Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church

Overview

Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church is a Canadian nonprofit organization located in Kelowna, British Columbia. The church has a rich history and has been involved in various religious and community activities.

History

The congregation that became Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church began its journey as the Kelowna Mennonite Mission Church. It started services on October 30, 1960, and was formally organized in 1961. The church originated from a division with Kelowna First Mennonite due to issues of language and personality. Some members left Kelowna First Mennonite to focus on using English in worship services, aiming to increase outreach. Jacob H. Enns and John P. Vogt were key figures in the founding of this group.

Initially, the congregation met in the Kelowna Women's Institute Hall and later in a Baptist Church building. In 1966, they acquired their own building at the corner of Ethel and Stockwell Streets, after which they renamed themselves Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church. For a brief period, they shared this building with the local Mennonite Brethren congregation[1][2][3].

Expansion and Development

As the church grew, it faced the need for larger facilities. By 1976, the church had outgrown its building on Ethel Street and decided to purchase property on Gordon Drive. Construction of a new sanctuary began in 1978, and the first worship service in this new building was held on March 5, 1979. A subsequent expansion was completed in 1980[1][3].

Ministry and Community Involvement

Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church has been deeply involved in various forms of ministry. The church emphasizes service through activities such as Sunday School, music, ushering, mid-week clubs, Home Bible Studies, Care Groups, and missions. It has also been part of local initiatives, including operating a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift and Self-help store with other Mennonite congregations in Kelowna. The church has hosted seminars on topics like evangelism, discipleship, and youth conflict[1][3].

Organizational Affiliations

Over time, Kelowna Gospel Fellowship Church experienced theological differences with Mennonite Church Canada. As a result, the church withdrew from Mennonite Church Canada in 2000 and from Mennonite Church British Columbia in 2004. In 2004, it joined the British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, which is part of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches[2][3].

Mission

The church's mission is centered around knowing Jesus and making Him known. It strives to create communities where individuals can be equipped to live out their unique callings, fostering a sense of community and purpose among its members[4].