Unlike in my previous visits to some places in Toronto, which sometimes made me sweat, I did not have many problems at the subway. Of course, my eyes kept glued to the map guide on the wall of the train and my ear was wide open so that I would not miss the name of my final destination: Finch Station.
When disembarking, I laughed at myself upon realizing that the rail line does not go beyond Finch; it was the last destination of the train, hence I did not need to be so very watchful and attentive. No regrets.
I spent the whole day at Thornhill Church with Rev. Tom Vais, the minister, who apart from showing me around the church premises took me to visit around the presbytery.
During this daylong visit, I discovered that the church on a weekday was full of activities ranging from book club, choirs, Bible study, youth groups and fellowship groups, among others. My mind was temporarily taken back to Malawi where the church has tried to be inclusive by incorporating a wide range of activities.
Unlike at other churches where there is a steep decline in membership, Thornhill seems to enjoy an average attendance of over 200 people on a good Sunday. Upon enquiring why it is a different story at Thornhill, I learned that there is no magical charm other than having activities that include people of all ages, and commitment to do things for young families.
Vais admitted that the church in general would no longer have the numbers that it had in the 1950s, but was quick to point out that some people will eventually come back if the church becomes proactive and knows the needs of the neighbourhood. This, he said, involves making the neighbourhood know what is happening at the church and, at the same time, knowing what people think about the church. I kept nodding my head as the man of God explained.
I was also privileged to visit Unionville where I met Rev. Gordon E. Timbers who has been to Malawi. Our discussion centred much on the numerical growth of the Malawian church. Timbers, just like Tom thinks that by engaging the neighbourhood his church is geared towards winning some more souls to Christ. He cited sporting activities, which take place in one of the rooms, as a step forward in the right direction.
While I agree with Gordon, I feel there is much to be done in order to reverse the situation. For instance the average Sunday attendance is about 60—the size of a choir in my village church—where due to lack of a church building, scores of Christians worship the same God under a tree, usually disrupted by rains, while comfortable pews are just decorating the church building in Canada.
