Inspiring ideas

Leading sailors to the Rock

Few Canadians know about a Vancouver ministry that reaches more than 14,000 people and 80 countries every year. The Flying Angel Club is an outreach to sailors, right in Canada’s busiest port. As part of the Mission to Seafarers, they host weekly worship services and have chaplains from different denominations who visit hundreds of ships each year. www.ChurchForVancouver.ca

Crafting a ministry plan

Planning ahead is essential for ministry, but many newer youth leaders struggle with it, according to veteran youth pastor Joey Molloy. As the pastoral network director of the Canadian Youth Network, he came up with a plan to help. Every August he invites youth pastors and their volunteers to a camp outside Ottawa for a weekend. The groups enjoy worship, ministry teaching and time to work on their plan for the ministry year. Molloy and other seasoned youth pastors also offer on-site coaching. www.SpurOttawa.com

A mechanical outreach

Toronto’s Malvern Methodist Church had a youth facility that was rarely used. They decided to reach out to the community by partnering with FIRST Robotics Canada – a secular organization that runs robotics competitions to encourage young people to study science and technology. After an open house to introduce the idea, the church launched nine teams. At the end of the program they hosted an event showcasing all the teams’ projects. www.FMCIC.ca