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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I volunteer at Broad View United?
We’d love to help you find a volunteer opportunity at Broad View United that fits your gifts, interests, and availability. Whether you’re new to BVU, already volunteering, or simply looking for a life-giving way to contribute, there are many ways to get involved. Explore our Volunteer Opportunities page and, if something interests you, please fill out the “I’m Interested in Volunteering” form or contact the church office. We’ll be glad to help you find a meaningful place to serve.
How do I volunteer at the Thrift Store?
The Broad View United Thrift Store is one of the many ways people share their time and gifts in support of BVU’s ministry and community life. Thrift Store volunteers help sort, price, greet, and serve in this vibrant social enterprise. If you’re interested in volunteering at the Thrift Store, please email Sarah McConnell, the manager of Broad View United Thrift Store, at broadviewts@gmail.com, or visit the BVU Thrift Store website.
Where can I find information about renting space at BVU?
You can find information about renting space at Broad View United on our Rentals page. There you can learn about BVU’s rental priorities, the spaces available for rent, and how to submit a rental request. If your event or organization aligns with BVU’s values and vision for shared space, we invite you to contact the church office or email rentals@broadviewunited.com to learn more.
Where can I park when I come to the church?
Parking is available in Broad View United’s main parking lot beside the church, with additional overflow parking across the street on Palo Alto Street and street parking nearby. Four disability parking stalls are located at the front of the building, and four EV charging stalls are also available through Flo. On Sundays, we encourage those who are able to leave parking spaces closest to the entrance for people with mobility accessibility needs and families with young children. If you have questions about accessibility or parking for a particular event, please feel free to contact the church office.
What is progressive Christianity?
At Broad View United, progressive Christianity means seeking to follow Jesus through love, compassion, justice, and courageous hope. We take the Bible seriously, but not literally, and we engage faith with openness, integrity, and a commitment to social transformation. For us, progressive Christianity means building a church that is inclusive, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming, justice-seeking, ecologically mindful, and responsive to the needs of our changing world.
What does it mean that BVU is affirming?
Being affirming means that Broad View United celebrates and welcomes people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions as full and beloved members of the community. We are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can belong, participate, lead, and flourish in every part of church life.
What does “We take the Bible seriously, but not literally” mean?
At Broad View United, taking the Bible seriously means engaging with it with care, curiosity, and respect as a sacred text that continues to shape faith, community, and justice. At the same time, we do not read every passage as literal fact or as a rulebook detached from history, culture, or context. Instead, we ask thoughtful questions, listen for the Spirit, and seek how scripture can speak truthfully and life-givingly into the realities of our world today, especially in relation to justice, inclusion, human dignity, and the ongoing work of reconciliation.
Am I still welcome if I don’t know what I believe, have questions, and/or have doubts?
Absolutely. Broad View United is a community where questions, uncertainty, and spiritual searching are welcome. You do not need to have everything figured out in order to belong here. If you are exploring faith, carrying questions, or looking for connection, we invite you to join us in Sunday worship or to try one of our small groups or learning communities—such as book studies led by our Co-Lead Ministers, Intercultural Bible Study, grief support groups, and other opportunities for conversation, reflection, and community.
What is the role of the Board at BVU? What does it do?
The Board provides governance and strategic leadership for Broad View United. It focuses on the bigger picture of BVU’s life and mission by setting policies, establishing long-term goals, and ensuring accountability for the congregation’s resources and direction. Responsibility for day-to-day ministry, operations, administration, and staff is delegated to the Co-Lead Ministers.
What kinds of questions or concerns does the Board encourage members to contact the Board about?
The Board welcomes questions, feedback, and conversation related to Broad View United’s mission, vision, long-term priorities, governance, and the overall direction of the congregation. Members are encouraged to contact the Board about matters related to Board policies, strategic planning, congregational life, and the stewardship of BVU’s resources. If you are unsure whether your question belongs with the Board, the church office, or a staff member, you are always welcome to reach out, and we will help direct your inquiry.
How can I contact the Board or learn more about BVU governance?
You can contact the Board by email at Board@BroadViewUnited.com. To learn more about BVU governance, you can also explore our Governance Policies, Strategic Plan, Annual Report, and other governance resources on our Our Board webpage. Past Board minutes are also available upon request.
Who leads Broad View United? How do people become Board members?
Broad View United is led by a Board of Directors, supported by the Board of Trustees, Standing Committees, Ministry Teams, and a dedicated staff and volunteer community. The Board includes 7–9 elected members from the congregation, along with the two Co-Lead Ministers, all of whom are voting members. Board members are generally elected by the congregation for two-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms. If you are interested in serving on the Board, we invite you to contact the Board or church office to learn more about the nomination and discernment process.
What is the difference between the Board, the Committees, and Ministry Teams?
At Broad View United, the Board, Committees, and Ministry Teams each play different but connected roles in the life of the church. The Board provides governance and strategic leadership, focusing on vision, policy, accountability, and long-term direction. Standing Committees support the Board by giving focused attention to specific areas such as finance, nominations, and ministry personnel, and by making recommendations to the Board. Ministry Teams, by contrast, are action-oriented groups that support the day-to-day ministry and operations of BVU. They help carry out the congregation’s ministry in practical ways and provide opportunities for volunteers to contribute their gifts, skills, and passions in service to the church’s mission. If you’d like to serve or learn more about BVU ministry through Ministry Teams, please visit our Ministry Teams page.
How do I change or cancel my PAR donation?
If you would like to change or cancel your PAR donation, please contact the Broad View United office or connect with our Treasurer, Mark Porter, at portercalgary@shaw.ca. We would be glad to help you update your giving.
How do I donate to a specific ministry?
Thank you for your interest in supporting the ministry of Broad View United. We are deeply grateful for every gift and for the care and commitment that each gift represents. In most cases, financial gifts to BVU are received as general donations rather than directed to a specific ministry. This allows Broad View United to steward gifts responsibly across the life of the congregation and to support ministry where needs are greatest. If you have questions about giving or would like to talk further about how your gift can support BVU’s mission and ministry, please feel free to contact the church office.
How is my donation used at BVU?
Every gift given to Broad View United helps sustain ministry, care for our facilities, support staff and programs, nurture spiritual growth, build community, and extend our outreach beyond our walls. Your gifts support worship, pastoral care, spiritual formation, children, youth, young adults, intercultural ministry, music programs, and community gatherings, while also helping BVU support community partners and justice initiatives beyond the congregation. To learn more, please visit our Our Giving in Action page and explore our Quarterly Treasurer’s Report and community partnerships.
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