Alberta planning new churches

In 1998, the Canadian MB Conference launched the Key Cities Initiative. Calgary was identified as the first target city and, at the invitation of the Alberta MB Conference, Mission Calgary was born.

The vision was to plant ten churches in five years. By August 2003, nine churches had been planted. The “Alberta clan” is grateful to everyone who encouraged and supported this mission. Most of these churches are doing well, although two have not survived.

In 2003, Mission Calgary became Mission Alberta. The ongoing and growing vision to continue church planting in Alberta includes openness to various models such as churches parenting new churches, multi-site churches and creative partnerships.

The level of opportunity and need in the province is high. Alberta’s population continues to climb as both Edmonton and Calgary approach populations of one million each. Communities like Canmore, Red Deer, Grand Prairie and Fort McMurrary are also growing rapidly. We will need many more churches that see themselves as missional outposts or incarnational ministries to reach people for Christ.

We are seeking God’s direction and provision for initiatives in two cities: Edmonton (blessed by our four Edmonton churches) and Grand Prairie (with the keen interest and support of LaGlace Bible Fellowship). Fort McMurrary is also on our “major need area” docket.

We invite people across Canada to become intercessors for Alberta. Please pray for church planters and financial resources, for the Church Extension Commission and executive minister, and that God will soften the spiritual ground in Alberta.

—Merv Boschman, Alberta MB Conference executive minister