IT WAS open house at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, on the intersection of Cedar Hill and Cedar Hill Cross Road. The congregation wanted to show off its new sanctuary.

Your reporter went to take a look, and he was impressed: the outside showing a graceful roof line, and the inside bright and airy, inviting and engaging, simple but not stark.

Minister Lyle McKenzie made himself available for a guided tour, and answered some questions about the building, the congregation and his denomination.

He explained that the old sanctuary could no longer handle the 120 – 140 worshipers, and the need for a bigger facility had already been acknowledged before McKenzie came here three years ago. However, the building process itself took place mostly on his watch.

He said he has been amazed and humbled by the way the faith community has risen to the financial challenge. He singled out the senior members who had the vision and dared to go ahead; some of them, he noted, did not live to see the finished building.  

He described the structure’s design as “a contemporary expression of the church. It is open, welcoming, filled with light. It is to be a place of prayer and worship – but also a place where other things can happen, like concerts. So the seating will be flexible and the worship furnishings movable. There is emphasis on the acoustics – for music is very important to us.”

What would this pastor consider the outstanding characteristic of his congregation?

He did not hesitate: “It is the community spirit. That is what compelled me to come here – the sense of the Holy Spirit at work here.

“People are friendly and welcoming, and they have a vision for ministry among seniors, students, for social justice – and beyond. They are not cautious – though they are careful – and that made it possible to venture into this undertaking.”

Continue article >>

How does this church reach out into the community?

McKenzie himself works part-time at the University of Victoria with the inter-faith chaplaincy; and in a house next door, the church accommodates six university students – who constitute a community that is part of the campus ministry.

He said he encourages church members to involve themselves in community service by serving with organizations such as CoolAid, Quality of Life Challenge and social justice agencies. The church helps some 70 households and individuals with food baskets and vouchers. 

Finally, what is the theological position of this church? Lutheran ministers are rarely seen when evangelical ministerials get together. What is McKenzie’s position on the spectrum, from conservative to liberal?  

He explained that, in Canada, there are two branches of the Lutheran Church. He belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), which (contrary to what the word ‘evangelical’ might suggest) is more liberal than the Lutheran Church Canada.

The latter denomination holds a more conservative view of scripture, does not ordain women to the ministry and has a more closed practice of communion.

On the other hand, ELCIC is not as liberal as, for instance, the United Church. This became clear when McKenzie spoke explicitly about sin, and mankind’s complete dependence on grace to be in right relationship with God.

When it comes to style of worship, he said, ELCIC follows the liturgical practice of the Catholic Church. However, he added, his church also honours the evangelical tradition of seeking what the Spirit is saying to us today.

In short, McKenzie said he sees his church’s position as middle-of-the-road – in every way.                  

– Jack Krayenhof

July 2007