Back to Ottawa ( again... )

Well, it was back to the Capital City to join Jonathan Hutchison as he made a presentation to the senior pastors and senior associate pastors of the PAOC churches in the Ottawa section. Chaired by Brian Egert from Orleans, it was a productive and stimulating meeting.

First, we were treated to a moving and inspiring devotional by Major Pierre Bergeron of the CF, who had been the head chaplain of several missions to Afghanistan. I could not do his words justice here, but suffice it to say that I was impressed that we have people of this quality in our Fellowship who not only represent the PAOC but the reality of the Christian faith to those who serve and defend us overseas.

Jonathan spoke with clarity and passion as he presented the need and the challenge of Carleton University in particular and the campuses of the Capital City area in general. Carleton has over 23,000 students that represent 147 different countries. Given all Christian ministries outside of the Catholic fold, there are less than 100 students involved in Christian community or outreach on campus. That is in the area of .4%. 
Actually, as Jonathan was speaking, I wished I had a tape recorder. I would have taped his presentation and put it to music and pictures. It was that good.

He has already been conducting weekly prayer walks on campus. He has been doing his research and building relationships. He has connected with all of the other campus ministry groups, who are only too happy to see him on campus.  He has been developing a local advisory network which is able to help provide accountability, direction and support. His students have also applied for student club status, recognizing that a club that employs a Spirit filled approach and that is people sensitive and compassionate is well overdue on campus.

It was made clear by Jonathan's pastor, John Raymer of Peace Tower Church, that Jonathan was being released a day and a half per week to be a gift to the campus and the broader church. This was not a desire to grow PTC as much as it is a desire to shine a light in a dark place.

The point of the meeting was to inform the pastors about the intentions and progress of the ministry initiative. It was not to spring a pre-done plan on them. It was to engage them in the process and to ask for their permission, if not involvement. I think that it was successful on that front. Brian Egert, the sectional presbyter, was very helpful in reminding the group that the purpose was not to lay out an elaborate plan at this point, but to let everyone know that Jonathan is dreaming and planning and is concerned that everyone knows what is going on. It was agreed that he would produce something in writing that answered the questions around planning, procedure and funding.

More to come...