Another Assembly is done. Our family gathered to worship and fellowship over three days. Among us was the focus on the next generation. While most of the program was similar to previous years, there were some unique elements to this year's Assembly: God's word delivered by Chap Clark and Tim Day. We were led into God's presence by Drew Brown. Assembly approved the motion to change a by-law allowing churches
The class of 2018 is about to finish high school. The next few months will be filled with excitement, anxiety and a dash of chaos as many head to college and university. Last Saturday, some of these high school grads connected with upper years heading to the same campus this September. Transition 101 is a collaboration with Ambassadors for Christ, Navigators, Inter Varsity and Power 2 Change. Our objective for
Each family does them differently. Our CBOQ family reunion aka Assembly is no different, but something special happens every time our family of churches gather together. For me (Alvin), after being part of 17 Assemblies, I am encouraged by these common occurrences: Friends greeting friends, especially if they haven’t seen each other since the last Assembly. There are numerous people I get to see once a year, and it’s a
After the long weekend (the unofficial start of summer), the school year is almost done. Many youth ministries begin to wind down. It’s time to finish the year well. CELEBRATE: Spend some time recounting the blessings that God’s brought the last few months. Have a special time of prayer. Like so many Baptists before us, celebrate with food. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!” DEBRIEF: Take time to debrief
CBOQ and the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada participate in an exchange of young adult teams, learning from each other and celebrating God's work in our regions. This past weekend, Kylie Hurlburt, Meaghan Graham and Mike Andress with Alvin represented CBOQ at CBAC's new multi-denominational adventure "One Conference" in Moncton, NB. The intention of this exchange is to discover the answer to two questions: what is God uniquely doing in
Youth ministries are environments where students can mature in their faith. Some students are ready for the next step, but our youth ministry may not have the opportunities they need. Happily, we’re part of God’s greater kingdom and he has more opportunities than we could imagine. A few years ago, CBOQ established an exchange with our friends at CBAC. The intent is to send groups of young adults to the
This season of ministry is wrapping up with a variety of celebrations. Now’s a great time to start thinking about where God is leading your ministry next season and next year. So what are your next steps? CBOQ Youth is launching our annual Next Steps survey. We hope you’ll take the time (about 10 min) to complete it. The survey provides us with 2 key insights from you: What are
Compassion means “with suffering” and it reminds us to walk alongside others in their moments. The language of “walking alongside” has impacted the way we do missions--we’re thinking more broadly and of longer-term impact. In the last few years, we've moved from the language of "short term mission trips" to "compassion experiences." For many youth ministries, their venture into compassion experiences is, for the youth and many leaders, a first-time
At Assembly last June, was the announcement of a motion to be presented for consideration at Assembly 2018. Assembly followed the Imaginative Hope, which included the recommendation by the Next Generation Ministries - CBOQ of the addition of a young - adult delegate. The motion is to allow a church to send a third delegate who is age 18-25 years. So what happens from here? If you haven't read
January to March is always an intense time at CBOQ Youth. We’re part of 7 different events in a 10 week span. Some “random” observations I’ve made during that time. “I am getting older.” Whether I like it or not, I am getting older, which means what used to work for me before may not work the same way now. I need to monitor and adjust myself physically, mentally and
