Boldly Forward. Never Alone: In the Trenches, Together
One of the quiet gifts of being part of Fellowship Pacific is the rhythm of gathering. Across our churches, we are not only connected by shared mission, but by a shared commitment to show up for one another—to pray, to listen, and to remember that we are not labouring alone.
Boldly Forward. Never Alone.
Pastor Jeremy MacDonald of Faith Baptist shares a recent story with us of what that looks like in practice through relationships, shared worship, and partnership among Fellowship Pacific churches in Vancouver.
After becoming lead pastor of Faith nearly four years ago, one of the responsibilities I inherited from my predecessor, Jack Taylor, was organizing a quarterly lunch for Fellowship Pacific pastors from across Vancouver. Every few months, we gather at White Spot to share life, hear what God is doing in our churches, and pray for one another. These times have been a gift to me, especially in those early days of leadership when I was still finding my footing.
For many years, our Vancouver churches have partnered together to host a Joint Good Friday service. Each year, congregants from more than five churches gather before the cross of Jesus Christ to worship and to receive from the Lord’s Table. In that shared space, we are reminded that we stand on the same gospel and are united by the same Saviour.
Most Good Friday services begin with the simple words, “Isn’t it good to be together?” and the room resounds with a heartfelt “Amen.”
Each year, we take turns preaching and leading communion. Last year, Byron Grant, Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Baptist, shared a deeply moving message shaped by his own experience of suddenly losing his wife, Diane. It was a sacred moment for many of us as we stood with him and wept.
This year, Rick Powell, recently retired from Collingwood Baptist after 27 years of faithful service, brought the Good Friday message. It was a gift to hear the gospel proclaimed with such clarity, passion, and enduring conviction by a man who has given his life to the service of Christ.
Our churches differ in style, and we may hold varying views on secondary matters. Yet when Good Friday comes, we lay aside what could divide us and come together to honour Christ. In those moments, what unites us becomes unmistakably clear: one Lord, one gospel, one shared mission. The cross has a way of bringing everything essential into focus.
When we come together, it is a reminder that we are not labouring alone, but shoulder to shoulder in the same field, brothers together for the sake of Christ and His church.
God’s peace,
Jeremy MacDonald
Lead Pastor, Faith Baptist
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
—Ephesians 4:1–6
