2024 Senior Pastor Report  主任牧師報告

2024 Theme and Focus

"Love: Rooted, Grounded, and Built Up"

 “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
(Ephesians 5:2, ESV)

1. The Goals of the Pastoral Staff/Pastoral Team for the Year 2024

  • Pastoral Coverage:
    To humbly extend our pastoral coverage amid a staff shortage—trusting in God's provision even when our resources seem limited. (We witnessed new staff joining later in the year, affirming that God fills every need.)

  • Unity in CSC:
    To foster unity within CSC by bridging the gap between our long-standing members and the new immigrants from Hong Kong (since 2021), relying on the power of God's love to knit us together.

  • Outreach and Evangelism:
    Prayerfully explore additional outreach opportunities and share the Good News with our community.

  • Next-Generation Shepherding:
    To improve the shepherding and nurturing of the next generation by restructuring our Family Ministry into two focused areas—Children Ministry and Youth Family Ministry—so that each group receives personalized care in alignment with God's design.

2. The Highlights of the Activities for Achieving the Goals

  • Pastoral Coverage Amidst Challenge:
    In the face of a staff shortage, our team extended pastoral rounds and service hours, leaning on God's strength in our weakness. As the year progressed, new staff came on board—Pastor James Lam (ESC Pastor), Pastor James Su (MSC Pastor), Tracy Chan (CSC Women Minister), Christie Dang (Children Minister), and Estella Fung (Children Ministry Assistant). We also express our heartfelt gratitude to all the search committees for their diligent efforts and the congregation for their patience and support throughout this transition. Praise the Lord for filling every open position and resolving our staffing challenges!

  • Building Unity in CSC:
    With a heart for unity, we organized several events to bridge cultural and generational gaps:

    • Resumption of the CSC Retreat since 2018:
      Held at the Americana Conference Resort SPA & Waterpark in Niagara Falls, this retreat featured five sessions led by Rev. Ka Lun Leung, former President of Alliance Bible Seminary HK, on "Faith Practice of Being Imperfect." The messages were well received, and a group game on Sunday allowed long-time NYCBC members to express their gratitude while people from diverse backgrounds connected more deeply. Notably, the retreat marked the first live broadcast of our Sunday service from CSC.

    • Serving Together:
      We enriched congregational and church-wide cohesion by recruiting brothers and sisters from various groups to serve together—for example, in preparation for the Fall Fun Festival and the Anniversary Lunch.

    • Care Group Leaders' Training:
      CSC BLM launched a series of training sessions—with Rev. Pierre Tang, Rev. Brian Wong, and Pastor Edmond Chung as speakers—where the care groups in CSC served as the backbone for providing in-depth shepherding and fostering strong bonds among members in our growing congregation.

    • Channel 685 – A Multimedia Ministry Initiative:
      Our Multimedia Ministry, through "Channel 685," contributed significantly by interviewing people from different backgrounds. This initiative allowed us to listen to one another's life journeys and testimonies in Christ, further deepening our mutual understanding and unity.

  • Prayerful Outreach and Evangelism:
    Guided by the Holy Spirit, we initiated several outreach efforts:

    • CSC Market Place Ministry Initiative:
      CSC LOM introduced this initiative to help CSC members, particularly those with a Hong Kong background, find deeper meaning in their workplaces and integrate the Gospel mission into their lives in Canada, as demonstrated by two seminars where different speakers shared practical insights on merging faith with everyday work environments.

    • ESC Community Outreach Initiative:
      ESC LOM launched the Multiethnic Community Outreach Initiative—a breakthrough for NYCBC—by hosting a welcome potluck that greeted new residents and reached out to refugees at nearby Matthew House while partnering with NeighbourLink to organize a Newcomers' Welcome Tea for North York newcomers from around the world; further strengthening community support, the initiative expanded to include a Food Distribution Centre at the 675 premises, established with the Board of Deacons' approval and in collaboration with NeighbourLink and North York Harvest Food Bank, operating twice a month to assist those in need and actively engage diverse ethnic groups within the community.

    • MSC Newcomer Group Initiative:
      We thank God for bringing new people to MSC—especially the young, whose group has grown from 6 to 20 members in a short period. In response, the MSC Ministry Group – Body Life creatively launched a regular newcomer group in November, meeting every Saturday evening in the 675 gym. This initiative reflects MSC's progressive culture, fostering a smooth transition and a strong sense of belonging. The goal is for these newcomers to develop a deep connection to MSC over three to six months before transitioning into existing cell groups. 

