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 a porpoise-driven church."

Now for those who need another cup of java to figure that out, let me explain.

Growing up along the Atlantic Ocean, I spent many hours fishing with my father, observing the porpoises that swim the waters by our fair province. From them I have learned many lessons for the church.

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 a lot of men.

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

1. The porpoise-driven church is warm blooded. Like terrestrial ...