ABA Updates
July 27, 2010
Good morning;
Last evening I finished reading a book by Wayne Cordeiro entitled, Leading on Empty, in which he openly talks about his struggles and eventual crash. I would recommend this book to all those who are struggling with the stress and pressure of pastoral ministry, and to those who want to understand what pastors go through. As I read, being able to identify with much of what Wayne talked about, I was reminded once again that God is good ALL THE TIME! God is always at work for our good, even when we don’t see it or understand it, His work and purpose in our lives and ministry is always good.
As we near the end of July, I would like to reflect with you how our good God is at work in the ABA.
First, let me encourage you to continue to pray for Bob and Marilyn as they remain on sabbatical. After they returned to Edmonton a couple weeks ago, Bob and I got together for coffee and a very enjoyable conversation. They have had a remarkable sabbatical experience, which I’m sure he will tell you about at a later date. The last part of a sabbatical is for dreaming again, and revisioning the ministry, so pray that Bob will hear the voice of God and see what God sees for the ministry of the ABA. It is clear already that Bob is rested, renewed and invigorated. God is good all the time.
As I mentioned in a previous Update, we faced some significant financial challenges at the end of our fiscal year, however the result was very encouraging. In the end the difference between income and expenses was less than $6000.00, so although we were a bit short it was not drastic. Between May and June, approximately $98,000.00 was received. God is good all the time.
Last weekend Carbon Baptist celebrated its 100th Anniversary with a full schedule of activities. This weekend it is Hilda Baptist’s turn. Both of these churches are remembering their rich heritage, both have faced challenges and struggles, but both have experienced God’s blessing through a century of ministry. God is good all the time.
Has there ever been a time when there were not pastoral changes and transitions happening in the ABA? Certainly now is a time of change. As you may already know, Bob Carroll has accepted the call to serve as senior pastor at Northgate; Hilda Baptist had a pastoral candidate with them last weekend; Hawkwood Baptist will soon be looking for a new associate or youth pastor; Harvest Community in Beaumont is searching for an associate pastor and the transition continues. But these are times of hope and opportunity, because God is good all the time.
I trust you will all enjoy the goodness of God through the rest of the summer. It is a pleasure to serve with you.
Jim
ABA Associate Regional Minister
June 21, 2010
Good morning,
Greetings from the ABA.
Since this is the second update for the month of June, I will try to keep it short and to the point.
Bob and Marilyn remain on sabbatical and if they have kept to their schedule, today is a travel day as they go from Texas to Alabama. Please keep them in your prayers. Pray for rest, renewal and safety as they travel.
As you know we are nearing the end of our fiscal year; however, as of last Friday (18th) we are still in need of approximately $28, 000 to meet our anticipated expenses. Like so many of our churches in the ABA, we have significantly adjusted our expenses however we anticipate needing this amount by the end of the day on June 30 in order to meet expenses. I have already sent this message to pastors and board chairs on the ABA churches, yet as I broaden the circle, let me indicate that we would welcome any gift for the purpose of meeting expenses before we close the books on 2009-2010. We deeply appreciate the support of so many churches and individuals, and during these times of economic challenge, we seek to honour God through the effective stewardship of all He has entrusted to us.
Like many of you, I have watched and listened to the news regarding the flood conditions of southern Alberta. You may also remember that we have six churches in the southern area, all of which are affected by these current conditions. I have talked to individuals from most of these churches this morning and although the experience varies from one region to another, all are struggling. This flood condition is affecting crop viability, transportation, living conditions and ministry efforts. For some of the loss has already been substantial while for others it has not yet been their experience but it certainly may. Please keep this situation in your prayers. If you have a prayer chain, please pass the request along Our friends need our support.
Please remember to pray for Carbon Baptist and Hilda Baptist as they celebrate their 100th Anniversary in July; pray for Mark and Tara White who were installed last Sunday as the new pastor of Creston Baptist. There is much to be concerned about and much to rejoice in.
It is a joy to serve in the ministry of the ABA. If there is any way we might serve you more effectively, please do not hesitate to call.
