Family Brunch Sunday-1b

WHO WE ARE

The Willows is a community church of The Salvation Army.  We are a group of people who are exploring what it means to be in a relationship with God through an intimate understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We believe that Jesus came that we might: “have life and have it abundantly.” We believe that following Christ is the only way to a life that is whole: mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Therefore we desire to communicate the teachings and mission of Jesus in a way that is culturally relevant, while at the same time being honest and real about who we are, and our need to be transformed by Christ.

Ultimately, we believe that honest relationships allow us to encourage each other towards a life that reflects the heart of Jesus and aids in our restoration and healing from the brokenness that we have experienced.

OUR STORY

In 2005, God gave a vision to our planting pastors of a place of healing and restoration for people from all walks of life in Willoughby.  After months of house meetings, the church launched with alternating services at The Barn belonging to a local Christian businessman and the Chambers of the Langley Township Building.  In that first year, The Willows enjoyed steady and sustainable growth which allowed us to develop and live out our core values in this newly formed community.  September 2007 saw The Willows move to meeting at RC Garnett Elementary School.  Our church enjoyed a season of grace as God continued to bring new and diverse families of all ages into our midst along with the blessings of many new babies.

Pastors Dave and Renee McFadden arrived in 2017 and developed a Dream Team that birthed a Building Task Force that cast a vision for holistic ministry and flourishing individuals and families through spiritual mentoring.  In January 2021, The Willows found its new home in Langley City, co-locating the Willows Church and Family Life Centre in Unit 103, 5735 203 Street.  Seeking to establish and cement authentic relationships with the local community has been integral to our ministry and why we launched the Family Life Centre.  Partnering in local ministry with The Salvation Army Gateway of Hope continues to deepen as we seek to meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the neighbourhoods of Langley.

Rooted in the love of Christ, we offer holistic care in our community: many community programs have launched in the last few years that are focused on meeting the needs of children, youth and families to assist them in developing sustainability, experiencing transformation in their own lives, and meeting their own goals around food security, housing, education, parenting, budgeting, community connection, grief care, and trauma care.

The Willows Church continues to grow and provide an inclusive space for individuals and families to be part of a faith community, and to learn and practice what it looks like for diverse people to love each other well as they follow the way of Jesus.  The Family Life Centre and The Willows Church work together so as to provide holistic care to the community: physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual.