Raison d’Etre: Why ‘The Variety Pack’ Site Exists

In the FBC Archives there are several shallow, white boxes. Within the boxes are cassette
tapes (and, more recently, CDs) of Sunday sermons preached in our church since the late
1970s.

Upon discovering these boxes and their contents, it struck me as a pity that there is this
huge resource of messages which (I suspect) very few of our current congregants have
heard.

The seed of an idea was planted.

Later, as I thought about the approaching 125th anniversary of First Baptist in 2012, it
occurred to me that one way to begin celebrating our century-and-a-quarter as a church in
Vancouver might be to make a few of the recorded sermons available to a wider audience
using contemporary (MP3) technology.

This site emphasizes the variety of preachers we have been blessed to have at First. There
are nearly 70 messages available on this site, and nearly all messages are preached by
different preachers. All of our senior ministers, since we began recording sermons
routinely in 1977, are represented*. Sermons by our associate and assistant pastors who
had a preaching role during the same period, are also available. Many messages,
however, are those preached by guests in our pulpit – many from Regent and Carey
Colleges, some from elsewhere in Canada and the U.S., and still others from abroad.
The cut-off year for the project was 2008 (messages preached in 2009-10 are available
through firstbc.org).

I hope you find these archived messages to be as fresh and stimulating as they were to
congregants who listened to them the first time, from the pews. My prayer is that the
Holy Spirit would breathe freshly into the new technology so that you may be moved to
greater devotion to Jesus and to His service in our world. Amen.
M. D. Maisey
*Two additional sermons from a much earlier period, by Rev. Wayman Roberts (at FBC
1951-55), is also part of the collection. We discovered a long-play (LP) record in the
FBC archives recently with two of Rev. Roberts' messages. Both of those messages are
included.

The Variety Pack is Brought to You By:

This site would not have been possible without the countless volunteer hours put in by
many people. Four men should be mentioned, specifically: Jack Lawrie, Bram Lamb,
Louis Lussier, and George Loewen. 
There is more involved in recording the Sunday services than meets the eye: The first
step is recording the master from the sound booth; the next step is duplicating enough
recordings to meet anticipated demand; finally, there is distribution – making sure that
folks who want to purchase a sermon or worship service recording get the one they want.
Jack Lawrie was involved in recording for the first 30 years or so and was also
responsible for duplication for awhile.

Bram Lamb was responsible for tape duplication for a number of years.
Louis Lussier is something of a fixture in Pinder Hall. He has been faithfully overseeing
distribution of recordings since the tape ministry began. He continues to serve in this role.

George Loewen was the volunteer responsible for recording and duplication from 1993
to 1998. He became paid staff with the title Technical Director during 1998-2010. In
2010, he accepted the Communications post in FBC’s office and continues to provide
technical services to the church (in addition to his other responsibilities).
Preacher Notes
Don Anderson: When You Leave Home
Dr. Don Anderson preached this sermon in July 1990, shortly after
beginning as BC Area Minister. He retired as Senior Minister of Olivet
Baptist Church earlier the same year (having served there since 1978).
Before Dr. Anderson embarked on his pastoral career, he was a physician.

Greg Anderson: The View From Our Tower

Dr. Greg Anderson became Director of Ministries at FBC in 2000 for the
period during which we were looking for a Senior Minister after Dr.
Milne’s retirement. He left the church shortly after Dr. Tom Cowan was
appointed. Today, Dr. Anderson is Pastor at Riverdale Baptist Church in
Whitehorse.

Carl Armerding: The Elusive Kingdom

Dr. Carl Armerding was a founding faculty member and the second
President of Regent College. Today he is Emeritus Professor at Schloss
Mitersill Study Centre (Austria) and Senior Fellow of the Oxford Centre
for Mission Studies. 

Ray Bakke: The City for Christ’s Sake

Dr. Ray Bakke is an expert in urban theology and has written many books
and articles on the subject (the most widely-known of which may be A
Theology as Big as the City).

