Spiritually Enriching Spaces: Discover Winnipeg’s Largest Churches
Winnipeg has always been a place of wonder and beauty. It boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and, above all, faiths.
In a city where the diversity of religious beliefs thrives, it’s no surprise that we have been graced with some of the most magnificent and grandiose houses of worship you could ever imagine.
In this exploration, we will unveil the largest churches our city has to offer, each with its own unique history, significance, and undeniable sense of grandeur.
So, let’s embark on this enchanting voyage to uncover the hidden gems of Winnipeg’s spiritual landscape and let the breathtaking grandeur of our largest churches inspire and move you.
1. Calvary Temple
Calvary Temple is a Pentecostal church with a history dating back to 1939.
It was originally established when the Baptists sold their building to the Pentecostals, leading the Baptists to merge with the Broadway Baptist congregation, forming the Broadway First Baptist Church.
In the transition, the Pentecostals took over the Baptist building, which was later renamed Calvary Temple.
In 1974, they expanded their facilities by constructing a larger structure next door, boasting a seating capacity of 2,400 people.
One of the invaluable services provided by Calvary Temple is the “Celebrate Recovery” ministry. This program is deeply rooted in a Christ-centered approach to helping individuals conquer their personal struggles, including hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
Drawing inspiration from the eight principles found in the Beatitudes and the 12 steps of recovery, this initiative offers a secure and nurturing environment where people can embark on a journey toward freedom and healing.
2. Springs Church
Springs Church is a non-denominational Christian church founded in 1994 by pastors Leon and Sally Fontaine. With multiple campuses across Canada, the church extends its reach through online and televised services.
The church’s overarching vision is to inspire individuals to love God passionately, extend unconditional love to others, and lead a purpose-driven life.
Among the valuable offerings of Springs Church is its Leadership College, a one-year program designed to cultivate effective leaders across various ministry fields.
This comprehensive program blends academic coursework, hands-on ministry experience, and personalized mentoring to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill their unique God-given potential and destiny.
3. Grant Memorial Baptist Church
Grant Memorial Baptist Church is one of the oldest surviving Canadian Baptist General Conference (BGC) churches. It was founded in 1910 by a group of Swedish immigrants who wanted to worship in their native language.
The church proudly bears the name of George Monro Grant, a notable Canadian educator and church leader.
Throughout its history, Grant Memorial Baptist Church has remained deeply committed to serving its community and championing various ministries and missions.
The church has also undertaken the initiative of establishing daughter churches in Winnipeg, including City Church, a congregation deliberately designed to foster international and intercultural connections.
One of the church’s most cherished offerings is its Life Groups.
These small, close-knit gatherings provide a nurturing environment for members to regularly come together to delve into the teachings of the Bible, engage in communal prayer, and offer mutual support.
Grant Memorial Baptist Church firmly believes that these Life Groups are pivotal in fostering spiritual growth and meaningful fellowship.
In addition to its foundational Life Groups, the church offers a diverse array of programs and events catered to different age groups, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
This encompasses engaging activities for children, youth, young adults, seniors, and families, all aimed at nurturing a strong sense of community and faith within the church.
4. Church of the Rock
The Church of the Rock, founded in 1987 by Pastor Mark Hughes, has grown significantly since its humble beginnings when a small group of individuals gathered in a school gymnasium.
Over the years, it has expanded to include multiple campuses throughout Manitoba, all united by a common vision: to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the city, the nation, and the world.
What sets the Church of the Rock apart is its innovative approach to sharing the message of God’s love through media and technology.
The church produces a weekly television program known as “Church of the Rock TV,” which is broadcast on various networks and online platforms.
Additionally, they have a radio ministry, a podcast, a blog, and a strong presence on social media.
The church’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its online offerings, where it provides services, courses, and groups to connect with people from around the globe.
More than just a place of worship, the Church of the Rock is a sanctuary where individuals can discover hope, healing, and purpose in their lives. Regardless of one’s background, culture, or life journey, the church warmly welcomes all.
Central to their belief is the idea that God has a unique plan and destiny for each person, and they strive to foster a personal relationship between individuals and the divine.
Community and global outreach are also central values of the church. They actively engage in various outreach and mission projects to serve not only their local community but the broader world as well.
5. Winnipeg Evangelical Free
Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church is a community where people regularly gather to explore the teachings of Jesus and collectively experience Christ’s presence.
The church’s rich history can be traced back to 1953 when a group of devoted believers from the Evangelical Free Church of Canada initiated a Sunday school in the Elmwood area of Winnipeg.
This humble beginning soon evolved into a thriving congregation known as Elmwood Evangelical Free Church.
