Ministry and Calling
Dr. Narry Santos Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry and Intercultural Leadership, Tyndale University
Check out this short 5 minute video as part of our January weekly video series on ministry and calling,
centered on a new book, titled "Tentmakers: Multivocational Ministry in Western Society."
Recommend Resource
Tentmakers: Multivocational Ministry in Western Society Edited by James W. Watson and Narry F. Santos
Tentmaking is a growing reality in Western society that necessitates more reflection and relevant response from pastoral and mission leaders. The need to consider bivocational or multivocational ministries is catalyzed by established congregations wrestling with decline in attendance, by new immigrant communities looking for sustainable ways to minister, and by misunderstanding or lack of information on the nature of this ministry approach. This need is also triggered by the urgency to address biblical, theological, and pragmatic issues of tentmaking that can forge a way forward for the Canadian church in the midst of an uncertain future. This book offers an accurate pulse of the challenges, opportunities, and future of tentmaking in relation to Christianity and the church in these uncertain times.
Upcoming Events
Ambrose University Virtual Public Lecture
You Are Not A Machine: Fruitful Disciple-Making In An Artificial World
Date: Thursday, January 12, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM MST
Many of our discipleship metaphors and understandings come from a mechanical view of the world shaped by technological advancements largely foreign to the agrarian world of the Bible and the metaphors Jesus used. If metaphors shape our world and help us understand the abstract, then how might the machine-ladened metaphors we’ve used warp our view of discipleship, and what can we do about it?
Supportive & Affordable Housing: How The Church Can Play A Role
Thursdays: January 12, 19, 26 & February 2, 2023 1:30 - 3pm ET
In communities all across Canada, we see a startling increase in visible homelessness. Supportive housing, that’s also truly affordable, is generally accepted as the foundation for all other recovery: health (mental and physical), financial, relational, etc. Many churches in Canada are exploring involvement with affordable housing for a variety of reasons including having surplus land, growing or shrinking ministry. Sign up for this four-part practical equipping series with Indwell, a Christian affordable supportive housing charity.
One Conference February 2-3, 2023 Calling All Canadian Church Leaders! The world has changed, and the Church is changing with it. Join us in Calgary, Alberta for One Conference. We will be digging into some of the most pressing and difficult leadership challenges, while also inspiring new ideas that will shape renewal and spiritual impact in Canada.
Save the date and register today!
Transformational Coaching
Wednesdays from Feb 8- Apr 5, 2023
1pm - 3pm Eastern (online)
Join for weekly online training sessions, and expect to invest an average of an additional 3 hours per week in developing this skill. This breaks down as approximately 1.5 hours completing the required readings, and 1.5 hours engaging with your peer coaching partner via Zoom or video chat.
TCF'S Property Strategy Course for Church Board Members Dates TBA This TCF online course is a series of toolkits, aimed at supporting church board members. TFC's hope is to educate faith communities across Canada as they leverage strategic partnerships and government programs required to build the financial sustainability of their properties. In repositioning these properties towards the many charities who need space, new structures will also allow faith communities to remain in their communities and see new seasons of growth.