Westside Baptist Church

Westside Baptist Church is a registered Canadian charity located in Vancouver, British Columbia. It holds the business registration number 893433201RR0001 and is recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a compliant entity under CRA regulations.

History and Establishment

Westside Baptist Church was established as a direct church plant project by the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, commencing in September 1990. Initially, it served the Chinese community on the west side of Vancouver. The church began with a small congregation of just five members, including the pastor and her husband. Over time, it grew through the addition of young students from the University of British Columbia and new immigrant families, who were attracted by the church's message of love and faith.

The church was officially chartered on May 3, 1992, after growing from five to forty-two members in just twenty months. This rapid growth marked a significant milestone in the church's development and highlighted its role as a spiritual hub for the community.

Ministries and Outreach

Westside Baptist Church offers various ministries to its diverse congregation, including worship services in both English and Chinese. It has a strong focus on community building and spiritual growth through different age-specific programs.

The church introduced the AWANA children's ministry in September 2012 to provide systematic biblical education for its growing number of young children. Additionally, it transformed its Sunday morning children's ministry by adopting the "Orange Strategy," which emphasizes collaboration between small groups, the church, and parents to integrate faith with daily life.

Missionary Work

Westside Baptist Church has also been involved in both local and international missionary work. In 2000, it organized its first short-term mission trip to Victoria, where members distributed gospel tracts at the University of Victoria campus and hosted an evangelistic rally. Subsequent trips included destinations such as Mexico City in 2008 and Sichuan, China, in 2010, with assistance from Lifestyle Ministries. In 2012, a team was sent to Romania to spread the gospel among the local Chinese community. These missions have provided the church with valuable experiences and deepened its understanding of its role in global outreach.

Community and Mission

The church positions itself as not merely a place of worship but as a vibrant Christian community and family. It aims to foster an environment where believers can grow in faith and serve their community effectively. Westside Baptist Church's mission is encapsulated in its slogan "Establishing W.E.S.T. and Practicing S.I.D.E.," reflecting a commitment to engagement and service within the broader community. The church welcomes individuals seeking spiritual growth and a sense of belonging, especially among the diverse cultural groups in Vancouver.