Faithful Journey: Embracing Openness and Service in Ministry
Summary
Seventy-five years ago, the Christian community in Vancouver was marked by a spirit of openness, collaboration, and a deep commitment to both local and global mission. The Open Brethren, distinct from the more legalistic Tite Brethren, fostered an environment where new churches could flourish, rooted in community outreach and genuine fellowship. The interconnectedness of the assemblies was evident in their shared activities—women’s missionary groups, volunteer-driven projects like the building of Anvil Island camp, and regular gatherings that built lasting relationships across congregations.
Personal involvement in Christian service began early, with opportunities for young people to lead, serve, and share their faith. High school ministries like ISCF and open-air meetings downtown provided platforms for testimony and evangelism. During the Second World War, the churches responded to the needs of soldiers stationed in Vancouver, organizing late-night services and inviting them into fellowship, demonstrating a readiness to meet people where they were.
The call to overseas mission was both a personal and communal journey. The decision to serve in the Dominican Republic was shaped by the encouragement and prayers of mentors and elders, who recognized the Lord’s leading and offered immediate support. However, the mission field was not without its challenges. Prejudice, rumors, and resistance from established missionaries tested resolve and faith. Yet, the sustaining encouragement from home—especially from individuals like Walter McPhee—provided the foundation to persevere.
Over time, ministry expanded beyond traditional church boundaries, partnering with organizations like the Christian Medical Society to bring medical professionals to Latin America. This work, though sometimes met with suspicion, created new avenues for service and witness. After years abroad, returning home brought its own set of challenges—illness, cultural adjustment, and the need to find new ways to serve. Yet, the ongoing support from Granville Chapel and the broader Christian community enabled continued ministry, particularly among refugees and Spanish-speaking newcomers.
Now, looking back at ninety years of life, there is deep gratitude for the faithfulness of God and the steadfast support of the church. The journey has been marked by both hardship and blessing, but always undergirded by a community that values openness, service, and the ongoing work of the gospel.
Key Takeaways
- Openness in Christian community creates space for growth and new beginnings. When believers resist legalism and embrace a spirit of welcome, churches become fertile ground for outreach, innovation, and genuine fellowship. This openness not only strengthens the local body but also empowers individuals to step into new forms of ministry. [07:35]
- Shared service and sacrifice build lasting bonds. Whether clearing land for a camp with hand saws or working together in the kitchen, the act of serving side by side for a common purpose forges relationships that endure. These experiences teach the value of perseverance, humility, and the joy found in collective effort. [12:22]
- Responding to God’s call often requires courage to face misunderstanding and opposition. Stepping into new territory—whether geographically or in ministry approach—can provoke suspicion or even slander. Yet, faithfulness to God’s leading, supported by the prayers and encouragement of trusted mentors, enables perseverance through adversity. [26:50]
- True unity is not the absence of conflict, but the willingness to seek peace without compromising conviction. Navigating differences within the church, especially when faced with rumors or exclusion, calls for wisdom and a commitment to the greater good of the body. Sometimes, unity means choosing to serve in new ways rather than insisting on one’s own place or recognition. [30:10]
- Lifelong ministry is sustained by community and adaptability. Returning from the mission field brought new challenges—illness, cultural shifts, and the need to find fresh avenues for service. Yet, ongoing support from the church and a willingness to serve in new contexts, such as among refugees or in home Bible studies, demonstrates that God’s call continues throughout every season of life. [32:16]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:35] - Life in Vancouver 75 Years Ago
[02:10] - The Open and Tite Brethren Distinction
[07:35] - Community Outreach and Church Planting
[10:18] - Women’s Missionary Groups and Volunteerism
[12:22] - Building Anvil Island Camp
[14:00] - Youth Involvement and ISCF
[16:30] - Open-Air Meetings and Evangelism
[18:45] - Wartime Outreach to Soldiers
[23:44] - The Call to Overseas Mission
[25:29] - Decision and Support for Dominican Republic
[26:50] - Facing Opposition and Rumors
[28:38] - Encouragement from Home
[30:10] - Navigating Church Unity and New Ministry
[32:16] - Returning Home and New Avenues of Service
[34:33] - Gratitude and Ongoing Support
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Openness, Service, and Perseverance in Christian Community
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### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47
_They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... All the believers were together and had everything in common... And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved._
2. Galatians 6:2
_Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ._
3. Hebrews 10:24-25
_And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching._
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### Observation Questions
1. What were some of the ways the early Vancouver Christian community practiced openness and collaboration? ([07:35])
2. How did the Open Brethren assemblies differ from the Tite Brethren, according to the sermon? ([07:35])
3. What kinds of activities did young people participate in to serve and share their faith? ([14:00])
4. What challenges did the missionaries face when they went to the Dominican Republic? ([26:50])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might openness and a welcoming spirit be so important for the growth and health of a church community? ([07:35])
2. In what ways does shared service and sacrifice help build lasting relationships among believers? ([12:22])
3. How can responding to God’s call sometimes lead to misunderstanding or opposition, even from within the church? ([26:50])
4. What does true unity look like in a church, especially when there are disagreements or rumors? ([30:10])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon described a community where people worked side by side, even clearing land with hand saws. Is there a project or ministry in our church where you could serve alongside others to build deeper relationships? What’s holding you back from joining in? ([12:22])
2. Have you ever felt misunderstood or faced resistance when you tried to follow God’s leading? How did you respond, and what support did you need or wish you had? ([26:50])
3. The speaker shared about the encouragement and support they received from mentors like Walter McPhee. Who has been a “Walter McPhee” in your life? How can you be that encourager for someone else this month? ([28:38])
4. When returning from the mission field, the speaker faced illness and cultural adjustment. Have you ever gone through a season of transition or loss? How did your church community help—or how could they have helped more? ([32:16])
5. The Open Brethren resisted legalism and created space for new beginnings. Are there ways our church might unintentionally be closed off or legalistic? What practical steps could we take to be more open and welcoming? ([07:35])
6. The speaker mentioned serving among refugees and newcomers after returning home. Is there a group in our city that you feel God might be nudging you to serve? What’s one step you could take this week to explore that? ([32:16])
7. Looking back, the speaker expressed deep gratitude for God’s faithfulness and the support of the church. What is one way you can express gratitude for your church community this week? ([34:33])
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End with prayer, asking God to help your group grow in openness, service, and perseverance, just as the early church and the Vancouver assemblies did.