Paul Beckingham: Glancing Back–Moving Ahead in Faith

Dr. Paul Beckingham is a Canadian Army Chaplain and author. Formerly,

he was on the faculty of Carey Theological College. Before that, he was a
missionary in Africa, where he sustained a traumatic brain injury in an
automobile accident.
Jeremy Bell: David Had It All Together–But Forgot Where He Put It

Dr. Jeremy Bell (son of former FBC senior minister, Dr. Roy Bell) joined
the staff as Minister of Outreach shortly after Roy left FBC. This sermon
was preached after Jeremy left the staff of FBC to become Pastor of an
FBC church plant in the Kitsilano neighbourhood. He is currently
Executive Minister of Baptists of Western Canada.

Roy Bell: Liberty–The Gift of the Spirit

Dr. Roy Bell became Senior Minister at FBC in 1970. He came from
Belfast, originally, but had been in Canada since 1956, first at a church in
Moncton, NB and then at Strathcona Baptist Church in Edmonton. He left
FBC to accept the post of Principal at Carey Theological College.

Shirley Bentall: Looking at Life

Dr. Shirley Bentall (1927-2005) preached this sermon in 1989, after
finishing her term as President of the Canadian Baptist Federation
(now Canadian Baptist Ministries). She was the first woman to lead the
national denomination, and was the first President of our regional one, the
Baptist Union of Western Canada (now Baptists of Western Canada).

Jill Briscoe: The Lord’s My Shepherd

Rev. Jill Briscoe is a prolific author and speaker – arguably even better
known than her husband, Rev. Stuart Briscoe. Both are ministers
with Elmbrook Church in Wisconsin.

Raymond Brown: What Makes Surrender to God Possible?

Dr. Raymond Brown is former Principal of Spurgeon’s College (London)
and a member of the Commonwealth Oversight Committee for the New
King James translation of the Bible. He has written several commentaries in
the IV Press series called The Bible Speaks Today.
Paul Chan: When Life Isn’t Fair
Dr. Paul Chan was FBC’s Director of Ministries (1996-99). Prior to that,
he was a professional accountant and then completed his M.Div. at Regent
College. Upon leaving FBC, Paul became Senior Pastor at Lord’s Grace
Church and has continued to minister there since, except for a period
during which he led the Chinese Christian Mission (California).

Phil Collins: Annointed Leadership–An Awesome Gift

Dr. Phil Collins was Principal of Carey Theological College for 18 years.
Before, during, and since then, he has ministered in many Western
Canadian Baptist churches and as an Area Minister of the Baptists of
Western Canada. Today, he is Emeritus Minister of Broadmoor Baptist
Church.

Charles Colson: Losing Our Lives

Dr. Charles Colson was former U.S. President Nixon’s Special Counsel
and was the first administration member to be jailed for Watergate-related
charges. During that period, he became a Christian. Since then, Dr. Colson
has led a non-profit organization called Prison Fellowship.

Tom Cowan: Life in an Agapic Church

Dr. Tom Cowan was senior minister at FBC during 2003-09. He
established a regular practice of writing detailed Bible Study handbooks to
accompany his sermon series for use by small groups and individuals
between Sundays. After leaving FBC Vancouver, he was interim pastor
at First Baptist Church, Victoria.

Rowland Croucher: A Throne or a Towel?

Dr. Rowland Croucher came from Melbourne, Australia in 1981 to
succeed Dr. Roy Bell as FBC’s Senior Minister. Unfortunately, he
resigned after less than a year. He later worked for World Vision
Australia (1983-91) and is the founder of John Mark Ministries, which
seeks to encourage pastoral and other leaders who are in transition due
to stress and burnout.
James Willox Duncan: Vitality for All Ages
Padre James Willox Duncan was a fixture at FBC for many years. He
joined the staff as Assistant Minister in 1963 after several years with
the Canadian Chaplaincy Service. During Dr. Roy Bell’s time as Senior
Minister, Padre was appointed Minister of Visitation. In 1983, he was
recognized as Pastor Emeritus.

Jack Farr: Is Christianity Escapism?

Rev. Jack Farr joined FBC’s staff as Minister of Pastoral Care in 1988
and stayed in the job until 1993. Since then, the Farrs have lived in
Chemainus, BC where he is Pastor Emeritus at Calvary Baptist Church.

Leighton Ford: Too Small a Thing

Dr. Leighton Ford is widely associated with Billy Graham and his
evangelistic efforts. Since retiring as VP of Graham’s Evangelistic
Association in 1985, however, he has been busy in his own right, not
least as an author. His most recent book is The Attentive Life:
Discerning God’s Presence in All Things.