Blessings,
Jim
Associate Regional Minister
 Good afternoon,
With Bob on sabbatical, this is my first opportunity to write you concerning the developing ministry of the ABA. It is a pleasure to highlight what is happening within our family of churches and to invite you to rejoice with me.
First, let me tell you that Bob and Marilyn are in Texas at a retreat centre for a much needed time of rest and spiritual nourishment. Following this, they will be spending time with family in Texas and then returning to the Edmonton area for the last part of the sabbatical. Please continute to pray for them during this time. I know they appreciate and covet your prayer.
In the past weeks, I have been able to host the two Pastor Connection events (Edmonton and Calgary) as well as the last two Board Chair Gatherings (Edmonton and Calgary). Although the attendance was down in all these events, the interaction was outstanding. There was a very good response to how we are reshaping leadership development in the ABA. Also, the sharing and prayer times in the pastor's events were outstanding.
Ordination has been high on the agenda for the past few weeks, as we have had three Ordination Councils and two Ordination Services. We rejoice with Richard Kauenhofen, pastor of Carbon Baptist, and Norm Bleick, pastor of Wiesenthal Baptist, both of whom were ordained in May. We also look forward to having an Ordination Service for Bill Stock on the last Sunday of June.
We continue to reshape the leadership development efforts fo the ABA as we expand our scope of attention. Building on the leadership develop emphasis of the conference we will encourage leadership development in all churches and for all levels of need. In additon to Focus3, which has been active in the ABA for years, we will be paying attention to the further development of existing leaders, raising up new leaders and identifying those whom God is calling into vocational ministry as pastors and missionaries. I am particularly thankful for the Leadership Development Team that I have to work with. They are: Sam Nikkel, Jana Cleverley, Darren Platt, and Terry Fossen.
Thank you for your prayers as we enter the summer season. Pray for Hilda Baptist as the pastoral search continues and as they candidate an individual later this summer. Pray for Creston Baptist as they welcome a new pastor this Sunday. Pray for Hilda Baptist and Carbon Baptist as they celebrate their respective 100th Anniversaries in July. Pray for Bob and Marilyn as they enjoy their sabbatical. Pray for safety as I travel to many churches this summer.
Blessings,
Jim
ABA Associate Regional Minister
 
 
Friday, May 7, 2010
Good Morning,
While I write this I am observing an awesome group of people who are completing their coach training. This is the completion of our third cohort of Coaches in Training. We have now trained 27 individuals to be ministry coaches in their churches and in the ABA. We will be mobilizing these coaches in the fall of 2010. If you would like to be coached and/or be in the next cohort, please let me know. It is always amazing how much spiritual transformation takes place in those being trained.
April 16 & 17 were the ABA Sessions for 2010. What a great time we had together hearing community impact stories from our churches, being challenged by Cam Roxburgh and looking forward to the ministry year of 2010/11. Thanks to everyone who attended as you were the ones who made this time a great time. A special thanks to Steele Heights Baptist and Northgate Baptist for hosting and serving us so well.
Every year following the ABA Sessions the ABA Leadership Council has been going on a ABA ministry planning retreat. We were together for 43 hours and God met us in a significant way. I look forward to what God is going to do in the life of the ABA Churches in this coming ministry year.
I had the privilege of being at the induction service of Eric Brooks as the Sr. Pastor of Southfork (formerly Temple) Baptist church in Leduc. I look forward to seeing how the partnership of Eric and Southfork will impact the community of Southfork and beyond.
This will be my last update until the month of September. At the ABA Sessions it was announced that I will be going on a sabbatical from May 9 – August 19. I am so grateful to the ABA Leadership Council and the ABA Churches for allowing me to have this time of rest and spiritual reflection. Jim will be covering for me and meeting the needs of our ABA Churches. I am taking a sabbatical from email and my Blackberry. This will be a challenge for me but believe this is in the best interest of the ABA churches and me. Thanks again for blessing me with this opportunity.
To all the mothers I wish you a blessed Mothers Day. You are real hero’s and bless so many lives.
Blessings to you all,
Bob
Bob Walther, Regional Minister
Alberta Baptist Association of NAB
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