have met people that have enriched and blessed our lives! We have seen 3 salvation decisions and hope to see more before the year is out. We are approach

ing our first baptism service and will baptize a man who has become so faithful in the church and helping with our music ministry. There are times that his growth in the Lord has been the fuel to my passion for ministry here.

Soon, another man in our church will take a post as a minister in prisons in Hamilton. He has his orientation soon and will begin leading men to Christ in that setting. Praise the Lord for that! He and I have been meeting weekly for prayer and Bible study since the church began. I love to see a committed Christian who grew up in church take a position of service. I wish all who grew up in church would see that potential and press on in Christ!

My daughters have grown in the Lord. They have a place of service and using their voices and talents for the Lord weekly. I cannot begin to describe the gift God has given this church with the work they and Tracey do.

Tracey has been helping in every aspect of ministry here and I am VERY thankful for her in my life! Last week we celebrated 21 years of marriage. Her mother and brother came up from Windsor and took us to dinner to celebrate.

Tracey is not only helping me but she has picked up a position for Toronto Church Planting. She is an administrator for them and helping us connect with more support organizations. I am so thankful for her drive and determination in this area of ministry in Canada.

We have been blessed by FEB Central helping us get planted and a group to fellowship with too. This church planting group helped us file paperwork to begin our church, took me to a conference and connected us with a group of pastors I have enjoyed working with. This group helped me get my credentials to marry people in Ontario too. Enjoying the networks God has used to help me.

Finally, we have been blessed by Fair Oaks Church that has taken care of my salary and some to begin this work in the GTA. Pastor Stokes has been there when I called for help and offers excellent advice! We had the Vision TO Team up from Fair Oaks here last summer, Mike and Brenda Zizolfo in the fall, Brooks and Izzy (and Bella) Franklin around Thanksgiving time to help with an outreach, Jenny Alt up for a visit during Christmas, Christian, Stephanie and the youth group up for a missions trip and dodge ball tournament early April, Jim and Fran Clifton dropped in during a business trip in Rochester, NY, and Phil and Amber Bassham (Penny and Nate too) and Taylor Boose up for Ceilidh's graduation and tech ministry support in June. Very grateful for Fair Oaks Church support!

Though it has taken a lot to carve out what little we have now, we are praying for God to open the windows of heaven and bless u

s more in year #2! Our highest attendance was 50 this year and lowest 8. If you haven't been up to visit, consider coming to our Anniversary Sunday! It is August 28th!

Lord Bless You and keep us in your prayers!!!

I Was Broke...

2011-07-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

As I pray and work through what God would have me to do in ministry and for the next series of talks, God seemed to keep pulling me toward the topic of finances. Some of it born out of my own frustration over money and others from those in my church who have shared some concerns. Money is certainly one of those areas of life that can keep you discouraged!

It can also destroy relationships. Larry Burkett used to say that he could save 70% of marriages by just helping them with their finances. I believe that to be true! He was a very wise financial adviser who was the first to talk about the 10/10/80 plan. He encouraged families to tithe 10% to their churches, save 10% for self and live on 80%.

We have been using the financial advise of Joe Sangl for our series and I really appreciate his premise for becoming financially free. He presses people to truly be financially free so they can "give to the things they are most passionate about." I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to give more to something but had my finances so stretched that I could not be a help or blessing to anyone! I was always plagued with "if I give this, we won't be able to cover this bill." I HATE living there and do not want to live that close to the edge.

On Sunday we talked about the premises of how we would work through this series. The premises are these:

God is our provider and everything belongs to Him! When we start there, any amount we could/would make is because He has blessed us with the job or the resources we have.
God wants us to plan and use our money/resources wisely as good stewards of what He has entrusted to us.
We reap what we sow. When we use money correctly, we see it reap benefits or have savings we can use. When we use money unwisely or incorrectly, we reap the consequences of those decisions and always find ourselves running out of money or nothing left to spare.
It is more blessed to give than receive! It is always great to give gifts. That is usually the benefit of doing the wise thing with our funds. When we are able to give and give more, we are being blessed and in a place for God to bless us again. You cannot out-give God!

Working from these principles, we are hoping to see God work with and through our church and help others in our community. We had 2 visitors this weekend at Burlington Community Church and look forward to others coming. We also want to see our church get to the point where we are able to do more. Those faithful attenders are also faithful givers, but how much greater this could be if tithing were routine and God blessing because of wise use of funds!

Money, are you needing help with handling it? Hope you will join us or respond to this if I can help...

You Are NOT Invited to Church

2011-06-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to share your faith with someone and all they can gather is that you want them to go to church? I would certainly like them to go to church but hear about the difference Christ makes in their life first. It gets frustrating to try to get people to church anyway. And...I have just as hard a time with convincing Christians and non-Christians by the way. Maybe I am TOO committed but I really think Christians should do what the Bible says and "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing...and all the more as you see the Day approaching." I could go on and on about spiritual disciplines and how Christians need to get with it and start doing what is right...and I am talking about more than just going to church! I wrestle with the fact that for many, Christianity is that thing they do on Sundays then it's back to whatever. For both the Christian and non-Christian, I'd rather call you to something else.

For the person who is not of faith, the idea of church can be boring. You go there, someone my be friendly to you and make you welcome, there is some singing (and that experience can be dreadful), then some guy talks about the Bible (and this experience can be irrelevant), and there may be some coffee, donuts, etc... Nothing to exciting in their mind. "Why would I do this on a Sunday when I can sleep in and enjoy time with my family?" is probably what they are thinking. If I did not believe the Bible to be true and faith essential, that is what I would be doing! That person and I are not that far apart except for one HUGE thing, what I KNOW to be true and that is why church becomes important. I do not want to invite this person to church but I do want to invite them to have a relationship with Christ. I do want them to see their need for salvation and come to faith. THEN...church becomes a no brainer. This is not to say that they cannot come to faith in our church service as they may have been invited to church. Once they are in the doors, I pray the Holy Spirit will convict them of sin and repentance, and that I have done my part in faithfully preaching the Word.

For the person of faith, the Christian, the Christ-follower, I call you to be crucified with Christ! "For I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live; yet not I but Christ Who lives within me." Think about how dynamic that life would be! The conversation of whether or not you came to church would be flat stupid because you would KNOW and understand that Christ gave His life for you and He can live in and through you! You would know the importance of the church because it becomes your place of hope and growth for your future. It is the Bride of Christ and you would want to be a part of it. It would be more than a meeting, it would be a celebration of who Christ is and what He has done in your life. It would become the Family of God for you and you would want to be around your brothers and sisters in Christ. I am not calling you to church attendance but to a life in Christ! A life that realizes there is nothing more important than Him and nothing more exciting than seeing people come to a saving knowledge of Christ, repenting and asking Jesus to be their Savior. Then we all grow in our faith and works so that we are bringing more to faith who will continue to do the same.

So...you are NOT invited to Church. I am inviting you to something far greater and you will NOT miss the Church, His Bride in the process. You hearing me on this one?

One Year!

2011-06-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Wow how time flies! We have been in Burlington for a year as of yesterday. It has been and incredible journey filled with many ups and downs. We have seen God do some great things and want to see more! Actually...have to see more! I am not satisfied with where we are but satisfied with where we are headed. I have a vision for the future that keeps me moving and on my knees. I have hit "crisis moments" when all I wanted to do was quit but I haven't. I am still trying to determine if that is because of God or my own determination...maybe a bit of both! :-)

I am happy about the fact that we have a church running around 30 but had bigger expectations. I am managing through this in my heart and reevaluating my purpose and call. I think this is normal to do...especially at the year mark, right? I have been overwhelmed by the amount of work just to get to this place in Canada and frustrated with the strongholds Satan has in our community. I have waded through moments of discouragement and had nothing but tears. I have been asking God about what is going on and what more I need to do.

I have our church involved in an outreach event once a month and spontaneous ones like the open mic night just this past Friday. I am on a council board with Burlington to help honor outstanding citizens and achievements. I talk to people all the time about our church and the Lord. I volunteer (family too) in a bunch of stuff here. I advertise as much as possible and have put our family in more debt to advertise, so...What more? This verse keeps coming to me "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy!" Psalm 126:5 I am assuming since it is a Bible verse and all, that it is from the Lord. ;-)

What I want to know is...When are we done the sowing in tears part and move on to the reaping in joy part?!! My wife will remind me from time to time that we are in a sowing season and results may not be as big right now. Those that know Tracey and I KNOW that this is a huge twist in our characteristics. It is usually me calming her down and NOT the other way around...

As we find our way through year 2, keep us in prayer. Our church will celebrate it's first year on August 21! Come up to visit us...that is very encouraging for us too! And keep asking God to give us direction. We are here, in place and ready to follow!

Modern Family

2011-05-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

I decided to use a title from a popular TV series for my messages for May and June. With Mother's Day and Father's Day in these months, I thought it would be great o hit a series on the family. We will be discussing a lot to modern family topics and addressing the commitment issue in marriage and to the family that society seems to think is very unimportant.

The commitment to family is so important and the and below is the message I preached this past Sunday. My church family may be looking to finish the outline from Sunday...sorry if it doesn't make sense to you but hope it is a blessing if you study it through!

Text: Ephesians 5:21 – 6:4

Modern Family

…Yet Happy?

q Relationships

“Life is relationships; the rest is just details.” Dr. Scott Sticksel

· Make Jesus first (Matthew 6:33 & Joshua 24:15)

· Commit to your marriage (Matthew 19:6…asunder)

· Enjoy your kids!

q Respect

“Earned respect will always outweigh positional respect.”

· Take responsibility for your own actions (Ephesians 5:21 & Romans 12:10)

· Listen & Understand each other

· Resolve conflicts quickly (Ephesians 4:26)

q Rules

· Follow God’s rules (Psalm 119)

· Agree on Marital rules (Hebrews 13:4)

· Reasonable and age-appropriate rules (Proverbs 22:6 & Ephesians 6:4)

“Rules without relationship lead to rebellion.” Josh McDowell

q Rest

· Comfort and healing

· Creativity and individuality

· Encouragement and instruction

q Reconciliation

· Free to confess

· Free to forgive (Ephesians 4:32 & 1John 1:9)

“I’m sorry, will you please forgive me?”

Mother's Day

2011-05-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

"Did you say something encouraging to your children today? The average parent has 10 negatives to 1 positive. Don't be average. Look for opportunities to express love and encouragement to your children today! If you were critical, remember it takes 4 plus encouragements to negate the effect of one negative statement. Do your best to raise a positive children." Al Menconi Ministries

Mothers have a great responsibility in building their children up. There are so many negative things in this life that can discourage and destroy a child's destiny so home has to be a place for building up not tearing down. If you ever take the time to read a biography of Abraham Lincoln you will discover just how much his mother had a part in building him up. I read one biography of him back in school and another about 6 years ago. What an incredible love he had for her and what potential she saw in him. He was motivated to read and learn while his father wanted him to do chores and a lot of physical labor. His mother found ways for him to do both and told him he would do something great one day. What a wise woman.

I have been blessed with a mother who believed in me and built me up. Time and time again she would instruct me to do the right thing. She also joined many of my backyard baseball games, played cards, games, puzzle races and all sorts of fun activities when we were kids. She instilled such love and acceptance that I had a lot of confidence to do whatever I wanted. From piano lessons to what I do today, I always had confidence. Maybe too much at times! She always did this by staying positive and saying positive things. I was not a perfect kid and I'm sure I gave her many reasons to say something negative. If she did say anything negative, there was more than enough positive to cover it up!

Are you able to say the same of your mother? If you are a mother, are you able to find enough positive things to say about your child(ren)? If it is a struggle for you, here is a great guiding principle. "Whatever is true, noble, honest, right, pure, lovely, admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things!" (Philippians 4:8)

Happy Mother's Day!

Simple yet Profound

2011-04-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt you were doing what you were supposed to, prepared in every way, committed to the task, but just spinning your wheels? I feel that way sometimes. I had this happen to me within the last 2 months. I had been running along on empty for some time. I was doing a lot of things in my own strength and offering nothing to my church or my family. I had not been taking the time to refuel.

At a day conference 2 weeks ago, the speaker talked of our work and how our public life may look good, but it will only be as strong as its roots. He was referring to Psalms 1 and telling us how important it is to have a devoted life because of the growth, fruitfulness and strength it brings. I knew all of this but how easily I forget. I even have all of Psalm 1 memorized and have meditated on it in the past!

The speaker than went on to describe the difference between shallow roots and deep roots. This is where it stared getting too personal for me! I had to confess and ask God to recharge me and fill me. The speaker talked of serving God, our family, and our church from fruitfulness and an over flowing of His work in us rather than giving everything we have until we are empty and unproductive no matter how hard we try.