Dick France: Be Strong in Christ

Dr. Dick France is a former Principal of Wycliffe Hall at Oxford and

former Vice-Principal of London Bible College (now London School of
Theology). He has written several books, notably commentaries on
Matthew and Mark.
John Gladstone: How Do You Spell God?
Dr. John Gladstone retired from Yorkminster Park Baptist
Church (Toronto) in 1991. He had been senior worship leader there for
25 years. Yorkminster Park made a substantial donation to McMaster
Divinity School in 1992 for the endowment of the John N. Gladstone
Festival of Preaching. There have been a number of Festival lecturers
over the years since, the 2009 lecturer being Rev. Darrell Johnson.

Michael Green: Rise and Shine!

Dr. Michael Green was a guest preacher at First Baptist in 1980. A few
years later (1987), he took up responsibilities at Regent College as
Professor of Evangelism. In 1992, he returned to England to accept the
position of Advisor on Evangelism to the Archbishops of Canterbury
and York. Officially retired since 1996, he has since been Senior
Research Fellow and Head of Evangelism and Apologetics at Wycliffe
Hall, Oxford.

Stan Grenz: Our National Sin

Stan Grenz (1950-2005) was a regular and much-loved guest preacher
(and member) of First Baptist Church and was the Pioneer McDonald
Professor of Baptist Heritage, Theology and Ethics at Carey Theological
College. This sermon was delivered in October, 2003.

Art Hadley: Begrudging Hospitality

Rev. Arthur Hadley was interim Director of Ministries at FBC in 1994-

1995 and 1999-2000. He has had a long and warm relationship with
congregants at FBC. He became a member of the church with his
parents in 1946. Art went into full-time ministry in 1951 and served as
Pastor in Regina, Fredericton, and West Virginia and at West Point Grey
Baptist Church and Olivet Baptist Church.
Phil Harbridge: Father, Father, Father, Help Us, Need Some
Guidance From Above

Rev. Phil Harbridge became FBC’s first full-time Minister of Youth and
Young Adults in 1992. During his time (1992-2006), a youth house was
opened, known as Servants Quarters (SQ). Today, he is a teacher
at Richmond Christian School.

Josh Hayashi: Good News Neighbours

Rev. Josh Hayashi was a Regent College intern at FBC who was called to
become Minister of Youth and Young Adults in 2006-2008. Today, Josh
is Chaplain at Punahou School in Honolulu.

James Houston: Having the Spiritual Mentor

Dr. James Houston, an Oxford don, came to Canada in the 1960s to help

found Regent College. Since then, he and his wife, Rita, have
contributed to the establishment of the college and to the spiritual lives
of many who are congregants of FBC. Today, Dr. Houston is Emeritus
Professor at Regent, and invests much of his time in writing, speaking,
and, with Mrs. Houston, practicing hospitality.

Kutch Imayoshi: What Does the Lord Require of You?

Rev. Kutch Imayoshi’s most recent church, before coming to FBC,

was Grandview Calvary Baptist Church. He joined FBC’s staff in 1995 as
part-time Pastoral Care Minister. His formal appointment to that position
ended a year later, but Kutch found the work so absorbing that he
continued on as a volunteer. He ‘retired’ from the post at the end of 2010
(in his 90th year). 
Vic Jackopson: Hope Now

Rev. Vic Jackopson grew up in an orphanage in England, lived on the

streets until he was 18 and, when he was caught house-breaking, served
time in prison. He became a Christian at that time, and trained to become a
pastor. In 1985, he founded Hope Now, an agency that builds orphanages
and rescue shelters.

Becca Johnson: Carrying the Cross

Dr. Rebecca Johnson became Director of Vancouver Christian Counselling
Centre (located at FBC) in 1991. She left VCCC in 1993 and today has a
private counselling practice. 

Darrell Johnson: Look! A Lamb!

This message was preached by then-guest-pastor (and Professor of
Pastoral Theology at Regent College) Darrell Johnson in the summer of
2002 as one of a series on the Book of Revelation. This series formed the
basis of his widely-read book on the same subject: Discipleship on the
Edge: An Expository Journey Through the Book of Revelation. Darrell
became Senior Minister at FBC in 2009.

