A Vision to Reach 1% of a City

Our vision is to reach 1% of Edmonton.

I know it doesn’t seem like a B.H.A.G. (big hairy audacious goal) or a W.I.G. (wildly important goal), but it’s the specific vision that God has given our church.

And reaching this vision in Edmonton—through Beulah Alliance Church—is the very thing that God broke my heart over as Christina and I were discerning our calling to move back to Edmonton. You can read about our story in these two posts:

The Most Important Question When Discerning Your Next StepsThe Difference Between an Opportunity and a Calling



But why Edmonton?

I used to think that Edmonton was the “Bible Belt” in Canada—if there was even such a thing—because of the number of churches and megachurches here. But when we were candidating to come back to Edmonton, God showed us otherwise. On the one hand, he showed us the spiritual dynamics that have changed (and are changing) in this city—making it a mission field. On the other hand, based on the recent Vital Signs report, it’s clear that the rapid growth and change in our city is going to necessitate an increase in healthy, multiplying, missional churches. Here are a few statistics:

Edmonton grew by close to 200,000 people in the last 10 years, making the city’s population 972,22353% of the city is a millennial, Gen Z, or younger—making the median age 35.74 in 10 of Edmontonians are a visible minority—this is more than a 100% increase in the last decade

So reaching 1% of any city that’s growing and changing is actually quite a dynamic vision statement.

This is why we’re hiring an Executive Pastor of Ministries.

I’m looking for a partner in ministry who will join us in leading our ministry staff to equip our church to reach 1% of Edmonton for Christ. While strategic leadership, staff development, and organizational development are the three key areas that this individual will focus on, I’m first and foremost praying for someone who senses a call to lay down roots in Edmonton and reach this city for Christ.

…because God is calling us to reach 1% of Edmonton for Christ! And 1% is only a starting point!

I’m not looking for a preacher or someone who wants to be a senior pastor someday. I’m looking for someone who is called to lead from the second chair, and who is excited about joining an executive leadership team that lives, breathes, and eats this vision to reach our city for Christ.

If you’re interested (or know someone who might be), you can learn more about our church and check out the job description here.