Brandon Martel

As youth pastor, I try to consume as much information as I can about teenagers and their culture. Many think that means that I make sure to know all the Tik Tok memes and the slang they use, but it goes beyond that. I try to understand how teenagers develop and think, what bothers them about the world and how that impacts their view of Christ.

As a part of this research, I read a very insightful book called 3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager by Kara Powell and Brad M. Griffin. Navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence can be challenging for both teenagers and their parents. It’s a time of rapid change, self-discovery, and a quest for identity and purpose. This book offers invaluable guidance for parents seeking to support their teens through this transformative period. In order to gather their information, the two authors in partnership with the Fuller Youth Institute researched 2,200 teenagers using interviews, surveys and four groups. They found that all teenagers struggle with the same 3 questions in this period of their life. Let’s look at the three profound questions that they outline and explore how you can empower your teenager to navigate them with confidence and clarity.

Who am I?
Adolescence is a time of identity formation, where teenagers grapple with questions about who they are and who they want to become. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your teen explore their identity. Most teenagers fit into the following four categories:
-I am what others expect
-I am not ________ enough
-I am my image
-I am more than my label

Encourage them to embrace their interests, passions, and strengths. Provide opportunities for self-reflection and exploration, whether through journaling, hobbies, or volunteering. Remind them that it’s okay to be themselves and that their uniqueness is something to celebrate, not hide. Point them back to Christ – that through Him, they are ENOUGH.

Where do I fit?
Teenagers often wrestle with a sense of belonging and acceptance. They yearn to find their place in the world, whether among peers, family, or society at large. Research finds that the 3 most common answers are:
-I fit where I feel safe to be me
-I fit where we share __________
-I fit where I feel like I am needed

Foster a supportive and inclusive environment at home where your teen feels valued and accepted for who they are. Encourage them to explore different social groups and activities that align with their interests and values. True belonging comes from being a part of God’s people. This goes beyond just church or youth group, but seeing themselves as having belonging that goes beyond a clique.

What difference do I make?
Adolescence is a time of discovering one’s purpose and significance. Your teen may wonder about their impact on the world and how they can make a difference. They will typically answer the above question with one of the following:
-I make a difference when I am helping others
-I make a difference when I follow the script
-I make a difference when I get to make decisions about my life
-I make a difference when I’m headed towards a good future

Encourage them to explore their passions and talents, and to channel them towards meaningful pursuits. Depending on how they would answer the above questions, there will be different ways to support them best. Through it all remember to remind them that they have been invited to be a part of God’s greater story, and that is how they can make a difference.

Navigating the three big questions of adolescence requires patience, empathy, and open communication. By engaging with your teenager in meaningful conversations and providing unconditional love and support, you can empower them to discover their identity, find their place in the world, and make a positive impact. Remember that every teenager’s journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Embrace the journey together, and celebrate the growth and discoveries along the way. Your guidance and encouragement can help shape your teenager into a confident, compassionate, and purpose-driven individual ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

If you are interested in reading the book for yourself, I would definitely recommend it! I do also have a copy that I can lend to you as well!

