Associated Gospel Churches
Encyclopedia
The Associated Gospel Churches of Canada, commonly known as AGC, is a Canadian evangelical
Christian
denomination.
, Canada
, that was joined together by a charter under the leadership of Dr. Rev. 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 of Canada in 1925. It was federally incorporated March 18, 1925.
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 Canada 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.
could take place. Talks concluded in December 2006 with no agreement.
in Ancaster, Ontario.
, about 120 km (or 75 miles) north of Toronto
. Attached to the Fair Havens grounds is the Fair Glen Youth Camp, a Christian Outdoor Education Centre for youth.
Evangelicalism
Evangelicalism is a Protestant Christian movement which began in Great Britain in the 1730s and gained popularity in the United States during the series of Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th century.Its key commitments are:...
Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
denomination.
Background
The Associated Gospel Churches of Canada (AGC) can trace its origins to the 1890s, when the AGC began a group of independent churches, in OntarioOntario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, that was joined together by a charter under the leadership of Dr. Rev. 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 of Canada in 1925. It was federally incorporated March 18, 1925.
The AGC began its first expansion outside of Ontario in 1940, when a group of churches based in Western Canada
Western Canada
Western Canada, also referred to as the Western provinces and commonly as the West, is a region of Canada that includes the four provinces west of the province of Ontario.- Provinces :...
sought to affiliate themselves with AGC. This group of churches eventually became what is now known as AGC Canada West Region
In 1944, the AGC began expanding its English language ministries into the Canadian province of Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
, and began its first French language ministries in 1972.
Merger negotiations with the EFCC
In 2005 and 2006, negotiations were undertaken to see if a denominational merger with the Evangelical Free Church of CanadaEvangelical Free Church of Canada
The Evangelical Free Church of Canada is an association of autonomous and interdependent evangelical Christian congregations in Canada. Its home office is located in Langley, British Columbia, on the campus of Trinity Western University...
could take place. Talks concluded in December 2006 with no agreement.
Leadership election (April 2007)
In April 2007, a vote was taken at the AGC's two regional conferences with a 98% approval for Rev. Dr. Bill Fietje to take over the presidency from Rev. Bud Penner beginning in June 2008. Rev. Penner retired from the position at the AGC's National Conference at that time, which took place at Redeemer University CollegeRedeemer University College
Redeemer University College is an undergraduate Christian Liberal Arts and Science University located in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1982, Redeemer stands in the Reformed Tradition and offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Bachelor of Science degrees.-History:The college...
in Ancaster, Ontario.
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, OntarioBeaverton, Ontario
Beaverton is a community in Brock Township in the Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario, Canada.Originally part of Thorah Township in Ontario County, Beaverton was first settled in 1822. The settlement is located on Lake Simcoe at the mouth of the Beaver River...
, about 120 km (or 75 miles) north of Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
. Attached to the Fair Havens grounds is the Fair Glen Youth Camp, a Christian Outdoor Education Centre for youth.
Membership
The AGC currently consists of over 140 churches, congregations, and ministries across Canada.AGC leadership
- Rev. Dr. Bill Fietje - President of AGC
- Rev. Dr. George Boyd - AGC Canada East Superintendent
- Rev. Jim Houston - AGC Canada West Superintendent
- Rev. Dr. Wesley Peach - AGC Quebec Director
- John Friesen - Executive Director of Fair Havens Ministries
- Donna Leung - AGC Administrative Assistant
- Susan Page - AGC Church Relations Coordinator
- Pat Zimmerman - AGC Canada West Administrative Assistant