What a joy to be with a dozen FMCIC friends to experience Exponential, a passionate community of church planters and leaders committed to multiplying disciples, leaders, groups, churches, and networks. Two of the mainstage speakers were Canadians; two were from the UK; one from Uganda; one from Mexico; and several from the US. I was invited to lunch with 25 Canadian denominational leaders to brainstorm how Exponential might best serve the cause of Christ in Canada, and I learned that 200 Canadians were at this conference.
For 24 hours leading up to Exponential, 300 Free Methodists gathered for FMX, “Free Methodist Multipliers.” Most of these were from the US, but several represented Europe, Latin America, and other world areas. Our FMCIC delegation was inspired, challenged, and delighted to get acquainted with Free Methodist brothers and sisters from other countries—and the delight was mutual! We came away grateful that God is doing a new thing among us, as He promised in Isaiah 43:19.
Finally, during this event Rev. Fraser Venter, a Canadian-born pastor, was elected (online) to serve as a bishop for the next three years in the FMCUSA. Bishop Kenny Martin has asked to step down for health reasons, so Fraser will begin serving as a bishop this summer. Our group loved the irony of an American bishop serving in Canada and vice versa.
May the FMCIC experience wonderful fruit in the days ahead from the seeds sown in us at FMX and Exponential!