Keith Krull: Faith on the Couch

Dr. Keith Krull has been Director of Vancouver Christian Counselling
Centre (located at FBC) since 1993. VCCC is a professional counselling
service. Dr. Krull has preached periodically while head of VCCC.
Denton Lotz: Evangelism–What Does it Really Mean?
Baptist World Alliance former General Secretary, Dr. Denton Lotz, spoke
at FBC on at least two occasions. The sermon shown below, preached in
1982, appears to be the first time; a second was when FBC hosted the
BWA conference in 1997. Since retiring from the BWA in 2007, Dr. Lotz
has joined the faculty of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Andrew MacRae: Knowing God’s Will

Dr. Andrew MacRae came to Canada in 1980 from Scotland – just a
couple of years before Dr. Bruce Milne would come, although to a
different and distant coastal province. The MacRaes settled in Wolfville,
Nova Scotia where Dr. MacRae joined the faculty of Acadia Divinity
College. During 1985-98, he served as President and Dean of Theology.
He retired in 1998, but continues to teach at Acadia.

Roger Martin: From Settler to Pioneer

Rev. Roger Martin (1944-2009) was a much-loved Baptist pastor with a
41-year ministry in churches across the UK. He had been elected as VP
of the Baptist Union of Great Britain just prior to his death from
pancreatic cancer.

Jo-Ann Matiachuk: Invitation into Unknown

Rev. Jo-Ann Matiachuk joined FBC’s staff with her husband, Richard, in
1998 as co-minister of Children and Families. When Richard left the
staff in 2001, Jo-Ann assumed all responsibility for Children and
Families. During 2006-10, she was Executive Minister.
Richard Matiachuk: Sometimes Miracles Happen
Rev. Richard Matiachuk was hired by FBC – together with his wife, Jo-
Ann – to be co-minister of Children and Families. Richard worked in
that capacity from 1998 through 2001. He resigned from FBC to pursue
a Master’s degree in librarianship and ultimately was hired as the Regent
College librarian.

Joao Matwawana: Building Peace and Reconciliation

On three occasions, Rev. Joao Matwawana and his family had to flee as
refugees – twice from Angola to the Democratic Republic of Congo and
finally to Canada. Here, he completed his M.Div. degree, after which he
pastored in Nova Scotia and then served as Chaplain at a prison. After
his retirement, he was appointed by Canadian Baptist Ministries as Peace
and Reconciliation consultant in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide.

John McLaverty: Knowing About God is Not to Know Him

Rev. John McLaverty was part of FBC’s staff from the late 1970s until
about 1981. He left to take on work with Spring Garden Baptist
Church in Toronto. Today, he is Senior Development Consultant with
the Canadian Bible Society and is on faculty at Tyndale Seminary.

Sam Mikolaski: Is Faith More Than a Shot in the Dark?

Dr. Sam Mikolaski preached this sermon in 1983, the year he became
Pioneer Macdonald professor of Baptist Studies at Carey Theological
College (the next person to hold that chair was Dr. Stan Grenz). He is
a former President of Atlantic Bible College (now Crandall
University). Since retiring, he has taught at Golden Gate Baptist
Theological Seminary.
Bruce Milne: Jesus and Agape (I Have a Dream!)
Dr. Bruce Milne was Senior Minister at First Baptist Church from 1983
to 2000. This sermon was preached in 1992, about ten years after he
first came to the church and to Canada from the UK (he had been
teaching at Spurgeon’s College). Dr. Milne has written several books
(before, during, and since retiring). Among his books, the most widely-
read is Know the Truth.

Harold Mitton: Discovering Christ

Dr. Harold Mitton is a former Principal of Acadia Divinity
College (1975-85), the immediate predecessor in that role of Dr.
MacRae. Prior to taking on leadership of the college, Dr. Mitton was
Senior Minister at what was then the largest Baptist church in
Canada, First Baptist Church, Calgary.

Barbara Mutch: Searching for Goodness

Dr. Barbara Mutch is a member of FBC and a regular guest preacher. She
was Associate Pastor at First Baptist (Regina) for 15 years and today is VP
Academic at Carey Theological College. Dr. Mutch makes evocative use of
stories in preaching.

