This past August, I was given the privilege of being one of the selected scholars to participate in the annual Guder Scholars gathering at St. Andrew’s Hall, University of British Columbia. This year’s event, which centred around missional leadership and discernment, brought together pastors from across Canada, along with some from the United States and other traditions beyond the Presbyterian Church. It was a four-day immersion of prayer, learning, and conversation that became one of the highlights of my summer.
What made it even more meaningful for me was realizing that when Iris and I first landed in Canada a decade ago, we had stayed on that very same UBC campus. At the time, I never could have imagined how God would lead me from those first uncertain steps to serving as a minister today—and now, into my third year with the Graceview congregation. Looking back, I can only marvel at how God orchestrates our journeys in ways far greater than we could plan for ourselves. God is good and faithful. He sets out the steps for us—we only need to trust Him more.
Among the ten pastor cohorts in this gathering, I happened to be the only non-white—or Asian—pastor present. It echoed something of my experience at Graceview. When I was first called here, the congregation was about 90% white. Over time, that demographic has gradually become more diverse. I sometimes joke that maybe I was the one who helped bring the ratio down! But more seriously, this experience reminded me again that in Christ we are not defined or divided by race, culture, or background. As Paul reminds us: “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
While in Vancouver, I also had the chance to visit Regent College, the Chinese Presbyterian Church, and Reality Church, an evangelical congregation in the heart of downtown with a contemporary style of worship. Regent College was particularly striking with its vast library, open to the public, holding an enormous collection of books and resources for study and spiritual growth. The Chinese Presbyterian Church bore witness to the faithful work of generations while still discerning new ways to reach younger people. Reality Church showed both the vibrancy and the challenge of proclaiming the Gospel in a city where secular culture is so strong and the needs of the community are so great.
Another blessing was being able to reunite with a couple of pastors I have known from earlier years. Sharing stories of our congregations reminded me of something I have often heard—that pastoring can be a lonely profession. There is truth in that. But gatherings like this, and times of study leave, widen our perspective and remind us that we are not walking this road alone. We are part of a much larger body of Christ, and it is Christ Himself who strengthens us to walk faithfully on this path.
Strengthened by His Spirit,
The Rev. Eric Lee
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)