Longtime Oshawa pastor retires, son answers the call
So, it's not surprising that the church leadership is something of a family affair.
For more than 25 years, Bishop Newton Cole has presided over the growing congregation with a warm smile and a soft voice. Now, as he prepares for retirement, he is handing the reins to his son Kevin.
The 37 year old recently completed ministerial studies and was named the new church pastor, picking up where his father left off.
"I originally thought I wanted to be a dentist," the newly minted Pastor Cole said, laughing. "Then I realized it wasn't something I would love. I was always inspired by my dad, I think this job will be a dream come true."รข?¨ Father and son pastors aren't as common as one might think. Pastor Cole said many kids who grow up in the church tend to rebel against its teachings and take jobs as far away from their faith as possible.
While Pastor Cole said he plans to continue with many of his father's practices, he does have a few news ideas for Erie Street Gospel Centre, including a renewed focus on community work and programs to attract young churchgoers. The congregation of about 120 has also outgrown its home on Erie Street and Pastor Cole will be overseeing fundraising for a new property.
Bishop Cole said he will act as a mentor during his son's first year on the job.
"He's in charge now, I'll help him along, but he has to make the decisions," Bishop Cole said. "It is difficult, but it is also a wonderful job."
The Erie Street Gospel Centre is part of the Church of God of Prophecy, a denomination with its roots in the Pentecostal faith.
Original Source
Awake to the Dawning of A New Day:The 51st National Convention of
The Church of God of Prophecy,
Eastern Canada
By: Leah E. J. Stewart
National Church Reporter
It was a time of new beginnings in a familiar congregational setting as the 51st National Convention of the Church of God of Prophecy in Eastern Canada held its bi-annual general meeting under the leadership of newly appointed Bishop and Overseer Woodroe Thompson. With this year's theme "Awake to the Harvest" serving as a reminder of the church's task to "Lift up our eyes and look on the fields” [St. John 4:35]… to reap the abundant harvest of lost souls, the focus was directed towards reaching out and ministering to those within the communities that our churches are located in. Although the world at large needs to know the love of The Savior and the power of salvation, it is important for the church to cater to the physical needs of our communities in order to
show them the love of Christ.
The 51st National Convention was a welcoming engagement as it was held at the Toronto Congress Centre- one of the finest convention sites in the city of Toronto and brought out more than two thousand (2,000) people in attendance throughout the course of the weekend. It was a time of new direction and vision with a passionate outlook on presenting the church to the world in a new light in order to effectively evangelize the lost.
This year’s National Convention began with an exuberant praise and worship service that introduced the weekend's theme song "Let the Church Rise" (Jonathan Stockstill). The song ministered throughout the convention as a reminder to the body of Christ that we must live as “… light in the darkness” by offering complete surrender to the will of God as the church “…falls to her knees” and by faith and in the power of His might individually and collectively “Moving with power, bringing His name to the earth”. Also, not only in worship, but during many of the service sessions the Lord ministered to His people through a dynamic Word. Mighty men of God such as Pastor Kingsley Morrison, Bishop Woodroe Thompson and Bishop Adrian L. Varlack Sr., served as guest speakers on various nights.
Along with such powerful messages were a variety of workshops for members, visitors and national leaders. There was truly something for all… even the Children’s Ministry held a Prince & Princess Ball for the smallest and youngest within the Kingdom of God!
Throughout the convention, the children and youth ministries held services that brought the youngest of Eastern Canada’s membership into a time of sincere worship as the Spirit of God moved on many young lives leading them to personal encounters with the Savior as He ministered to them in their seats and at the altar. The youth ministry also provided an opportunity for many of Eastern Canada’s youth to minister on Sunday morning and demonstrate the talents and gifts that God has placed within them as they sang, delivered sermonettes and dramatic presentations. Other musical guests including Dave Brown the Gospel Trumpet Player and Echoes of Praise ministered under the anointing and were indeed a blessing.
The weekend’s events culminated on Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 with a final service filled with musical renditions from adult groups and youth alike. They rendered songs of encouragement which resonated reminders of God’s goodness and love. As the last day of the 51st National Convention drew to a close, the appointments and re-appointments of Pastoral Team and National Leaders were carried out as a continuous sign of growth and progression within the organization for the upcoming 2009-2011 term.
The Church of God of Prophecy in Eastern Canada has seen another convention year (by the Grace of our Lord) and has been challenged to re-awaken to the call of God as He has commanded us to reach a lost and dying world. The church has been called to “Awake” to new ways and means of reaching those who have and will continue to need the message of salvation until they are received into the family of God as newly appointed workers who must now carry the torch and venture out into the fields to reap the rest of God’s harvest before He returns to give us our just reward!