With the Plunge fast approaching, we are looking forward to baptizing many individuals who are proclaiming their new life in Christ! But it’s also around this time that we receive lots of questions. “Should I be baptized in general?” “Do I have to do it around of other people?” “What about if I was baptized as a child?”
Here at All Nations Church, we believe in believer’s baptism. This means that we feel that individuals should be baptized once they place their faith in Christ. Baptism is not just a religious ritual; it holds immense spiritual significance. Baptism is like a public proclamation of faith, a symbolic act that represents dying to our old selves and rising to a new life in Christ. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of baptism, drawing insights from the Bible to shed light on its transformative power.
Obedience to Christ’s Command: In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructed His disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” By embracing baptism, we demonstrate our commitment to follow Christ’s teachings and honour His command.
Identification with Christ’s Death and Resurrection: Romans 6:3-4 beautifully captures the essence of baptism: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Through baptism, we symbolically identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. As we are immersed in the water, our old self dies, and as we rise from the water, we experience a new life in Him.
Forgiveness of Sins and Spiritual Renewal: Acts 2:38 emphasizes the connection between repentance, baptism, and forgiveness: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Baptism serves as a profound moment of surrender and spiritual cleansing. It symbolizes our repentance and signifies the forgiveness of our sins. We are born anew, experiencing a spiritual renewal through God’s grace.
Unity within the Body of Christ: Galatians 3:27 beautifully illustrates the unifying nature of baptism: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Through baptism, we become part of the body of Christ, the global church. It’s an act that binds us together with fellow believers, providing an opportunity for communal growth, support, and joint participation in God’s mission.
Public Testimony and Witness: Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is a powerful testimony of our faith in Jesus and His work in our lives. By publicly declaring our commitment through baptism, we invite others to consider the life-changing message of the gospel. It becomes an opportunity to share the love and truth of Jesus with those around us.
Baptism is more than a mere religious ritual; it is a deeply significant step on our spiritual journey. By obeying Christ’s command, we identify with His death and resurrection, experience forgiveness and renewal, find unity within the body of Christ, and bear witness to the transforming power of God. Let us embrace the sacred waters of baptism, recognizing its profound impact on our lives as we embark on a path of faith and discipleship.
As Mark 16:16 reminds us, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” We encourage you to get baptized at this year’s Plunge event occurring on June 23 at 1pm at Moonlight Beach. This event has been going on for over a decade and sees churches from across the city come together to celebrate baptism. If you have questions or would like to be baptized don’t hesitate to reach out to Pastor Brandon at bmartel@allnationschurch.ca

In a world filled with noise and conflicting voices, it can be challenging to navigate the delicate balance between speaking the truth and expressing love. As followers of a compassionate and truthful God, we are called to embody the essence of both these virtues in our interactions with others.
The Scriptures teach us that “speaking the truth in love” is not just a suggestion but a divine command. Ephesians 4 says “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
This passage encourages us as leaders to share the truth of the Bible and the gospel with others, willing to speak out against deceitful teaching, but doing so with love. But this can be challenging.
Here are some tips to lead us in the right direction in having those conversations that require us to speak the truth in love.

Always ask more questions, seek clarification and actually listen. It’s so easy for us to want to just pounce on someone when they say something that is counter to what we believe. But sometimes we must step back, and be willing to accept communication issues, as opposed to theological differences.
Pray before, during, and after you say what must be said. The Bible tells us to ‘pray without ceasing’ (I Thessalonians 5:17) and when one is about to confront another on some sensitive issue, prayer must be the starting point.  Prayer should also be going on during and after the discussion.  It is always a dangerous endeavour when one sets out on a task without asking for God’s guidance and blessing.  When we operate apart from a close connection with Him, we cannot be assured that we will say or do the right thing.  Only when we are fully surrendered to the guidance of the Holy Spirit can we know we are doing what He wants us to do.
Make sure God wants you to say anything at all. We need to make sure that it is God who wants us to say something to the other person/people rather than it just being our own idea.  Sometimes our pride or our ego is really the motivation for us confronting someone.  We must be sure that we are motivated by God’s love and not our selfish motives. As well, we need to realize we’re first called to bring people to Jesus, and then have them change their ways, not the other way around
We should have a relationship with the person with whom we are going to talk. Developing a relationship with the person, or people, with whom you are going to talk creates an openness in which you will more likely be heard.  It does not have to be a deep relationship or take long to build, but it must be a relationship that allows you to say what you are going to say.  The person to whom you speak should sense that you are speaking out of love for him or her.
We should attempt to conduct the conversation either with the individual alone or with just a few people. People are more likely to have a reasonable conversation when there are no crowds around.  Many times, if crowds are present, it becomes more of an opportunity to show off than to have an honest heart-to-heart discussion.  As was mentioned before, we are not confronting anyone just to boost our own ego; our desire should be to help the person to whom we feel led to speak.
What we say must be the truth. We must be sure that what we are about to say is what God wants us to say.  We should be convinced that it is God approved, as it were.  Much prayer should be prayed before any words are uttered.  We must not use this as an opportunity to attempt to manipulate anyone (Philippians 2:3).  Our goal is to share the truth, and help the other person to understand it.
We must make sure we are speaking from an attitude of love. Too many people say they are speaking out of love when they are merely using that as an excuse to blast someone.  The entire encounter must be done out of a motive of love and carried out in the spirit of love.  It cannot be a heavy handed, holier-than-thou, confrontation that does more harm than good.  We should be seeking to help the one with whom we are speaking.  We must seek to build the person up and glorify God at the same time.
We must guide those to whom we speak back to God, and the Bible. Our opinions and feelings must not guide our discussion.  Neither do we simply want to make the person we speak to feel better.  The reason we are confronting the person in the first place is because God has laid a truth on our hearts concerning another person’s beliefs or actions that need to change.  Merely, turning a person’s focus in on himself or herself, instead of toward God, is not helpful.  We should not promote a cure that consists of fixing the symptoms to make a person feel better without addressing the real problem.  A doctor would not be very effective if he/she merely covered up the symptoms of an illness while never addressing the actual illness itself.  This would be deception of a most dangerous kind.  Let us apply this to spiritual things: How much more dangerous to convince someone that they are innocent, or good enough, in God’s eyes when in reality they are guilty (Romans 3:10) and deserving of His judgment? When a person believes that ‘all he needs is within him’, he relies on himself and actually cuts himself off from the true source of life…God.  The power needed to change the heart is spiritual power that only comes through an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Apart from God, we can do nothing to rescue ourselves or anyone else (John 15:5).

