WHO WE ARE

OUR PURPOSE

Love God. Love Others. Make Disciples.

OUR PASSION

To build a loving community of Christ-followers both locally and globally.

OUR CORE VALUES

PROCLAIMING CHRIST

We will bring good news to those who are far from Jesus (Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14-15).

BUILDING COMMUNITY

We will encourage relationships that are real and rich with love for one another (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25).

PURSUING CHRIST-LIKENESS

We will follow Jesus on a transforming adventure of faith (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 5:19).

INVESTING RESOURCES

We will respond extravagantly to our ministries and the needs of those around us (2 Corinthians 9:6; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

OUR CORE VALUES

CELEBRATION

We encourage people to worship as a continual overflow of being overwhelmed by the greatness of God.

COMMUNITY

We desire to be a Christ-centred, intergenerational, loving community characterized by such qualities as forgiveness, integrity, and respect.

GENEROSITY

We encourage people to be generous with their time, skills and finances out of gratitude for God’s goodness.

MISSIONAL

We are committed to impact our region, nation and world by extending the message of Jesus Christ and serving those in need.

PRAYER

We encourage the pursuit of the priorities and character of Christ through prayer.

TRANSFORMATION

We challenge people to become more Christ-like in their daily lives by studying and applying God’s Word.

OUR STORY

Beginning with the name Flamborough Centre Baptist Church in 1909 and worshipping in a small building located at the corner of the 6th Concession and Centre Road, the vision of this assembly of dedicated believers was to grow a witness for Jesus Christ in the rural community.

OUR STORY

Beginning with the name Flamborough Centre Baptist Church in 1909 and worshipping in a small building located at the corner of the 6th Concession and Centre Road, the vision of this assembly of dedicated believers was to grow a witness for Jesus Christ in the rural community.

As the township grew, so did the church. The church’s ministry expanded into the suburbs of Waterdown as well as surrounding areas. Several additions and changes were made to the building until, in 1997, the decision was made to sell the original property and relocate to a new venue on the 5th Concession. It was on Thanksgiving Sunday 1999 that the first services were held in the building located at our present site. At that time the church’s name was changed to Flamborough Baptist Church to reflect an expanded ministry vision.

Today over 400 people attend the various ministries. Like the faithful men and women who initiated the vision, we endeavour to develop a community of Christ-followers locally and globally.

OUR STAFF

Bill Thornton

BILL THORNTON

I’ve always been drawn to people. While classmates were constructing buildings out of lego, or assembling models of racing cars, I was drawing action heroes. Though I no longer wield a 2B pencil, I now try to paint a better future for people using words when meeting one-on-one at Starbucks, or teaching a congregation.

Since both my parents were musical, they prodded us children in that direction—it worked! A few years later, my sister and I were strumming guitars and singing folk music at youth conferences, on TV, and in recording studios. How thrilling for me to see that pattern continue with my family. And, yes, we’ve been called the “Von Thornton Family” more than once!

I planned to enroll at McMaster University to prepare for a career in teaching high school students. However, when challenged by a friend to spend one year at a Bible college for my personal growth, I felt compelled to accept. While attending Tyndale University College in north Toronto, I sensed God calling me to teach eternal truths both to students and adults in the context of a local church.

Since graduating, I have served as a youth pastor, ‘solo’ pastor, associate pastor, and now as the lead pastor. 

As rewarding as all that has been, being married to my beautiful wife, Heather, and watching our family of six continue to expand has been my greatest delight.

My life verse is this: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

Heather Thornton

HEATHER THORNTON

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad was both head of a high school music program and director of music in a church. At a young age I was playing trumpet, singing duets with my sister, and performing with my family in conferences and churches.

The theme of music continued after I married my husband Bill who was also very gifted musically. With his support, I launched into a singing ministry which led to travelling extensively and performing at women’s conferences, churches, and on television. I had the privilege of writing my own songs and recording three albums. When our children were born I found it necessary to replace my solo ministry by pouring my energies into leading worship at church, which I have been doing for two decades now as a Director of Worship.

My passion for leading an adult choir through seasonal multi-media presentations is most rewarding. On a weekly basis, I work with a wonderful group of musicians to create a worship experience that draws people into the presence of God. It has also been a joy to see my daughters—and sons-in-law—involved vocally, artistically, and instrumentally at our church.

Music is as essential to my life as the air that fills my lungs; I thank God for a life that has resonated with its beauty.

Alex Burns

ALEX BURNS

Even though I’m only in my mid-twenties, God has already blessed me greatly. I’ve graduated Heritage Bible College with a Bachelor of Theology with Honours and married my wife Katrina in 2020 among many other things. God’s grace and mercy has been evident in my life.

I grew up going to church and attending a Christian school until grade 8 which gave me a strong head knowledge about Christianity, but I didn’t have a genuine faith. Throughout high school I was able to turn my head knowledge into a real relationship with Jesus. Although I’m not perfect, I know that I’m loved by my Savior and I want to share that news with everyone.

I love to watch and play all kinds of sports. There is a lot of passion and commitment when it comes to sports, and I would love to see people use the same passion and commitment in their faith to live more like Christ.

Christine Wybenga

OUR BELIEFS

1. The Bible

We believe that the entire Bible is uniquely inspired by God and is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-20; John 17:17; Titus 1:2-3).

2. God

We believe that God exists in three equal Person—Father, Son and the Holy Spirit—and is holy, sovereign, and eternal (Psalm 135:6; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

3. Christ

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death; rose from the grave, ascended to heaven, and presides over his church (John 8:58; Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Philippians 2:7-9; Hebrews 4:15, 10:1-10).

4. The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, sanctifies and equips followers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-9; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Acts 1:8).

5. Satan

We believe that Satan exists as an evil personality, is the originator of sin, and the archenemy of God and humankind (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:13-19; Ephesians 6:1-10; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:10).

6. Humanity

We believe that people are divinely created in the image of God yet because of sin have incurred both physical and spiritual death (Genesis 1:26-27, 5:1-2, 9:6; Romans 3:10-18, 23, 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3).

7. Salvation

We believe that salvation is the sovereign work of God and that justification is eternally granted by faith alone in the all-sufficient sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9; Galatians 4:4; Romans 5:8, 8:32; Colossians 2:13-15).

8. Future Things

We believe in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, the resurrection of believers to eternal life and non-believers to eternal and conscious punishment (Matthew 25:41; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 John 3:2-3).

9. The Local Church

We believe that a local church is an assembly of baptized believers, who voluntarily associate for the propagation of the gospel, mutual edification, and the observance of the ordinances. We believe it is an autonomous body; leadership is reserved for Elders and Deacons (Matthew 16:16-18, 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-47, 6:1-6, 20:7; 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5-9).

10. Ordinances

We believe in the regular observance of:

  • Baptism which is the immersion of a believer in water. This act identifies the believer with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:11-12).
  • The Lord’s Supper which is the intimate remembrance of Christ’s broken body and shed blood symbolized through the eating of bread and the drinking of juice (1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 11:23-34; Acts 20:7).