Short stories from churches

Willingdon promotes preaching

B.C.’s largest Mennonite Brethren church – Willingdon Church in Burnaby – hosted a preaching and theology conference for pastors called “reFocus” April 18–20, attracting close to 400 people from various denominations in the province and as far away as New Brunswick and California.

Willingdon pastor John Neufeld said the conference, two years in the planning, was driven by a four-point agenda, including the promotion of expositional preaching.

“In evangelical circles, preaching has been denigrated in our generation,” Neufeld said. “In church growth terms, pastors view themselves as CEOs and retailers, not preachers.”

“This is not the history of our faith!”

Speakers included John Piper, Mark Driscoll, James Packer, Bruce Ware, and John Neufeld. Willingdon hopes to make the conference an annual event.

—BM

Eagle Ridge facilities to get face lift

The congregation of Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship in Coquitlam, B.C. conducted a groundbreaking service April 15 for new worship facilities. Their 25-year-old multi-use gymnasium will get a face lift and the congregation will add a 400-seat worship centre as well as classrooms, nursery space, and offices. Pictured (l–r) are Edward Teh, Glen Wutzke (Alpha Omega Endeavors, Inc., which is providing construction management), former pastor Len Doerksen, Tom Thiessen (B.C. MB Conference board of management), Ian Schroeder, Len Dueckman, Bill Driedger, Coquitlam mayor Maxine Wilson, and pastor Doug Monkemeier.

Newton youth serve in Mexico

Thirty-two students, eight youth sponsors, and two bus drivers from Community Fellowship Church, Newton, Man. went to San Carlos, Mexico for spring break. They helped a small church in Vicam finish their church building, providing labour as well as building materials. They also participated in the congregation’s celebration service, distributed food hampers, and presented an adaptation of the Jesus film. “This trip was life-altering for all who participated,” youth sponsor Vi Siemens reported.