Whenever we seek to counsel, console, or reprove anyone we need to maintain the balance between truth and love.  We must not sacrifice the truth in the name of love, nor should we deliver the truth in a less than loving manner. By “speaking the truth in love”, we are able to encourage people in their relationship with God and not push them away from Him by employing a mean-spirited, judgmental attitude.

We must make sure the person to whom we are speaking knows he or she is not in a hopeless situation.  No matter what the issue is that prompted the need for confrontation, God is the cure.  He forgives us, gives us understanding, and empowers us to live the way He wants us to live.  Anytime we ‘speak the truth in love’, the ‘truth’ must be God’s truth, the ‘love’ must be God’s love, and we must be His faithful servants as we share both with those to whom we speak.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV).

Oftentimes, as our staff team gathers to discuss our weeks and the future of the church, serving inevitably comes up. How amazing our volunteers are, but also how we’re always in need of more. With our busy lives it can be difficult to find the time to serve but it can be a meaningful and rewarding way to give back to your community and make a positive impact in the world. Whether you have a little or a lot of time to give, there are many ways you can get involved and make a difference. Here are a few reasons why you should consider serving at ANC:

Make new connections:
“so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” -Romans 12:5

Getting connected with so many people can be difficult. But serving is a great way to meet new people and build relationships with others who share your values and beliefs. Many of our serving teams have led to long-lasting friendships and support.
Use your talents and skills:
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” -1 Peter 4:10

Every person has unique gifts and talents that can be put to use for the benefit of others. Serving at our church allows you to use your skills and abilities to make a difference in the lives of others. We have a variety of different areas so whether you’re great with kids, with making people feel welcome or making a great cup of coffee, there is a team for you!
Make a positive impact:
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. -1 John 3:18

By volunteering at your church, you can help make a positive difference in your community and beyond. Whether you’re helping to feed the hungry, provide shelter for the homeless, or support other worthy causes, your time and efforts can make a real impact.
Grow in your faith:
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” -Acts 20:35

Serving at All Nations church can also be a great way to grow in your faith and deepen your spiritual connection. By serving others and putting your faith into action, you can experience a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your life. Remember, you’re not serving your church, but you’re serving God!

If you’re considering serving at All Nations Church, don’t hesitate! Reach out to Bette and she would love to talk to you about how you can get involved (volunteer@allnationschurch.ca)

