Associated Gospel Churches of Canada

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.

Associated Gospel Churches
ClassificationProtestant
OrientationEvangelical
PolityCongregationalist
LeaderBill Allan
RegionCanada
HeadquartersBurlington, Ontario, Canada
Originc. 1890
Ontario, Canada
Congregations152
Official websiteagcofcanada.com

History

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 Dr. P. W. Philpott.[1] 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.[2]It was federally incorporated March 18, 1925.[3]

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.

In 2020, it had 152 churches. [4]

Canadian provinces in which the AGC has member churches

Leadership

In June 2018, a vote was taken at the AGC National Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, with a 99 per cent approval for Bill Allan to become the association's fifth full-time President.

Previous Presidents:

  • Bill Fietje (2008-2018)
  • Bud Penner (2000-2008)
  • Don Hamilton (1989-1998)
  • 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.

AGC leadership
  • Bill Allan - President of AGC
  • Tom Lambshead - AGC East Regional Director
  • Russ Wilson - AGC West Regional Director
  • Del Gibbons - AGC Quebec Regional Director
  • Lorne Meisner - AGC West Associate Regional Director
  • Glenn Rider - National Coordinator of Doctrine & Credentials
  • Elizabeth Thompson - Executive Director of Fair Havens Ministries

References
  1. Randall Herbert Balmer, Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition, Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 39
  2. James H. Marsh, The Canadian Encyclopedia, McClelland & Stewart, Canada, 1999, p. 798
  3. "Federal Corporation Information". Corporations Canada. Industry Canada. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
  4. Associated Gospel Churches, Directory, agcofcanada.com, Canada, retrieved April 9, 2020
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