Learn a little more about our Village Calgary location pastor, Vinh Doan! We asked Vinh a few questions so you can get to know him and his family, and the vision for Village Calgary.
Why do you want to church plant in Calgary, specifically?
Vinh Doan: My wife, Laura, and I both sensed Jesus call us to plant a church in Calgary. Even though He called Laura and me at different times and in different ways, it is out of obedience to Jesus that we are planting a church in Calgary.
The first week Laura and I were married, Laura brought up the idea that she felt God would call us to church planting one day. Immediately I dismissed the idea because it seemed too far-fetched for me. I was comfortable where God had us at the time. It took a little longer than a year to even revisit the thought, though it would take a miracle from God to get me in a position where I would even entertain that idea again. Another year went by and God gave me a very clear vision that I was to plant a church in Calgary. There was no mistake what he was asking of me.
Why have you decided to partner with Village Church?
VD: Over the 2-year process of trying to get the church plant started, I become discouraged and began to doubt God’s provision for us. I received a glimmer of hope when God reminded me of Matthew 16:18 “…I will build my church…”. Mark Clark came along and took me on to mentor me as a fellow church planter.
Through conversations with Mark, Matthew 16:13-20 became a reoccurring theme that led to the DNA of Village: Gospel, Community, and Culture. After that, the opportunity to partner with Village became obvious to both me and Mark. I was sold on the DNA of our church.
What potential do you see for what God could do through Village Church Calgary?
VD: We love the city of Calgary and we are witnessing great churches do some great things, but there are 1.3 million people in the city of Calgary. We want to be a part of what God is doing through the churches in Calgary. As Village Calgary, we want to be used to reach skeptics and unchurched people, to be culturally relevant to our city and nation. We desire to be another gospel-centred church where people are transformed by Jesus.
What’s your background? Where are you from and how long have you lived in Calgary? Tell us a bit about your family.
VD: I am a Vietnamese-born Australian, and Laura is a Vietnamese-born Canadian. Both our parents were refugees as a result of the Vietnam war back in 1975. I was born and raised in Sydney all my life until I met Laura, who was born in Calgary. I’ve called Calgary home since January 2013.
This year our family is growing from three to four. Our firstborn daughter is Grace Autumn and we’re expecting the arrival of our second daughter in the beginning of August.
What excites you about being a part of the Village Church family?
VD: We are most excited about what our Village Church family represents, and how we do our best for His glory, knowing that time is short.
Knowing that our Village Church leadership and staff love and support me is so encouraging. There hasn’t been a moment when I felt that I was being left here in Calgary on my own. The prayer and support I’m receiving go a long way!