How do we refuel or get strength? Through our prayer life, listening to God, and worshiping Him! Add to this our hunger and searching in God's Word and He will refresh and renew us. What a powerful message! We gain 10% by reading God's Word, 25% by studying God's Word, 80% by memorizing it and 100% by meditating on God's Word.

This is simple yet profound...things I leaned in the last few weeks. I would like to say I would never forget it but I did in the past. I know God will remind me again in the future because His Word is alive and powerful. I just need to keep seeking and being strengthened by it.

Worst Blogger Ever...

2011-04-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

I am probably the worst blogger ever! I try to find the time to sit down and write and when I find the time, I want to hurry and get it over with. Then, I discover that I haven't blogged in about a month! Makes you wonder why I bother. Well...because that is what a pastor does in this era. We blog, twitter and facebook. Isn't this encouraging? Doesn't it make you want to keep on reading? :-)

Good! Check back next week!!!

Think Outside the Boombox

2011-03-09T11:30:00.000-08:00

Faith or Works?

2011-03-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

Ask Pastor Roy

2011-03-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

To help you remember our February series of talks for BEING IN THE MOOD, I thought I'd share these videos we used as part of a series back at our home church in Fairfax, VA.

You're welcome.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Sacrifice?

2011-01-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

I am often bewildered by how much it takes, costs, and draws out of a person when it comes to planting a church. I was talking to a fellow church planter who said to me, "If you are going to start a church, make sure you are wearing your spiritual cup!" Of course his reference was to the many bumps and bruises along the way to accomplish what God has called us to. At this stage in the game, I can tell you a few stories, oh yeah! Holy cow can I tell you stories of sacrifice...and transition, and loneliness, and discouragement, and frustration, etc... But is it really any different for anyone really trying to do something for God? And are there not just as many rewarding if not better things than the rough stuff we face?

One pastor asked me how I was doing and I jokingly said, "Well, we just need more people and more money." :-) He replied, "Me too!" Is it really any different what we pastors need and pray that God will give us? Nope! Pastors serve a risen Savior who we love to serve and pray that He will bless us according to efforts and sacrifice. Is it wrong to think that or pray that way? Are we really "sacrificing" when Jesus said this, "I tell you the truth...no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life." (Luke 18:29-30) So if we have a promise like this, are we really sacrificing? I would say, No. We are being obedient and God will take care of us. It even sounds to me like we are rewarded in this life and in heaven. Are you reading this the same way I am?

This is a great boost for me on a Monday morning! Mondays can be a day to look at things very negatively but when I read this, I know I just need to stop being a baby, right? Another very precious promise in the Bible that seems to support this idea is this, "and let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9)

Hope you are making sacrifices today because they are certainly rewarded!

About My Wife...

2011-01-17T14:22:00.000-08:00

My wife is a lovely person with a lot of great qualities. I have been married to her for 20 years and she has been my best friend, lover and support of everything I do. I do not give her the credit she deserves for following me in our last adventure to Canada. She couldn't help but wince at what we were embarking on and I played "chicken" with her all the way here! ;-) Neither one of us were going to give up on what we felt God was calling us. We had moments of doubt, anxiety, loneliness, fear and many other feelings but these are enough to mention for now.

On top of all this, we discovered that she has been medicated for her thyroid condition almost 3 times the dosage! Our doctors in VA had a treatment plan to "out smart" the thyroid cells so the body would be "tricked" into thinking there was more than enough chemicals floating around in her body. With that happening, these thyroid cells would not regenerate or do what they were designed to do. With lower activity, there was less chance of cancer forming again in her body. This sounds like a good plan but what was the end result of this? Irritability, lack of concentration, depression, and loss of sleep so bad that she took an ambien (sleeping pill) most nights and still did not sleep many of those nights. This has been her situation for 3 years and I assumed it would be the way we lived from now on.

However, her new doctor wants her to be normal. I think I would like that too! ;-) We are now on a correct dosage and I am looking forward to seeing how she responds. She will notice a little difference in 2 weeks and full difference in 2 months. I will update you on her changes back to being "normal." :-)

I didn't have a deep thing to blog about but I love my wife. That is kind of deep...I am glad she is going to get some relief soon and pray that cancer cells keep away as she adjusts. This doctor would like to try this new treatment and we feel it may be a good thing and time for the adjustment. Believe it or not, she has already been cancer free for about 5 years. Wow! Praise God for that!

So...how lovely is she and what great qualities does she have? She is an amazing cook, very well read, knows sign language, media ability, administrative ability, great mom, and quick witted. There are many more but I should stop here and go tell her myself.

Consumer Christianity

2011-01-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

I came across the term Consumer Christianity during my last associate pastor position and it has become a great term to describe a lot of ways Christians seem to view the church. Today it is as if we have to measure up to some expectation of church experiences or "stuff"that has nothing to do with the real basics of church, Christianity or what Jesus came to die for! It is remarkable that the western church culture insists that a church have specific services to meet their needs. For instance, I led an outreach basketball program that was intended to reach the community, families and see some come to Christ. I was bothered when someone thanked me for having an "alternative" basketball program for their kids. They were pleased that there was a Christian experience for their Christian kids. Though this is good (maybe), it was not the intention of the program. The same goes for Christian school perhaps and the list can go on and on... How much to we accomodate and our people and children never experience hardcore faith and practice?

In preparation for starting a church, I took in quite a few conferences and things to prepare for this journey. The latest work of Hugh Halter challenged my thinking in several ways including how much we offer here in western culture and church as opposed to eastern cultures and faiths. Our church start has had to scrape back to the basics of church which is something I have not had to consider since the early days of ministy in Canada with my father. Burlington Communtih Church has one big addition...Coffee and Donuts! I would have to say this is probably not an ordained part of church experience but we like it.

Though I would like to guard against this consumer Christiantiy mentality in our church, I find myself having to do so personally. I can get caught up in all the things our church "doesn't have"that I don't appreciate what we DO have! I can complain about things and try to make changes that would be more comfortable but that is not what it is about. What am I willing to give up of my current experiences in church development? Am I frustrated with what has or hasn't happened? And then...am I trying to create and do things and are not even necessary and adding to the comsumer Christian phenomenon? Tough!

Then...I am reminded that MY expectations are not what God is about. My daughters do not have a youth group in our new church, but they are growing! We sang in another church plant in our area on Sunday afternoon and what a blessing it was to see their gifts and talents used beyond our church. I spent 20 minutes with my daughters last night answering a bunch of questions they had as they were reading through thier Bibles together. That's good, right? Though we have not catered to thier need for a youth group, they are growing and serving. I am a very proud dad!

So I ask myself, is it too easy for ME to get caught up in that? How do I encourage our church to press forward and not get messed up in consumerism when I face it myself? All I can to is pray and be faithful. God will give us the talent and passion for ministries He wants us to have in His time. I pray for wisdom to recognize them and courage to make them happen. I don't want to be a consumer or do things just because that is the way I used to do it or another church I know does it that way. But I do want to do what God is directing me to do and challenge our church family everyday with "what can we do more?" and "are we ready for visitiors?" That is what has been our focus in January. Shaping a core team for a huge impact!

Am I Ready?

2011-01-03T08:20:00.001-08:00

This is a very simple yet profound question for the new year. We had our first service of the new year and faced this question in terms of our church and as individuals. We have a big job to do and it cannot be done without counting the cost and evaluating who we are.

On Sunday, I called for our committed few to become the core of Burlington Community Church. In many church plants, there is a group of committed leaders who come into town with everything "ready to go." Each one has their specific task and area of ministry to lead. This is great because they are able to meet as a team and be sure they are ready for any task or mission they face that week. Everyone has gifts and talents that strengthen these efforts and help everything to go as smoothly as possible. I came with...my family. We have our talents and gifts to offer but we have definite needs. We stretched ourselves as thin as possible to handle as much as we could for the church. Ceilidh and Sarah are as important as another ministry couple would be. I could not be a prouder father of my teenage girls and their dedication to what we are doing.

We have been able to secure a decent sound system to set up at a community center we rent. We set this up every Sunday. We have a children's ministry set up each Sunday as well. We have a hospitality table with coffee, donuts and items for visitors and attendees to take. My daughters and wife take turns in children's ministry and I preach every week. The girls and I also sing and play instruments. Outside of a weekly Bible study and band rehearsal, we are at the end of ourselves and need God to take it further. How long have we operated like this? Since day one and we continue to do so.

So...God taking us further has brought in others who play guitar, sing, run the sound board, offer skills in graphics and website, help with set up and pack up and engage in outreach events. We have been blessed by those who have seen what we are trying to do and have jumped on board. This group is now confronted with my challenge to form the core or "founding fathers" group of our church. What will that mean? We all take ownership and participate in everything that needs to be done! I used the lamest illustration ever about a bellybutton and how you have an "inny" or an "outy" but God wants both in our expression of service. In my mind this was going to be very funny and practical but...my wife has banned me from ever using that illustration ever again! :-) I agree with her. It was horrible! But everyone needs to see themselves in terms of what we do out in the world to reach people and what we do in the church to encourage each other and make our church a warm inviting place for guests.

On top of this, we will explore exactly what we believe, what our mission and purposes will be and how we practically live that out. We will also take the time to do a little training and be on task for the jobs set before us! Next Sunday we will have a list of all the things that need to be done, who can do them and how we can spread the load so no one is overwhelmed. This will be exciting to see how a little can mean a lot in our service and worship.

Before all of this can happen, we take the time to concentrate on 3 simple words - Clean, Clear and Close. In order for any of us to be effective, we must clean up our lives and remove sinful habits, get a clear vision of who we are, what our purpose in life is and what we believe, and draw as close to God as we can so we are always in fellowship with Him and obeying His commands.

Big opportunities that require big inner searching. So...Am I Ready? I hope so!

Only 5 Days!

2010-12-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

It's only 5 days until Christmas and our family has been experiencing a great Christmas already. Because of travel, we opened gifts on Saturday the18th and enjoyed each others' company for the day. We had a great day at the church too...25 in attendance and one salvation decision! This was our First Christmas Service and it included extra music, stories, videos, Christmas baked goods and sermon. It was a good day all the way around. Plus, one family that used our childcare services for holiday shopping came! This was all a great blessing for us. Christmas is only 5 days away but we have been celebrating for about a week now! :-)

For the message on Sunday, I tackled a very simple subject of Peace on Earth. Simple in that peace comes from simplicity, difficult when you take into account the news that another Canadian soldier gave his life in Afghanistan. (Yep, Canadians are there too...) Peace only comes through knowing Jesus as your Savior and simply trusting Christ brings peace. Good question to ask your friends and neighbors this Christmas. Are they/you experiencing peace on earth? Peace on earth becomes difficult when we are too focused on all the other stuff of Christmas and life.

We can have peace on earth and God gives it freely. That is just great news, right? Great news from the Angels, to the shepherds and now to us today.

Relationships, Relationships!

2010-12-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

We have had to learn how important it is to keep building relationships since we have begun this church here in Burlington. It is a test of patience for sure! We have been meeting a lot of people and inviting them to church or to come to our home for a visit. We are having some success but I am looking for the day when all these relationships lead somewhere. You know what I mean?

We had a great Christmas Open House last evening. We started at 4p.m. and the last guests left at 10:30. It was a great time with a mixture of church families and neighbors. If you know Tracey, you know what a wonderful cook she is. We do pretty good at throwing a party and making people feel welcome. We pray continually for the salvation of our new friends and others we are meeting.

You just never know what a relationship may become down the road. My wife and I go back and forth about a few people on our BC3 email list who visited our church once, showed a lot of interest then, but have never returned. I keep them on the list because, they are not enemies. And...you never know when something will change in their lives and they are willing to come be a part of a great church God is building here in Burlington. I am just blessed that they took the time to show some interest at all. They are our "honored guests." Remember that phrase in church when referring to visitors. ;-)

I have had to remind myself to be interested in people and not in building the work. Too many people have hidden agendas for relationships and I just need to be genuine. I read a tweet from Rick Warren that simply said, "Stop trying to be interesting to people and be interested in people." It was very profound and something I will never forget. Out of my own need to be liked and appreciated, I spout off all kinds of things I think will impress or catch attention but miss any kind of impact.

Sadly, I compare who I am today in building relationships vs. my past. I come to very lonely conclusions. I find myself wishing I took more time to be interested in others...maybe I would be reaping the paybacks now. We always had fun, good parties (as we still do), but too many shallow experiences that were more about the fun than the interest in those around me.

I am different today. Trying to build relationships in which I have invested genuine interest. Trying to show a love and concern with the passion Christ would have for me. "Relationships are everything, the rest is just the details," as Gary Smalley would say.

