Thank you for taking the time to check out the Living Faith website. I'd like to take the opportunity just to tell you a little about the church, its history, and what really matters to us here at LFCC.

OUR HISTORY

The church was founded in 1996 by Rev. Kees and Faith Tengnagel, Ontario natives who have a heart to see people's lives impacted by the power of God through the Word of God, particularly in leading them along the path from religion and tradition to the uncompromising Word of God, helping them to walk by faith (www.acofm.org). The Tengnagels have planted 6 churches in Ontario, including this one, and Pastor Kees has sat on the Board of Directors of LFCC throughout its history.

Once established by the Tengnagels, the church was led briefly by Pastor Jim Price, by Pastor Kevin Vaughn and his wife Anissa from 2000 through 2006. Pastor Jamie Cox and his wife Katherine and family led the church from Feb 2007 until Nov 2009, before returning to England.

So, the church has temporarily gone full circle with Pastors Kees and Faith taking over the reins once more while the church searches for a new full-time pastor.

A WELCOME MESSAGE

Greetings in Jesus’ name!

For almost twenty-five years, my wife and I have been privileged to pioneer and pastor eight churches.  In each of the cities that we’ve been to plant a new church at Holy Spirit’s direction, we have found, sadly, believers who have no idea of the importance of the local church in their lives and how to find the one that God wants them in.

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, who at the time was a young pastor of a large church, by the inspiration of Holy Spirit, “.... I write so that you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God (the local church), which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground (literally foundation) of the truth (1 Timothy 2:15).”  Imagine a building with inadequate pillars or support structures and a poorly laid foundation.  Whether or not we want to admit it, that’s what a believer is like when he/she is not hooked up to the local church God called them to.

In 1 Kings 17:1-6 we see the account of Elijah being sent to the Brook Cherith where he would receive his water and food during a drought and famine.  God said He would send Elijah a raven with his food.  Now, a raven is a scavenger bird that eats just about anything, let alone food fit for human consumption.  Elijah’s step of faith was to be obedient to the word of God even though the raven part didn’t make any sense to his human understanding.  Now ask yourself this question.  Where was God sending the raven?  It was to the Brook Cherith, not to Elijah.  God expected Elijah to be there.  What would have happened if Elijah wasn’t there?  He wouldn’t have got fed.  That’s the way it is with believers.  We need to be in the local church Holy Spirit directs us to because that’s where our “food” will be.  God knows exactly what each of His children needs and, therefore, He has selected a local church for each of His children where they will be fed properly and where that local church will be the pillar and foundation of the truth for them.

How do I know that God has a local church for each of His children?  Simple. The Word of God tells me.  Jeremiah 11:29 says He has a plan, a future, one translation says a destiny, for each one of us.  Since the role of a local church in the life of a believer is clearly so important, why would God ignore it as part of His plan and purpose for the believer?  He wouldn’t.  Yet, most believers choose a local church like they’d choose food from a cafeteria-style restaurant.  They look for what they want.  Is there padded pews?  Is there a youth program?  Do they have cell groups?  Are there stained glass windows and a steeple?  Do any of my friends go there?

Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”  Notice it’s who leads the believer, not what leads the believer.  Are you without a home church?  Biblically, you need one and should have one.  No believer is called to “float” from church to church.  The Bible likens that to spiritual adultery.  So, pray.  Let Holy Spirit lead you.  Ask Him where He wants you to go.  Go visit a few churches.   If He wants you here at Living Faith Alive, then be obedient and go.  If it’s to another church, likewise, be obedient and go.  Hook up with the vision for that church and then, as someone wisely said, “Have as much sense as a flower.  Bloom where you’re planted!”

God bless you,

Pastor Kees Tengagel

Email: pastor@livingfaithcc.org