September 18th, 2020Meet our Table Talk guest speakers: Bryan Born
Get to know the folks who will be leading discussion at our study conference in October
Bryan Born is a guest speaker at Table Talk 2020, Mennonite Church Canada's virtual study conference on Oct. 24. President of Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C., Bryan will talk about missiology in today's current context.
Briefly describe your academic journey and interests.
Following high school, I spent a year studying sciences at what is now the University of the Fraser Valley. Then I spent a life-changing year at a Capernway Discipleship School. Sensing a call to cross-cultural service, my wife, Teresa, and I moved to Regina to study at Canadian Bible College, where I completed a Bachelor of Biblical Studies. Then we moved to Fresno, Cal., for a Master of Divinity degree from Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. After pastoring in northern B.C., we moved to Botswana to work with African Initiated Churches under the direction of Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission. Eventually I completed both Master and Doctor of Theology (Missiology) degrees from the University of South Africa. My interests are diverse: the future of the church, rock hunting and polishing, sports, gardening and, of course, our family (especially our six grandkids!).
What is most compelling to you about how your work intersects with the life of the church at this moment in time?
Interactions with young adults and emerging leaders is inspiring, sobering and challenging. I’m inspired with their passion and continued hope for the future. I’m sobered by the multitude of issues and problems we’re facing all at once. And I’m challenged by the way my younger sisters and brothers think differently than me. I feel like I’m living a cross-cultural engagement, not completely unlike the first time I went to Africa. I’m learning so much!
When we live and love like Jesus, our neighbours are interested. They ask questions; they want to know how we can live with hope and purpose when it feels like the world is chaos. They welcome prayer when they’re trying to make sense of their lives. People in our culture are longing for connection.
In your specific topic for this conference, (missiology), what is the most challenging truth or theme for churches to wrestle with?
Do we still believe that bearing witness to the good news of Jesus Christ is worth it? Does Jesus’ life, death and resurrection actually have the power to transform lives and communities? If so, then how can we live and communicate that message to our neighbours in ways that leads to life, not division and hostility? The Western Church is being humiliated – maybe now we’re ready to listen to the rest of the world.
What is the most hopeful or encouraging?
When we live and love like Jesus, our neighbours are interested. They ask questions; they want to know how we can live with hope and purpose when it feels like the world is chaos. They welcome prayer when they’re trying to make sense of their lives. People in our culture are longing for connection.
Do you think the church still has legs?
Of course it does! We serve the risen Lord Jesus who said: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matt. 16:18). I see young adults who passionately believe that the reign of God, shalom, is a vision worth living for. I see older people who are praying fervently for God to move in our communities. I see a world that is desperately looking for hope and purpose. If the people of God simply follow Christ’s teaching and example, there will be many opportunities to listen, learn and serve in the way of Jesus.
Register for Table Talk 2020 at mennonitechurch.ca/tabletalk2020.