History of Faith Community Baptist Church of Airdrie, Alberta
Faith Community Baptist Church began with a group of people meeting for Bible study
at the home of Lonnie and Connie Neis in 1981. This group met under the direction
of Phil Zylla, a college student sent by Grace Baptist Church, Calgary, who had a
concern for the rapidly growing community of Airdrie.
On July 12 of that year, we held our first public service in the Christian Education
building at the Airdrie United Church.
Rev. Harold Weiss was the first pastor and began his ministry
on October 18, 1981. An Agape Love dinner on January 15, 1982, was the beginning
of the Charter Membership, which closed the following July 11, 1982, with 35 members. Harold and Ruth Weiss continued their ministry at FCBC until
April 10, 1988.
The next chapter of pastoral leadership began on May 21, 1989, when
Lyle Buyer began his ministry as Senior Pastor. Lyle and his wife, Jean, continued
to build on the foundation that was already laid and were instrumental in developing
the worship character of the church.
God continued to bless the ministry of the church
under Lyle's leadership until he completed his time here on August 29, 1993. On January 4, 1994, another chapter began in the life of FCBC
when Scott and Linda Joy began ministry here after 8 years of service in Calgary
and South Dakota. Under the Joy's leadership we were faithfully challenged to become
the church seen in the New Testament, focused on meeting each person at their
level of spiritual interest and loving them towards becoming whole-hearted
followers of Christ. Their ministry concluded in December 2002 when Scott became
unable to serve due to chronic health problems.
In January 2001, Gord Klassen, a long-time member of the congregation,
joined staff part-time as Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care. Along with his wife, Vi,
Gord faithfully served God and the church in various roles through a transitional period
for the congregation prior to concluding his staff service at the end of August 2005.
Rev. Tim Callaway joined our staff as Interim Pastor in March 2003.
A professional writer at the time, Tim had previously served as pastor of churches in
Calgary and Grande Prairie, Alberta. His gifts of communication and encouragement along
with valuable ministry experience were greatly valued during a time of transition for FCBC.
In September 2004, Pastor Tim became our Senior Pastor on a 3/4 time basis prior to
joining us full-time in September 2005. Pastor Tim is married to Joyce, an Occupational Health
Nurse, and they have three children: Travis (21), Dallas (19) and Karis (17).
The GREAT ADVENTURE at FCBC continues... We eagerly look forward
to the development of what God intends to do through the faithful lives of His people
at Faith Community Baptist Church, Airdrie.