Rev. John Barry Forsyth has served churches in four provinces: Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Ontario and most recently Quebec, where he is at St. Andrew’s in Sherbrooke. He has moderated three presbyteries and two synods, has a weekly radio broadcast, and founded a hospitality program for students in the community.
He’s also been a teacher and mentor. He’s taught in English as a second language courses, history at community college, in a First Nations high school, and in Kingston, Ont., prisons.
And don’t let his clergy credentials fool you. In his spare time he trains for and competes in triathlons.
The Record sent him a few questions to help you learn a little more about him.
Tell me about yourself. How would you describe your faith journey?
I became aware of the presence of God at an early age. A spiritual presence seemed to be influencing my life. It was comforting and reassuring. It helped me to feel less alone in the world.
Basically, I would say it has been the same all my life. I have always had the feeling, the awareness, that God is with me. It is an inescapable reality which I just want to accept and not run away from.
By the grace of God, I have been a spiritual leader. It has been a great blessing to me, and, I am happy to say, helpful to many others.
I have always had a love for the scriptures. I never tire of the studying and theological reflection required of a minister.
It has been great to be a member first, then an elder, and now for many years, a minister of our church. I feel I belong very much in our Church. It is my home.
I have been helped along the way by a number of wonderful mentors. Their guidance and support has meant a lot to me.
I have faithfully given of myself, as much as I have been able to, in my ministry. But, again and again, I have been on the receiving end of help and encouragement. Really it is so true, we cannot do the work alone.
What would you say is your passion?
Well, a lot can be said about passion and desire. They are strong motivating factors in our lives.
Some time ago, as I was conducting a graveside burial, I suddenly had the urge to raise the Bible in my hands high above me. Then, I said to the people, “This has been my life!”
Each time I pray with someone who is vulnerable and in need, I sense a closeness with them. It seems to be born from desire—a desire for oneness and togetherness through the difficulties of life.
When I feel forgiven of my waywardness and my mistakes I think I am feeling something of the passion of God for my soul.
What concerns you the most?
There are a number of difficult issues and challenges facing our church at this time. As we deal with them it will be important that we not lose sight of what we are as a people. There is a covenant which we share; a binding promise to work together for the gospel of the kingdom of Christ. So, in all that we do, let it be done with patience and respect.
What gives you most hope?
We have incredible strengths in our church. There is a wonderful diversity of expression. We have proven, over and over again, that we are deeply committed to one another. We have overcome many obstacles in the past. I am confident that our church will meet the challenges which it faces today with wisdom and sensitivity.
We must be careful that we don’t become overwhelmed by fear.
The future is in God’s hands. We have nothing to fear but fear itself.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes, this little statement:
As Moderator, I will endeavour to fulfill my duties with a little bit of wit, a modicum of charm, and, as many smiles as I can muster.
