CHURCH SPLITS are rarely reported. They are as sad and painful as marriage break-ups, and almost as common. But now we can report on two churches getting together – and the two partners are as happy as a young couple in love.

The marriage analogy breaks down at this point, because they are already living together without having made a lifetime commitment. We had better explain.

One partner is the Victoria Pacific Rim Alliance Church (VPRAC) on Townley Avenue. It had a fine building, but no pastor. The other is the Pipeline Congregational Church. It had property on Pipeline Avenue (hence the name), but could not get church zoning to construct a building. They had to make do with a funeral parlour for Sunday services, and had nothing the rest of the week.

But what they did have was a pastor, Don Olsen – and a pastor with credentials from the Christian and Missionary Alliance, which was exactly what VPRAC needed.

Talk about a marriage made in heaven.

In September last year, the Pipeliners moved into the VPRAC church – pastor, grand piano and library included –  and now the two congregations worship together.

Olsen does the preaching; VPRAC contributes an administrative pastor, Chuck Addison, and a part-time pastor for children and youth, Rob Olsen – Don’s son, who has proven a tremendous asset to both congregations. The worship team has members from both churches, and other ministries are also run jointly.

On the other hand, the finances are kept separate; each church is keeping its denominational allegiance; and each maintains its own board. The chair of the Pipeline board is Donna Perrin; BCCN interviewed her and Don Olsen together. 

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Perrin gave a recap of Pipeline’s history. In 1925 the majority of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational churches in Canada joined together to form the United Church of Canada. In 1989, people in a number of United churches felt the need to return to their more evangelical roots, and re-joined the handful of surviving Congregational churches.

In Victoria, two such congregations were formed: Faith Congregational and Freedom in Christ Congregational. In 2004, these joined together to form Pipeline.

But back to the present new partnership: is it working? Perrin and Olsen are both extremely happy with it. No problems? No – no problems at all so far.

Grace is being extended by both sides; they are willing to get used to each other’s different styles of worship music – a vital point. There is a new energy, a new excitement.

There is now a critical mass that makes new ministries possible. Both churches feel rejuvenated. 

Well, how about formally joining, becoming one flesh so to speak? Ah – let’s not jump the gun.

“We’ve been together for only six months”, says Olsen, “We are waiting to see how God will lead. For now we are keeping the possibility open that Pipeline may move out on its own again.”

“It is a question mark,” says Perrin, “We are going slowly. Right now we are relaxing; we enjoy worshipping together and having a place for ministry throughout the week; the urgency to find a better situation is gone.”

Will the two live happily together forever after? Perhaps the honeymoon is not the best time to assess the situation, but the prospects are good. – Jack Krayenhoff

May 2008