Relationships...I want mine to be genuine, sincere, reciprocated, respected, and cherished. Know anyone out there who needs a relationship like that. Maybe ALL of us! :-)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

We had some great pictures taken for our Christmas cards thanks to the Franklin family. They came to Burlington for a Holiday Photo Outreach on November 20th. We met several more families in the community and got a chance to give them the gift of professional photos complements of Burlington Community Church.

God has been good to us and has given us several other opportunities this Christmas season. This past Sunday, Dec. 5th, there was a big Christmas Craft Show in the hallways just outside our meeting rooms. We got a chance to meet many more families in Burlington and invite them to our Christmas Service on Dec. 19th. We also invited them to take advantage of free childcare we are providing for holiday shoppers on Dec. 12th. Tracey and I were blessed because everyone in our church stayed after services to talk to people and invite them to our Christmas events. This is huge in our church development! To add to these opportunities, I am speaking at a Burlington Businessman's Breakfast on Tuesday morning the 7th of Dec.

Keep us in your prayers because we are always looking for ways to meet people and make friends. Our strategy is 3D living of Developing friendships, Discovering stories and Discerning the Spirit. This is an evangelism strategy something Bill Hybels introduced and I like it!

That gives you a little idea of what is going on in the church, here is what is happening in the family...

Tracey is doing good. She went back to work the middle of November. It is not a great job but it brings in a little extra and the hours are great. She works from 8:30 - 1:30 Mon-Fri. at the UPS Store. She is still trying to get the hang of things there but manging quite well. She has also been doing some book reviews for Ed Stetzer, writing blogs for her brother Blake's company Agora, and helping me with church stuff, hospitality, media, childcare, you name it...she is there with me!

Ceilidh is working toward to G driver's license here in Canada. It is a graduated program that is a little different but she will be there soon. She has been working toward nursing. She really has her heart set on this and considering Mohawk in Hamilton as her starting point. There are several great options for her. She has a great future in store and being a huge blessing to me. She and Sarah sing with Greg and I every Sunday and take their turns in childcare too.

Sarah is taking classes in high school for cosmetology. Yes, she wants to run her own shop and work with me at the church. I love her charisma and positive spirit about all of this. I hope she is not expecting the church position to be a paid one. ;-) Anyway, she is really getting better at the keyboard. She has taken on that instrument as I have moved to playing the bass guitar. All in all, she is making incredible strides with school and music. We are also praying about a youth group and leader so she can help with that too. Beyond that, she is a vivacious reader like her mother, sings, plays the keyboard and takes turns in the childcare area for the church.

As for me, I am keeping busy with church work. I am always looking for opportunities and ways to get our church or my face in the crowd. It seems to be working. I was at the Santa Parade here in Burlington on Sunday with 3 lovely neighbors we are trying to reach and saw 3 people in the parade that I knew! I guess I am getting to know more people than I thought. I am also working one day a week in counseling down in Hamilton. This is in efforts to finish my counseling degree at Liberty and build hours toward Family and Marriage Therapy here in Ontario. For licensure in Ontario, I have to get 1000 hours and 200 supervision hours. With all that work, I am thinking about seeing if Liberty will just trade my 60 class hours for some other degree! I try to spend 2 nights and 2 days out meeting people and other times studying, admin stuff for the church and catching some time with my family.

As I think of all the things our church and family is doing in Burlington, I can be very thankful for the continued gifts of friendship, support and encouragement fromPastor Stokes and Fair Oaks Church. Christmas is a time of giving and our home church and pastor have been a great example of that all year long. I thank God for this rich opportunity and for the blessing of this man and ministry.

That wraps up my thoughts for Christmas and all the things going on with us. I wish everyone reading this a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Anyone out there?

2010-11-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

I write blogs. Do people read them? It's funny how you get into a habit and encouraged to do so but wonder what good it is doing. As a church planter, it is instilled in us to use all the methods and communication vehicles of the times. Since blogging is one of those things, I do it. This is done purely out of habit because I am convinced, no one is reading this. My wife likes them but she kind of has to say that...you know, stroke the male ego...

So...you reading? Really? That would be exciting and I'd love to see your comment...

I preached about Gideon on Sunday and told our church of the importance of small things. (Like a comment on this blog is a small thing with huge impact for me.) Gideon took on the Midianites with 300 men! This was a small amount, small deal but it was huge! God wanted them to know that He was going to win the battle for them and Gideon needed to learn that as I am trying today. I get really frustrated sometimes because my efforts don't seem to go anywhere. I wonder if it is even worth it!

Then I remember...the little things mean a lot. I have a guy who is excited to play the guitar for our church. He told me on Sunday that he wished he had more time, money, anything else he could give. Another man in our church told me, "As long as you and Tracey are here, we'll keep coming." Yet another man in our church told me he loves coming because of how friendly everyone is and he and I have a Bible study together each week. One lady has been coming very faithfully and she is a huge example because she is the first to tithe in our church. All these things may seem little but for me, they are huge!

Any little things you can point to today that will make a difference for you? As I think through all the little things about BCC, I am recharged about my mission here. I am honored that anyone would even follow us on this mission. God is so good because He works! His might and power is revealed in the little things too...

Hey, maybe your comment could be about the little things you are doing that mean a lot for God! Now you even have a topic so... ;-)

There's a Wall There...

2010-11-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to preach about the Walls of Jericho and the 1st city the Children of Israel were to conquer under Joshua's command. It is a great story and what I like about it is that it has the plan passed down to Joshua with a promise and then communicated through the rest of the people so everyone knew what was going on, what the outcome would be and what was their part in the process. It is a great story of biblical leadership and how leaders can keep their people focused and engaged in the process. As I leader, communication is needed but I know I leave details out. I am working very hard to communicating detailed information about who we are, where we are headed and what God has been telling me. Regardless of how things play out, we all face "the wall."

The first wall is the YOU/ME Wall. This is the wall of getting over ourselves. Yep, we can be very selfish and self centered leaving us a monumental wall to conquer. We allow doubt about ourselves to keep us from moving forward. We doubt plans, God, our abilities...you name it we have the capacity to doubt it. We also deal with our failures and never feel we are good enough or measure up. Then we can sometimes wallow around in disappointment. Things don't go the way we want them to so we become one big sucky baby (warning: Canadian Term). Pat Burns passed away this week after a long fight with cancer. He coached the Canadians, Leafs and Devils in his professional career and brought them all to victory. He had more wins than losses in his entire career. At the end of his life and tribute this past Saturday, he said, "Don't be sorry for me, I have had a good life." What strength, right?! He also told his children not to be sad because something ends but be proud of the fact that you were able to be a part of it.

The second wall is the RELATIONSHIP Wall. There is a lot here for this wall but with God's power, you can overcome. Too many times we guard ourselves because of fear. We simply become too afraid of new relationships, meeting others or witnessing. We fear rejection, intimidation and risk of getting too close to others. We fear that others may come to know too much about us and not like us. This fear causes us to not trust and put walls up to protect from times we may have become too close and gotten hurt by someone else. The relationship wall is a tough one!

The third and final wall is the GOD Wall. This one may take years to tear down. We live in a world that examines everything by experiences, attitudes or cause and effect. The problem with that is that God is bigger! He is bigger than my circumstances, my abilities and He requires my faith to make the walls crumble. Too many times we are eager to believe things about God based on our own human experiences and He never fits. He never will fit! Let this wall come down and experience how awesome and great He is. If we can do that, show faith and follow without growing weary, we will reap and see great and mighty things!

There is a wall there...are you conquering it?

The Blob

2010-11-15T13:01:00.000-08:00

Ever watch the movie, The Blob? It is meant to scare you because it takes over everything. I enjoyed the movie as a kid but have experienced versions of it as an adult. For example, I alway get a kick out of Hank Hill from King of the Hill and the pot shots that show takes on "The Mega Mart" and how they are wiping out the small businesses. Big corporate banks have done the same! There are probably many examples we can point to. In a way, they are like The Blob because they grow and take over. In no time at all, they gain control and wipe out anything in their path.

Are there Blob churches? I thought about that this past week after a pastor friend of mine and I had dessert together with our wives. He mentioned a very aggressive growing church movement here in Canada that is coming into our area. He said, "I know as churches we are not in competition but..." I actually really like this church, the pastor and all the creative things they are doing. I even listen to this guy's podcasts. I know that when they roll into town it will be a big wave, many will attend their services and they will scoop up a lot of church people because of their fame. In a sense, very much a blob church.

I have no idea what the outcome of their presence will be. I met a great Pentecostal pastor here in town who has a great church and seeing people saved weekly. Last time I talked to him, they were baptizing 14 people! My heart just bursts in my chest when I hear this because I am excited for them and want to see that in my own ministry. 14 people baptized...that was my attendance last week!

When I think of that Pentecostal pastor, the pastor friend Tracey and I had dessert with, and The Blob Church, I begin to wonder why the 14 people we had on Sunday would even bother coming. To top it off, Tracey and I are going through a rough spell right now that is partly related to the huge sacrifices that had to be made to make any ground here in Burlington. Then I need to encourage myself because...if there are 14 that would follow us, THERE'S GOT TO BE MORE OUT THERE!

We won't be taken back by The Blob Church because we have nothing to lose. :-) As a matter of fact, we had a visitor from The Blob Church on our first Sunday. They liked me and the church but when I asked them to join the endeavor, they wanted Blob Church. They liked Blob Church preaching, programs, and the fact that they can go and sit. You can't do that at Burlington Community Church. As a matter of fact, pretty much everyone has to do something. There are a few still flying under the radar but not for long. Church plants take sacrifice...sacrifice Tracey and I were not aware of until we were in it. We have no reservations asking for people to sacrifice because we've already done that ourselves! Jesus put it this way, "Take up your cross, and follow Me."

I had several conversations with Christians from other churches who would have come to help me but wanted to give me a week or two of there time. They were even trying to calculate how they could serve in two churches at once. I am not asking the people to enjoy a comfortable time, or enjoy my preaching (though I hope my preaching is not completely boring!). I am asking them to die with me, and I told them so this past Sunday. I will have to reassure them next Sunday that I didn't mean like in a compound kind of way where everyone drinks Kool-Aide at the end. ;-)

The Blob movie never scared me as a kid and The Blob Church is not a threat as an adult. As a matter of fact, it is a Kingdom work that I pray will continue to grow and win many for Christ. My prayer is that God will send more to Burlington Community Church and allow His kingdom to grow in many unique and powerful ways through men and ministries surrendered to Him! The important thing is that we are on track with what God has called us to and not worry about Blob Church coming to town.

Refreshing

2010-11-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

You know that verse in Proverbs that says, "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."? That was what this weekend was like. We had some friends up from Virginia (Mike & Brenda Zizolfo) and they were lots of fun and a big encouragement. We are so excited about our church, the people, and the cool things we are doing/trying to do. It was great to have a few from our home church up here to experience a church service with us and take in a few of the sights.

It was also great to work with friends we worked with in Virginia, and now again in Canada! The added voices and guitar really boosted our services. We really do not get artistic work out of our music right now so it was great to have a nice song before my message. We are usually a few songs, praying and message. We may incorporate a video but that is all we have for now.

We are always looking for guests to come up and just hang out with us. If you are up for that, email me asap!

Thanks again Mike and Brenda for coming to help us for a weekend!

Do you have an enemy?

2010-11-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

It is interesting how God directs a person when in charge of praying for and guiding a church. As Burlington Community Church has been working through the series Epic, we stopped yesterday to talk of the epic battle in heaven when Satan and his angels were thrown out. It was kind of cool with yesterday being Halloween to have a creepy, scary story. Even bigger than the story is the fact that we face this enemy everyday of our walk in Christ. He is our accuser, author of evil, deceiver, liar and much more. We most of it...have a part 2 next week and I can't believe we had to cut short. I usually don't have that much to say! ;-)

We do have an enemy. His name is Satan and we must resist him and learn how to counter his attacks. We cover that this week, Nov. 7th. If you are in the Burlington area, stop in at 10:30 a.m. at the Tansely Woods Community Centre to check it out! More information on our website at www.burlingtoncommunitychurch.ca

2010-10-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to get back into a good habit once you take a break. The last few Monday's have "gotten away from me" especially with one of them being Thanksgiving here in Canada. Love having turkey! The other Monday was spent in line a immigration...I get to do a lot of "fun" stuff!

It has been a great trip through these stories because they are such a powerful display of what God can and will do through his servants. For Thanksgiving Weekend, October 10th, I preached about Elijah and the Prophets of Baal. I never thought about the fact that is was Thanksgiving but something was being cook and it was't the prophets of Baal's sacrifice! It was a supernatural display of God's work through the man God sent. The major themes of the prophet is that he must be called of God, speak only the message God gave him, and God be the only One to get the glory through it. At the end of this message, I talked wholeheartedly about what I had expected to happen in starting Burlington Community Church and what actually happened. To make a long story short, we are in a position in which much prayer and proving God must take place. Only God can give us the increase and only He will get the glory out of what is being done! I pray He is ready to bless this little church with His power and glory!

