When I began my ministry in Halifax more than 15 years ago, I asked, "How can we reach into the community and encourage good relationships with our neighbors?" Well, like most cutting-edge pastors, I quickly concluded, "By becoming the porpoise-driven church." Now for some who may need another cup of java to draw the same conclusion, let me explain.

Growing up along the Atlantic Ocean, I spent many hours fishing with my father, observing the porpoise that swim the waters by our seaside town. From them I have learned many lessons for the church on nurturing favor in the community.

The particular porpoise we are talking about here is the harbor porpoise or the common porpoise (necessary in establishing the church's corporate vision). One description of the Harbor porpoise is a "short, stocky animal with a blunt head and no visible neck," which means it's very similar to some of the men in my congregation.

With apologies to Rick Warren, let me explain how our church has learned its "porpoise" ...