What We Believe
The Scriptures
The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the complete Word of God. As originally given, it is verbally inspired, without error, and entirely trustworthy. The Bible constitutes supreme authority in all matters of faith, teaching, and behaviour. The Bible has Jesus Christ as its focus and fulfillment.
Mankind
Human beings are created in the image of God. The first humans, Adam and Eve, were disobedient to the will of God with the consequence that every aspect of their human nature became sinful and corrupt. Thus, being spiritually dead, they became subject to physical death and the power of Satan. The image of God is distorted in all humanity, with the exception of Jesus, as we inherit a sinful nature at conception. Therefore, we are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God and under His condemnation.
God
God is the Creator and Sovereign Lord of all. The Lord our God is one God who eternally exists in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three have the same perfect nature and attributes. Each Person of the Godhead is worthy of the same worship, confidence, and obedience.
Genesis 1, Psalm 8, Psalm 2, Romans 8:28-30, Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19-20
The Father
God the Father loves the world. He sent His Son into the world to save sinners. He raised Jesus from the dead, exalted Him — putting all things under his power — and together with Him has sent the Holy Spirit.
The Son
God the Son became God incarnate as Jesus the Messiah. Jesus is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life. He was crucified, raised bodily from the dead, and ascended into heaven where He reigns as King and serves as our High Priest and Advocate.
He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords to set up His earthly Kingdom.
The Holy Spirit
God the Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ in all that He does. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. At the moment of salvation, He regenerates, baptizes, indwells, gifts and empowers for Christ-like living and service.
Redemption/Salvation
Redemption is accomplished solely by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was made to be sin and died in our place as an acceptable sacrifice to God. His atoning death is sufficient for all and effective for every person who repents and believes in Him, resulting in a reconciled relationship with God.
Salvation is available by grace through faith. This salvation is not our own doing. It is the gift of God.
Salvation includes being declared righteous by God [justification], being transformed into the likeness of Christ [sanctification] and being fully restored to the image of God [glorification]. This Salvation which includes our new birth and eternal inheritance is kept by God’s power. It is therefore impossible for the saved to lose their salvation.
The Church
The Church consists of all the redeemed who are united by the Holy Spirit in the Body of Christ, of which Jesus is the Head. Local assemblies of believers are visible representations of the Church that gather regularly for the purpose of worship, which includes instruction in the Word, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances: Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Though not the means of salvation, these ordinances testify of the gospel.
The Church has been entrusted with the task of global discipleship as found in the Great Commission.
Meet the Staff
Pastor
Joel French became LIFE Church's Pastor in the Fall of 2010.
Joel is passionate about sharing the fullness of life that can be found by living to love and serve God with wholehearted devotion.
He enjoys reading, music, and spending time with his wife Ashley and their two young boys.
To contact Joel : lifechurch@wightman.ca
Director of Discipleship
Taylor Lakatos has been a follower of Jesus since January 2010.
Taylor came to believe in Jesus during his last year of high school when he attended youth group.
Taylor is a graduate of Emmanuel Bible College and Heritage College and Seminary.
Taylor desires to see Christians grow into lifelong mature disciples of Jesus.
He enjoys watching sports, listening to podcasts, and spending time with his wife Ashley and their four children.
The Lakatos family has been a part of LIFE Church since November 2022.
Administrative Assistant/Custodian
Julie Vander Meer has been a part of LIFE Church since 2009. Julie joined our staff team in January 2021.
Julie earned an undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Science in 1994, and a diploma in Medical Office Administration in 2018.
Julie enjoys exercising (as long as it doesn’t involve injuring herself!), Christian community, and living to serve the Lord!
LIFE Groups at
LIFE Church
Are you interested in joining a LIFE Group?
We currently have groups running on the following days:
Contact the church at 519-273-1162 OR
lifechurch@wightman.ca
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
Life
TotS
Two Ministries to serve you &
your children during the service:
Life Tots (Age 0 - 5)
Sign in downstairs at LIFE Tots Classroom
before service.
Life Kids (Age 6-12)
Dismissed part-way through the worship service to the downstairs classrooms. Meets every other week.
If you need more information or are interested in serving, contact Taylor Lakatos
Men's + Women's Study Groups
Men's Round Table
Meet every other Wednesday morning for study & prayer.
Check out the monthly calendar for info.
Precept Bible Study
Regular Bible study on Tuesday evenings.
For more information, check the church calendar or email the church office.
Prayer Groups
The women's prayer group meets weekly to pray for our church & weekly prayer requests.
Missionary Partners
Helen Gould (SIM Canada): http://www.sim.ca/
DCI Team, Malawi: http://www.northernmalawinews.com
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
CTen: http://www.cten.org/
Sports Friends: https://sports-friends.org/
Stratford House of Blessing: http://www.shob.org/
Youth For Christ (Stratford): http://www.yfccanada.com/
Giving to LIFE Church
In-person offering with
cash or cheque
Simply place your offering in the designated box at the back of the church auditorium in your preferred format. You may designate on the envelope where you would like the offering to be used (i.e. missions, renovation, etc.)
E-transfer
Through your online banking, you can
e-transfer your offering using this email address:
Automatic Monthly Giving
Using this form, you can request to have monthly withdrawals from your account. Either mail your forms to LIFE Church address (131 Easson Street, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 1N4), hand into church office or email form to lifechurch@wightman.ca
If your prefered option for giving is not shown or you have any questions, please email church office.
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LIFE Church
Stratford, ON
Office Hours
Monday to Thursday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Worship Service
Sunday Morning
10:30 am