In theology, there are certain terms that may sound imposing at first but hold profound significance in understanding the Christian faith. While these terms may seem like theological jargon, delving into their meanings can provide valuable insights into our core beliefs.
Justification:
Let’s start with justification. At its core, justification is about being declared righteous in the sight of God. It’s the act by which God pardons and accepts sinners as righteous, solely based on the atoning work of Jesus Christ. In other words, through justification, believers are not only forgiven of their sins but also credited with Christ’s righteousness.
The apostle Paul elaborates on this concept in his letters, particularly in Romans and Galatians. He emphasizes that justification is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by human works or efforts. This foundational doctrine underscores the belief that salvation is entirely God’s initiative and is accessible to all who place their trust in Jesus.
Sanctification:
Moving on to sanctification, this term refers to the ongoing process by which believers are conformed to the image of Christ. While justification deals with our legal standing before God, sanctification deals with our practical holiness and transformation. It’s about being set apart for God’s purposes and growing in obedience to His will.
Sanctification involves the work of the Holy Spirit within the life of a believer, empowering them to live a life that reflects the character of Christ. It’s a journey of spiritual growth, marked by repentance, obedience, and reliance on God’s grace. While sanctification begins at the moment of conversion, it continues throughout the believer’s lifetime, culminating in complete conformity to Christ in eternity.
Glorification:
Finally, glorification completes the trilogy of salvation. Glorification is the ultimate destiny of every believer – to be fully transformed and perfected in the presence of God for all eternity. It is the final stage of salvation, where believers receive glorified bodies and dwell in the presence of God, experiencing His fullness of joy and glory.
Glorification is closely linked to the resurrection of the dead, as described in the New Testament. It’s the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem and restore His creation, eradicating all traces of sin and death. For believers, glorification represents the culmination of their faith journey, where they will enjoy eternal fellowship with God and experience the fullness of His kingdom.
In conclusion, while terms like justification, sanctification, and glorification may seem complex, they are foundational to understanding the Christian faith. Together, they form a coherent narrative of salvation – from the forgiveness of sins to the transformation of lives and the ultimate hope of eternal glory. As believers grasp the depth of these concepts, they are equipped to live out their faith with confidence and assurance, knowing that their salvation is secure in Christ.

Adapted from The Bible Project

Exactly 50 days after Easter, Christians celebrate (to varying degrees) Pentecost. Contained in Acts 2, it has the narrative of the Holy Spirit coming down onto the disciples of Jesus.

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?”

if we look at this objectively, it seems like a pretty bizarre story – fire landing on people and then becoming multilingual (not just being able to speak Fringlish/Franglais). But when we see it in the context of the whole Bible, it begins to make more sense, and display the significance for even us today.

God frequently spoke and acted in the Old Testament through fire. He speaks to Moses through the burning bush (Exodus 2), appears on the mountain to speak to the Israelites when the ten commandments get given (Exodus 19) and is represented by a pillar of fire when resting on the built tabernacle. The imagery of fire is important, because it shows God’s presence or dwelling.

So this resting of fire on each of the disciples was not some weird act, but showed that God was resting in each one of them.

So what does that for us?

The Holy Spirit dwells in each of us
An important understanding of the trinity is that we each have the Holy Spirit inside of us. That means we have access to a power far beyond what we would have alone.

Christianity is for everyone
The Holy Spirit empowered the early Christians to spread the message of Jesus to people of different languages and cultures. This underscores the universal nature of the Christian message and the call to mission. Today, Pentecost reminds Christians of their call to share the love of Christ with others, regardless of cultural or linguistic barriers.

3. God is always with us
In Matthew 28:20 Jesus told his followers, “I will be with you always, even until the end of the age.” He promptly ascended into heaven, and his followers could no longer see him. But The Holy Spirit remains, and we can always be assured that even when it feels like God is far, the Holy Spirit is resting within us.

Mental health and illness has always been a touchy subject in society and in the church. It can be difficult to accept and even more difficult to overcome. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The mind can descend far lower than the body, for in it there are bottomless pits. The flesh can bear only a certain number of wounds and no more, but the soul can bleed in ten thousand ways, and die over and over again each hour.” Mental illness is not a new phenomenon.
But as Christians, there are a number of truths that we can hold on through our struggles.
It’s more common than we think
The prominence of mental health issues has risen due to increased awareness, impactful events like the COVID-19 pandemic, and generational shifts towards prioritizing mental wellness. In fact, 1 in 5 people will struggle with mental illness in their lifetime. That means whether you are at church, in your Life Group or just hanging out on a Friday night, chances are someone around you is struggling.
2. It’s not your fault
Like the man born blind in John 9, it isn’t a punishment for sins (be it yours or your family’s). Of course, sin can make the issue worse, but it’s not because of your sin! Our world is fallen and with that comes diseases and other failings.
3. You are not alone and are loved
God’s people have suffered—mentally, emotionally, and physically—since the fall. Even Christ himself cried out in despair on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46), echoing a psalm of lament (Ps. 22:1). When we suffer, we are not alone. Of course, he was sinless in every way, but throughout Scripture, we see examples of him relating to anxious feelings and even distress. Jesus understands what it’s like to wrestle with heavy feelings and circumstances. That should bring us so much comfort! And no matter what, we are assured that we are loved! For God so loved you that He gave His one and only Son!

