By Jack Krayenhoff

“GOD loves politicians – but that should not surprise us, because he loves tax collectors, too.”

You may doubt if the politicians appreciate being lumped together with the Matthews of this world, but you may be sure that Rev. Tim Schindel, who spoke those words, really wants to serve them.

So much so that he left his Kamloops pastorate (with the full blessing of his denomination), moved to Victoria last summer and set up an office in a church very close to the Parliament Buildings.

On the door is the name of his organization: Leading Influence Ministries.

So, why such a radical departure from a pastoral career?

In Kamloops, Schindel served as president of the Chamber of Commerce. This brought him in touch with political leaders.

He began to see them as people who needed encouragement from the church, as opposed to what they usually get: lobbying, protests and sometimes even doubt about their integrity.

He also made a discovery: contrary to the general expectation, politicians often are not opposed to the Christian message. But many of them feel alone, with few people they can trust as a friend.

Schindel began to realize God was calling him to become a supporter and encourager to B.C.’s MLAs, functioning essentially as a chaplain. At present there exists no such position as official chaplain to the Legislature – but, ponders Sch

His first major encouragement came in February, when the clergyman who was scheduled to open the session in prayer was unexpectedly prevented from coming.

An MLA friend of Schindel’s spotted him in the gallery and asked him to offer a prayer instead. indel . . . who knows?

Continue article >>

Then, in May, Schindel organized a prayer breakfast for MLAs in Victoria’s exclusive Union Club. It was well attended by the politicians; in fact, four of them were cabinet ministers.

When the Legislature reconvened in the fall, Schindel occupied himself with networking, knowing that his effectiveness would be primarily a matter of building personal relationships and trust.

He says he finds MLAs are pleasantly surprised when they discover that he approaches them not because he wants something from them, but rather because he wants to be of service.

“That is disarming,” he says, then cautions: “but I have to be careful not to come across as self-appointed.”

Meanwhile, a significant bridgehead has been formed. An MLA from the lower Fraser Valley asked him to conduct a chapel service in a meeting room in the parliament buildings. He was concerned for the much beloved Deputy Speaker of the House, Cindy Hawkins, who had earlier been treated for leukemia. Her remission had now come to an end, and the purpose of the service was to pray for her.

The service was held November 20, attracting some 30 MLAs. Some came from a committee meeting, which had gone into recess especially to allow its members to take part. One of them played his cello, and Schindel could tell it deeply affected some participants.

When the meeting was opened to prayer for Hawkins, as well as for other members with health problems, there was a 15-second silence – and then seven of them, one after the other, prayed out loud. Schindel was impressed by the obvious sincerity of their concern.

Afterwards he received much appreciation from several MLAs, and he feels the event bodes well for the future of his ministry.

“The fact alone, that 30 of these extremely busy people would take 25 minutes out of their schedule for a spiritual event, was enormous”, he says.

 To find out more about Schindel’s vision and work go to: www.leadinginfluence.com.

December 2007