LAST year, Phil Horton was all set to go back to the Central Asian country where he had worked after the fall of the Soviet Union.

He had been invited to pastor a congregation of expatriate workers. But the government suddenly decided such workers were undesirable, and refused to issue more visas.

Result? The congregation dwindled from 200 to 20. Not enough to warrant a full-time pastor. Was the predominantly Muslim nation becoming more anti-Christian? Horton thinks not. The government was still influenced by communism; its move was anti-democratic, rather than anti-Christian.

What were Horton’s impressions of Muslims? “They are hospitable – almost to a fault,” he says immediately.

“They will entertain you, even to a point where they cannot really afford it. They are very family-oriented. And here is something else: they are very willing to engage in a conversation about spiritual subjects – which is more than you can say about a lot of Westerners, who are caught up in materialistic pursuits.”

Horton’s experiences with missions will stand him in good stead in his new position.

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Not long after the Central Asia door closed, another one opened in Victoria. Dennis Scott had retired as lead pastor at Oaklands Chapel, and Regent College professor Ward Gasque’s term as interim pastor was coming to an end. Horton, who had served as assistant to Scott, was asked to take over.

What style of leadership will Horton bring to Oaklands?

“As elders, we must all listen to each other – and I will always aim for consensus. But the responsibility of providing vision will fall primarily on me.” And what is that vision?

“With my mission background, I have a real desire to see us, as a church, embrace the vision of being God’s people in the world – living out God’s mission in our community here, as well as globally. To make the good news of Jesus known by greater involvement with the secular community – not just by inviting people to Bible studies.

“We don’t take part in their value systems; but we live alongside of them – and display the values of the Kingdom.”

Horton’s installation takes place September 16 at 6:30 pm.

– Jack Krayenhoff

September 2007