Abundant Life Gospel Centre (formerly Erie Street Gospel Centre) is a white unassuming building on an obscure street in South Oshawa. (Although, I suppose if you’re from the GTA, everywhere in the Durham Region seems mysterious). During the COVID pandemic, physical places became a missed commodity, even though we recognize that people are the ones who give them their meaning.
When I look at the visual above, many fond childhood memories come to mind. We played hide and seek in that windowless Sunday School room, ran around in the basement avoiding the poles, had informal soccer scrimmages with anything that could be rolled into a makeshift ball, and scattered when adult footsteps came down the stairs – a sure sign that we had been too rambunctious. More importantly, we couldn’t wait for services to end so we could buy Coco Bread, patty and a Chubby soft drink. By the way, I also cultivated my longest lasting childhood friendships there, as well as meeting my wife, Francine.
Along with all the nostalgic things, this place has been a significant catalyst in my growth into maturity and understanding of masculinity.
One of the main challenges for young men (and women) lies in knowing who they are and finding examples of identity. I’m turning fifty [at the time of this writing], but while growing up back then in Oshawa, my church was predominantly black. At that time, I was one of six black students in my high school of about 1200. I have never (ever) had a black educator (teacher, librarian, principal, professor or TA), but regardless, my church was the one place where I was not a minority.
My church was a spot where I physically and socially fit in. As an immigrant from Jamaica, I didn’t feel that I owned a history (be it Jamaican, Canadian or American); however this community satisfied me with a tangible sense of belonging.
(Mind you, Abundant Life Gospel Centre has become increasingly more diverse since those days, and continues to create and promote a diverse and multicultural environment.)
Lately, I’ve been thinking about this as the Genesis Man Project have focused on the topics of fatherhood and mentorship. Reflecting back as a youth, my church community brought me into an environment of connections. I had many grandparents, dads, moms, younger and older brothers and sisters. Today, I believe that young men have difficulties navigating relationships and are in much need of positive male influences.
Although, like most churches, the population of females were higher than that of males, but the men who were in my life were masculine, strong and spiritual. (Thinking back, I remember an older gentleman – Mr. Belnavis, who despite his age then (and now) could easily dislocate a shoulder with his powerful hand shake!) I never knew my own grandfathers, but I think of him as one. I found those relationships at Erie Street.
Those relationships have caused me to reflect upon the population of young men who may not regularly attend church in today’s era, and isn’t it a wonder that there is a chronic need for mentorship?
The folks at Erie Street were the people (both men and women) who kept me on track and accountable in my everyday life. In a previous blog, We Need A Few Good Men, two out of the three men who supported me in my time of emotional need came from here.
Although I don’t remember a lot of direct or formal instructions, being present in that building was sufficient for me. Christopher Thompson and I spoke about the power of indirect mentorship in one of our Genesis Man Project Podcast interviews.
The lack of purpose and focus is a labyrinth which constantly threatens to starve many young men before they reach the light of manhood. Growing up at Erie Street promoted (and it still does) a legacy of opportunity, starting with my late father-in-law Bishop Newton Cole. In comparison to some churches, I came to realize that we were an anomaly.
Our current lead Pastor, Kevin M.A. Cole, on every level embraced this way of serving and leading with this simple mandate: God gets all the glory, and He’s in charge.
To be honest, I’ve never run wholeheartedly towards ministry opportunities, but this environment provided a soil which allowed me to develop and grow into my “sweet spot”, which is, my purpose with God –namely connecting, mentoring and leading males. If you know me, you know that this is what makes me tick. I desire to create a community of conversation, resources and support and help men live out and live in the Reason, Role and Relationship of masculine identity.
In this place (a moderately small white building on an obscure street in Oshawa), I found my purpose and began the journey to develop and grow into a “Genesis Man”.
Join the Community of Conversation…
What places and organizations have you found mentorship?
Who are the people in your life that guided your growing up?
What helpful mentorship experiences would you like to share?
Read more about Rites of Passages, Ceremonies, and Passport to Puberty
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