Before Jesus left the earth at the end of his ministry he had one final instruction for his followers: Go into all of the world with the message of the gospel, seek those who who would become disciples, initiate (baptize) them into the kingdom and teach them to obey. These were his parting words to those he would entrust to carry out what he had started.

As many of you already know, I recently made the decision not to pursue the pastoral ministry role at Highway Pentecostal Church in Portage la Prairie, MB. This decision was not made lightly and came after much prayer, personal introspection, and growth. Over the past several months the Lord has expanded my vision and provided some specific direction for what I am to focus my time and energy towards. The first being my business Seed Financial Services. This is my “tent making” occupation that help to pay the bills and support our ministry. The second being GME and our missional work. Since taking over the leadership of this organization in 2018 God has opened doors that are allowing us to “advance kingdom work” around the world.

This past couple of months I have sensed God’s leading to expand the work of GME towards a missional focus in our “own backyard” so to speak and to start what I am calling, “Mission Canada”. Does Canada need missionaries? Absolutely. Statistically speaking Christianity is in serious decline in North America and many no longer identify as bible believing followers of Jesus. Most Canadians would identify as “post modern” and no longer believe that Christianity plays an important role in society or culture. During the pandemic we have come to realize that the church is viewed as “non-essential” in the scheme of what Canadian’s value. This should be a wake-up call to the church in that we are failing to be the “salt” and “light” in our secularized society.

I believe that for the church in Canada to move forward a paradigm shift is required, we must now look at our selves as missionaries or ones who are being “sent” on a mission. I believe that God is calling us as missionaries to our own “back yard” to begin reaching people that do not connect with the traditional “come and see” way of doing church. I believe that GME is being sent and “authorized” by the Lord to be apart of this labour. I also believe that He will provide the resources and means to which are to accomplish this undertaking.

We are currently reaching out to those who would like to partner with GME and our “Mission Canada” focus. We are looking for leaders that would like to network together to advance missional “movement” in Canada. I believe that as leaders we are stronger when we work together, sharing resources and providing different perspectives under the APEST leadership model (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shephard, and Teacher). In July we started an online (Zoom) study of the book, “The Forgotten Ways” by Alan Hirsch. This is a deep dive into apostolic movements and helps organizations shift towards becoming missional movements. It is my prayer and desire that GME will become one instrument that God uses in facilitating missional movement in Canada.

If you would like more information, please let me know. If there is enough interest for doing online book studies, we will potentially look at doing this again. Blessings!
 

Rob Johnston