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  • Ephesians 4 says, "And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God."

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Integrity

December 16, 2008

PIONEERS OF CANADIAN LEADERSHIP

I wrote a piece years ago called 'Canada's Spiritual Heritage', and in light of the problems our nation is facing, it might be good to review some of the spiritual needs our country has at the moment.

Please drop in and read this series of blogs that remind us of our past and how important the gospel of Jesus Christ was to the founders of our nation.

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THE FLAG OF SASKATCHEWAN
Proclaimed Sept. 22, 1969

The first building to be erected in a new settlement was often a chapel or church.

In Regina, the oldest building is a chapel built by the North West Mounted Police in 1882 as a result of Evangelist W. J. Hewlett’s anointed gospel meetings where hundreds were born into the family of God.

Saskatchewan’s church leaders led the way in building strong spiritual foundations in the west. Their love in action was seen in pioneering towns, building churches and sending grain to famine-stricken people.

Western leaders like former PM, John Diefenbaker, acknowledged Canada’s rich Christian foundations. He said, "In my home Bible reading and family prayer were daily and rewarding experiences. No meal was ever begun until grace was said. On Sundays we went to church and Sunday school."

That solid Christian foundation affected the way he governed Canada. He based many of his decisions, not on what was politically correct, but what was the right thing to do. Once again it is time to do the right thing in and for Canada.

March 11, 2008

3. SPIRITUAL FORMATION

In the book, '15 Characteristics of Effective Pastors' Kevin Mannoia and Larry Walkemeyer make a strong argument that pastors are not only called but there are principles that will make them more effective.

I would like to highlight those 15 characteristics over the next series of blogs and ask us, as pastors, to review our own effectiveness, or as Jesus would describe it as our fruitfulness in ministry.

Shutterstock_3399976_2Effective pastors recognize their brokenness and the need to prepare themselves for the Presence of the Holy Spirit. How do they go about preparing themselves? One way is through the lost art of spiritual disciplines and daily habits.

Things like taking time to meet with the Lord without distractions. Listening to Him more than speaking. Fasting food but feeding in and off the Word. Solitude. Personal retreats etc.

This vigorous life of spiritual discipline toughens as well as softens the soul so that ministers can live life centered in the Presence of God. Both the physical and mental preparation gives God access to their inner life so they can be shaped or conformed to the image of Jesus on a daily basis.

What spiritual disciplines are active in your daily walk with the Lord?

At Mission O, Ministers Matter!