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Calgary, Alta.
First “Mission Calgary” church launched


On Sunday, April 23, 186 people came together for the grand opening celebration of Ridgeview Community Church in northwest Calgary. Ridgeview is the first church to be launched under the “Key Cities Initiative” of the Canadian MB Conference in partnership with the Alberta MB Conference. Mark Jantzen, a member of the Mission Calgary task force, led in a prayer of dedication of the church on behalf of Mission Calgary and the Alberta MB Conference. Pat Nelson, a member of the Alberta legislature, brought greetings on behalf of the Alberta government.

The growth of the Ridgeview church has been remarkable. Just two months after pastor couple Phil and Deb Wideman arrived in Calgary, the first services were held. After nine months, attendance is now averaging over 100. People are coming to faith in Christ, and many others are rediscovering a passion for Jesus. Some recent conversions include a successful businessman and his son; a young man whose wife has acted as a channeler; and two teens (one with an atheist father and the other from a Muslim background).

The church also has two full-time unpaid pastors. Elroy Senneker, pastor of the small group ministry, has started eight Shape groups, with a goal of 20 by year end. Contemporary worship services are also part of the church. Worship pastor Tom Loewen writes some of the music and leads a band that is strong musically and filled with a passion for Jesus. Children and youth ministries also have been developed. Evangelism strategies are relationally driven, and opportunities are continually given to build relationships with unchurched people through activities such as a community slo-pitch league the church recently started.

When asked about the secret behind the church’s success, pastor Wideman is quick to deflect the praise to God. “We talk a lot about ‘God things’ at Ridgeview. There is no other way to explain the incredible things that are happening. In 20 years of ministry, I have never seen anything like it. The Spirit of God is at work in an amazing way. People are being saved and lives are being permanently changed. People are discovering the joy that comes from a total surrender of their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. God is building His church as He promised, and honestly, we’re just trying to stay out of the way.”

Part of the dream of the church is to start two new churches in the next ten years. Preliminary conversations have already been held with a potential church planter about daughtering a church in the near future. In addition, the church is considering new rental facilities and possibly buying some land on which to build.

 – Phil Wideman

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Last modified July 20, 2007.

© 2007 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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