  • Celebration and Thanksgiving:

    • 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving – A Reflection on Our Vision for Community Service:
      Our Community Service 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving Celebration commemorated a decade of ministry and served as a powerful reflection of our vision—realized in 2014—to fully utilize our 685 church premises for teaching and outreach. The program featured uplifting singing and performances by various classes, accompanied by inspiring exhortations from Rev. Pierre Tang and Rev. Michael Tsang. A celebratory lunch at Dragon Pearl Buffet and the publication of a Special Issue further underscored how this milestone aligns with our commitment to community service and the effective use of our church facilities.

    • Special Thanksgiving Testimony:
      Rev. John Fung, NYCBC's first senior pastor, shared his powerful testimony about how NYCBC experienced God through fervent prayer in its early days at all four Sunday services. Rev. Fung, who recently recovered from cancer, was eager to share his testimony in person, and we are profoundly thankful for the healing of Jesus in his life.

    • Baptisms:
      By God's grace, hearts are touched with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, leading to the nurturing of new believers through NYCBC. In 2024, 29 individuals were baptized at CSC, ESC, and MSC, marking a profound celebration of God's renewing grace and our commitment to nurturing these new lives in faith.

  • Improvement of Shepherding the Next Generation:
    We confess that our previous structure could not fully meet the needs of nurturing our young ones. In response, we have humbly restructured our Family Ministry into two dedicated branches: Children Ministry and Youth Family Ministry. We are deeply grateful to all the volunteers—especially the children ministry helpers and youth counsellors—for their love and support throughout this transition. To further nurture our youth and support their families, we introduced monthly family worship sessions on Friday nights—providing a regular space for spiritual growth—and established the Parents Café, an informal gathering for parents to share insights on raising children in a faith-filled environment. Additionally, Dr. Teresa Tong conducted a task force reporting session and submitted the assessment/vision casting report for NYCBC, completing her consultation service for our Children Ministry. Her insightful observations have provided valuable guidance for future initiatives to nurture the next generation.

  • Continuous Seeking of God's Guidance:
    Regular prayer meetings and reflective strategy sessions have helped us remain sensitive to God's promptings, ensuring that every initiative is rooted in His perfect wisdom.

3. The Results and Some Forward Looking Sharing

  • Strengthened Pastoral Presence:
    Despite starting the year with a staff shortage, God faithfully provided new team members in His perfect timing. Our extended pastoral rounds reached many in need, reminding us of God’s unwavering provision and care for His people.

  • Enhanced Unity Within CSC:
    God’s love was powerfully displayed through the CSC Retreat, live Sunday service broadcast, care group training, Fall Fun Festival, and Anniversary Lunch. These events united long-standing members and new immigrants, fostering deeper mutual understanding and respect. Through "Channel 685," our Multimedia Ministry shared diverse testimonies, strengthening our community’s bond in Christ.

  • Growing Impact of Outreach:
    Our evangelism efforts—welcome potluck, Market Place Ministry seminar, NeighbourLink’s welcome tea, MSC newcomer group, and the Food Distribution Centre—opened new ministry opportunities. With more members actively participating, God’s Kingdom expanded. We rejoice in the testimonies of lives transformed, including the celebration of 29 baptisms. Praise the Lord!

  • Nurturing the Next Generation:
    The restructuring of our Family Ministry into Children and Youth Family Ministries has sharpened our focus. Monthly family worship, Parents Café, and Dr. Teresa Tong’s insights have helped families grow in faith, experiencing God’s loving guidance together.

  • Looking Ahead with Hope:
    As we plan for expanded outreach and youth programs, we remain humbly dependent on God, knowing that every step forward is by His grace.

Special Thanks

We give special thanks to all the deacons, staff, and ministry groups for their unwavering dedication and for building the church together. Your commitment and service have been instrumental in our ministry and in nurturing our congregation in these challenging times.






