A VISIT FROM A CHURCH PLANTER

​This week, our Sunday message will be delivered by Aaron Au, pastor of Avenue Church located at 118 Ave here in Edmonton.  In 2014, Aaron left his full time job as First Violinist of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and his teaching position at the U of A, and gave up his international travels as a chamber musician, to launch this church plant. It was a gutsy step on Aaron’s part, motivated by his desire to see people come to Christ and follow Christ into lives of love and service to their community and world. Through Aaron’s leadership, along with the partnership of his wife April, his small church is growing.
 
I personally invited and urged Aaron to come to Bethel this Sunday. I have to be away from Edmonton—preaching in Fairview, Alberta, on assignment from Classis Alberta North—so we needed someone to speak in my absence—but this is not the reason I invited Aaron. It is only the occasion for my doing so.  I invited him so you can meet him and rub shoulders with  someone passionate about Christ, who is living and sharing the Gospel as a pioneer in a church plant.
 
In our church’s Dream for Bethel document we have expressed our hope of planting a church someday, and at this year’s  leadership retreat the Elders and Deacons gave this proposition serious attention. Eventually, we will involve the whole congregation in the discussion so we can consider the sacrifices and benefits involved. In the meantime, what better way to gain insight into church planting than to have someone come from the front lines to bring the Word and share firsthand experiences.
 
May the Gospel spread far and wide! Have a wonderful Sunday with Aaron.
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