Slideshow image
Overview Direction & Roadmap Alpha English Conversation Club

Willoughby Reflection and Direction for 2026

While there are many ways churches can be planted, we continue to prioritize decisions based on a Federation model for planting. The Federation Model is a multi-site approach in which one church operates across multiple locations and contextualizes ministry for each site rather than cloning everything from a central campus. The Federation model allows for greater local autonomy while maintaining shared theology, vision, and governance.

Each campus is part of the same church family, but can adapt its methods to fit the community's culture and needs. This often includes contextual preaching, worship styles, and outreach strategies. Federation is still considered a multi-site model, but it leans toward empowering local leadership and contextualization rather than strict uniformity.

2026 Gathering Priorities:  

Alpha: Meets at Focus on the Family Building

  • Alpha helps to create a space for encounter.
    • As people come to discover a relationship with God.
  • Alpha creates a culture of invitation.
    • As people invite their friends to Alpha, they get to experience the joy of seeing firsthand God's work of saving and helping people.
  • Alpha creates discipleship and leadership opportunities.
    • Guests who come to Alpha will often come back as helpers and integrate into the life of the church.

English Conversation Club: Meets at Yorkson Creek Middle School

English Conversation Club continues to reach a unique demographic in and around Willoughby and has seen a great community form even beyond the program. Over this past year, the team has begun shifting the program away from a strict curriculum and material, and towards relaxed, interest-based conversational activities and groups. This has resulted in a less formal, studious environment and provided more relaxed, relational opportunities.

Willoughby Family Days: Meet at Project Play Activity Center

Our Willoughby Family Days have been received warmly by parents in the community. We have been able to provide space and time for families to connect with each other & a simple, "come as you are" event. These Willoughby Family Days are easy events for families to invite their friends and neighbours to.

Life Groups

A Willoughby Life Group meets every other Monday night. The group has an average of twelve participants. It has a strong culture of invitation, and the priority has been for people to share their stories — both personal and God stories. This format has resulted in a group that has high trust and authenticity among those attending. To accommodate growth, this group is expected to move ahead as two groups.

What about Weekend Services?

We do believe that a September 2026 launch of weekend services is not only possible, but necessary. We believe weekend gatherings will complement our ministry and serving in the Willoughby community.

2026 Roadmap

See below our rough roadmap of important events and dates, as we plan for our September 2026 launch of a weekend service. Not included in this roadmap are the various programs and events we regularly host. 

Interested in receiving updates about our Willoughby Ministries?

Sign up for our E-Updates here.