On October 17th, I preached about Esther and how she was in the right place at the right time. We have all had those type of experiences from as little as a good sale on something to a powerful moment like salvation. Whatever can be said of Esther, she was in the right place and ready to do what she needed to to save her people. The simple but profound application is that the people coming to Burlington Community Church are here by design and God can and will use us if we are ready to see that He has called us "for such a time as this!"

Yesterday, October 24th, I preached David and Goliath. This is a classic story of the underdog winning. Beyond winning was David's ability to see and say that "the battle was not with sword or spear but the battle is the Lord's!" Giants are hard to miss in our lives and we have to face them...it is our destiny as it was David's. What giants are you facing and are you confidently putting them in God's hands? At the end of this message, we talked about the giants a church start faces and encouraged each other to take on the City of Burlington for the Lord, give in finances to the budget we must face, and the service we must commit to to be ready for visitors.

This Sunday, October 31st, I am preaching about Satan and his final destination. I figured this is a pretty appropriate topic for Halloween, right? ;-)

EPIC - sermon 1

2010-10-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

We started a new series this past Sunday called EPIC. This is a series that will run for through Christmas and we will add a special emphasis at the end of November for Christmas. The idea of these messages is to help those new to faith get familiar with the greatest stories from the Bible ending with the Nativity. It was interesting to watch the faces of those who have never heard the story of Daniel and the Lions' Den. To pull together the elements of the story and draw the application for our lives. I thoroughly enjoyed preaching it.

Daniel is a great character in the Bible and one I admire for his wisdom, conviction and boldness. He knew what was right and followed it no matter what. The end result was that God shut the mouths of the lions and Daniel was rescued.

The final point of the message was in regard to the law of the Medes and Persians which cannot be broken just like we face the law of sin and death for eternity. As Daniel was rescued by God from the terms of the law, we are rescued by God from the terms of the spiritual law. As Daniel was doomed to face the lion so we were doomed to face the "roaring lion" (Satan) except that God rescues.

If you haven't read the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den, it is found in Daniel 6. Read it and discover once again all the great applications of consistency in prayer, conviction to stand, integrity before the world and much more!

Church, Why Bother? sermon 4 & 5

2010-09-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

We wrapped up the series this past week and I cannot believe I am headed into my 2nd series or messages already. It seems like only yesterday we arrived in Burlington...time flies!

I will start by saying message 5 was all about our statement of faith and practice at Burlington Community Church. From this, we hope to draw some into the next steps of baptism and church membership. This will now take place in the Life Group system we established as we move on to the next series of messages, EPIC.

Sermon 4 was all about the Power of the Church. This message was very basic but very pointed. We can do nothing in the church that God has not designed and given us the power and ability to do. From His resurrection power to the power of His Word, we have and always will have a direct line to the infinite power of God.

After looking at the Power of God, we can see His power displayed through the gathering of His people in worship, our prayers and power to spread the Gospel. God wants to reveal His power and it is through His people that He works and demonstrates it.

My prayer is that Burlington Community Church will never stray from the power of an almighty God!

Church, Why Bother? sermon 3

2010-09-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

In the 3rd message of Church, Why Bother?, we emphasized the importance of purpose. It is so important that a while back a very important figure in today's church wrote The Purpose Driven Church - Rick Warren. The impact that this book has on churches around the world is incredible! It has given churches and church leaders focus as they prepare and plan ministry. Rick Warren's concepts were used to help us see that we are to be at work with what God is doing and not doing things in church that do not matter. It was a real exploration into what is important to God and our role is making just as important in our church.

Though this message is not a rehash of this book, it is certainly an example for us. This message is more about walking through the perceptions and stereotypes the world has of the church and then revealing what the world should feel if we were a church of purpose.

Church WITHOUT Purpose

Irrelevant – lost touch, impractical, uneducated
Hypocritical – inconsistent living, inner politics and power, and focus on leaders’ failures
Judgmental – pious, self-righteous, other agendas and political aspirations

Church WITH Purpose

Passion for Christ – Philippians 3:10
Unity in Spirit – Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3
Dependence on God – I Peter 5:7
Compelling faith – Hebrews 11:6
Faith and Works – James 2

Want to know what the purposes of Burlington Community Church are? Come to a Life

Group meeting this Thursday night! For more information contact Pastor Roy at

pastorroy@burlingtoncommunitychurch.com

What a dirty plug for BCC Life Groups, eh? ;-)

Church, Why Bother? sermon 2

2010-09-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

What a great adventure we have had in beginning this journey to build Burlington Community Church! Our second week was awesome. We had a great attendance for a church that had started only the week before. Outside of Labor Day Weekend, we have had visitors to every service. Praise the Lord for that! Keep us in your prayers and below is my sermon from Aug. 29th...

Right Relationships/Right Direction

In continuing our series on "Church, Why Bother?," it is important to understand and have the right relationships. Many get frustrated in church because the relationships built are not with direction or purpose. Friendships may be built on interests and opinions but close relationships have deeper foundations. In his book, DNA of Relationships, Gary Smalley builds his case of the importance of relationships and how interaction is vital to humanity. He simply begins by saying, "Life is relationships; the rest is just details." He points out that there is no way to avoid relationships completely and we need them! John 15 is an excellent passage for understanding the right relationships one can build.

1. A Growing and Personal relationship with Christ.

John 15 starts by showing that we are to have a relationship with Christ and His Father. He shows how he is the vine and we are the branches. We cannot do anything of spiritual significance and growth outside of this relationship with Christ. As a matter of fact, God is the one who prunes and shapes us for his glory and production. It is all a matter of glorifying God that we are drawn into the continue in our relationship with Christ. God will accomplish His work through us as we stay connected to Him and doing His Will.

A great and interesting promise in this passage is that verses 14 and 15 point out that Christ no longer calls us servants but friends. This is an incredible concept because a servant only does what he is told where a friend will know and understand everything the friend wants and asks. Very simply, we are His friend and He will show us exactly what He wills, and as his friends, we understand and are excited to be a part of it.

2. A loving relationship with each other.

It is interesting that we are commanded here to love one another. Why is that? Is it because we do not have the capacity to love another Christian? I believe it is because the closer we get to one another and the more we "experience" of each other, the easier it is to become comfortable and predictable. Just like a marriage can "cool down" in passion because of familiarity, any intimate relationship can be taken for granted. It is also much easier to criticize and condemn a person the more you know what they think, say or do. That is why our first relationship in a growing and personal one with Christ is so important. He will sort out our thoughts and help us to truly love each other because we are growing and sustaining in Him as our vine.

Loving one another is also a commitment and choice. There is no way Burlington Community Church will continue without those of us who have come together to stand up and say we are one. We will find out more about the mission and passions of our pastor and this church so we can make a difference! What kind of difference are we talking about? Here it is in our third point...

3. A compassionate relationship with the world.

At the end of John 15, we are given the sobering state of our relationship with the world. We will not be loved but persecuted. This means there is opposition to our efforts as His kingdom people. Opposition in also motivation. If there were no opposition, what a wimpy, lame cause we would have a Christians!

Now, that means our efforts are about loving and reaching the world with the Gospel. Here in Toronto, a pastor and his congregation picketed a gay man's home. The reporters asked what they were doing and why. This pastor's response was, "We have freedom in this country to preach the gospel!" I agree with the pastor's statement but his actions do NOT match his words. Picketing a gay man's home is NOT preaching the gospel. The gospel is the life, death, burial, and (very importantly) resurrection of Christ! If we are persecuted for this, we are on the right path and doing the Will of God. Cases like this pastor in Toronto leave a community and world wondering why they would bother with church.

So what is our response to the world...?

A. Be in it but not of it (Romans 12:2)
B. Do not love the world or practice its lusts and pride (1 John 2:15-17)
C. Love the world and endure its persecution (John 15:18-19)

Church, Why Bother? sermon 1

2010-09-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Beginning BCC has been one of the most difficult things I've done but picking out the first sermons series was not. I knew from day one that I would want to deal with the subject, Church, Why Bother?. This has been an incredible journey and the question is something many are asking. We have had more than one encounter with Canadians who have simply given up on church. BCC is shedding the weight of "church and religion" to take on the life Christ meant us to have. You see, when most in the world see the church in light of their perception or stereotype, it is important that we present a church that is about life and abundant life in Christ. This is something the world does not see and we, the church, are to blame. We can become so rigid, set in our ways and filled with rules that we do not present a living church. So with this in mind, my very first sermon on August 22nd was about what a person should expect from a church. Here are my thoughts:

Act 2:42-47 tells of of a very real and very alive church. When the church was doing all it was supposed to do, people were saved, baptized and added to the church. This is the goal, what every church wants to be. This is the church Christ is the foundation of and power for.

Sadly, the church is not seen as a place of life change and growth. As a matter of fact, many in Canada do not go to church at all. “It is no longer 1955, when 68% of Canadians attended a place of worship on a weekly basis. Now, church attendance in Canada is more like 13%. In some urban settings, it is even lower.” Borderland Churches - Nelson (2008) We can argue over the reasons behind this but the truth is that most Canadians will not be in church this Sunday.

What can a person expect from Burlington Community Church? Are we going to have life, growth and change or are we going to be another presence in the community with no power to change anything? Because of Christ, there are 3 things we can promise a person will experience when they walk through our doors.

1. Love – I Corinthians 13.

We want anyone who comes to our church to experience love. This love is patient, gentle, kind but also casting out of fear and willing to be open and honest. It is the kind of love that will be greater than the imperfections we may encounter in each other.

2. Forgiveness – Ephesians 4:32.

Forgiveness is not condoning what someone has done but choosing not to dwell on their failures or sin. It is knowing what is wrong and extending grace to the repentant soul.

3. Hospitality – Romans 12:13

Hospitality is more than "throwing a good party." It is about being willing to give of ourselves. It is about giving up our own comforts for the sake of others. “The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares.” Out of Solitude - Henri Nouwen (1974) There are so many ways that we can show hospitality but we get stuck in our own selfishness most of the time.

Perfection and ultimate example found in Christ! Here is how we know…

1. Love – John 3:16 & 1 John 4:10

Christ loved us so much that He came to die on the cross for our sins. His expression of love is our salvation. His example of love is our witness to the world. Because he loved us that much, we can love each other.

2. Forgiveness – Ephesians 4:32

Because Christ forgave us, we can forgive others. This is more than a suggestion, it is a command. Christ forgave ALL of our sin, we are to do the same for others.

3. Hospitality – Philippians 2:6-11

Christ took on the form of man and humbled Himself by taking on our sins and dying on the cross. He left his throne in heaven to be our savior. The least we can do is leave the comforts of our own homes to reach out to someone who needs Christ.

Church, Why Bother?

2010-09-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

This is the current sermon series we are in at Burlington Community Church. The special interest article, radio ads, newspaper, mailer and flyer distribution brought in an interested bunch of people. What is interesting to me is that this topic has attracted a younger, 20 something group to our first services. It is a group who have watched the previous generation of church goers in Canada fail in some key areas in life. There is also an underlying sense that the church is completely boring and impractical for life. Just this week I had a pretty deep discussion with a lawyer who occasionally goes to church and his wife does not. He said his friends tease him for the few times that he does go which he said is only about 4 times a year. He said he knows there must be more to it and he wants his kids to experience church though he does not know why he is doing any of it.

When I have a conversation like this, it fires me up a little because I know that this lawyer and others like him feel this way because they have not experienced a life giving church. They do not know true salvation and God has not been a part of their lives. It is doubtful that they see church as anything but a place to sit for an hour and feel they have "done their duty" for God this week. They have not seen the body of Christ in action because everyone in the congregation has become self absorbed and selfish about life, friends, and time. Getting to know people and investing in their lives is work and giving of yourself. It is MUCH easier to keep the few great friends and cruse through life.

Meeting people is hard for me because I would rather sit in the background and let others interact. I do not usually feel it is necessary to meet others or insert myself in new situations. I have to force myself to meet people and find out more about them. It really is an act of giving of myself to show interest in people and let them talk. I would much rather tell them about our church then they visit, accept Christ, and commit to ministry. Unfortunately, that is not how it works and it can take months and years for some I meet today to even consider church or spiritual things. Bill Hybles calls this "just walking across the room." We need to be willing to do that and let God lead those interactions.

I have had a steady diet of meeting new people ever since I arrived in Burlington. Our family came up here without knowing a single soul but we know quite a few now. My prayer is that God gives us many more opportunities to meet people and share our faith. It has been an experience and I am praying for God to work through me for His Kingdom.

