District Superintendent Update
Rev. Jim S. Poirier

May 2008

Let me encourage you with some good news!  The church of Jesus Christ is not dead!  People are still finding Jesus.  People are still finding hope, healing and wholeness through the local church.  Organizations like our own district are not content to count the blessings of the past but are actively looking for and finding exciting new opportunities to open doors to share the gospel.  I see evidence of this everywhere I go with the opportunity to meet innovative, creative, passionate leaders who are really making a difference in the places God has called them.  Not once in the past 10 months have I met a leader who is content with status quo. 

Even though popular “Christian” authors like to spout off about the demise and end of the church, denominations, fellowships and whatever else exists (that they’ve given up on) it is apparent that perhaps God isn’t really listening to them.  Forgive me if I sound encouraged but the fact is, there are new opportunities exploding all around us!

Church Planting

Something that is exciting is the opportunities and possibilities of planting new churches. Orland Usick and I met with a couple who are planting a rural church that is being mothered by one of our city churches.  In one week they had a dozen new folks show up.  We will be releasing more details of this as plans are formalized in the weeks to come. 

There are also on-going conversations with fledgling Pentecostal churches who are seeking affiliation with PAOC in the city of Winnipeg.  We will soon be announcing some new initiatives in Aboriginal ministries with regard to church planting as well in the next couple of months.  These are all definite signs of life.

Other Happenings

Calvary Temple has started a new Sunday night format.  In one part of their building they are now holding a vibrant traditional service and in the other part God is moving by His Spirit as a new service is attracting people of all ages who hunger for a move of God. 

Charleswood is adopting Cornerstone Community Church (Transcona) as we partner together to rebuild and replant that work.  Killarney is beginning a new ministry.  They are starting a Pastors retreat ministry.  Pastor Mark Whiticar reports the miraculous healing from cancer of one of their key leaders in Ignace.  Soul Sanctuary continues to burst at the seams.  Bethel in Brandon has just hosted a dynamic prophecy conference where the spirit of God moved upon the people. 

Yes, there are still challenges and opportunities for change throughout our district but we serve a faithful God who still performs miracles.

Travels

Joanne, Scott (our youngest) and I were able to take off for a week long break in B.C. over Spring break.  It was a good rest!  In addition to this I have also been to Killarney, Regina, Lac Du Bonnet, Carmen for Irene Driedgers funeral, Brandon, Morden and also to our Portuguese church for a congregational meeting.  I also had the opportunity to attend the Horizon Graduation and attended two of our MBRC fund raising banquets.  Over the next two months, plans are in place to cover the entire district once again in visiting churches and pastors. 

Vacancies

There are some signs of movement as many of our assemblies are searching for pastors.  Please continue to pray for this need as it is increasingly more difficult to find pastors for many of our churches.  I anticipate with an increased partnership with Horizon and a growing student body we will once again see many of our pastors coming out of college into the ministry. 

What’s next?

In addition to the ongoing desire and vision to see more churches planted in our district there are some immediate things taking place.

With regard to Horizon College and Seminary, there is an immediate need to strengthen the relationship between students and the District.  We must view these students as potential pastors for our District.  No longer can we assume they will automatically land in PAOC churches as pastors.  There are many other ministries vying for their leadership, gifts and talents. I will be spending time on campus 2 times per semester interacting, building relationships and helping to prepare students for ministry in our district.  This is vitally important for our future.

Interim Ministries—we are being helped immensely by our current interim pastors, Bill Burton in Red Lake, Paul Krymusa in Dryden and Dave Heasler in Kenora.  This is a vital ministry.  We are going to be developing some new policies for this ministry to help us increase our effectiveness as we partner with struggling churches to get them back on their feet.

Camp—with gas prices on the rise, why not spend at least some of your vacation at one of our District camps.  It is both economically and spiritually wise.  You can refill your spiritual tank without going broke filling your gas tank!  We are anticipating an incredible summer of ministry at our camps!

Do pray for our upcoming General Conference.  Bill Morrow is stepping down and will be assuming the presidency of Masters College and Seminary.  A new General Superintendent will be selected at conference.  There are also some important resolutions coming to the floor. 

Blessings,

Jim Poirier