My Ministry at Bethesda Evangelical Baptist Church: The Young Adults and The COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

I am the senior pastor of Bethesda Evangelical Baptist Church (BEBC) in Montreal, where the Lord Himself had led me for about four decades. This portfolio describes the journey that had led me here, the context of my leadership, as well as my understanding of how I lead there. Throughout all these years, the BEBC has always been characterized by the presence and involvement of many young people in relation to its size. The COVID-19 pandemic came as a surprise to everyone, including our church, which had to reinvent itself to deal with the many challenges faced particularly by young adults. In my role as leader of this church with the heart of a shepherd that the Lord gave me to carry out this ministry, I had to continue to shepherd his flock. Thus, was born the urgency of my research project—with the objective of understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the most affected group of our church and of identifying the best way to help them emerge stronger and better equipped for the future. Hence the title of my research: “My Ministry at Bethesda Evangelical Baptist Church: Young Adults and the COVID-19 Pandemic.” A group of eight participants composed of young adults and church stakeholders explored with us the reality of young adults’ life in the church before, during, and after the pandemic. The method used for this research was based on Stringer’s action research (2014, 8). It was supported by the 4-D cycle of Appreciative Inquiry (Sensing 2011, 170). The results of the analysis highlighted the importance of encouraging and mentoring the young adults in our churches. I also collaborated with our church leaders to serve differently, and more intentionally.