Discerning
Communities
Discerning Communities create a space for those passionate about a specific people group or geographic region to discern their next steps.
Discerning Communities are a supportive structure offered by New Ventures where a group can come together to listen, learn, and answer the following questions:
Jesus, where are you at work in this region or people group?
As a group, how are you inviting us to partner with you?
Generally, a Discerning Community gathers over a 6-9 month period. Together this group learns about an agreed-upon area, looks for opportunities to serve various needs, and listens for invitations of the Spirit to partner with God in a given region.
Current Discerning Communities
in the Central District
South Barrie Intercultural
Barrie is continuing to expand as a multicultural community, especially in the Southern parts of the city.
Under the leadership of Alyas Omeed, South Barrie Discerning Community will explore how God is already at work, and what partnering with Jesus looks like within this context.
South Barrie Intercultural Discerning Community is a partnership between Canadian Mosaic Christian Alliance and the Central District, and supported by the Network of Alliance Arabic Leaders, and Mission Toronto.
Oakville Cantonese
Oakville has seen a gradual rise of newcomers from Hong Kong in recent years; however, a dedicated Christian ministry to Cantonese-speaking residents does not exist. Recognizing the unique need to support this growing demographic, Oakville Cantonese Discerning Community is launching to specifically serve the Cantonese-speaking community.
Under the leadership of Wing Cheung (Ellick) Wong, the hope is to gather once or twice a month, online or in person. The group plans to worship, break bread together and learn more about the mission field of Oakville and its Cantonese residents.
Milton Arabic
Milton Arabic Discerning Community, led by Wahid Soliman, was born out of a shared desire within the Arabic community in Milton to have a space for ministry together. The group began by meeting at the community centre to worship together, inviting new refugee families to join. As the group grew, Knox Milton Presbyterian Church graciously opened its doors to provide this community with a meeting space every Sunday.