Santosh Ninan: New Year, New Era

Rev. Santosh Ninan was a Regent College intern who became the Pastor of
our (then) evening congregation, first@night, in 2005-06. He later became
Pastor of an FBC church plant in Yaletown called Urban Sanctuary. Today,
he is Pastor of Heritage Mountain Church in Port Moody.
J. I. Packer: Christ and the Failed Disciple
J. I. Packer was Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology
at Regent College at the time this sermon was preached in 1982. He is
considered one of the most influential evangelicals in North America, is
the author of many books (the most well-known of which is Knowing
God), and is a frequent contributor to and an editor of Christianity Today.

Gordon Patterson: Anxiety and the Kingdom of God

Rev. Gordon Patterson came to FBC in 1971 as Director of our coffee
house ministry, Hobbit House, and later was appointed Associate Minister
in addition to his Hobbit duties. Since leaving FBC, he served as Pastor at
Western Community Baptist Church in Victoria for 19 years and then
at Gateway Baptist Church from 1998. 

Paul Pearce: Living to Make a Difference

Dr. Paul Pearce began his formal association with FBC in the early 1980s
when he was appointed part-time Christian Education director. Later, Dr.
Pearce became Senior Minister with Immanuael Baptist Church (Toronto)
and still later was Area Minister for BC & Yukon. Today, he is Executive
Director of Beulah Garden Homes.

Jan Porcino: Jesus, Women, and Power

Rev. Jan Porcino joined the FBC staff in 1990 as Minister of Discipleship.
She brought a wealth of experience with Intervarsity Christian
Fellowship campus organizations in New England. At FBC, she has
helped small groups to become established and writes study guides.
James Postlewaite: Where Have All the Wise Men Gone?
Dr. James Postlewaite became Minister of Christian Education at FBC in
1986. During Jim’s 11 years on staff, innovative adult learning options
were explored (such as the Meridien Class, which met in a nearby hotel)
and a new library was constructed in Pinder Hall. Today, Jim is Adult
Education Pastor at Peace Portal Alliance Church.

Benno Przybylski: The Road to Hope

Dr. Benno Przybylski delivered this message of hope on Remembrance
Day at First Baptist Church, Vancouver, just three months after 9/11. He
formerly was Professor at Edmonton Baptist Seminary (now Taylor
College and Seminary) and is currently Professor of Biblical Studies
at Carey Theological College.

Carson Pue: The First Radicals

Dr. Carson Pue served at FBC as Minister of Community and Outreach
from 1989 through 1993. During his time, evangelism teams talked with
folks on the streets of our downtown neighbourhood and a refugee
committee was established, the fruit of which continues to be evident
today. Carson left FBC to become Executive Director of Chuck
Swindoll’s radio ministry, Insight for Living. Today, he is President
of Arrow Leadership.

Mel Ralston: Life’s Doxology

Rev. Mel Ralston was interim part-time Pastoral Care Minister at FBC in
1986-87 and 1993-94. He served churches in Burnaby, White Rock, and
Richmond during his long pastoral career, and was also Saskatchewan
Area Minister for a term.
Ian Rennie: Suffering

Dr. Ian Rennie is a Presbyterian minister. He has served with Intervarsity

Christian Fellowship, Knox Presbyterian Church (Toronto), Fairview
Presbyterian Church (Vancouver), and as Dean at Tyndale Seminary.
Today he is retired and lives in Vancouver.

Wayman Roberts: The Fruit of the Spirit; I Can Do All Things

Rev. Wayman Roberts was Senior Minister at FBC in 1951-55. This is
outside of the period during which we routinely recorded sermons at
First (roughly from 1977), but an LP with these sermons on it was
recently discovered in our archive. In Leslie J. Cummings’ history of the
church, Our First Century, Rev. Roberts’ ministry is described in this
way: "[I]n the all too short three and one-half years he was at First
Baptist he won the unquestioned love and respect of every member." He
died of cancer while Senior Minister.

Harry Robinson: These Are Not Just Idle Words

Dr. Harry Robinson was Rector for a number of years at Christchurch

(Anglican) Cathedral, a neighbouring church of First Baptist. In his
later years, he also ministered at St. John’s (Shaughnessy) Church. 

