About Us!

Our Name:

We're trying to model ourselves on the character and example of Jesus Christ. "I am the way, the truth and the life," He said. "No one can come to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) We believe Jesus is the Son of God, the only One who can forgive our sins and help us live the loving, significant and fulfilling life God always intended for us.

Who We Are:

We're a very informal, come-as-you-are group of Christians who want to operate, not like an institution, but like a family, in which each member shares privileges and responsibilities in a way that encourages individuality, spirituality, and a sense of belonging.

We're an independent, non-denominational congregation of people who come from several Christian heritages or no religious background at all. Though we've got close ties with other churches, we're not affiliated with any denomination. All decisions are made by the congregation and its leadership.

Since we recognize we're just one small part of the church established by Jesus, we want to accept, love and work alongside other Christians, without feeling the need to agree with everything they believe or do. Rather than judge other churches, we want to put our energies into becoming a congregation of people just like Jesus.

Since we do believe the Bible is God's message for people today, it's our guide for what we believe and do. Simply put, we want to put aside the religious traditions that divide believers and unite upon the clear, simple teachings of Jesus in a way that's fresh and relevant to real life.

What We're All About:

Though our church family and our lives are far from perfect, we're committed to letting Jesus help us find meaning, strength and love for the journey of life. Our goals are to:

***point people to God;

***lovingly serve each other and those around us;

***and share the Good News about Jesus with all who want it. We have no right, and no desire, to force our faith on anyone who isn't interested.

Why We're in the Community Centre:

Our church began when a small group of Christians decided to establish a congregation in an area of the city that wasn't serviced by many churches. When the former Thomas B. Costain School was closed and put up for sale, we thought it would be an ideal location for a non-traditional church. So we began to pray, asking God to show us whether Costain was where He wanted us and - if so - to make it clear. It was, and He did.

When we couldn't raise enough money to buy the property, we began to pray that God would miraculously provide the $300,000 we needed. To be honest, some of us were very skeptical. But three weeks later, SC Johnson notified the City it was willing to spend $600,000 on the purchase and renovation of Costain, provided the municipality turned it into a Community Centre. Since the City needed partners in the venture, and knew of our long-standing interest in the property, we were invited to lease space! Incredible co-incidence? We don't think so!

Our Minister:

Our minister is Rick Gamble. The word "minister" means "servant", and that's how Rick sees his role with us. He's been chosen by the church and licensed by the Province.

After working as a CTV news reporter for many years, he went into full-time ministry in 1997 and is licensed by the Province. Along with his preaching, teaching, and counselling work, Rick also teaches Media Studies at Wilfred Laurier University in Brantford and Waterloo and does documentary work, primarily in Africa. By combining ministry with these other roles, Rick maintains solid contacts in the community and is more easily approached by people who don't come from a church background.

Rick's wife, Susan, is a gifted worship leader and ministry partner who specializes in Children's Ministry.