TORONTO, Canada, January 26, 2003 — The Christian Church has not, historically, been noted for unity. But now, Canadian Christian ministry organizations from a broad denominational spectrum, are taking steps to learn how to work together in order to more effectively impact this nation with the gospel message.
Almost 100 prominent leaders, from Catholic, Protestant and Evangelical organizations across the country, will be meeting for Connexions 2003, a partnership training symposium. The conference will train top executive leaders from faith-based ministries, in the theory and techniques of forming strategic alliances.
The Canadian Bible Society - responsible for initiating Connexions 2003
David Duncan is Distribution Manager at the Canadian Bible Society, the organization responsible for initiating the event. As Chair of the Steering Committee for Connexions 2003, Duncan believes 'partnering' is a long-established business technique, which has much to offer the Christian community.
"For years, corporate leaders have been using strategic alliances to build their businesses," Duncan said. "Now Church leaders are exploring how to apply similar strategies to expand the kingdom of God," he added.
Roster of attendees reads like a 'who's who' of Canadian Christian leaders
| "For years, corporate leaders have been using strategic alliances to build their businesses ... Now Church leaders are exploring how to apply similar strategies to expand the kingdom of God." |
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- David Duncan, Chair of the Steering Committee for Connexions 2003
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It would seem the partnering has already begun. The roster of organizations involved in the sponsorship and planning of the event reads like a 'Who's Who' in Canadian Christendom. The Canadian Bible Society, Canadian Council of Churches, Catholic Biblical Association of Canada, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, The Salvation Army (Canada and Bermuda), Scripture Union and Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada all contributed staff to prepare and organize the event.
Sponsors include: Augsburg Fortress Canada, Cook Communications Canada, Etherington's and World Vision Canada.
The list of scheduled speakers is also impressive and cuts across traditional tribal lines. It includes Archbishop Marcel Gervais of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ottawa and former chair of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well as The Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches. Also on the list are: Dr. Don Posterski, Director of Church Relations for World Vision Canada, Rev. Gary Walsh, former President of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and Sister Jocelyn Monette, Executive Director of the Catholic Biblical Association.
The international Christian partnership development organization, Interdev, will present workshops and case studies.
'Many Christian leaders are looking for ways to work with others'
Conference planners say they are excited about the potential for future, innovative alliances such training will allow.
Committee member, Aileen Van Ginkel is the Director, Centre for Ministry Empowerment with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. She said, "This conference comes at a time when many Christian leaders are looking for ways to work with others. We're hoping they will leave with a firm grasp of the principles for partnership development, in order to lay solid foundations for on-going partnering in future."
To date, 95 leaders from 65 different ministries have registered for the conference.
Connexions 2003 will be held at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre, from January 30 - February 1. To register, or for more information, visit the conference Web site at: www.connexions2003.ca.
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