Covenant Life Renewal Association

Hey there CLRA friends and associates, Thanks again for being part of our recent What’s Next And Where To? meeting. From the feedback I received it seems that people were appreciative of the opportunity to weigh options and hear the stories and concerns of others. We had a bunch of guys watching on the livestream, one of whom, Pastor Stephen Bray, runs a mission in Newfoundland called Mile 1 Mission.... Stephen is part of the Atlantic region of our wider convention and shares a lot of the same concerns that have led us to where we are as a renewal association here in central Canada. He has never been supported by CBM (the whole reformed complementarian thing) but his affiliation makes it difficult to attract support from other organizations. As you are transitioning from CBOQ to places elsewhere, I’d love for you to consider coming on as a supporter. Our church was one of the first supporters of the mission and we can wholeheartedly endorse it to others. If you’d like to contact Stephen, you can reach him here: Stephen Bray: [email protected] Let’s not allow this disruption in our ecclesiological relationships to result in any lessoning of our support for missions particularly amongst the most unreached people groups in our land. Blessings to you, Paul Carter https://www.mileonemission.ca

If you were with us for the "What's Next and Where To" meeting then you heard a presentation from John Atkinson on porting pensions and benefits. Here is his contact information: John Atkinson, CEBS, Senior Consultant 1032 Brock Street South, Whitby, Ontario L1N 4L8 O: 1.800.361.6996 x2214 D: 905.668.3519 C: 905.431.0497 [email protected] l www.hmabenefits.ca

I had an interesting conversation the other day with an old friend and new podcaster about sex, gender, race and denominations; you can find it here.

What’s Next And Where To? A conversation for CBOQ refugees and dissenters When: Friday November 27th at 1 pm Where: Cornerstone Baptist Church, Orillia sanctuary... How: Distancing protocols in effect Topic: 1. What is the process for leaving the CBOQ? 2. What are some of the potential complications? (Building issues, loans, ordination, etc). 3. What are some of the options for future association elsewhere? We've had several meetings with FEB so I feel like I could walk people through that process. Some others have had similar conversations with BGA and I've also explored the CNBC to a lesser extent. I've also had some conversations with people from a variety of denominations about starting something new. We can talk about that as well. RSVP to [email protected] Coffee/water and individual snacks (as per protocols) will be available. Participants are free to arrange dinner afterwards at several restaurants that are open and COVID complaint in the area. I vote for Montanas! :)

"To love anything is to love its boundaries." G.K. Chesterton. The failure to establish boundaries for the CBOQ was not loving. It has ensured the utter ruination of our fellowship and mission.

"There is much to be said for the benefits of like-minded churches putting their resources together to address a problem or meet a need that could not be effectively met by one or two churches on their own." Roy E. Ciampa and Brian S. Rosner, The First Letter to the Corinthians, Pillar New Testament Commentary. Totally agree.... Key phrase: Like-minded churches. Without that, there is nothing to be said as to the benefit of pooling resources because you won't agree on the problem, you won't agree on the solution and you won't agree on the definition of "effective". If my 21 years in the CBOQ has taught me anything it is that alignment is EVERYTHING.