Ready or not, here we go!

2010-08-10T05:59:00.001-07:00

We are finishing up the details for a week in Burlington we have marketed at Vision TO. It is set for August 16 - 22. This week is all about getting the word out about Burlington Community Church. We will have several guests from churches come to be a part of this week, get flyers around, talk to people on the streets, dive into community events, run a 3 day Bible Camp for kids and bring one or two people to church with them on the 22nd of August. We are very excited to have over 40 people joining us!

So what will Sunday the 22nd look like?

+ The church service begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Tansley Woods Community Center. Come a little early and join us for coffee and conversation. You may catch the band rehearsing, a few greeters in the parking lot and foyer and nursery and childcare areas ready for you. We take the responsibility of your children very seriously and will have safety measures in place if you chose to leave them in our care. All the volunteers have been background checked and cleared for volunteering with us.
+ The service will have some great music, media presentation and message from the Bible. Church: Why Bother? is the topic. This is a question a lot of people are asking and we hope to answer it in a series of messages.
+ You can stay for a free dinner prepared in your honor. Dinner includes turkey, roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, salad, variety of desserts and drinks.
+ A 20 min. conversation with Pastor Roy during the dinner will give you a full scope of who we are are what our church is about.

This entire day is designed to show you what we pray Burlington Community Church will be and what it will take to build it. This is what we are calling a "display service" to set the goal of what we hope to become with God's blessing and power in this ministry.

You can read more about the Dowdy family at our website at Burlington Community Church. We are also affiliated with Fair Oaks Church in Fairfax, VA and Pastor David R. Stokes. This is our home church and support of this ministry. We thank them for their vision of this and the many friends who will be here to help us in ministry.

Hope to see you at 10:30 a.m. on the 22nd of August at the Tansley Woods Community Center!

A Sarah Story

2010-07-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Last week Sarah and I went on an adventure to find a keyboard for Burlington Community Church. Sarah is very energized about leading worship and will be coordinating our efforts, selecting songs and allowing daddy to guide her. For all intent and purpose, she will be the worship leader and has been prepared as such through her youth group efforts at Fair Oaks Church and Velocity Student Ministries. We decided that we needed a keyboard since that is the only instrument any of us can play and there is no piano in the Tansley Woods Community Centre. We found what we were looking for and getting ready to buy it when we needed to leave for a weekend to get Sarah and Ceilidh to camp.

As the girls were off to Virginia to go to camp with Velocity, Tracey and I were to visit a friend in Michigan and help in their church on Sunday. This is a church plant about 10 years old. They have not had a keyboard player and asked if I would jump in the band for them. I was happy to do that and after the service was over, they gave us the keyboard! Isn't that cool?! They said they had if all this time and it just sat in the closet for 3 years. What a nice gift. Sarah and I are done shopping and we have a keyboard that God supplied! This is great because we can use money in other ways now.

In my conversation with this friend, he talked of a mutual friend because his teens were going to the camps he runs called LIFT. Back in 1999, this man let Sarah sing at a teens camp in Gettysburg, PA with attendance of around 800. Sarah was only 3 at the time and was determined to sing on stage. On 4 occasions, I told her she would not be able to but she insisted. Finally I said, "honey, daddy is not is charge of this camp and if you really want to sing, you will have to ask Dan Brown." I thought for sure this would be the end of it but she said, "where is he?" I pointed him out on stage and she walked straight up to him and asked. She got to sing and was not afraid! As a matter of fact, all the teens sang the song with her and did so a few other times that week. She became a favorite for the week and it was not uncommon to watch her being body surfed through the crowd during the music. She was having a blast.

When I heard my friend would see this guy at camp, I asked him to let Dan know that a little 3 year old girl he let sing at camp is now a 15 year old worship leader for her father and their new church plant. Pretty cool, right?!! You never know what kind of impact it will have when you let someone take a first step in service for Christ.

I am grateful for others in her life who encouraged her and gave her opportunities to grow and become the leader she is and will be. Her youth pastor, Christian Gaffney, gave her the latest opportunities and I am a thankful father and pastor.

Just over a month in Canada

2010-07-12T03:58:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give you an update on our work and life in Burlington along with a huge thank you for your support in prayers and finances. Above all, Tracey and I would like to thank you for sending encouraging words. Every so often drop us a line in email, Facebook, or call…something because it is always encouraging. We came up here without knowing anyone and it can get lonely.

My daughters have downloaded Skype - we are dowdys4. We were also introduced to Oovoo which allows multiple people to talk to each online other at the same time. It’s like Skype only better! The girls have enjoyed spending time in the evenings talking to friends from Velocity. And as you probably assume, Kowdy, Taylor and Jenny are the ones they Oovoo the most.

We have been actively working toward Vision TO Week. There is a lot to do but we a checking things off the list. We have 25 or so who said they are coming up from Fair Oaks Church. We are thrilled. Eric and Jill Bisignano are coming up from OH as well. My sister, brother-in-law and their kids are also joining us from PA, a friend from MI, and my parents (of course).

We plan to get into the community and meet people so we can get them into the service on the 22nd of August. We are going to spend some time in the Tansley Woods Community Center meeting people and engaging in activities. We will task individuals with Facebook and Evites, rehearsals for music and children ministry, and training for 1st Impressions and nursery. Thursday through Saturday will be targeted toward kids in our community. Of course, there will also be a few days to enjoy the sights and activities of Toronto. We’re aiming for flexibility to allow families to choose when and what they would want to do for fun through the week.

We have been pretty aggressively meeting everyone we can in our neighborhood and have had a few very good connections and informal house church meetings. One lady is very interested and asked me a few deeper questions about what we believe. She comes from a Catholic background and is really searching. I would not be surprised to be leading her to Christ very soon. Her name is Laura if you will pray for her with us.

Speaking of prayer….here is the list of people we have currently connected with and would like you to pray for their salvation:

 Scott, Meghan and daughter, Ryan
 Dragon (no kidding…a guy from Serbia!)
 Paul and Jesse
 Don, Laura and daughters, Eva and Claire
 Darla
 Mansoor

We had a pretty successful event on July 1st with 11 of us on Canada Day for dinner. We were pleased because we have only really gotten to know people in the 2 weeks we’ve all been here plus the week Tracey was here on her own. We were able to share what we are doing in Burlington and we are still interacting with these families.

We were able to share our testimony and the story of Pastor Stokes’ vision in starting this church with my brother-in-law’s church in PA and will share at a friend’s church in MI on July 18th. We are going down to Virginia for a wedding the last weekend in July and as a bonus we’ll see you that Sunday. We look forward to catching up with friends. Ceilidh & Sarah will be down early to go to camp with Velocity and visit friends until Tracey and I arrive.

To say the least, we are having a busy summer and loving it! We are anxious to see what God will do in forming Burlington Community Church and thankful we will be His instruments.

See you on August 1st!

Canada Day Event

2010-07-02T03:54:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it! Our first outreach event was a success! We had invited several neighbors to come and spend Canada Day with us and had a total of 11 of us there. We decided to "play our strong suit" which is that of hospitality. Tracey and I did a cookout. The weather could not have been better and the guests any nicer. We were able to enjoy the company and talk about what we will be doing in August. The guests stayed for 4 1/2 hours so we were certainly pleased with the fact that they were comfortable around us. I pray they will come to Christ and to Burlington Community Church.

When we were inviting neighbors to the cookout, I asked one lady if they wanted to come over and grill with us on Canada Day. She said, "Eeewww...what's that?!" Pretty funny, right? As I was explaining she said, "Oh, you mean BBQ" and laughed at me! :-) I'm still being reeducated to Canadian ways, but she came with her husband and 2 young kids.

We are grateful for a good turn out though Satan was at work even that day. My daughters stayed a few days with their cousins in PA so I left that morning to go get them. It was a simple enough task but when I go to the border, I sat for 4 hours! My sister was kind and loving enough to keep coming my direction rather than the half way point we designated. She ended up coming all the way to the border with the girls. I left the house at 9:30a.m. and returned with Ceilidh and Sarah at 4:40p.m. with guest due to arrive at 5:00p.m. NOT what we had planned and potentially very defeating. Thankfully Tracey was home to keep moving on things and the girls and I were home just in time to help clean a few things, put sodas on ice, pull out little kids' toys and fire up the grill. Incredible obstacles but we got through it and Tracey was the key player in that first outreach event.

We look forward to seeing what God will do with us in the future and can't wait to have our friends and family come to help us get the word out during Vision TO Week!

In Canada Now!

2010-06-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Dowdy family is finally in Canada! We have had quite an experience getting life wrapped up in Virginia and settling in up here. We actually had two very weird weeks when our family was apart for school and setting up in Canada. Tracey and the dog were up here unpacking boxes (more Tracey's work than the dog's) and getting us organized while Ceilidh, Sarah and I were back in VA finishing school, studying and (believe it or not) packing another small truck. I had no idea how much it would take to move us this time but it was no small task. My wife and a team of people from Fair Oaks Church finished packing a truck on Friday, June 18th, as I was traveling home from Lynchburg. We took off Saturday morning, landed at home in Canada around 5:40 p.m., unloaded the truck, and had it returned by 7. This is just my family on that project and I was very proud of the hard work the did! (Dog, again, was no help!)

It is now Tuesday, June 22, and we have finished settling in and I am able to focus on the church today. I am so thrilled to be at work here and our house is starting to feel like home. My office is set up in a cold, unfinished basement so as far as status goes, I can only go up from here! :-) There are still a few logistical things to figure out as we prepare for Vision TO week and know that it will fall together now that we are physically in place. Look for heavy publicity soon!

My Brother-In-Law, Trent Kirkland, is having us visit Zion Baptist Church in Clarion PA to talk about our church plant and visit with them on June 27. I am looking forward to catching up with them and another opportunity to talk about Burlington Community Church and the missions work of Fair Oaks Church. I never get tired of sharing what God has and is doing for us.

What to pray for right now for the BCC?

First outreach opportunity on July 1 when we invite neighbors to a Dominion Day BBQ
House Church begin in July
2 Community wide invitations to hear about BCC @ Tansely Woods Community Centre
Warm reception from Canadians
Many to come help us get 100 Canadians to our church on Aug. 22

We appreciate your prayers and support! Hope you will come and visit us soon!

One Week to Go!

2010-05-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

What is going on?!! I feel completely out of control and unable to focus as we head toward our final moments at Fair Oaks Church.

My wife called me after rehearsal tonight and asked me to go for ice cream. What a nice idea and wonderful treat because...I LOVE ICE CREAM!!! She was being very kind and showing love to doing something I love to do. What a sweet woman! Everything was going great! Birds were singing, we were holding hands while running through a meadow, church bells were ringing, love was in the air, people we didn't even know were giving us fist bumps on the way into the ice cream shop, then...I opened my mouth! What is wrong with me and why am I stressing out? She was trying to help me relax and relieve some stress but I was a complete JERK! I cannot believe I am allowing myself to get so worked up about nothing. Those who know us would not even believe I was panicking over things. I need to get control over myself and let God work in my heart and mind. Only then will I have peace to enjoy my life and wife again. I pray I have the wisdom to rely on God now for what is going to happen because I can do nothing on my own.

Lord, help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. Help me to love my wife and daughters in such a way that I will deal with my own issues and talk to my pastor and friends to get the strength and support You provide through them. Help me to keep trusting in You because I foolishly try to keep doing things my own way. You are my God, Creator, Savoir, King and Father. You know the future and You know what is best for me. Live in and through me because I am useless without You. I love and adore you, your servant, Roy. Amen and Amen!

New Determination

2010-04-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

I noticed that I haven't written a blog for a while. The last one was on March 11th so... There are several reasons I can give you but they would be pretty lame. :-) The guys on staff still laugh at one of my comments around the lunch table, "I read a blog once." Writing and reading blogs are not a top priority for me but it needs to be.

Tracey and I were at a conference last week and received some greater, new determination from the Lord. The interesting thing is that the person who made the most impact at a time when we really needed it, lives right in our area. Mark Batterson shared some of the struggles he and his wife went through in starting a church. This was good for us because a person (me) can feel alone/unique in their circumstances. In my head, I know others have had many different trials that are similar and I needed to hear that...again. I was beginning to think "doors are shutting" but they weren't. I am caught in some things that only God can work out for us and it can be uncomfortable. It challenges my ability to trust and depend on Him. But when you think about it, why wouldn't I just trust and depend on Him? I am one of His children, right? On that fact alone, I am set, right? Though some things are not going as we had planned, we still have a church family who is behind us in all these efforts God has orchestrated. Pastor Stokes is still very encouraging to us in our efforts and we really have nothing to fear or dread.

