At the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is a story about two builders. It's a parable not of location but of depth, asking us not where we build, but if we're willing to dig down to the bedrock for a solid foundation. This is the image that shaped our Canadian National Gathering this past May, with its theme of “Foundation to Future.”
We came together at a genuinely pivotal moment: disaffiliation, pastoral vacancies, binational tensions, an increasingly diverse membership. Navigating these requires deep wisdom.
From east to west, stories emerged of healthy conflict handled with grace, of mentors investing in the next generation, of churches reaching their neighbors with love, of lifelong discipleship quietly transforming lives, of leaders stewarding their roles, and more.
Wisdom emerged in many ways, with four that stood out to me: First, a reminder that the church is people; structures must serve the community, not replace it. Second, we cannot build in isolation; we need one another's encouragement, accountability, and diverse wisdom. Third, intentionality matters; we cannot simply hope things fall into place. And fourth, the most foundational truth of all: that Jesus Christ gathers, protects, and preserves his church. He is the rock and the builder.
To be a disciple of Jesus is not to just stare at the foundations, but to build on them. The question is whether we're going to be wise ones or foolish builders. I left the Canadian National Gathering more convinced than ever that the CRC has leaders from across Canada who have deep wisdom, and it makes me hopeful for the future.
About the Author
Rev. Al Postma is the executive director (Canada) of the CRCNA. He is a member of Hope CRC in Brantford, Ont.
Al Postma, 캐나다 총괄 디렉터