2024 年度教牧報告

鄧天太牧師

2024 年主題及重點

建己愛人、活出基督

「也要憑愛心行事，正如基督愛我們，為我們捨了自己，當作馨香的供物和祭物，獻與神。」

以弗所書 5:2

1. 2024 年教牧同工/教牧組的目標

  • 牧養範圍:
    在人手短缺的情況下，謙卑地擴大我們的牧養範圍—即使我們的資源看來好像有限，仍要信靠神的供應。(我們見證了新同工在年中稍後時間陸續加入，更從而認定神會滿足每一個需要）。

  • 粵語堂的合一:
    藉著神愛的大能，將我們連結在一起，以消除我們的資深會友和香港新移民（自 2021 年起）之間的隔閡，從而促進粵語堂內部的合一。

  • 外展與傳福音:
    以禱告支持探索更多的外展機會，並在我們的社區中分享福音。

  • 牧養下一代:
    將家庭事工重組成為兩個重點領域—兒童事工和青年家庭事工—以改善對下一代的牧養和培育，使每個群體都能獲得符合神設計的個人關顧。

2.實現目標的活動重點

  • 在挑戰中的牧養範圍:
    在面對同工人手短缺的情況下，教牧團隊延申了牧養的職責和事奉的時間，在我們的軟弱中倚靠神的大能。隨著時間的推進，新同工陸續上任—藍子星傳道(英語堂傳道)、蘇仲謙傳道(國語堂傳道)、陳翠嬋傳道(粵語堂婦女事工傳道)、鄧欣欣傳道(兒童事工傳道)和崔馮婉雯姊妹(兒童事工助理)。我們也衷心感謝所有聘牧委員會成員的辛勤努力，以及各堂眾弟兄姊妹在這過渡期間的耐心和支持。讚美主填補每一個職位，解決了我們在同工人手方面的挑戰！

  • 建立粵語堂的合一：

懷著合一的心，我們舉辦了多項活動來消除文化和隔代之間的鴻溝：

  • 恢復粵語堂自2018 年起停止舉行的退修會:
    這次退修會在尼加拉瀑布市的Americana Conference Resort SPA & Waterpark會議中心舉行，由香港建道神學院前院長梁家麟牧師主講了五堂，主題是「不完美的信仰實踐」。他帶出的信息深受大家歡迎，星期日的集體遊戲讓北約華人浸信會的資深會友表達了他們的感激之情，同時也讓來自不同背景的弟兄姊妹更深入地聯繫在一起。值得留意的是，這次退修會標誌著我們粵語主日崇拜的首次現場直播。

  • 同心事奉:
    我們招集來自不同群體的弟兄姊妹一起服事—例如，為秋季歡樂日和堂慶午餐做準備，以增強各會堂和整個教會的凝聚力。

  • 關顧小組組長培訓:
    粵語堂肢體生活事工組推出了一系列的培訓課程—由鄧天太牧師、王建革牧師和鍾皞軒傳道負責主講—當中以粵語堂的關顧小組作為骨幹，在我們持續增加的會眾中提供深入的牧養並培養會友之間的牢固聯繫。

  • 「685 頻道」 -  多媒體事工:
    我們的多媒體事工透過 「685 頻道」訪問了來自不同背景的弟兄姊妹，貢獻良多。此舉讓我們得以聆聽彼此在基督裡的生命歷程和見證，進一步加深彼此的了解和合一。

  • 以禱告支持外展和傳福音:
    在聖靈的引導下，我們啟動了數項外展工作：

    • 粵語堂職場事工項目:
      粵語堂本地福音事工透過兩場研討會，由不同的講員分享如何將信仰與日常工作環境融合的實用心得，幫助粵語堂的弟兄姊妹，尤其是那些有香港背景的，在職場中尋找到更深刻的意義，並將福音使命融入他們在加拿大的生活中。

    • 英語堂社區外展活動：

英語堂本地福音事工發起了多族裔社區外展計劃—這是北約華人浸信會的一項突破活動—舉辦歡迎聚餐款待新搬到本區的居民，並接觸附近 Matthew House 的難民，同時與 NeighbourLink 合作，為來自世界各地的北約區新移民舉辦新移民歡迎茶會； 進一步加強對社區的支持，該項目擴大至包括在 675 大樓設立食物分發中心，該中心經執事會批准，並與 NeighbourLink 和 North York Harvest Food Bank 合作設立，每月運作兩次，以協助有需要的人士，並積極邀請社區內不同族裔團體參與。

  • 國語堂新朋友小組:
    感謝神為國語堂帶來新朋友—特別是年輕人，他們的小組在很短的時間內由 6 人增加至20 人。為此，國語堂肢體生活事工小組在 11 月 2 日創新地推出了一個固定的新朋友小組，每週六晚上在 675 運動室聚會。此舉反映出國語堂的進步文化，促進順利過渡和強烈的歸屬感。我們的目標是讓這些新朋友在三至六個月內與國語堂的弟兄姊妹首先建立深厚的聯繫，然後才過渡到現有的各細胞小組。