It is interesting that while I am going through this, my Bible reading plan is taking me through the book of Joshua. Isn't that incredible! This is a guy taking on a big challenge of taking the promised land and needs the encouragement to "be strong and courageous." I need to hear that and have been hearing it during this entire trial. I just need to do it now. Which JUST DO IT, by the way, was the series our pastor just preached during the time we were going through this trial! Now I'm thinking...am I just stupid or what?!! (Don't answer that question out loud to me, please. Spare me a dignity...) So God has been speaking to me in many ways and I now see myself in a state of blessing and care throughout my trail.

So...what are my current trials I am determined to get through? Well, we went up to Burlington the first full week of April and found "the perfect house and church building." Seriously, they are beautiful! We talked to the realtor 3 times on the other side of the house deal and let him know our contract was coming. He told us the house has been vacant since February so no problem get it in next week. Then, we talked to a community center in Burlington that would rent to us but another church was looking to rent. I told the person to talk to that church to see if they wanted the space before we took it. She called them and they were only looking so I said, "Great, we want it and we want to be exclusive renters for Sunday mornings." She said I will send you the paper work and we are good to go. We got back into town and talked to our pastor and his wife on Tuesday morning about "all the great things God has done!" Then we submitted our paper work for everything. The VERY next day we lost the house (rented out on the weekend we returned) and the church (that other church came back and wanted to rent here too). What?!! We were so discouraged because we had everything set up so we just had to gather stuff and move up on June 5th. Now we have to figure this all out again and find time to get back up there in May. On top of that, the buyer on our home in VA bailed on Friday afternoon! This buyer was patiently waiting for the bank who had negotiated 3 times with them and coming back with more changes. This was very frustrating but we understand why the buyer walked. They had an offer on our home since October 2009 and enough is enough.

So...these are the circumstances we went with to the conference. Pastor and Karen were as loving and gracious as can be. They showed compassion and knew what we were going through because they have been through many trials too.

I went to the conference wondering what to expect. When Mark Batterson was the first up to share how they lost 2 homes and a place for their church to meet then God gave them National Church in Union Station, I was ready to listen and experience the conference...selfishly. I was looking for things for me and my wife to help us recommit. I got a chance to talk personally to Ed Stetzer and ask him the "what would you do?" question about our circumstances. (Different set of circumstances regarding starting a church without a team but my family.) Then, the conference ended with hearing Francis Chan talk about leaving one church he started to start another in the heart of LA. In the message, he shared a 4 min. testimony his wife gave at their goodbye service. This was very good for us and gave me a greater appreciation for what Tracey was feeling. The bottom line is Francis Chan came to the conclusion that God wanted him to plant this church though he is 40 and pretty set where he is. He came to realize that though he wanted to stay at Cornerstone, he could never again speak of obedience before his people because he was not obedient. At that point, we fell in complete surrender and submission once again to be obedient to our call.

Tracey and I have new determination! We are frustrated with our circumstances and ask God daily to reveal Himself so we can move forward. We know it will change and we need to trust. God is good and we wait for His answers.

Interestingly, as we continue through our trials, my Bible reading plan has me going through another book, the book of Job. Is this incredible or what?!! God gave me a verse last week that I had read over and over but now took root in my heart. "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold." (Job 23:10) Reaching for the gold now! :-)

Seriously...what is REALLY important?

2010-03-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ever have a conversation that just makes you so angry afterward that you want to punch a wall so as to not hurt the person you just talked to because deep inside you really love them but just think for a moment that they are super stupid and miss the whole point?!! Ever read a run on sentence longer than that one? ;-)

I am going to say straight up that there are a lot of things that go through your mind and a lot of plans in preparation for a church plant. The more I check off my list and evaluate my heart and motives for what I am doing and thinking, the more "narrow minded" I am becoming. I am asking a truck load of why questions to myself (and to Tracey when she is willing to hear them). I do not want to waste time focusing on anything but what is entirely essential in starting a church.

Two incredible thoughts are spinning around me from the last two Unleashed Conferences in Anderson, SC from the mouth of Perry Noble.

Last year Perry said, "If God has called you to start a church, get your Bible and go preach with fire! Grab some dude to help you who can play a guitar and make it happen!" This was very encouraging to me because THAT'S WHAT I THINK! This is not an excuse to be lazy or to dismiss anything creative or costly. Planting a church WILL COST no doubt about it. Nor is this an excuse to think small...I plan on 100 Canadians to help me kick this baby off the ground. This statement is one of focus. God called - I go! Plain a simple. I fully intend on building a large church to God's glory. Rick Warren said, "There is no sin in being small but there is in thinking small." I just need to focus narrowly enough to know that the call to go has real, significant power accompanied with the promise of God to be with me as I follow Him.

This past year, Perry Noble said that we did not have to study and follow all the steps of starting a church. If God called you to start a church, he will give you direction. (I paraphrased but this is the essence of what he said.) This is not an excuse for lack of preparation or gathering information and ideas. I readily admit that I don't know everything about what I am getting ready to do but I have a pastor, David R. Stokes, who has offered his help. He is becoming more dear to me on this journey. He has provided vision, finances, mentoring, and education to move forward. I am going to the Exponential Church Planters Conference and I know that I will grow. I will find out more stuff and ways to reach people than I ever knew before but at the end of the day, it is God and I who need to "run the ball down the field." God knows where I'm headed and what am am capable of and He care about me more than anyone. I know I can trust Him and find what is right in reaching people of the GTA.

Since I have started this journey to Toronto, I have had a few "nay sayers." Yep...they are there and have discouraged me at times even before I get to TO! I had a few preachers and a counselor tell me of many churches that have tried to start in the area I am going. They said that there were some pretty talented preachers and gifted people come up there only to fail. I had another guy tell me of a church in that area that preys on churches that have stared and failed...THAT'S NICE, RIGHT? :-) They told me the whole strategy. The bigger church befriends the pastor of the new work. As it struggles, the pastor would dissolve the church and have the congregation join the bigger church. The bigger church will hire the church planter then fire him after 6 - 8 months. If this isn't building a large church to the glory of God, I don't know what is?!! (read: very heavy, heavy, extremely heavy sarcastic remark) When I hear this stuff, I can't help but think I am either being warned of my fate or I'd better be so committed and stubborn that nothing will move me. I choose to believe the latter! I am NOT going up there to fail. One thing I have that other church planters going to Canada do not is that I know church life up there and I grew up there. I know the hardships ahead of me...and I am still going!

So, seriously! What is really important? The call, preaching the word with power, fervent prayer life, and worship that reveals God is present. I'm just that narrow minded to believe that works!

A Little somethin' somethin' about my dad...

2010-03-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

So...if you follow me on facebook and/or twitter, you have noticed a lot of verses in Proverbs. I have posted them because they speak to my heart and give great wisdom and guidance to any who would hear them. As a matter of fact, Solomon said that in proverbs several times...and he was the main author!

A co-worker said to me yesterday, "So, you reading through the book of Proverbs Pastor Roy?" And as a matter of fact, I am. This book has always been my favorite. I cannot tell you how many times I have used its wisdom. Sometimes even in a negative way...like when someone doesn't follow through on a promise. I love using the proverb, "an unfaithful man is like a loose tooth or a foot out of joint!" Those people love it when I quote that verse to them! :-)

So...where did my love for Proverbs come from? Well, I grew up going to a small Christian School in Canada. My father was the principal, administrator, and eventually even the pastor of that church and school. He wore all 3 hats! Suffice to say, "grass did not grow under his feet." One thing he always led at school was the opening devotion and prayer with the staff and students. It was only 5 - 10 min. long and he always used passages from Proverbs. I remember sitting there and soaking in the verses and brief commentary saying to myself, I hope I can be that wise or gain enough wisdom to do the right thing all the time. Dad loves Proverbs and passed that love along to his oldest son and I would dare say to all who listened to him day after day. I love my father for passing along that wisdom and giving of his time to others. I pray I am passing wisdom along to my family and those around me.

If you are not gaining wisdom from Proverbs, start today. If you're thinking you'll pass on that one, let me give you one old Canadian expression..."Smarten up, eh!" a.k.a. don't be so stupid. :-)

Something about Tracey...

2010-02-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Valentine's Day and I spent it with my wife of 20 years. We actually got to spend the entire weekend together since our daughters were away for a weekend camping trip with the church youth group. I would like to say we had a whole bunch of things planned with a weekend filled with romantic, loving acts and thoughtful expressions but we didn't. :-)

Friday night we went out for wings, watched a movie from blockbuster, and watched the opening of the Olympics in Vancouver, BC (I mean the opening was in Vancouver not us, we were on the couch). Saturday, we had breakfast together, did a few things necessary to be ready for Sunday church services, took in an early dinner and movie (we went to see Wolfman not that the Valentine movie...), and home early for me to work on my role for Sunday. Sunday, we went to church, I ran home afterward to clean the house for prospective buyers while Tracey finished a project at church, then we went to Wendy's for lunch. (By the way, have you tried Wendy's bacon blue? If you like blue cheese, this is a good burger! I will order it with two beef patties instead of one next time but I digress.) Then, we got the kids from camp, ran a few errands and enjoyed dinner and the all star basketball game with a few friends.

For some couples, this may have been a very lame weekend and I would agree with them as far as activities and gifts go, but for us, it was a combination of what needed to be done, what we wanted to do, and a lot of just hanging together. After 20 years, I can't think of anyone else I'd rather just do stuff with. She is my friend, my love, my joy, and my everything (reference to our new favorite song by Micheal Buble).

Tracey is a great woman with a wealth of interests. She has a great sense of humor and drawing personality. These things drew me to her 20 years ago and I still find them attractive today. I pray God gives us many more Valentine's Days together!

So...did you spend Valentine's Day with someone that comfortable to be around? Is your relationship good/comfortable? This was a weekend to test things like that and make sure you are enjoying each other for who you are and who God placed in your life.

Now, will Valentine's Day always look like this for us? I sure hope not! :-) I would hope we are creative enough in our relationship to make the next one special in it's own way just as we have done (or not done) in the past. I just hope we are always connected enough to roll with whatever is right for us each year.

Welcome to my blog...

2010-02-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog. I am thrilled that you have taken the time to read about what is happening in our ministry and what God is doing in our lives. My prayer is that this will be an uplifting experience each week for you and a reminder to pray for the Dowdy family and the Burlington Community Church of Burlington, Ontario.

We have been called by the Lord and commissioned through Pastor David R. Stokes and the Fair Oaks Church in Fairfax, Virginia. Though we are an autonomous, independent church, we have been blessed to have the support and guidance of a larger ministry. It was through God’s leading and preaching of Pastor Stokes that this ministry came into existence. Fair Oaks Church has been phenomenal in its support leading in the area of finances, short term missions, and potential church planting members. Because of Vision TO, our ministry in Canada, we are partnering with this ministry for combined future missions efforts.

Burlington Community Church proudly proclaims the work of Jesus Christ and Salvation through His name. We are committed to reaching out to the community and living our lives as a faithful testimony of the transforming power of Christ. We invite you to do the same!

Continue to follow this blog and comment as God leads you. I am happy you joined me in the conversations and pray they will be a blessing to you.

Do you have a fishbowl?

2010-01-25T09:57:00.000-08:00

Roy asked me awhile ago to post here on his blog. Here's my last post from the Fair Oaks Arts blog http://fairoaksarts.blogspot.com/

“We are praying hard for everything going on for you guys in the coming year. We have a Toronto fund for our trip up there... I save all our change and the rebates I've been doing with my crazy couponing in a fish bowl. Silly, I know - but not only is that fish bowl of money on my kitchen counter a good saving tool (and of course home decor fashion statement), it's also a good reminder to pray daily for you guys b/c I think God is going to do amazing things through you.”

That’s an email from my friend Jill (re-printed with permission of course).
In less than 5 months, Roy & I are leaving the comfort of the familiar to step out in faith & start a church in Burlington, Ontario, just outside Toronto. On paper, not much of this makes sense. Who in their right mind would leave the security of a solid ministry with strong leader & talented team to start all this from scratch?

That doesn’t even consider the personal aspect. We have daughters – 16 & 14 - who are starting over with us. My biggest concern when Roy & I started praying about all this was how they would react. They were immediately on board & for me, that was further proof of it all being God led. It would take hours to tell you all the ways God has opened doors & given us direction. All the time He was working on me & Roy He was working on our kids as well. He was also giving Pastor Stokes direction. God’s timing is perfect.

Our families are very supportive. Even more humbling is the support we’ve received from friends like Jill. There’s no way I would even consider something like this if I didn’t believe the vision God planted in our hearts Roy’s ability to lead the work.
All of this brings me back to my question about security & comfort. This is well outside my comfort zone. What is God asking you to do that is outside your comfort zone?

