By Karen Wong, Regional Associate for CBOQ
Who would have known that I’d be on the road again? In my early 20s, before receiving my call into full-time ministry, God opened the door for me to work as a traveling salesperson for a laboratory supplies and equipment company. Having graduated in Biological Science, I thought I would be a scientist conducting research in a lab. But God had another plan. Instead, I found myself visiting labs across the Province of Quebec and as far as the Maritimes, listening to their needs and offering tools to facilitate their processes and produce clearer results. The salary and experience were great, but as a passionate Christian, I struggled to see how I was contributing to the Kingdom of God.
Then, the Lord called me into full-time ministry. Obediently, I completed my Master of Divinity and returned to my hometown of Montreal to serve as a pastor for the next 15 years. When I was interviewed by CBOQ’s Church Life and Leadership Team, I didn’t realize I’d be returning to my early years on the road, but this time to visit and strengthen God’s churches. As Philippians 2:12b-13 says, “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” More than 20 years later, I see that God was preparing me for the role of CBOQ Regional Associate. Ministry on the road is not foreign to me!
With some measure of fear and trembling, I take up the role of Regional Associate, knowing that Jesus has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the Church to be His bride. I love the Church deeply because I’ve been blessed by her, and I know that God continues to use the Church for His purposes. It’s no accident that God has gifted each church with different spiritual gifts for His purpose and glory. Yet, as imperfect followers of Christ, church life can often be complex. Still, the hope is that when the church is healthy, the bride of Jesus radiates the beautiful character of God. She nurtures new believers through sound teaching, serves as a source of healing as old lives are transformed, and impacts the community where she resides. My desire is for all our CBOQ churches to be healthy and on mission for the Kingdom of God.
Before entering a conversation, I ask God, “Help me to see what you see, and grant me your wisdom to bless the church.” Perhaps due to my inquisitive nature, I’m interested in learning about the exciting journey God has led each church on—hearing stories of how God is moving within the community, as well as the difficult struggles the church faces. I love the Church because it is made up of people whom God loves. As an outsider, God often reveals unique perspectives that allow me to remain neutral and identify things that insiders might not see. And as a pastor, I trust that He has sent me for His good purpose, which sometimes means revealing areas of weakness within the church.
I haven’t always been a healthy pastor, and I’ve witnessed harm caused by unhealthy churches and their leadership. If I could have a do-over, I would invite a mentor or remain accountable to a group of pastors outside my church to speak into my life. In my role, I hope to work with the associations to nurture safe spaces for pastoral fellowship and provide mentoring opportunities. Similarly, I aim to work with church boards to guide them in best practices for church leadership. Creating space for soul care or accessing a spiritual director or counselor is crucial so that we allow God to perform the inner work of healing, preventing our darkness and sins from spilling over into the people and ministries we serve.
Finally, like the Home Depot slogan says, “You can do it. We can help.” I believe God has already given His vision and mission to the local church. He has provided the spiritual gifts to make His vision a reality, and sometimes that includes partnering with CBOQ and other CBOQ churches to bring it to life. My goal is to help churches fulfill their mission by accessing support and resources to flourish. At CBOQ, we have grants, Church Operations & Church Life Resources, Next Gen Resources (including children & family ministry, youth, and pastoral training), Pastoral Resources, and that’s just the beginning.
Ministry is never meant to be done alone, nor should the local church feel alone! I’m grateful for the privilege of walking alongside you and cheering you on. Indeed, we are a family of CBOQ churches, transformed by Christ, and together we reveal God’s kingdom in Ontario and Quebec. Amen!
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