A Brief History of the AGC
The Associated Gospel Churches (AGC) has a unique and distinctive beginning. Dating back to the early 1890s, a group of independent evangelical churches desiring to uphold the authority of Scriptures in all matters of faith and conduct formed a denominational alliance. By the year 1922, under a more structured amalgamation, these churches became know as The Christian Workers’ Church of Canada, under a charter granted to Dr. P. W. Philpott. Dr. Philpott of Gospel Tabernacle, Hamilton and Rev. H. E. Irwin, of Missionary Tabernacle, Toronto were instrumental in forming this union of like-minded churches.
While practicing a simple biblical faith and upholding doctrinal stability, this fellowship of churches experienced steady growth. All member churches defended the belief that “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” Along with the inspiration and literal interpretation of the Scripture, was a commitment to the virgin birth of Christ, salvation by His shed blood, His bodily resurrection and His second coming as the blessed and “imminent” hope of the Church.
In 1925, the name was changed to the Associated Gospel Churches under a Dominion Charter. Growth continued, and in 1940 a group of western churches sought affiliation with the AGC and became the basis of what is now known as AGC West. The Quebec charter was registered by our English ministry in 1944. In 1962 the AGC spread into the Maritimes and in 1969 into French speaking churches. In 1972, UFM International (now Crossworld) joined hands with the AGC to extend the French work in Quebec.
Identifying the need for a fully regionalized format, major restructuring of the AGC took place in 1989. While staying true to our commitment to our historic distinctives, the new structure was designed with an awareness of the rapid changes taking place throughout our widespread and diverse nation. The changes grew out of an explicit Statement of Purpose and Objectives contained in the Constitution. In 2002, a further redefinition of our Purpose, Vision and Values was undertaken leading to a re-alignment of the regions requiring further restructuring. In 2018, the AGC underwent an organizational structure change that saw the National Board move to a Policy Governance model. These structural changes continue to be evaluated and revised as needed.
From these humble beginnings, God has raised up an Association that remains true to the Word of God and has been used by Him to bless people in communities across this great country.
As of 2020 there are eleven different language groups represented in the AGC family of Churches that speak of God’s redeeming grace among the nations and the great missional opportunity that Canada represents. (English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Filipino, Lao, Haitian, Congolese, Khmer and a dialect of Ojibwe for which there is not yet a translation in that particular dialect.) To God be the glory!
Our Logo
The gospel is the central element in the AGC's name and purpose.
The icon points strongly upwards reflecting the very intent of the church steeple. We are an association of churches, which is depicted by the layering of the three shapes. The three sided shapes echo the nature of God.
