Thrive Spring/Summer 2021

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ground work Spring/Summer 2021 CHURCH PLANTING IN POST-CHRISTIAN QUEBEC by Steve Cloutier GROUND WORK: FRANCOPHONE MINISTRY Quebec is often referred to as “North America’s greatest mission field.” The hope for every mission field is for local leaders to increasingly set the tone of ministry, as they often understand the local culture better than foreign missionaries. How is planting a church in Quebec so different from planting a church anywhere else in Canada? What is of great importance elsewhere becomes of vital importance here: the margin for error is very low. There are many things that still have to be figured out, but here are some of the key ingredients that are essential for planting a church in “la belle province”. Planting a church in Quebec requires first of all establishing yourself as a presence for good where you seek to minister. Distrust of religious figures and institutions makes it highly unlikely that you will be received with open arms. As a result, testimony is crucial, and it must demonstrate the real-life difference that the Gospel makes. People must see and feel, and come to trust that you truly care about them and the good of all people. This extends to showing how the Gospel tangibly increases justice and well-being across society and the natural world. It is essential to clearly define for non-Christians what the Gospel is, alongside with what it is not. This relates as much to the message as it does to the mediums through which we present it. Many people maintain distorted associations with traditional religious forms. Theological acuteness must go hand-in-hand with contextual awareness and sensitivity. You cannot apply the usual markers of a successful church plant the way you do elsewhere. For most church planters in Quebec, the focus is on building relationships and earning trust. While presenting a clear Gospel message, it is also important to allow people to be known and cared for as they are considering faith in Jesus. The Christian community needs to offer a sense of belonging to those who are still figuring out where they stand spiritually. Church plants must be hospitable to all demographics. Historically, our churches have been mostly white. But Quebec, even francophone Quebec, is in no way a monoethnic society. In places with a much higher percentage of Christians among ethnic minorities, intentionally seeking to make these groups feel at home in the body of Christ is a must. There is currently a stirring among younger Quebecois leaders to develop ministries and initiatives that are homegrown. The liminal nature of the church in Quebec has in many respects hindered its own self-understanding and crippled its initiative to take responsibility for its own spiritual flourishing. Let’s pray that our present and future church planters can play a key role in reversing this trend. — Steve Cloutier is Church Planting Director of Mission Quebec for the AEBEQ Region. YOU CANNOT APPLY THE USUAL MARKERS OF A SUCCESSFUL CHURCH PLANT THE WAY YOU DO ELSEWHERE. FOR MOST CHURCH PLANTERS IN QUEBEC, THE FOCUS IS ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND EARNING TRUST.
thrive-magazine.ca thrive / 13 CHAPLAINCY IN QUEBEC: STORIES OF GROWTH by Donald Rodier Despite the challenges of the past year, our Fellowship chaplains in Quebec have continued to serve the Lord with zeal and creativity. Here are a couple of examples to encourage you today: François A. Vermette, a Fellowship chaplain serving in the community, and pastor who oversees two churches (Matane and Rivière-du-Loup, QC): “On Thursday evenings I teach and shepherd a group of disciples through Zoom. It’s going wonderfully well. Recently during one of my sermons, a person from La Salle gave his life to Jesus during our call. Another member, Aline, is on her way to baptism. Lives are changing, without ever having set foot in a church!” François Provencher, a Fellowship chaplain serving in funeral homes and pastor of the Church of the Flambeau, Granby, QC: “This summer, I made myself available for 30 funeral ceremonies in two months, all of which had been postponed during the first wave of COVID-19. Throughout 2020, I was able to preside over 60 funeral services, where I shared the Gospel 80% of the time— reaching about 960 people. The (staff at the) funeral home considers me a member of the team, and even offered me an office space. In fact, when a death occurs in difficult circumstances, the team calls on me first. Thank you, Lord, for this open door to bless the people at such a difficult time!” TRAINING FOR CHAPLAINS SEMBEQ, the AEBEQ Region’s seminary in Montreal, is currently developing a chaplaincy training program that will be accredited, which will allow us to properly train new chaplains in Quebec. After one of the courses, one student said she needed to rethink her somewhat overly aggressive approach to non-believers and learn a more loving way of doing things. Another pointed to the paramount importance of such training for Quebec chaplains. Our next course will be about the Gospel and the religions of the world. The world is changing and we are facing an increasing volume of new cultures and religions. This course will help us better understand these beliefs and communicate with the people who adhere to them, all in the light of the Gospel.
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Thrive Spring/Summer 2021

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