Opportunities for Diplomats
As part of the diplomatic corps in Canada, you hold an esteemed position, not only in your country, but in Canada as well. We are a Christian organization interested in serving people of all regional, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Our services to ambassadors, high commissioners and other diplomats begin with helping you connect with leaders in parliament and business, in Ottawa as well as in noted communities across Canada.
One of Canada’s ambassadors serving overseas cited his appreciation for the spiritual availability offered by the Christian Embassy staff, adding that he takes advantage of their services whenever he can.
We also offer initiatives for spouses of heads of mission and other diplomats. We hope to serve you and help you succeed in your mandate as you represent your country in Canada.
"I desire to be involved with the seminars and luncheons of the Christian Embassy because of the important life issues presented and the opportunities to meet people of faith."
Ambassador to Canada"I think every ambassador and high commissioner should connect with the Christian Embassy. I have found their team to be very helpful to my work as an ambassador for networking, because of the many people they know. With their help, I also better understand the Bible."
Ambassador to Canada"Everything that the Christian Embassy offers is excellent and very helpful. I am informed on very important topics and feel safe to express my opinions on these matters. Not only do you inspire us, but you help us to identify which priorities are truly important."
Ambassador to CanadaInitiatives for Diplomats
Courtesy Visits
When a new ambassador or high commissioner arrives in Ottawa, we like to schedule a courtesy call to introduce ourselves and present the services and practical resources that the Christian Embassy offers.
Contact us if you are interested in receiving a courtesy visit.
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Networking Luncheons
Through our networking luncheons and dinners, the Christian Embassy provides a platform for more than 100 diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders to make meaningful connections that inform and inspire. You will have the opportunity to hear a Christian leader talk about their professional experience and how a personal relationship with God impacts their personal and professional life.
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Roundtables
The roundtable luncheons organized by the Christian Embassy facilitate the interactions of six to eight diplomats with one or more senior members of Parliament. The roundtables give diplomats the opportunity to share their country’s perspective on specific areas of mutual interest with the member of Parliament and to glean helpful ideas from one another.
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Business Tours
Since 1998, the Christian Embassy has taken over 170 ambassadors and high commissioners from 92 different nations on three-day business tours to different Canadian cities. These tours provide you valuable opportunities to: – discover and enjoy Canadian innovation, culture and hospitality
– expand your network of Canadian contacts
– promote business and economic opportunities in your country
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Classes
The English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes offered by the Christian Embassy are oriented to diplomats and are designed to give students practice in written and oral comprehension with an emphasis on oral expression. We cover a wide variety of discussion topics, from our professional and personal lives and the classes are oriented toward diplomats’ schedules. Faith and Bible stories are important components of our program, because we seek to inspire people with the person and values of Jesus.
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Christmas Dinner
The highlight of the year is our Christmas Dinner, which brings together leaders from across Canada. Diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and their guests are invited to begin celebrating the Christmas season by enjoying a festive meal, live seasonal music and an inspirational guest speaker.
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Discussion Groups
Discussion groups are oriented towards diplomats and are organized according to the participants’ schedules and interests. A typical group meets weekly for six to twelve weeks. Some of the topics available include: Principles of Leadership, Marriage and Family, and Integrity.
read moreSpouse and Family
Living in an unfamiliar country or culture can be challenging. The Christian Embassy offers periodic seminars on navigating life transitions, cultural challenges, marriage, parenting and other relevant topics for busy diplomat families.
We can also help connect you to a weekly Bible study for wives of ambassadors and high commissioners.
read moreEvents for Diplomats
54th National Prayer Breakfast of Canada
May 2, 2019
The annual National Prayer Breakfast of Canada is a Christ-centred event held by the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast Group in our nation’s capital. The purpose of this event is to come together collectively to honour and continue to hold to our Christian heritage. This allows our elected officials to gather together with men and women from different backgrounds to pray and connect through our shared faith.
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2019 National Christian Leadership Dinner
May 1, 2019 from 17h30 to 21h30
The Annual Christian Leadership Dinner is another event organized by the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast Group as a part of the National Prayer Breakfast festivities. It has been taking place almost as long as the breakfast itself. The purpose of the dinner was originally to extend a courtesy to those travelling from out of town to attend the Breakfast. It has now evolved into an event that compliments the National Prayer Breakfast.
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Couples’ Weekend Getaway: Mont-Tremblant, QC
April 5-7, 2019
Great marriages are built! Like a great house – on a solid foundation, lovingly crafted, updated and renovated over time. A Weekend Getaway will strengthen your foundation – God’s way – and give you new tools to renovate your relationship.
For most couples it’s a chance to reconnect, re-establish the foundation and rekindle romance.
For others, it’s a fresh start.
For some, it will be the weekend that saves a marriage.