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
C. S. Lewis

Do you have a fishbowl? How are you stepping out in faith to be part of something bigger than the every day? How are you demonstrating your faith to your kids? To your unsaved family & friends? God may never ask you to pack up your life & move your family to another country and start over. But He does expect you to be part of His work. He expects you to stretch outside your comfort zone. Get out of your routine, out of your rut.

Remember, as Vance Havner once said,
“A rut is just a grave with both ends kicked out.”

New Year - New Creation

2010-01-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that we move to Toronto THIS YEAR! Please pray for the Dowdy family and our move. There are a lot of things to get ready. We are finishing up details for a website, getting radio lined up and trying to sell our home in an upside down economy.

I will tell you that we are ready to do what God would have us do. We are setting up the details with Pastor Stokes for Fair Oaks Church and others to be a part of this project. God has blessed us and we look forward to the future.

I will keep you posted on our progress and when we have launched our website. Until then...Keep praying!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T15:24:00.000-08:00

I know of a few who follow my blog and I appreciate your support. I just wanted to say thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your family! I hope you are a great Christmas and a better New Year.

We are traveling to visit family. My parents live in Windsor, ON then we are going to see Tracey's side of the family in Cleavland, OH. Part of the reason we are traveling is because my brother is moving to FL and we wanted to see him and his family before they move. We will have a busy summer and will be unable to visit this year after they are settled.

See you all in the New Year and keep us in your prayers. We are only 6 months away from the big move to The Big TO!

A Christmas Thought...

2009-12-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

I wish I could pride myself as a deep thinker but most people who know me, know that I am not consistent. I will have deep thoughts from time to time then move along to the task at hand and the many opportunities I take in being a wise guy.

This weekend I had a deep thought! (Audience breaks into applause) Our pastor, David R. Stokes, www.davidrstokes.com, is speaking through a series entitled "Joe to the World." It is a 3 part series on the life of Joseph. This past Sunday was a great message and he pointed out the fact that Joesph did what God had asked him to do regardless of human reason and emotion. My deep thought was that he could have missed being a part of the entire plan. As pointed out in the message, he had to work through his human experience and emotions that could have crippled him. However, he followed through and was a part of the plan. The interesting thing is that God's plan would have continued regardless of Joseph's actions. Joseph could have missed it if he did the "human thing." It reminded me that God has plans and I need to jump on board.

It is interesting to think that Joseph followed God's plan in all of this but was not a witness of Jesus' earthly ministry. He did not have the satisfaction of seeing Jesus perform miracles or preach to thousands. It is believed that Joseph died sometime between Jesus' visit to the Temple at the age of 12 and the beginning of His earthly ministry around the age of 30. He continued to follow the Lord in commitment and obedience probably hoping, like many of his time, that the Messiah would be revealed...and it was his SON! He probably spent a lot of time thinking about when this would happen and how happy he would be to have his obedience satisfied in a great triumphant moment that he never would experience. (He would not experience it in his lifetime I should say because Joseph has been in heaven for years now...) It made me ask myself if I have that kind commitment in obedience? Will I be obedient even if I do not see "satisfaction" for in it? I hope I can be that guy.

Let me tie my thoughts about obedience to our plans in Toronto. I would love nothing more than to see a great church built in Toronto with many coming to Christ. My hope rests in that and I am following by faith. As a matter of fact, I heard another interesting statistic about Canadian churches. There are only 20 churches in all of Canada that have 2,500 members or more. Why? They are "the neighbor to the north" of the USA that have many churches 4 to 10 times more in membership and attendance. I shared this with a couple who is coming to help us get started. I said there is no mega church in Canada. Their reply was, "There is no mega church yet!" Man that made me laugh and made me think, "I am bringing a load of crazies with me to Canada if they think I am a mega church pastor!" BUT, maybe we are the catapult of that mega church. What if obedience is "satisfied" one day after I am off the scene and God takes Burlington Community Church to heights Canada has not yet experienced. All I can say is, cool! Use me Lord.

Catching A Break

2009-12-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

My wife and I were on our way into the office today and discussing our plans for the future in Toronto and what we needed to do this week at Fair Oaks Church. We have gone through a very busy fall and began talking about a break this Christmas. Since the end of August, I have pushed our family into a busy season. Much of it was my own design of what I felt was necessary. Because of that, I have not been myself in many ways. I am a very happy content person but I have been very busy, very tense and very frustrated at times this fall. It was getting to the point that my wife and daughters were concerned about what mood I was in or what small thing could throw me into a fit. This is not like me at all. I stretched myself to the limits and can confidently say I know I will not frustrate my family this way again.

Tracey and I got a little break this weekend. During the snow storm on Saturday, we spent most of the day in the house with no kids! We watched the snow fall, enjoyed the fireplace and even watched the movie It's A Wonderful Life together. I decided to make time for my wife and I am very glad I did. It gave us an opportunity to talk and for me to get the wake up call about the type of person I had been lately. Tracey told me that it was great to have me back. This was rough to hear but I completely understood. I kept telling myself that it was just a busy time and it will all change. Do you know what I needed to ask myself? What if it doesn't change? I am going to Toronto to start a church and that is a lot of work! I will be as busy as I am now so I need to learn to deal with it.

Has much changed? No, I am still pretty busy but I am giving my family a break so we can "serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with singing." This happens when I change who I am because I can only change me. You know what I am saying?

If you have found yourself busy and frustrated like I have been, catch a break. Decide to change the person only you can change and watch the difference it makes in your life and those around you.

We're Back in VA

2009-11-30T05:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, the Dowdy's have returned from their trip to Burlington, Ontario last week and have a few answers. The interesting thing is that we have a few more questions too...funny how that works.

We did find the right neighborhood for the Dowdy family and accompanying schools. We are going to a newer community of young families and professionals in the northern area of Burlington. Many in this area travel daily into the city for work. (Sound familiar Fair Oaks Church?) This is exactly what we were looking for and there are great possibilities all around the area for a church plant.

We were hoping to get some information and paper work to file for our church name but the church planting group we are working with did not offer these items on this visit. I am not the "Maverick Type" but I am sure now that I just need to make it happen. It would be nice to have some assistance in this area and it may still come but I am not holding my breath on that. The conflict of interest is that I am all about what I can get out of them, period. So... :-)

One great discovery for our missions endeavor in August is that we found a great location for the short term missions group coming to help us get started. A sales manager from the Hilton Garden Inn in Burlington is putting together some prices and packages. The hotel is right across the street from a movie theater, restaurants and outlet shopping. It will be a great place to stay and plenty of leisure activity during the down times of the missions week, not to mention the downtown Toronto sites only 30 min. away.

Another positive adventure in Burlington was our visit to the radio station JOY in Oakville. The sales manager there is putting together a package for radio opportunities. This may be a great way to promote the Burlington Community Chruch through a program from Pastor Stokes and a connection for the future. Keep this matter in prayer. We know a church that started in Oakville with a radio support of an American pastor and the church is growing strong. It would also be great to have a on-site visit from this station on Sunday, August 22nd when we are all up there.

We also visited the Crossroads Christian Broadcasting Ministry while we were there. This is a big step for Canada because for the longest time, Christian media was not allowed. Now they have radio and television. It was neat to see how God is working in broader areas of Christianity up there.

More details of the church will unfold by January and we are happy with the progress. We look forward to training and working with anyone coming to help us plant the church. As you know, Fair Oaks Church is our home church and supporting pastor David R. Stokes. We cannot thank the Lord enough for our pastor, church and this opportunity to plant a church in the GTA.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Getting clear, solid details for my wife and kids

2009-11-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

Do you know what it's like to lead something that you are not an expert in, trying to learn and lead your family as you "explore together?" It is a challenge I will tell you that. As we press forward in establishing a life in Burlington, Ontario just outside Toronto, we have had a few moments along the way. If you know my wife, she is a delightful, energetic person who holds back no punches. What she always says is that she doesn't have to be in charge but she needs to know someone is in charge and that there is a plan. For the last year, I could give her nothing but "living by faith." :-) I would tell her my thoughts, what to expect and some of the plans for the church and its government structure...very comforting, right! :-) Though these were good conversations, I know her frustration is in wanting to know all the where, when and how answers. God has been giving us that as we go. It is one of those things you would love for God to just snap His fingers and everything is in place.

Next week, we are going to get some clear solid plans in order. We are going with a realtor to find the right neighborhood to live in, visit the high school my daughters will attend, meet with a school administrator about a rental possibility for the church, line up some great rates for hotel and sightseeing, and get the paper work and details for securing the name Burlington Community Church. We are also going to be asked to be pulled over at the Canadian border. Yes, you heard that right. We want to talk face to face with an immigration officer to find out exactly what we need to to to bring me over the border. Tracey is Canadian and the paper work is in for my daughters to be Canadian as well. This will give them dual citizenship. We just need to find out what to do with me. This is a question my wife and daughters have been asking for years! :-)

We have also been learning from a couple different church planting sources. One has great resources and the other has a network of Canadians. We are learning a lot and gathering materials for the our home church, Fair Oaks Church, and putting together some cultural, missions and evangelism tools for training this spring. I am using these ministries for training, network and development because my biggest fear, yes (vivid, heart pounding, loss of sleep, high blood pressure) FEAR, is that I get up there and suck! I know I can get all the materials and planning together and still fail but at least I'll know why! :-) You know what I mean... And here it is for my family, I am just as anxious about not knowing fully what to do but lets DO IT! With all our heart, soul and mind.

As always, we are very humbled and comforted by all the encouragement and support of our church. Your continued trust in what we are getting ready to do is like saying "go get em!" And how could we not feel that charge ahead spirit when our church will be completely supporting us financially and through prayer, many workers, details, and short term missions trips along the way. This will be an incredible journey together!

So what is my purpose in this blog? Please pray for us as we travel next week to get all the solid, clear details we need so the rest of our work this year has a good target to hit. We want to start seeing all the details so we have a plan, a list we can start checking off as God provides.

We're not dead yet!

2009-11-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

I just looked at the last time I blogged and noticed that I haven't done a thing since October 5th! People must be thinking we died but "we're not dead yet." :-) There has been a lot of ground covered since then and we are pressing forward with plans for Toronto.

Since my blog on the 5th, we had Thanksgiving. Canadian Thanksgiving was the second Monday in October and we had a crew over to celebrate. There are 3 couples who joined us for dinner who are interested in helping us in Toronto. They are all on different levels of commitment. One couple is coming for as long as they are able, another is coming for the summer and the last couple is coming for the missions trip and short term trips beyond that. This is very exciting for us because we are planning a full week of ministry for the 100 or more coming from Fairfax, VA. This is all happening August 16 - 22, 2010.

Pray for us and our next visit to TO this November. We are lining up a few details for our move and I am praying God will give us a free place for one of these couples to stay for the summer. I am also praying that God will give us some free or relatively cheap office space and use of equipment. A few things are lining up and we just need to see what God has in store for us.

Also, pray that we are able to secure the name of our church, Burlington Community Church. We have already bought the websites and Phil Bassham (Media Pastor at Fair Oaks Church) should have something for us soon.

Pastor Stokes also has an opportunity to develop a live radio show in Oakville, Ontario. Oakville is the next town over from Burlington. If God is in that, there will be a good opportunity to promote the ministry and give a daily voice to the ministry there as we take Loud On Purpose to Toronto.

Stephen Harper gets a little help from YoYo Ma

2009-10-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

We have a date!

2009-09-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

I hope you get excited reading this because I am am excited writing it! We still have a lot more to learn and a lot of strategy and planning but we are definitely excited about this church in Toronto.

Why am I writing about this today? Because I needed the encouragement and this has been therapeutic for me. I walked into my daughters' room last night to kiss them and say good night and we began a conversation about Toronto. They told me they wanted to know a little bit more about our plans and to start talking about the plans more consistently as a family. I must admit that I have been busy and have not taken the time to talk with my family much. So, I sat on the bed with them and opened up our conversation. Just for fun, I asked them what they thought the church would be like. I don't know if I'll ask that question again! :-) They began to describe a church of about 20 people with me on the keyboard, the girls singing with me, and Tracey on the tambourine! Is this funny or what!

As the conversation went on and I explained to them what we intended to do, they became excited. I must admit, I worry sometimes that their concept would not be far from the truth except that THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! We have a much bigger God than that and my ambition and prayers are aggressive and pointed with God. So much so that those who interact with me daily on the church staff and notice, know my fasting habits. I am serious about what we are getting ready to do and I am bathing it in prayers daily! Though my daughters had a funny concept of our beginning, I do kinda want to see what Tracey could do with a tambourine! That would be fun, right?

