Back to School and Renegotiating Faith
As students return to school next week, some will be heading to a university or college away from home for the first time. “According to psychologist Erik Erikson, identity is formed when an individual negotiates a role in a community. Emerging adulthood often finds young adults living away from family, their home church and other Christian communities at the point in life where they are negotiating these roles. This means they are unlikely to negotiate a role in a Christian community.”
This quote is from Renegotiating Faith, a new report derived from research on young adult transitions. The EFC, Power to Change–Students, InterVarsity Canada, Youth for Christ and Truth Matters Ministries partnered on this research, which includes ways mentors, youth leaders and campus group leaders can help young adults connect to a new Christian community after leaving home. Download it for free!
EFC Statement on TWU Making Its Community Covenant Optional
The EFC recently released a statement on TWU making its community covenant optional for students. “The EFC supports the freedom of TWU to set policies necessary to the pursuit of its mission as an evangelical university. We affirm TWU’s commitment to stay true to their mission and purpose, and provide a high-quality education to those who choose to attend.” Read the full statement.
Audio Podcast: Trinity Western’s Controversial Community Covenant – An Interview with TWU President Bob Kuhn
TWU's decision to change the requirement for students to sign a community covenant was welcomed by some and met with dismay by others. TWU President Bob Kuhn joined the EFC podcast to explain why TWU made this decision, whether a law school is still in the works and what message he has for people wondering why TWU engaged in its legal battle, only to eventually change its requirement for students to sign the controversial community covenant.
EFC President Interview in Latest Canada Watch
“When challenges to religious freedom come before the Supreme Court of Canada, it is vitally important that we be part of the debate,” says EFC President Bruce Clemenger in the latest issue of Canada Watch. Also read about Our Common Calling and the Language of Mission, the Canada Summer Jobs attestation and more.
Eulogy Virtues: How the Celebration of a Life is Changing Mine
“The resumé virtues are the skills you bring to the marketplace. The eulogy virtues are the ones that are talked about at your funeral—whether you were kind, brave…” Our columnist Carolyn Arends shares how the celebration of one woman’s life changed her perspective on the characteristics that really matter.
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→ Regen Summer Conference for Youth 18-25, Whistler, Aug. 30-Sept. 1
→ Rise Up Healing Conference, Vancouver, Sept. 7
→ Everlasting Expo and Convention, Calgary, Sept. 7-8
→ Conférence Sur l’Education Chretienne, Montréal, Sept. 8
→ Freedom Session Leadership Training, Calgary, Sept. 8, Surrey, Sept. 15, Toronto, Sept. 22
→ Jesus in the City Toronto Parade, Toronto, Sept. 8
→ Conflict Management and Transformation, North York, Sept. 8
→ Developing Inter-cultural Leaders, North York, Sept. 13
→ Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival, Toronto, Sept. 14-16
→ COLAB Youth Leaders Summit, Vancouver, Sept. 15
→ MCC Festival for World Relief, Abbotsford, Sept. 14-15
→ Women on the Frontlines Mentoring Weekend, Halifax, Sept. 14-15
→ Beth Moore Simulcast, Oakville, Sept. 15
→ Conférence Ministère auprès des enfants / Youth Ministry Conference (Awana, CEF), Québec, Sept. 15; Gatineau, Sept. 22; Montréal, Sept. 29
→ Faith and Science Lecture Series, Vancouver, Sept. 18-19
→ Human Trafficking Day of Prayer, International, Sept. 23
→ Lydia’s Daughters: A conference for women pastors, Hamilton, Sept. 25
→ Christians and Politics: Mark Noll Compares America, Canada, Britain; Vancouver, Sept. 26-27
In Case You Missed It
→ Your Stories of Palliative Care—Janice McAdam
→ Liberalism and Surrogacy—Should We Allow the Commercialization of Surrogacy? (Faith Today article)
→ Faith and Vocation: An Interview with Regent College Professor and Author Steve Garber (Audio Podcast)
→ Permission to See Jesus