4. We all have the ability to improve our mental health
Our bodies and minds are not perfect. They can become injured or ill. But we also have the gift of free will and conscious thought, and with that comes a battle of the mind. We all as humans are waging a war to keep our thoughts healthy and our bodies well, Christian or not. There is freedom in shifting our perspective from being ashamed of our mental health struggles to seeing them as a normal part of being alive. I’m not ‘messed up,’ or at least not more than anyone else. Let’s let go of this cognitive distortion of ‘bad Christian’ when our mental health isn’t at its best and then look at ways that we can get healthier. That also doesn’t mean we need to stay mentally unwell. Just as we all have the potential to be mentally unwell (like our bodies can be physically unwell), we all have the ability to improve our mental health.

As communications director, part of my job at the church is keeping up with all the new social medias, and my goodness there are a lot. I was becoming a teenager when smartphones started to become popular, and back then I remember being lucky to have Facebook. But now, between SnapChat, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook (if any teenager still uses the app), it can be tough to keep up with. Over the years, we’ve all heard the horror stories of social media and kids, the dangers that it can pose (even as I write this, Florida has just passed a law banning all social media for those 14 and under). So it’s no surprise that one of the topics Julia and I get asked about most is social media. Which ones should we allow our kids to use? What do they do? So Julia and I put our heads together to come up with some of the most important tips to pass on. First, a quick primer on all the major platforms.

Facebook: Facebook is a widely-used social networking platform that allows users to connect with friends and family, share updates, photos, and videos, join groups based on interests, and follow pages of businesses and organizations. It offers features like news feed, messaging, events, and marketplace.
Instagram: Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform where users can post content in the form of images or short videos, apply filters and edits, and share them with followers. It’s known for its visual-centric nature, with features like stories, IGTV, reels, and explore page.
Twitter: Twitter is a microblogging platform where users can post short text-based messages known as “tweets” of up to 280 characters. It’s popular for real-time updates, news, opinions, and engaging in conversations through hashtags, mentions, and retweets.
Snapchat: Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app where users can share photos and videos with friends, which disappear after a certain time set by the sender. It features stories, filters, lenses, and a discover section for content from publishers and creators.
TikTok: TikTok is a short-form video-sharing platform where users can create and share videos up to 60 seconds long, often set to music or sound clips. It’s known for its algorithm-driven “For You” page, where users can discover content tailored to their interests.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform designed for career development, job searching, and business networking. Users can create profiles highlighting their work experience, skills, and education, connect with colleagues and industry professionals, and access job postings and business news.
YouTube: YouTube is a video-sharing platform where users can upload, view, and share videos on a wide range of topics. It hosts a vast array of content, including educational tutorials, entertainment, music videos, vlogs, and more, and users can subscribe to channels and engage through likes, comments, and shares.
Pinterest: Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform where users can discover and save ideas, inspiration, and content in the form of images or “pins.” It’s commonly used for planning events, DIY projects, home decor, fashion, and recipe ideas, organized into personalized boards.

As you can imagine, we are often hesitant to recommend Snapchat to anyone, given how it can be used and the lack of monitoring options, but all platforms have dangers. So how do we navigate it all?

Open Communication: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences with you. Encourage them to share both positive and negative interactions they encounter on social media.
Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules and boundaries for social media use, such as time limits, appropriate platforms, and content guidelines. Be consistent in enforcing these rules.
Educate About Privacy: Teach your child about the importance of privacy settings and the risks associated with sharing personal information online. Help them understand the permanence of digital footprints and the potential consequences of oversharing.
Monitor Activity: Stay informed about your child’s online activities by monitoring their social media accounts regularly. Utilize parental control tools and privacy settings to ensure their safety.
Address Cyberbullying: Discuss the importance of treating others with respect online and what to do if they encounter cyberbullying. Encourage them to report any instances of bullying or harassment and provide emotional support if needed.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest social media trends, apps, and safety features. This will enable you to better guide and support your child in navigating the ever-evolving online landscape.
Be Supportive: Finally, reassure your child that they can come to you with any concerns or issues they may encounter online without fear of judgment or punishment. Offer guidance, support, and encouragement as they learn to navigate the digital world responsibly.

And of course, if you have any questions about any social media platform, either Julia or myself would be more than happy to talk with you!