Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec

By Dale Rose, CBOQ Board 2nd Vice President

I have had the privilege of serving in CBOQ churches for over 40 years. Of the four churches I have pastored, all of them have contributed financially to the work of our wider Canadian Baptist fellowship. They believed in the mission of our church family, and were convinced that there were some things we do better together than separately.

I love our vision: “A family of churches, transformed by Christ, revealing God’s kingdom.” For me, CBOQ is my family. And in families, everyone contributes and tries to do their part. Most people support what they are passionate about. I am passionate about the local church. I believe it is God’s instrument of change in our broken world. And so I give regularly to my local church, both financially and as a volunteer beyond my pastoral role. I also believe in CBOQ and its values, and so I contribute financially to our greater Baptist family. I volunteer as a member of the CBOQ Board of Directors, and help out at Assembly. It is a wonderful way to make new friends and connect with many fellow Baptists.

Why give to CBOQ? In business terms, it is a good return on your investment. This is especially true as we support churches in outreach, renewal and developing next generation leaders. Giving to CBOQ benefits all our churches. I currently serve as interim pastor at a church that has a young and talented ministry staff. It has been a joy to invest my time and energy in mentoring them. CBOQ is making a real difference in growing young leaders.

My biblical rationale for giving has always embraced the words of Paul. May they encourage you today:

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not regretfully or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).