Jane Peck serves as senior pastor at the Hope Chapel in Collingwood, Ontario. A church that has been present in the community for over a century, the current church congregation was eager to reach their community. An opportunity to ,partner with other local churches and organizations has provided a noon lunch hour program for the local high school.
Jane and Ron's Christian Community Journeys
Jane and Ron discussed their backgrounds in the Christian community, with a focus on their experiences in small churches. Jane shared her lifelong involvement in ministry, starting in her rural childhood church and continuing through various roles such as youth leader and camp worker. She also spoke about her journey towards ordination within her church, which she pursued after 28 years of marriage with her equally involved husband. The couple, who have moved frequently, currently reside in Collingwood, Ontario, where Jane is working toward becoming a senior pastor under Hope Chapel.
Disparity in Rural Retirement Communities
Ron and Jane discussed the area surrounding Collingwood, Stainer, and Dunchroon, with a focus on its current state and future prospects. Jane explained that the region, though rural, has become a retirement hub due to its scenic beauty and access to tourism. However, she pointed out a growing disparity between the wealthy and less affluent populations, particularly in the retail sector. Ron agreed, noting the shift from a blue-collar to a more resort-oriented economy, highlighting the potential for continued
Challenges and Community Outreach of Jane's Church
Jane and Ron discussed the challenges faced by Jane's church, which was celebrating its 127th year of existence. The church, having aged and shrunk in size, had fallen into a 'survival mode' but a group of members, including Jane, decided to continue. With the help of retired pastor Tim Harden, Jane took over as the church's leader during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite a decline in congregation numbers, the church was able to attract new members due to its community outreach initiatives. To fund these initiatives, the church sold its parsonage and used the proceeds to support its community outreach. The church aims to raise $60,000 to continue its current programs for another year, with $52,000 already raised. Ron acknowledged the church's efforts and the importance of its community outreach.
Church Community Engagement and Support
Jane discussed their church community's approach to engaging with young people. They emphasized that their aim was not to create a youth group, but to provide a welcoming space for students to build relationships and serve. This strategy has led to deeper engagement and even introduced some young people to other churches. They also talked about their community coverage efforts and the positive impact it has had, including collaboration with other churches and community members. Jane highlighted the need for continued community support due to the organization's limited resources and the potential of building sponsorships to support their ministries, especially the high school lunch program.
Leadership Advice for Small Churches
Jane emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind and following God's will, which can lead to changes or endings of past endeavors. She also highlighted the value of looking back at the church's history, appreciating the manual and the experiences that have shaped it. Ron agreed with Jane's advice and mentioned that he would provide a link of their discussion in the future. They also shared their relocation stories and briefly discussed their current living situations.
