In 1967 a church was birthed - by faith!

Newspapers reported the story - $500.00 down, $25,000.00 to go. Here were two young college students with no congregation and no base for a foundation, but only a daring boldness and zeal to answer God's call and pursue the vision He had placed within them to take their city for God.

The church building, erected in 1912 as McDonald Memorial Baptist Church, which was purchased March of 1967 for $25,000.00. Beginning with a bank balance of zero and no congregation and no human resources, the two young pastors drew heavily on their faith in God and their confidence in the vision He had given them, to lay the foundation during these formative stages.

From its inception and through the 1980's, People's Church was blessed with a literal explosion of revival as countless youth were saved, baptized, and on fire to serve God. Pastor Laurie and Iris, along with their associates, Pastor Dave and Ruth Townsend, started single residences for new converts (with over 20 houses operating at a given time), weekly home cell meetings, and a number of vibrant outreach ministries including Better Way - a 24 hr. crisis counseling service, daily street evangelism, 'Elisha Coffee House', 'St. Peter's Bible College', missions outreaches, a dynamic youth explosion, and later, Alberta's first private ACE Christian School for grades 1-9. Through discipleship and training, many were groomed and thrust into full-time ministry, including:

• Claude & Jean Favreau who are involved in ministry and music in Quebec
• Dan & Mardy McTavish who were missionaries in Mexico and currently stationed in Romania
• Fred & Cindy Palmer who pastor in Washington state
• Dave & Linda Roussel who are involved in the church here
• Dave & Karen Kitz who pastored in Ontario

There are countless others working alongside pastoral staff in churches all across Canada. One of Pastor Laurence's greatest joys has been the many occasions where he has come into contact with individuals who, unknown to him, have gone on to effectively serve God in other congregations. This attests to the teaching and leadership given, and to the sovereign move of the Spirit throughout the years in so many lives. Over the past number of years, Pastor has also traveled extensively in overseas missions, has been involved for over 5 years in the radio outreach ministry 'Ask the Pastor', has served as President of the Evangelical Ministerial, and is currently area director for CFCM.

People's Church continues to be an 'outreach church', believing God to use us to make a difference in people's lives. These are exciting days filled with new vision, outreaches and ministries. We are thrilled to have Pastor Brett Esslinger and Des, and Pastor Fred and Betty Marshall, who have joined our ministerial team in 2007. You have been a wonderful blessing.