Devotional
Day 1: Flourishing Through Openness and Freedom in Christ
The early days of the Open Brethren in Vancouver were marked by a spirit of openness and freedom from legalistic interpretations of Christianity. This allowed the community to flourish, establish new churches, and reach out to their neighborhoods with the gospel. The absence of rigid constraints fostered a sense of unity and purpose, enabling believers to serve together, support one another, and welcome newcomers into their fellowship. The emphasis was on living out faith authentically and allowing the Lord to be the anchor for their community, resulting in growth and vibrant mission work. [07:35]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense a need to let go of legalism or rigid expectations, so you can experience the freedom Christ offers and serve others more openly?
Day 2: The Power of Community and Shared Service
The churches in Vancouver were deeply interconnected, with members from different assemblies coming together for prayer, outreach, and practical service. Whether it was building camps by hand, managing missionary homes, or supporting one another through various ministries, the sense of fellowship was strong. This collective effort not only accomplished much but also built lasting relationships and a sense of belonging, as everyone contributed their gifts and time for the good of the community and the advancement of the gospel. [10:18]
Acts 2:44-47 (ESV)
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can join with others in your church community this week to serve or support a shared ministry?
Day 3: Faithful Obedience to God’s Leading
When faced with the opportunity to serve in the Dominican Republic, there was uncertainty and even resistance from others, but the decision was made to trust God’s leading and step out in faith. Despite rumors, misunderstandings, and challenges, the commitment to follow where the Lord was guiding remained firm. This obedience was not based on the approval of others but on a conviction that God was calling, and that He would provide the support and encouragement needed along the way. [25:29]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Reflection: Is there a step of faith or act of obedience God is prompting you to take, even if it feels uncertain or misunderstood by others?
Day 4: Persevering Through Trials and Misunderstandings
Serving in ministry brought not only joy but also hardship, including illness, rumors, and exclusion. Yet, perseverance was possible through the encouragement of faithful friends and the sustaining grace of God. Even when misunderstood or falsely accused, the call was to keep going, to continue the work God had given, and to trust that He would bring support and healing in due time. This resilience shaped a life of service that endured through many seasons and challenges. [32:16]
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Reflection: How can you respond with perseverance and grace when you face misunderstanding or hardship in your service to others?
Day 5: The Lasting Impact of Quiet Support and Encouragement
Throughout decades of ministry, the quiet, faithful support of individuals and the church community made all the difference. Letters, prayers, financial gifts, and personal encouragement sustained the work and the workers, even when public recognition was absent. This behind-the-scenes ministry was a vital foundation, enabling ongoing outreach, hospitality, and discipleship, and leaving a legacy of gratitude and faithfulness that endures to this day. [34:33]
Philippians 1:3-5 (ESV)
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Reflection: Who has quietly supported or encouraged you in your faith journey, and how might you express your gratitude or offer similar encouragement to someone else this week?
Quotes
Walter McPhee came back with the answer with his answer was that he had been praying for us that the Lord would lead us to the Dominican Republic. And that the elders didn't want to commit to a year from now, they wanted to commend us now to that work. So that was the basis that we were going for. [00:26:07] (29 seconds)
It was basically at home the person that was the main sustainer and encourager for us to keep on. John and Sheila, you just keep, you go back. You just keep doing it. Thank you. what the Lord lays before you. So we did that. We went back. Walter McPhee was a real foundation for us. [00:28:15] (33 seconds)
And then we had our own Bible study in Spanish. And then we had our own Bible study, Spanish. Thank you. a group that met 10 or 15 people on a weekly basis and many of them became Christians through that ministry. [00:33:55] (15 seconds)
This was the outreach that we were involved with. Sheila's uncle Duncan Reed was home on fertile and they had just started a school and Sheila and I were up in Kamloops teaching school and we came down to Vancouver to to be with to be with them over a weekend. They were here and they really put pressure on us to come to the Dominican Republic. And Uncle Duncan was wiping away tears from his eyes. He was so emotionally involved in having us come to the Dominican Republic. [00:24:37] (44 seconds)
The open brethren were involved in mission work. At a time when it was estimated there was 300,000 followers in England. They had over 3,000 missionaries spreading the gospel throughout the world. [00:09:16] (16 seconds)
But that brought us together, because in the summer we had the camps. And you always had about 30 people working in the kitchen, and a fellowship grew up with them. [00:12:30] (15 seconds)
We spoke in different churches as we were invited. Sometimes we'd go to a church that had invited us to speak and to be told that we couldn't speak because we had fellow stalking. And...Then we found out that a certain missionary had been there just a few days before. And so it was in that atmosphere that we lived. And basically, as I mentioned, the idea was we don't want to divide the churches. We want to keep unity. [00:30:05] (43 seconds)
And we basically got, for many years we worked in helping in the refugee claims during those years when the U .S. were putting pressure on the illegals, as they called them, but people from other countries that were forced to now come to Canada. Canada. And we worked with Mosaic and interpreted and helped provide housing and became friends. [00:33:13] (43 seconds)
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