Hello everyone!
My name is Chris, and I have 8/10 courses completed in the MAL program at TWU. LDRS 501b is my 9th outing, and I’m looking forward to wrapping up my studies within the next year.
I am currently unemployed (since Nov 2017) and searching for my next assignment in church ministry. I am an Ordained Minister of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Religion; majoring in Pastoral Theology from Summit Pacific College in Abbotsford, B.C.
I am married to my beautiful wife, Kirsten. We have a 13mo. old girl, Noelle.
This photo is us at Camp Imadene in Mesachie Lake, B.C., August 2018.
I was the Speaker and Kirsten was the Dean of Women for Sr. Co-ed camp.
In my experience, I have found that pastoral ministry requires the use of both strategy and execution as we help people take steps forward in their spiritual journeys. I often see myself trying to understand where people are in their spiritual development, and then creating and implementing plans to help them grow.
I have employed growth strategies on a systemic level reaching congregants at many different levels (from exploring faith to those centered in their faith) using courses, sermons, one-on-one mentoring, group life initiatives, and practical service projects (outreach).
As a pastor, I have also experienced the spiritual side of strategy: Our best-laid plans and strategies are nothing without God’s power to convict, move, and shape the hearts of those we serve. I find that God often leads us towards unique strategies to reach people if we remain open to his still, small voice.
I am excited to learn strategies for developing organizations and leaders alike. I look forward to hearing some of the strategies that you have employed in your organizations–I think we have a great deal to learn from each other.
Blessings,
Chris
Hey Chris!
Welcome aboard!
We’ve had more opportunity to interact than some in the course, but I am glad you figured out the formatting and introduced yourself to everyone else.
Looking forward to your interaction and addition to our learning together.
Doug
Hi Chris – thanks for sharing! I work in a church I completely understand and agree with you about the tension between making plans and waiting/trusting on the Lord. It is a topic of discussion almost weekly right now. Congrats on almost being done! (I’m a little jealous as this is 3/10). I am sure that I can learn much from your experiences in ministry!
– Lillian Boyd
lillian@springvale.org
Thanks, Lillian!
It’s going to be a great class. I’m confident that we will connect about church-y stuff at some point in the course.
Blessings,
Chris
Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for introducing yourself to us in your blog. I really liked your comment about God’s power to convict, move, and shape the hearts of those we serve.” I wonder often if I should be considering this faith-based attitude in the realm of my secular leadership?
I’m looking forward to getting to know you better over the next 10 weeks of LDRS 501.
Jason
Hello Jason,
Thank you for your reply. I have found the TSL (Transformational Servant Leader) attitude of leadership has helped me in leading those around me. My faith-based core provides a foundation and serves to keep me grounded. If you as a leader in the secular world employ faith-based concepts like integrity, loyalty, and servant-heartedness those around you will surely benefit.
I look forward to chatting with you more as well.
Blessings,
Chris Kong
Hey Chris,
Congratulations on your progress in the programme. Continue to listen to the voice of God. In his timing he will provide the job you are seeking. Thanks for introducing your family to us.
Andrea Marquis