The Evangelical Christian Church in Canada

The Evangelical Christian Church in Canada (Christian Disciples) traces its beginnings to the formal organization of the Christian Church in 1804, in Bourbon County, Kentucky, under the leadership of Barton Warren Stone (1772-1844). The Stone Movement later merged with the efforts of Thomas Campbell (1772-1854) and his son Alexander Campbell (1788-1866) to become the Restoration Movement that gave birth to the Churches of Christ (Non-Instrumental), the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Evangelical Christian Church, as a new group within the Restoration tradition was reorganized in 2001. [http://www.lac-bac.gc.ca/genealogy/022-806-e.html]

The Evangelical Christian Church (Christian Disciples) became the Stone-Campbell Movement, also known as The Restoration Movement, arose on the frontiers of early nineteenth-century America. Like minded Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians abondoned denominational labels in order to be "Christians only." They called followers to join in Christian unity and restore the ideals of the New Testament church, holding authoritative no book but the Bible and believing no creed but Christ.

In Canada, The ECC in Canada's National Office is in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.cite web|url=http://www.electronicchurch.org/canadian.html|title=Canadian Denominations from the 2005 Edition|work=ElectronicChurch.org|year=2005|accessdate=2007-12-09] cite web|url=http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/app/ccc/search/navigate.do?language=eng&portal=1&subPortal=&estblmntNo=234567113463&profile=completeProfile|title=Canadian Company Capabilities - Canadian Evangelical Christian Churches|work=Industry Canada|year=2007|accessdate=2007-12-09]

Through the early twentieth century, many Restoration churches, not otherwise apart of the three larger Restoration bodies existed under such names as Canadian Evangelical Christian Churches, Evangelical Christian Churches, Christian Churches of North America, Christian Missionary Churches, Bible Evangelical Churches, Community Churches and Evangelical Congregationals Churches. Some of these came together in 1966 as the Evangelical Christian Churches, Farmland, Indiana. The majority of these congregations that have not been otherwise absorbed, continue as the Evangelical Christian Churches, Albany, Indiana. [http://collectionscanada.gc.ca/caninfo/ep02.htm]

Restoration Movement History

The Second Great Awakening helped advance the liberation of both black slaves and women within American-Canadian society. In Laura, Ohio, in 1854, the new birth offered entry into a new kind of life for black African American ministers who were invited to preach in the pulpits of various Evangelical Christian Churches, while many of The Evangelical Christian Church's clergy continued to minister to mixed congregations against the opinions of others. The various societies to purify the Christian church became the first institution where both women and blacks made an important contribution in leadership roles within many Evangelical Christian Churches in North America in days of great revival. [http://www.civilization.ca/orch/www04m_e.html]

Organization and structure

The denomination has divided the country into 10 Districts which are assigned to District Superintendents as a contact point with the congregations and ministers in the appointed province. National leadership is placed in its officers, including the Provincial Superintendents, the General Superintendent, the Board of Directors, and Regional Field Representatives. The National or General Superintendent constitute the executive staff. Ordinations are approved by the Credentials Committee, and ministerial credentials come from Central Office. Baptism is limited to those old enough to make a profession of faith, and it is commonly administer by immersion. The Lord's supper is a weekly performed ordinance to Christ's command. Ordained or licensed clergy both male and female, provide leadership for the church and preside over the ordinances. [http://ecumenism.net/denom/directory.htm]

Doctrine

The ECC in Canada has Eleven Articles of Faith which are considered to be their definitive doctrinal statement:cite web|url=http://www.bible.ca/cr-Evangelical-Christian-Church-ECC.htm|title=A Review of the creed of the Evangelical Christian Church in Canada|work=The Interactive Bible|month=April | year=2007|accessdate=2007-12-09]

Training

Waterloo Bible College.

Leadership

* Dr. David Lavigne
* Rev. Douglas Anderson
* Rev. Gord Horsley
* Rev. Ralph Hodgson
* Dr. Dave Hunter
* Dr. Gary Barkman
* Dr. Steven Smethers

References

First Great Awakening

External links

* [http://www.cecconline.com/ Official CECC website]