Wherever you’re at in your relationship, it’s a weekend to remember. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, even fun. You’ll hear from real couples doing real life together… God’s way. You’ll be given time to process what you’re learning. And together, you’ll make a plan for a marriage that lasts a lifetime.
read moreNetworking Luncheon with Michael Suderman
April 9, 2019 from 12h00 to 13h30
Through our networking luncheons, the Christian Embassy provides a platform for more than 100 diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders to make meaningful connections that inform and inspire. You will have the opportunity to hear Michael Suderman talk about his professional experience and how a personal relationship with God impacts his personal and professional life.
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Networking Luncheon: “Is the Next Recession Imminent?” with Peter Hall
February 26, 2019 from 12h00 to 13h30
Global economic momentum slowed in the final weeks of 2018. Stock market volatility and a rising fear-factor are leading some to predict recession. Is there a point to their pessimism? Or is this another analytical misstep in a time of uncertainty? Come hear about global economic prospects and the hope to be found in times of uncertainty.
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35th Annual Christmas Dinner: “The Certainty of Uncertainty” with Don and Fay Simmonds
November 26, 2018
“The Certainty of Uncertainty” with Mr. Don and Mrs. Fay Simmonds
Uncertainty strikes all of us. For Don and Fay Simmonds it came in the words “liver failure.” They spoke about their life and death battle and their search for certainty in life’s most uncertain moments. There is much to celebrate!
The annual Christmas Dinner is the highlight of the Christian Embassy’s year. This year we welcomed over 200 diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders, representing 55 nations.
The festive evening allows busy leaders and their spouses to relax, network and enjoy special music and meaningful reminders of the season. Diplomats appreciate what is often a first opportunity to experience Canadian Christmas traditions.
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Roundtable for Ambassadors: “Reflections on a Trade Challenged World” with Rob Wildeboer
October 31, 2018 from 9h30 to 11h00
Martinrea is a global automotive parts supplier based in Canada, with $4 billion in revenues and 15,000 employees worldwide, operating 44 plants in eight countries on four continents. The current international trade environment, as well as the challenges of one of the most innovative and technologically advanced industries in the world, provide a suitable background to discuss issues of politics, culture and adaptability in a changing world. Martinrea has been heavily involved in international trade and policy discussions involving the automotive sector. Join Rob Wildeboer, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Martinrea, and fellow colleagues for a roundtable discussion on how to persevere and succeed in this challenging environment.
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Parliamentary Perspectives Roundtable for New Ambassadors to Canada
September 27, 2018 from 12h00 to 13h30
Are you an Ambassador to Canada who has arrived in the last 12 months? Come gain valuable parliamentary perspective from two experienced members of Parliament and Shadow Ministers: Mr. Dean Allison, Shadow Minister for International Trade; and The Honourable Erin O’Toole, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development. They will give you insights into the priorities of their portfolios, as well as giving a brief overview of topics, including:
– Functioning of the Canadian Parliament
– Overview of typical MP schedule
– Effective communication with parliamentarians
– Their motivation to engage in federal politics
Morning at the Summit: World Class Leadership Training
October 18, 2018 8h30-12h00
You have influence. Join 445,000 of your peers to learn how to maximize it with this world-class leadership training. In partnership with the Ottawa Global Leadership Summit team, we are pleased to offer Morning at the Summit, the opening morning of the Global Leadership Summit, complimentary for all diplomats.
The Global Leadership Summit is a two-day world-class leadership training infusion of VISION, INSPIRATION and PRACTICAL SKILLS you can immediately apply. Every year, the Summit is broadcast (HD telecast) from Willow Creek in Chicago to 600+ sites in 130 countries and 60 languages. You are invited to commit to getting better as a leader in 2018 as you discover best practices in leadership, integration of Christian values and principle based decision making.
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“An Anchor in a Financial Storm” with Jonathan Wellum
June 6, 2018
Levels of debt, wealth disparities, shifting social, ethical and moral values, nation-state challenges – the world is living with risk. How might we deal with the challenges we face?
Jonathan Wellum addresses the need to restore truth, meaning and values rooted in Christianity if we are to progress and maintain free, vibrant and healthy markets at this networking luncheon.
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53rd National Prayer Breakfast with Dr. Os Guinness
May 8, 2018
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual ecumenical event held in Ottawa inviting leaders to come together for an inspirational message, music and the opportunity to pray together. The breakfast is offered under the auspices of the speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons and is organized by a group of volunteers.
The theme for the 2018 National Prayer Breakfast is “Believe, Serve, Lead”.
Dr. Os Guinness, author and social critic, is the keynote speaker and will be joined by special guest Humboldt Broncos’ chaplain Sean Brandow.
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Business Tour – Lower Mainland, B.C.
May 14-17, 2018
Since 1998, the Christian Embassy has taken over 170 ambassadors and high commissioners from 92 different nations on three-day business tours to different cities within Canada. These tours provide you valuable opportunities to:
– discover and enjoy Canadian innovation, culture and hospitality
– expand your network of Canadian contacts
– promote business and economic opportunities in your country
Current Cultural Trends with Michael Suderman
May 8, 2018 from 15h30 to 16h30
Join Michael Suderman and like-minded diplomats and business leaders for a brief presentation and the opportunity to meet and greet some of the RZIM Canada Team and hear about their work in Canada. RZIM helps the thinker believe and the believer think.
