Pastors and spouses meet

Experiencing quiet time of affirmation

The B.C. Pastors and Spouses’ retreat, which followed the B.C. MB convention, was held at Silver Star resort near Vernon. B.C., a beautiful venue with breathtaking views of God’s creation. The speakers were brothers Steve and Jeff Imbach, spiritual directors. They educated us on what spiritual direction is – ”listening and attending to God and His ways for us, and being affirmed in who we are and how God sees us” – and what it isn’t – ”telling people what to do,” “the latest fad” or “cure-all.” They also said, “It’s a simple gift of offering to another gentle but tenacious encouragement to open fully to Jesus’ loving presence, and to co-discern the action of the Holy Spirit.” As pastors and spouses, assurance and affirmation of who we are, not only as leaders but as people, is vitally important to our ministry and our personal lives.

The Imbachs introduced the practice of imaginative or contemplative prayer originated by St Ignatius. “Scripture begs for the use of imagination,” they said. We also experienced the quiet beauty of a Taize service.

Eleven Mennonite Brethren spiritual directors have been trained over a two-year period. It seems that spiritual direction is hitting the “critical mass” stage, and we will see more of it within our denomination (see MB Herald Jan. 16).

The retreat was also a time to worship in song, this year led by Vernon Alliance Church’s Wayne Loewen, and a time to get to know other people’s ministry within the MB Conference. We laughed at the antics of “The Panic Squad” (see following), and ate great food. Relationships were renewed, and new acquaintances made. It was a time of refreshing and encouragement.

Small groups, assigned each day, were another highlight. We met new people, got to know each other better, and prayed for one another. To have a time to relax, reflect, and connect with others who are like-minded is a vital part of ministry and we are grateful for this yearly opportunity.

Enjoying the Panic Squad

The Panic Squad came to the Pastors and Spouses’ retreat as entertainment, and entertain us they did! We laughed until we cried. Improv has a way of doing that. The Panic Squad is made up of Andrew Bright, Cliff Prang and Elijah Tedema, who have made this their full-time ministry. Dave Swan is their official unofficial fill-in guy. These young men, with nearly 33 years of collective experience in the area of improvisational comedy, believe “the church needs to have fun” and that “arts and God fit together; you can serve God in many ways.” Their goal, besides entertaining people with good, clean humour, is “world domination through improvisation!” They want to reclaim what has been taken and defiled in the area of improvisational comedy, and use it for God’s glory. They do it well.

Bright says, “We speak too. While comedy is our main thing, we are always excited when we get the chance to share a testimony or even serve as the main speakers for the evening/weekend. This is a passion and a privilege for us.”

The Panic Squad is available to perform for any group, Christian and non-Christian, adapting “their comedy to fit the audience. For more information, call 360-345-7888, or see panicsquad.com.

Kathleen Klassen is co-youth pastor at Black Creek (B.C.) MB Church.