Associated Gospel Churches of Canada
| Associated Gospel Churches | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Evangelical |
| Polity | Congregationalist |
| Leader | Rev. Bill Allan |
| Region | Canada |
| Origin | c. 1890 Ontario, Canada |
| Congregations | 145+ |
| Official website | agcofcanada.com |
The Associated Gospel Churches, commonly known as AGC, is a Canadian evangelical Christian denomination. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The national headquarters are located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Background
The Associated Gospel Churches (AGC) can trace its origins to the 1890s, when the AGC began a group of independent churches, in Ontario, Canada, that was joined together by a charter under the leadership of Rev. Dr. P.W. Philpott. In 1922, the group was named the Christian Workers' Church of Canada. To differentiate itself from similarly named, but theological differing groups, the denomination was renamed Associated Gospel Churches in 1925. It was federally incorporated March 18, 1925.[1]
The AGC began its first expansion outside of Ontario in 1940, when a group of churches based in Western Canada sought to affiliate themselves with AGC. This group of churches eventually became what is now known as AGC West Region
In 1944, the AGC began expanding its English language ministries into the Canadian province of Quebec, and began its first French language ministries in 1972.
Leadership
In June 2018, a vote was taken at the AGC National Conference in Niagara Falls, ON with a 99% approval for Rev. Bill Allan to become the associations fifth full-time President.
Previous Presidents:
- Rev. Dr. Bill Fietje (2008-2018)
- Rev. Bud Penner (2000-2008)
- Rev. Don Hamilton (1989-1998)
- Rev. Bill Sifft (1981-1989)
Fair Havens Ministries
Fair Havens Ministries is a Bible Conference and Christian retreat centre, owned and operated by the Associated Gospel Churches (AGC). It is located near Beaverton, Ontario, about 120 km (or 75 miles) north of Toronto.
Membership
The AGC currently consists of over 145 churches, congregations, and ministries across Canada.
AGC leadership
- Rev. Bill Allan - President of AGC
- Rev. Dr. Tom Lambshead - AGC East Regional Director
- Rev. Russ Wilson - AGC West Regional Director
- Rev. Del Gibbons - AGC Quebec Regional Director
- Rev. Lorne Meisner - AGC West Associate Regional Director
- Rev. Glenn Rider - National Coordinator of Doctrine & Credentials
- Elizabeth Thompson - Executive Director of Fair Havens Ministries
References
- ^ "Federal Corporation Information". Corporations Canada. Industry Canada. Retrieved 28 May 2011.