  • 慶典與感恩: 

十週年感恩慶典 – 回顧我們社群服務的異象：

我們的社群服務 10 週年感恩慶祝會紀念了過去十年的事工，並有力地反映了我們的異象—領受於 2014 年—充分利用我們 685 大樓教會的地方進行教導和外展。當天的節目包括各班令人振奮的詩歌唱詠和表演，以及由鄧天太牧師和曾永光牧師分享鼓舞人心的勸勉。在龍珠自助餐廳的慶祝午餐和紀念特刊的出版，進一步強調了這個里程碑如何與我們對社群服務和有效利用教會設施的承諾的一致性。

  • 特別感恩見證:
    北約華人浸信會的第一位主任牧師馮津牧師在四場主日崇拜中，分享了他在教會早期如何透過懇切禱告來經歷神的有力見證。馮牧師最近剛從癌症病患中康復，他渴望親自來分享自己的見證，我們深深地感謝耶穌在他生命中的醫治。

  • 浸禮：

靠著神的恩典，耶穌基督的福音觸動人心，進而透過北約教會培育新信徒。在2024年，共有29位弟兄姊妹分別在粵語堂、英語堂和國語堂受洗，慶祝神賜下重新的恩典，以及我們培育這些新信仰生命的承諾。

  • 下一代牧養的改善:
    我們承認之前的事工組架構無法完全滿足培育年幼子女的需要。有見及此，我們謙卑地將家庭事工重組為兩個專門的分支： 兒童事工及青年家庭事工。我們衷心感謝所有義工—特別是兒童事工助理和青年輔導員—在這過渡期間給予我們的愛與支持。為了進一步栽培我們的青少年和支持他們的家庭，我們在週五晚上推出了每月一次的家庭敬拜—為靈命成長提供一個固定的空間—並成立了家長咖啡室 (Parent Café) 「青少年: 成長與變化的季節」—一個非正式的聚會，讓家長們有機會彼此分享在一個充滿信仰的環境中養育兒女的心得。此外，湯邱佩華博士主持了一個專責小組的報告會議，並提交對北約教會的評估/願景塑造報告，完成她對我們兒童事工的諮詢服務。她精闢的觀察和洞見為未來培育下一代的計劃提供了寶貴的指導。

  • 持續尋求神的指引:
    定期的禱告會和策略反省會議幫助我們對神的提示保持敏銳的觸覺，確保每項計劃和活動都植根於神完美的智慧中。

3. 成果及前瞻分享

  • 強化牧養:
    儘管今年年初出現同工人手短缺的情況，但神仍然在祂最適合的時間內信實地為教牧團隊提供了新的成員。我們的延申教牧職責幫助了許多有需要的弟兄姊妹，提醒我們神對祂的子民堅定不移的供應和關顧。

  • 强化粵語堂内部合一:
    透過粵語堂的退修會、週日崇拜直播、關顧小組培訓、秋季歡樂日和堂慶午餐使到神的愛得到了強而有力的彰顯。這些活動令我們的資深會友和新移民連結在一起，促進更深入的互相理解和尊重。透過「685頻道」，我們的多媒體事工分享了不同的見證，加強不同群體在基督裡的聯繫。

  • 外展工作的影響與日俱增:
    我們的傳福音活動—迎新聚餐、職場事工研討會、NeighbourLink 的歡迎茶會、國語堂新朋友小組和食物分發中心—都為我們開闢了新的事工機會。隨著更多會友的積極參與，神的國度不斷擴大。我們為生命改變的見證而歡欣鼓舞，其中包括慶祝29 名弟兄姊妹的浸禮。讚美主！

  • 培育下一代:
    我們將家庭事工重組為兒童和青年家庭事工，這使我們事奉的重點更加清晰。每月一次的家庭崇拜、家長咖啡室以及湯邱佩華博士的見解幫助了各家庭在信仰中成長，一起經歷上帝慈愛的指引。

  • 懷著盼望展望未來:
    當我們計劃要擴大外展和青年活動的同時，仍然謙卑地倚靠上帝，知道往前邁進的每一步都是要靠著祂的恩典。

特別感謝

特別感謝所有的執事、同工和事工小組成員，謝謝他們堅定不移的忠心一起建立教會。在這個充滿挑戰的時期，您們的委身和服事對我們的事工和培育會眾發揮了舉足輕重的作用。