Michael’s interests include faith, science, world religions, and the intersection of Christianity and culture. He will speak to cultural trends he is observing and will be available for a question and answer session.
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National Prayer Leadership Dinner with Kim Phuc
May 7, 2018 from 18h00 to 21h30
The National Prayer Leadership Dinner is an annual ecumenical event held in Ottawa inviting leaders to come together for an inspirational message, music and the opportunity to pray together. The dinner is offered under the auspices of the speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons and is organized by a group of volunteers.
Kim Phuc, author of Fire Road: The Napalm Girl’s Journey Through the Horrors of War to Faith, Forgiveness and Peace, will give the keynote address.
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Business Tour – Greater Toronto Area
April 16-18, 2018
Since 1998, the Christian Embassy has taken over 170 ambassadors and high commissioners from 92 different nations on three-day business tours to different cities within Canada. These tours provide you valuable opportunities to:
– discover and enjoy Canadian innovation, culture and hospitality
– expand your network of Canadian contacts
– promote business and economic opportunities in your country
Couples’ Weekend Getaway: Montebello, QC
April 6-8, 2018
Great marriages are built! Like a great house – on a solid foundation, lovingly crafted, updated and renovated over time. A Weekend Getaway will strengthen your foundation – God’s way – and give you new tools to renovate your relationship.
For most couples it’s a chance to reconnect, re-establish the foundation and rekindle romance.
For others, it’s a fresh start.
For some, it will be the weekend that saves a marriage.
Wherever you’re at in your relationship, it’s a weekend to remember. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, even fun. You’ll hear from real couples doing real life together… God’s way. You’ll be given time to process what you’re learning. And together, you’ll make a plan for a marriage that lasts a lifetime.
read more
“Clarity in a Confused World” with Abdu Murray
March 28, 2018
Educational institutions, news and social media provide us with many different voices, opinions and perspectives. Who do we believe? Increasingly in Western culture, many believe that morals, spirituality and truth are all relative; that there are no absolute truths. Truth is being sacrificed on the altar of preferences. This tendency can cause confusion in interactions. In contrast people who express certainty about what they believe are frequently seen as bigoted, arrogant and intolerant.
Have we embraced a culture of confusion? What are the consequences of such a perspective? Mr. Murray presents reasoning from a Christian perspective for the foundations of truth with applications for professional and personal life to an audience of diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders at a plated networking luncheon entitled Clarity in a Confused World.
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Promise Keepers “All In” National Men’s Conference
February 23-24, 2018
Join men from all walks of life at the “All In” National Conference, where we will explore God’s plan for leading significant lives. Whether you are exploring faith or have been a Christian longer than you can remember, “All In” will challenge, motivate and equip you to stand firm and navigate the world around us.
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34th Christmas Dinner: Counter-intuitive Leadership
November 27, 2017
The annual Christmas Dinner is the highlight of the Christian Embassy’s year. This year we welcomed 186 diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders, representing 56 nations.
The festive evening allows busy leaders and their spouses to relax, network and enjoy special music and meaningful reminders of the season. Diplomats appreciate what is often a first opportunity to experience Canadian Christmas traditions.
Leaders from various backgrounds participated in readings, reflections and seasonal music. Richard Magnussen, Chairman of the American Furniture Association, gave the keynote address entitled Counter-intuitive Leadership.
Richard shared his thoughts on the key virtue required of a successful leader, one that is a core characteristic of God and interwoven throughout the Christmas story: humility. He gave a number of examples of how he has grown in humility.
Richard concluded by stating, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I have learned so many lessons through my simple faith in the humble Jesus of the Christmas story.”
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Ottawa Civic Prayer Breakfast: “Who is my Neighbour?”
October 27, 2017 7h15-9h00
The Ottawa Civic Prayer Breakfast is one of more than 50 gatherings across Canada in which community leaders honour and pray for the mayor, city councillors, police and emergency responders. Leaders come together to celebrate under the banner “Who Is My Neighbour?” because the Scriptures suggest that we love our neighbour as ourselves.
Each year the speaker at the breakfast focuses on answering the question: “Who is My Neighbour?”
This year our speaker will be Gerry Organ and he will be answering that question through the lens of being a former football player, his work with refugees and immigrant families here in Ottawa, mentoring young men with fatherhood issues, and encouraging young entrepreneurs in their calling. Also, he is passionate about this annual prayer event!
Gerry became a Christian in 1973 while playing professional football for the Ottawa Rough Riders. Since that time, he has been fully engaged in Kingdom work both in the church and in business. His passion is to fulfill the will of God as an ambassador and servant so that others will taste and see God’s goodness and be transformed by His love.
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