Ernest Runions: What Ministers Are For

Dr. J. Ernest Runions (1939-89) was Interim Preaching Minister at
FBC following the departure of Dr. Rowland Croucher. Dr. Runions
was the first Principal of Carey Theological College in the late 1970s
and was a Doctor of Psychiatry and Medical Director of Riverview
Hospital (Coquitlam). His work as an ordained minister included
pastoring West Point Grey Baptist Church. 
Oswald Sanders: God’s Instruments
Dr. Oswald Sanders was a former General Director of China Inland
Mission (now OMF International) and the author of more than forty books.
His most widely-read book is Spiritual Leadership. This sermon was
preached at FBC in 1988, when Dr. Sanders was 86 years old.

Myrna Sears: The New Man and the New Society

Myrna Sears was Minister of Christian Education at First Baptist Church
when she preached this sermon in 1982. She became the second woman
to be ordained in the Canadian Baptist denomination at FBC in 1983.
Today, Myrna is Registrar and a Lecturer at Carey Theological College.

John Stott: A Call to Radical Discipleship

Dr. John Stott preached this sermon at FBC in 2003. He was Rector at
All Soul’s Church in England for many years and, following retirement,
is Rector Emeritus there. He has written several books, the most widely-
read of which is probably Basic Christianity.

Bob Swann: Just Living

Rev. Bob Swann became FBC’s Minister of Mission in January, 1999.

Three months later, a weekly Tuesday night Shelter was started. Bob
has a big heart and a substantial portion of it is devoted to Africa, where
he and his family spent many years prior to coming to FBC and to
which Bob has made regular return trips (often with a team of FBC
congregants) since taking up his responsibilities at First.
James Hudson Taylor: Testing Character

Dr. James Hudson Taylor (1929-2009) was the great-grandson and

namesake of the founder of China Inland Mission (now OMF
International) and OMF’s seventh General-Director.

James Torrance: The Church–A Religious Club?

Dr. James Torrance was Systematic Theologian at Aberdeen

University from 1977 to 1989. It was said of him, in his obituary (2003)
that "Christ was everything." This sermon was preached at FBC in our
centennial year, 1987.

Robert Vaughan: Jonah and the Java Shop

Rev. Robert Vaughan has held two positions on FBC’s staff. He was
Director of Christian Education in 1963-65 and succeeded Rev. Arthur
Hadley as interim Director of Ministries in 1999-2000. This sermon was
preached during the latter term.
Noel Vose: Springs for Thirsty Souls

Dr. Noel Vose was Past President of the Baptist World Alliance (1985-

90) when this sermon was preached at FBC in 1991. In 2008, Baptist
Theological College of Western Australia was renamed Vose Seminary,
in honour of Dr. Vose’s contributions in Australia and worldwide.

Doug Ward: Learning God’s Will

Rev. Doug Ward joined the FBC staff in the late 1970s as Minister of
Christian Education. He served until about 1981 when he was called
to Westview Baptist Church in Calgary. Today, he is a Pastor at Kanata
Baptist Church and also Director of Mentoring with Arrow Leadership.

David Watson: We’re Not On Our Own

Rev. David Watson (Canon, St. Michael le Belfrey Church in York,

England) spoke at FBC in April, 1981. By 1984, at age 50, he would be
dead from cancer. Canon Watson was a popular speaker and author.
Several of his books remain in print (including Called and Committed,
and One in the Spirit). 

Terry Winter: Character, Service, and Worship

Dr. Terry Winter (1942-98) was a Canadian television evangelist who was
based in Vancouver. He was best known for his television program, The
Terry Winter Show.
N. T. Wright: Prodigal Son

Dr. N. T. (Tom) Wright spoke at FBC in August, 1993. He was then a

Lecturer in New Testament Studies at Oxford and Fellow, Tutor and
Chaplain of Worcester College. A few years later, he became Canon of
Westminster. He has been Bishop of Durham since 2003.

John & Martha Zimmerman: Christ and the Middle Years

Dr. John Zimmerman joined FBC’s staff as Senior Advisor for the
period 2000-02. Before joining the staff, Dr. Zimmerman was a
faculty member of Carey Theological College for 14 years. Martha
Zimmerman is an author, whose published titles include Celebrate
the Feasts.