So...what were some of the details I shared you may be asking? I told them that our very first community service would take place on August 22, 2010! Plan on joining us the week during August 16 - 22nd as we canvas the communities of Burlington, Oakville and Halton to invite many to the service on the 22nd of August. This is perfect timing for Virgina and Ontario. In Virginia, we will still be out of school and in the thick of vacation travel. In Ontario, students will be returning to school that Monday the 23rd of August so vacations will have ended and the weekend used in getting things in order for the new school year.

The purpose of the community service is to show the community what we intend to establish in that area. Mass publicity will be key but nothing as effective and our efforts in finding one of two families we can bring to that service with us. Fair Oaks Church and Pastor Stokes will be there in full support and work force. It is our intention to reproduce Fair Oaks Church for a day. This means we will have a full band, children ministry, greeters and cafe, youth emphasis and all the other wonderful full ministry options our home church offers. What does that mean for you? If you are a part of any of these ministries, you will translate that for that service in Toronto. Regardless of your niche in ministry, you will be used in this service in Toronto.

What is the theme for that week? I am using a concept and message series Pastor Stokes preached back in 2006 called Church, Why Bother? This series has been on my heart before the PIVOT Meeting (vision casting meeting) we had at Fair Oaks Church in January this year. We are all about reaching the unchurched/unsaved community and this is the question they are asking. Where America has a rich protestant heritage, Canada has an established church background which means they are stooped in ritual, formal church history that has left them empty and asking the question, "Church,Why Bother?" Makes sense, right?

After the week is complete, we will have even more to do! What I am talking about is the follow up. If you are unable to come during the week of the 16th - 21st, why not come for the Sunday service on the 22nd to attend and help, then stay for the week following August 23 - 28th to reach out to the people who attended that service and help us get them plugged into growth groups and meetings that will follow the campaign as we organize the church and set our Launch Day for later in November or December. On this Launch Day, we will communicate effectively with Fair Oaks Church and figure out who would like to take a shorter weekend trip to work with us that weekend and complete the history of a church plant in Toronto.

Here is what I need everyone to join with me in prayer about:

That our publicity and canvasing will yield huge results
That 100 or more people from Fair Oaks Church will set aside time to take this trip
That we find unique and creative ways to share the gospel to the Toronto culture
That we find the right spot to hold our community service
That we have a spirit-filled service free of complications or demonic attack
That we are left with a core group of 100 people ready to begin the church

Speaking of this church, what will it be called? We have been exploring different things but like Fair Oaks Church, we want to mirror the community in our name and appearance. For fun, I tossed our the name Burlington Family Fellowship, where we are your BFF. This did not pass my families approval of course, but it is funny and I always like funny. What we are seriously thinking about is Burlington Community Church. We are exploring that name to make sure it is not used or claimed organizationally by any other church. Until we have this entirely figured out, we are simply, Vision Toronto.

The Dowdy family is getting ready to go and I encourage them, sweet daughters and wife, as I encourage you to surrender to the call. Jesus addressed this issue when he said, "whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it." I know the context applies to salvation but I absolutely believe it can apply to our commitment to Christ. I am tired of being a saver; I want to be a loser. Maybe that doesn't sound just right but be a loser with me, won't ya?!! Come on this adventure to Toronto, Vision Toronto!

Practice This Past Week!

2009-09-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

As we continue to come closer to the date we move to Toronto, God gives us unique experiences that become a training ground. When we arrive in Toronto, we will be renting a facility that will need to be set up and taken down each week. To add to that, we will have to find a place for our baptism services. It is incredible to think through all the things we will need to do.

We had an opportunity to see this first hand this past weekend . Our home church, Fair Oaks, had a small contained fire in the baptismal pool that forced us to set up services in another facility. Fortunately, our campus includes a Rec Center we were able to move into, but since it's primary use is as a gym, there was a lot to do. We had to think through seating, media, children ministry and a baptism. We kicked into high gear and got it all accomplished so we could conduct a full weekend of ministry in limited space and set up. Plus, we had a baptism in my pool. What a great opportunity to see a "mobile church set up" the way we would want to do that in Toronto.

Thank God for this challenge and training we received this past weekend!

Young Toronto Recurits

2009-08-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

As we get ready for our move to Toronto, we have been blessed by various ones interested in coming with us. There is one couple who is submitting paper work to continue their education in Toronto as they consider helping us start the church. This is a very interesting development and one I hope others will consider. You can advance your degree in a prestigious university in the Toronto area. There are many to choose from including the University of Toronto itself located in the heart of Toronto proper. You can locate it on a map of Toronto by simply following University Street. Simple, eh?

Those who enter with the education route will be able to get a visa relatively effortlessly, secure a working visa and become a resident. During the education visa term, there are possibilities for other forms or residency and occupation. If you read this blog and pray about your part in this church plant, consider this possibility.

Now consider this...evangelism! What better way to connect with the community and have an opportunity to witness than in a university environment. This entrance into Canada should prove to be a brilliant form evangelism. Tracey and I will likely be the only ones who can systematically reach out to people during the day and discover places to be a witness but those in university have a ready audience.

All along we have been talking about families securing a job and paper work to come and work with us in Toronto, but that has not produced much interest or effort on those even slightly interested. It is not that there are not jobs up there but that the process can be tedious and end with a denial of status or entry. Education is consistently approved and, don't forget, the possibilities of grants for education abroad exist. So, before you dismiss thoughts of joining the Dowdy's in Toronto, consider education.

Let's finish and start at the same time!

2009-08-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

As Tracey and I are contemplating the last 10 months at Fair Oaks Church, we are finding a lot of stuff we need to finish. We think of selling the house, finishing my counseling degree, and passing on all the information I can for the next person taking over. To top that off, there are still all the sad goodbyes we will need to go through. There seems to be enough to finish that a getting started seems a long way off.

So when do we start? Now! We have paper work in for our move, investigating what it take to start a church in Canada, legal documents to accompany this start, and all the doctrinal and policy work on how this church will be formed. Plus, we are still looking for families to join us and get them started on this journey.

Keep us in the prayers...we need them as we finish and start...at the same time.

We are on our way!

2009-08-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

We are only 11 months away from moving to Toronto. We have a lot of work to accomplish and will be praying for guidance from the Lord each step of the way. There is no way we can do this without Him or His call.

Pastor Stokes and Fair Oaks Church are the inspiration and full support of this endeavor, spiritually, emotionally and financially. Fair Oaks Church will have a "mini-me" in Toronto very soon! We love and appreciate the full support of my home church. God has richly blessed us with such great support and courage from our senior pastor to move forward in missions as we are today. Pastor laid out a vision for what we are doing a couple years ago and we are a part of God fulfilling it. To get a glimpse of the great ministry of Fair Oaks Church, visit www.loundonpurpose.com and see what I am talking about. I have been privileged to be an assistant pastor there for 8 years.

Tracey and I took a trip to Toronto in June and discovered that the Burlington/Oakville area is right for our family. In an interview with a local pastor in Oakville, we discovered that the area we have selected is the 2nd fasted growing region in North America. It is topped only by Las Vegas believe it or not. We were also introduced to an Ontario church planter leader who is giving us information about legally starting a church in Ontario and moving to Canada. This was a very fruitful trip and further evidence of God's guidance in this process.

Later this week, I will add a video we took of Toronto and used in our church to encourage others to consider the call to work up there with us and to enlist those who will join us for a week in August next summer to begin this ministry. Keep us in your prayers and ask God what your part will be in this work for Him.

Roy & Tracey Dowdy

Toronto Trip

2009-05-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

Tracey and I are excited about our up coming trip to Toronto! We are coming up there in June to "pee around the tree" sort of speak. We will be marking our territory for a church to launch. This trip is necessary for those who may join us in this mission. We all need to find places to live, near jobs, etc... Keep us in your prayers. We want to be in the town God would have us build a church and start talking to families in Toronto about this exciting adventure.

So...what can you pray for? When I pray about Toronto, I think of what Paul instructed the Thessalonians to pray when they were going to a new place.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Pray that the Word of God would spread rapidly and be honored. I cannot stress enough the importance of getting the Word our quickly so we can gather many families in establishing a strong church. It takes resources and rapid, honored responses
Pray that we are delivered from wicked and evil men. It is no secret that there will be resistance. We expect it. But...we need to pray away those who would make it their mission to sink a church and discourage those who want to build a church for His glory.
Pray for strength and protection from the evil one (Satan). Satan is the enemy of Christ and His church. We know this and feel his attacks even as we are still living in Fairfax, VA.
Pray that we will continue to do His commands. It is easy to get side tracked when things get hard in ministry. We know there will be hardship and we know there will be many distractions. Even good ministry ideas could distract us from the mission of the church. Lord help us to keep focused on You and the calling!
Pray that God will direct our hearts in His love and persevere. I probably don't need to make comments about this one. It is "where we live" and need to remain throughout our entire ministry.

Thank you for praying specifically for the Dowdys!

Hello Toronto!

2009-05-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

I just placed myself on a list of blogs for Toronto and Ontario residents. Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I hope you will sign up and get to know me. I'm coming to Toronto to start a church next summer, 2010. This is an important step for our family.

I grew up in Windsor and have a lot of fond memories. My father pastors a church there - I loved growing up in Canada and in church. I look forward to coming to Toronto and being re-introduced to Canadian culture - especially looking forward to being near restaurants that serve good poutine, Tim Horton's and other distinctly Canadian foods. I love hockey and catch the games when I can. By the way, the Red Wings and Ducks game was great yesterday! Wish Detroit had won but enjoyed 4 1/2 hours of hockey! It was a good day, eh?

Tracey, my wife, grew up on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Her maiden name is Mac Lean and I am convinced that she is related to most of Cape Breton Island. She is a awesome cook. She grew up learning highland dances and and admitted to eating a few dinners that included haggis. Scary, right? Better yet, several of her family and friends are crab & lobster are commercial fisherman and I get to go on the boats with them when we vacation. If you've never visited the east coast of Canada, you have to do it. Very beautiful and perfect seafood.

Above all, we look forward to reaching a community with the Gospel. We hope to confirm our location this summer so keep up in your prayers. We want to be where God would place us and establish a grewing church for His glory! We will need a lot of support and help once we get there. If we end up in your community, please let us know!

I will continue to write, hope you will continue to stay interested.

Roy & Tracey Dowdy

Looking for good neighbors

2009-04-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

The Dowdys are getting ready for ministry in Toronto. It can be a slow process sometimes. You can take a step or two forward and not get as far as we'd hoped. For instance, I thought I'd breeze through a few Christian Colleges and Seminaries online to see what is happening up there. My plan with this is to connect with a few ministries of like faith, set up a few chapel speaking engagements for sometime next year and get an idea of the spiritual temperature. I am waiting to here back from a few places including Liberty University to see if they have a few graduate pastors up there or former students who would be interested in a new church in Toronto next summer.

Our hope is to find "good neighbors" who are currently reaching families in Toronto so we can learn from them. There is so much we can learn from a few good neighbors. They can teach us what is working in ministry and whats not. Either by their words or example, if you know what I mean! ;-) If I can start talking with a few Canadian potential helpers for a church plant, I would feel pretty good about our future. My goal is to have 100 in our church "when the dust clears."

Keep us in your prayers as always. Tracey and I are setting the foundation and philosophies of ministry on our home church, Fair Oaks Church. Check us out at www.LoudOnPurpose.com, then, pray about joining us! You only have to go across an international boarder, find a job, a house and all that "life stuff." Easy,eh?!!

Encouraged by the Lord

2009-04-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

As Tracey and I are preparing for our work in Toronto, we are humbled by the call to such a huge task. We, as you, always need to encourage ourselves in the Lord. As I was doing my daily Bible reading, God gave me this verse. "I tell you the truth, no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and in the age to come, eternal life." Luke 18:29 & 30

I needed to hear that this week because we are still in the "concept and theory" stages of this move. We will be in Toronto in the summer of 2010 but there are a lot of details to work out. Tracey and I recently had a week together to pray and think through some things but found it difficult because we know we need to get some concrete plans in action. With God's help, we will have some of those things worked out in June. It is being patient that overtakes our thoughts sometimes.

We were also overwhelmed by the thought of being in our early forties and taking a "leap of faith" when most people our age are doing what they can to make sure their jobs are secure and they are putting back for retirement. The verses above remind us that if we abandon it all for the kingdom of God, HE will take care of us in this age (our lifetime) and the age to come (eternity). By the way, Tracey and I hope to bring a whole lot of Canadians into eternity with us!

Keep us in your prayers and be encouraged by our struggles and resolution in Christ.

Coming to Toronto

2009-04-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Dowdy Family is coming to Toronto! In the summer of 2010, a church will be planted in the Toronto area that will be an answer to years of praying and preparation. Follow this blog for details!