DEXCOM - In The Loop

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DEXCOM - In The Loop

DEXCOM - In The Loop

…and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.” (Acts 19:17)

Our fall DEXCOM meetings at First Alliance Church in Calgary began with a reminder and acknowledgement that we can do nothing apart from Jesus Christ. Our aspiration, as we met to discuss and discern, was that “the name of the Lord Jesus would be held in high honor.” We were thankful to be joined by our two newest DEXCOM members: Karen Houcher (Spruce Grove) and Chris Whitelaw (Beulah), as well as our national president, Darren Herbold. There were some changes in DEXCOM roles as well, with Andrew Fisher stepping into the role of Vice Chair, and Jason Fan as Secretary. 

DEXCOM was pleased to hear about the significant shifts that have been happening in the District office. Shifts in culture (our fullness of life focus), roles and responsibilities (increased accountability and empowerment), and methodology (emphasis on simplicity and clarity) pave the way forward. Matt shared with DEXCOM a clear mission statement that focuses and motivates the District team in all their efforts: “Serving leaders who invite others into the fullness of life.” 

We appreciated the clarity and synergy between the various reports given by the Assistant Superintendents. Some of the highlights include: 

Operations (Les Bon-Bernard)

  • Work done around risk mitigation surrounding church status.
  • Roll out of new benefits provider (Sunlife).
  • Balanced budget for 2024/25 is in place for the current fiscal year.
  • The formation of North Trellis, a corporate entity that will enable us to offer services that include: Investments and Loans, Real Estate, and a suite of Financial Services.

Leader Development (Graham English)

  • A clear Leader Development Framework (Identity, Posture, Skills)
  • Establishing a simplified and effective First Five Years licensing and ordination process, including a new online Core Training resource that will help organize and streamline the program.
  • The completion of the first cohort of LeadWell, a leader development (LD) pathway that has provided spiritual formation and leader development for 12-15 of our young and developing leaders since 2018. 
  • Planning and executing the 2024 WD Prayer Retreat (PR), along with a signed contract to hold PR at Lake Louise until 2026.

Church Development (Clint Mix)

  • Development of a Discernment Process that invites church leadership and congregations to engage in discerning and participating in the mission of God together.
  • Two new Seamless Link Covenants: Blake Penson (RockPointe Church) and Andre and Holly (First Alliance Church).
  • Three new IW units were deployed to Europe, Southeast Asia, and North Africa.
  • Since spring 2024, an increase in potential New Venture conversations and initiatives from 3 to 17.

DEXCOM had the privilege of visiting a number of different churches during our time together. We spent time at Encompass Partnerships, hearing about the exciting ministries of the Calgary Punjabi Christian Church (Pastor Balwant Bedi), Praise International Fellowship (Pastor David Heng), and RockPointe Intercultural (Pastor Naim Choi) as they reach out to diverse cultures and ethnicities of Calgary’s Northeast communities. Rockyview Alliance Church (Pastor Scott Weisner) shared with us the opportunities and challenges they face as they minister to those in their community, as well as the exciting Rundlehorn Project next door to them. Pastors Jordan Abbot and Nick Kadun shared amazing stories of transformation and community outreach through Capstone East, in the community of Forest Lawn. And pastors Brad Young and Jen VanSteenbergen recounted stories of God’s faithfulness and exciting new opportunities that The Exchange Church is stepping into in the South Foothills area of SE Calgary. What a joy it was to see and hear how God is at work leading His people courageously on mission all over the city of Calgary.

And finally, it was a pleasure and privilege to spend time with our C&MA President, Darren Herbold, and hear how God has been leading and guiding our National Ministry Centre (NMC) over the past few months and year. He communicated our NMC values to us: Curiosity & Innovation, Focus & Flexibility, Spirit-led & Expectant, Present & Invested, Authenticity & Accountability, and Service & Gratitude. Darren has formed a National Leadership Team (NLT) that consists of the Executive Leaders of the NMC, along with all the district superintendents. This gathering of denominational leaders has led to greater openness and engagement, participation and accountability across the country. Darren is building trust amongst leaders and catalyzing partnerships between districts. 

We are grateful for the many leaders that God has raised up “for such a time as this.” Jesus is our great leader, and we long to hear from Him and follow Him in obedience. Holy Spirit, come and be our great Helper and Counselor. In You, and only You we find our hope.


With thanks,

Jason Fan

Secretary, DEXCOM

Western District of the Alliance Canada