In 1969, the congregation expanded and relocated to a new facility on Lagimodiere Boulevard, at which point it adopted the name Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church.
Over the years, the church has witnessed remarkable growth, both in terms of its membership and its diverse ministries.
This growth has empowered the church to extend its reach beyond its walls, passionately sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the local community and the broader world.
The church has a wealth of resources designed to foster spiritual growth and learning. Central to this is a comprehensive library housing over 5,000 books, DVDs, and audiobooks catering to people of all ages and interests.
This treasure trove of knowledge supports the congregation’s commitment to lifelong learning and faith development.
Additionally, the church embraces the digital age by providing online sermons, podcasts, blogs, and newsletters. These digital resources serve as valuable tools, offering insights and encouragement to help individuals live a Christian life more fully.
Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church doesn’t stop at resources; they also organize a variety of programs and events tailored to different age groups, including children, youth, young adults, families, and seniors.
These activities create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can engage, learn, and grow in their faith journey. This commitment to diverse programming reflects the church’s dedication to nurturing a well-rounded spiritual community.
6. Riverwood Church Community – Firehall
Riverwood Church Community is a Christian church with multiple locations, including the Firehall, a historic building originally used as a fire station. Located at 325 Talbot Avenue, this structure boasts a rich history dating back over a century.
Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved piece of history, both inside and out. Notably, the Firehall now serves as the main office space for Riverwood Church Community, occupying the second and third floors of the building.
The primary mission of Riverwood Church Community is to bring people closer to Jesus.
To accomplish this, the church offers a diverse range of programs and services tailored to various age groups, including children, youth, young adults, and seniors.
But Riverwood Church Community’s impact extends far beyond its congregation.
The church places a strong emphasis on community outreach and social justice, actively partnering with local and global organizations to assist those in need and advocate for the marginalized.
One particularly unique aspect of Riverwood Church Community is its creative arts ministry. This ministry utilizes forms of artistic expression, such as music, drama, dance, and visual arts, as powerful mediums for worship and sharing the gospel.
Each week, the Firehall hosts a special event known as the Ascent. This gathering is specifically designed for young adults, providing them with an opportunity to encounter Jesus through worshipful song and biblically-rooted preaching.
This dynamic combination of elements helps foster a vibrant and spiritually enriching experience for all who attend.
7. Exchange Community Church
Exchange Community Church’s primary mission is to help individuals forge a genuine and intimate connection with God, empowering them to realize their full potential in Christ.
Initially, the church’s journey began with a humble gathering of a small group of individuals meeting in the comfort of a living room. Over time, their congregation steadily expanded, now gathering in a rented facility.
Exchange Community Church is a proud member of the Association of Related Churches (ARC), a network of like-minded churches dedicated to spreading the gospel.
The name “Exchange” aptly reflects the core belief of the church — that encountering Jesus leads to transformative exchanges.
In this encounter, people exchange their old life for a new one, their brokenness for healing, their sin for forgiveness, and their emptiness for fulfillment.
The church’s guiding motto encapsulates its purpose: “Know God, Make Him Known, Build His Church, Bring Heaven to Earth.”
Central to Exchange Community Church are the values of authenticity, generosity, excellence, diversity, and community. These principles underpin the church’s approach to living out its faith and engaging with its congregation.
One notable offering is “The Ascent,” a dynamic movement tailored for young adults eager to deepen their relationship with Jesus and their connections with fellow believers.
The Ascent convenes regularly in small groups and organizes monthly gatherings where worship, prayer, learning, and fellowship come together.
Beyond these regular gatherings, The Ascent actively engages in events, retreats, and mission trips, seeking to serve both the local and global community.
8. Whyte Ridge Baptist Church
Whyte Ridge Baptist Church is a church plant of the Manitoba Baptist Association of Churches that started in the early 1960s under the name of Central Baptist Church.
The church moved to its current location in Whyte Ridge in 1995 and adopted its new name in 1997.
At the core of the church’s vision is a strong commitment to being a community of believers who are deeply passionate about their love for God and His people.
Their primary mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of personal faith and spiritual growth.
In collaboration with Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM), Whyte Ridge Baptist Church supports the dedicated work of Bill and Janice Dyck, who serve as field staff in Bolivia.
The church extends its support by sending short-term mission teams to Bolivia. These teams engage in a variety of meaningful projects, including building homes, teaching English, and providing essential medical care to the local communities.
The overarching goal of these global missions is to share the love of Jesus Christ with the people of Bolivia and extend their outreach efforts even further.
Whyte Ridge Baptist Church is deeply committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those they serve and share their faith with, in line with their core vision and values.