A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original article appears below. David MacKenna is the Chairperson of the Renewal Fellowship.
Within the next few weeks the Renewal Fellowship will have, for the first time, a full time Director to speak for and guide the affairs of the Fellowship. This has been a long term goal and was looked forward to from the early days of the group. The Rev. Robert Little, from Maple, Ontario, will bring with him his considerable experience in a variety of ministries. Along with this experience we are indeed fortunate to have a person of faith and with a zeal for the Lord.
The filling of this position is a step of faith by the Fellowship as well as by the Rev. Little. For several years the Board has discussed and weighed the merits of this step and always reached the same conclusion — a full time Director was not only desirable but necessary for the Renewal Fellowship to advance its aims and objectives. In time, the Lord led us to the decision that we should move forward and seek a candidate. Several people indicated their interest in the position and following much prayer the Search Committee recommended Bob Little. The finances required for this position are not in place but after much consideration the Board felt it was the Lord’s will that they proceed. This step was not taken lightly by the Board and I am sure not by the Rev. Little either.
If we look to Scripture we soon see that a step of faith is precisely the action that is given in example after example of the Lord’s dealing with his people. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Gideon, David and Daniel are but a few of the men of God “stretched” and who responded in faith and the Lord accomplished much through them. As Christians we too should expect to be “stretched” and be willing to take steps of faith so the Lord can use us also for his purposes.
If we look at the men of faith listed previously we will also see the Lord gave them;
- a vision for the work before them
- a zeal for the Lord
- a focus on the task on
Our vision is to see the Presbyterian Church in Canada — its members, congregations and courts — return to the obedience as outlined in the subordinate standards of the denomination. This includes the inerrancy of Scripture, salvation by faith through Christ alone and the place for Bible study, prayer, fellowship and discipline in our lives and the life of the church.
Vision must be accompanied by a willingness to work toward it — a zeal for the Lord. To accomplish renewal requires effort, persistence, consistency and a faith that endures. We in renewal need this zeal to pursue the vision before us.
Focus is required to reduce the broad scope of vision to a task that can be grasped and undertaken. Without focus the task will overwhelm and discourage us. By focusing, our efforts can be concentrated and goals achieved which will encourage us.
The Renewal Fellowship has been fortunate indeed to have had the dedicated and able leadership of Drs. A. Donald MacLeod and John Vissers as interim directors for the past eight years. They have established the Fellowship on a sound footing. We owe them a great deal of thanks for their untiring efforts on our behalf.
The foundation is in place, it is now time to continue building on it. In the months and years ahead we need the support and assistance of all our membership if there is to be renewal in the church. Your prayers, encouragement and support is crucial to the course of renewal within the Presbyterian Church in Canada.