Ministry to Mandarin-Speaking Newcomers Becomes Mission

The Mission in Acts Mission (formerly the Chinese Anglican Ministry) has been officially designated as a diocesan mission by Bishop Susan Bell with the approval of Synod Council, effective June 1. 

"This is an exciting new chapter for Mission in Acts Mission and our diocese," said Bishop Susan Bell. "More and more we are becoming a mission-shaped Church, responding to God's call not only through our parishes but in new ways too."

With origins in 2018 as a missional project to de-churched and unchurched Mandarin-speaking newcomers, Missions in Acts Mission represents a "vibrant, growing, Spirit-led special area of ministry" in Halton region. 

Canon Ian Mobsby, diocesan community missioner, shared with Synod Council several activities that the project has undertaken in recent years "These first missional events – teaching English through an event called English Tea, and other Chinese and Canadian social and cultural events  – focused on generous hospitality and spiritual friendship, enabling unchurched people to explore the Christian faith in culturally appropriate ways."

“This moment represents more than just a milestone” said Canon Garfield Adams, the ordained missioner for Mission in Acts Mission, “—it’s a sign of renewed hope and connection for our wider community. At a time when many feel isolated or uncertain, we see the Church stepping out, listening deeply, and building bridges across cultures and generations.”

The Mission in Acts Mission serves new, non-Christian, Mandarin-speaking, multi-generational immigrants and their families, by creating a positive encounter with Anglican Christians and Christianity. “It’s a reminder that God is always at work, inviting us into something larger than ourselves” adds Canon Adams, “something rooted in love, justice, and shared belonging.” The mission helps form and integrate new Mandarin-speaking Christians and their families into a local mixed-ecology Anglican parish. 

The mission has been supporting new Mandarin-speaking immigrants to form their own faith in the complexity of living in a Canadian society with the roots of Mandarin Chinese culture. Together, they are creating spaces for Mandarin-speaking support in preparation for baptism and confirmation, Bible study, discipleship, and faith formation.

According to Canon Mobsby, citing census data, there are increasing numbers of Mandarin-speaking people moving into Oakville where 15.3% of Oakville inhabitants are Chinese newcomers.

"Excitingly this involved large numbers of teenagers and young adults," said Canon Mobsby.

The designation is made under Canon 4.9 (1) which states:  “Where it appears that a particular geographical area or an area of special mission work or interest should be designated as a Diocesan Mission,... the Bishop, with the approval of the Synod Council, may so designate.” 

Formal designation is a natural next step in the development of a new church community, having moved beyond a tentative missional project to the point where there is a need for greater support, organizational structures, and oversight. This is the second designation of a mission, the first being All Saints Mission in Hamilton. Bishop Bell hopes that there will be several other missions formally designated this year. 

"The Spirit is at work in Niagara and it's wonderful to see us faithfully coming alongside that work, equipped with a missional mindset," said the bishop.