2026 Report of the College of Churches of Christ in Canada

The College, as it is known, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. Since there will not be another All Canada Assembly to celebrate the actual 100th Anniversary of the College next year, during this All Canada Assembly there will be a celebration of the 99th year of the College on Friday evening, August 21. At this event, Rev. Dr. Robert Steffer. Rev. Dr. Joseph Driskill, Joe and Dory Ong will be honoured. Throughout the convention, the College will have a display of various memorabilia and items from the past. Everyone is encouraged to view this very interesting display and ask questions.

The College of the Christian Churches in Canada (the College) continues to provide financial assistance to seminarians, clergy and Lay Leaders for their ongoing education and for ordained clergy to meet their continuing educational requirements.

Since the last All Canada Assembly two years ago, there have been major changes in the Management Team. We accepted with regret Rev. Dr. Robert Steffer’s decision to retire as the President of the College. During this convention he will be honoured for the many years that he guided the College. His commitment and continual interest of the theological students of the College has been unwavering. The Disciples Lay Leaders education program was funded under his leadership. Ordained clergy have received support for further education and for the required continuing education courses.

The sudden death of Rev. Dr. Joseph Driskill in July 2025 is still being felt. His continued interest in supporting everyone in their path to further education was inspiring. He established the agenda item “Order of the Day – Creative Ideas” to be part of every meeting of the College of Christian Churches in Canada. He encouraged changes to ensure the College meets the challenges of all students, Lay Leaders as well as those seeking theological education. He strongly urged the College to expand its vision for supporting continuing education for everyone.

The College is very pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Raymond Cuthbert, Rev. Janet Anstead and Rev. Dr. Darlene Brewer joined the Management Team this year. Since all the meetings are online, it is possible to extend the membership to include all areas of the Canadian region. The Management Team is seeking Lay Leaders from across Canada to become part of the team. If you are interested in becoming part of the College Management Team, feel free to reach out to any member of the Management Team.

The students of the College are a small yet determined group. Mike Poworoznyk has recently graduated from his MDiv. Bradley Williams, Russell Prime, and Sarah Leitch are all still working toward their programs and are immensely grateful for the continued support of the College. Keith Woods received a grant to support his seminary studies. All of them serve and will continue to serve their Disciples communities of faith as they grow and develop through their continuing education.

We appreciate all the offerings we receive from congregations and individuals, especially those that commit to giving every year, which sustain our ministry of educating and training seminarians, clergy and lay leaders. During our fiscal year (May 1, 2025-April 30, 2026), we gratefully received $3128 in offerings from congregations and individuals.

As well, last year we received a bequest from the Estate of Dory Ong, a faithful member of Hillcrest Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Joe Ong was a member of the Management Team for years and both he and Dory were ardent supporters of the College's mission and ministry. We're grateful that their love for this ministry and our wider church lives on through their legacy gift.

Every donation, big or small, is a prayer for our seminarians, clergy and lay leaders to be equipped to serve congregations and ministries in our wider church. We are so grateful for your offerings of funds and prayers.

At the first meeting this fall, the Management Team will discuss the vision and the path for the next year and beyond. Any suggestions are welcome.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah Leitch, Secretary and Rev. Awit Marceolina, Treasurer for their commitment and for all the work they do to ensure the work of the College continues. Without their support and commitment, the work of the College would not be possible. Thank you to Hubert Reece, Co-Chairperson of the Commission on Ministry, for keeping the Management Team informed about current and possible candidates who require financial assistance from the College.

Thank you to Rev. Jean-Daniel O’Donncada, National Pastor, for his support and guidance to keep the College updated on regional concerns and possible opportunities for the College.

Rev. Ann Stainton
President