Less than three years ago, a healthy and thriving Trinity Community Church in Oro, Ont., didn’t look like it would survive. Its minister left to start a new congregation affiliated with a conservative church in the United States. The move might not normally have been crippling, but Rev. Carey Nieuwhof took most of Trinity’s 1,000-plus members with him.
“We were quite down-hearted. We didn’t know if we could keep the church going,” said Harry Thompson, an elder and long-time member at Trinity. “But we put our faith and trust in the Lord and He pulled us through.”
About 50 people were at the first congregational meeting in October 2007, just weeks after the split. Today, an average of 150 come out for Sunday worship, and both youth and kids’ ministries are starting to grow.
Rev. Mike Hamilton, who was ordained as Oro’s minister last June, said there is still much work to be done, but the congregation is excited about its growth and vitality. He attributes the success to several things — one is a strong volunteer base that has been committed to Trinity’s future from the beginning.
Authenticity is another. “We’re emphasizing our relationship with Jesus,” Hamilton told the Record. “It’s not just about an hour on a Sunday, but how Jesus affects the rest of your life.”
Hamilton said the congregation is working hard to show they are genuinely concerned for their community, so far holding vacation Bible schools and movie nights that are open to all. A mission statement that emphasizes relationship will push the congregation to build upon such outreach as it continues to find its footing. A welcoming, accessible, engaging, and friendly Sunday worship experience is another key. “It’s more than just a handshake at the door,” said Hamilton.
Both Hamilton and Thompson underlined the support received from the national church. Financial donations were received from congregations in British Columbia to Newfoundland; the PCC carried Trinity’s mortgage when it couldn’t afford to do so; presbytery was always willing to offer advice; congregations loaned their ministers (who helped direct Trinity’s vision towards newness and success) for pulpit supply; and interim moderators Neal Mathers and Keith Boyer offered invaluable guidance. “All of this helped the congregation carry on and be encouraged,” said Hamilton. “And for that we are very grateful.”
“I am quite sure we are on the move,” said Thompson. “We owe a great deal to the church at large. We’re still praising God. We have to give all our thanks to Him.”
