CALC is a “confessional church” which means that its members subscribe to written statements of what CALC believes, teaches and confesses. CALC’s Confession of Faith and Purpose are found under “BELIEFS” in the site navigation pane above. Central to CALC’S teaching is the ultimate authority of the Scriptures.
Identity:
CALC is a federally-chartered church body formed to unite, serve, equip, encourage and empower congregations and individuals who share a common belief that:
The Holy Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God.
Our faith and life is rooted in and is shaped by the Holy Bible and our Lutheran Confessions.
Our mission is found in Christ’s Great Commission: His call to us to be His disciples and make others His disciples.
mission:
We believe that Christ’s Great Commission is lived out in the local congregation, yet, each congregation is a part of the greater Body of Christ and naturally seeks union with other congregations in order to more effectively fulfill its mission. Our Association seeks to equip and empower congregations through:
the establishment of ministry standards so that pastors and other leaders in the church can be identified, their call affirmed, and they can be trained, educated, installed, ordained, mentored, supported, enriched and encouraged.;
the provision of resources and facilitation of events which permit congregations and/or their pastors to gather for worship, Christian education, mutual support and encouragement; and
the creation of a network among congregations, individuals, other church bodies and Christian organizations so that information and resources may be shared and those who are connected are inspired to partner in the proclamation of the Gospel in new and exciting ways.
CONGREGATIONAL ROSTER:
Thirty-three (33) congregations have united to form CALC. Seven (7) of our congregations are located in British Columbia; fifteen (15) in Alberta; three (3) in Saskatchewan; one (1) in Manitoba; and seven (7) in Ontario. For further information click the “CONGREGATIONS” button in the site navigation pane above to view CALC’s Congregational Roster listed by province.
MEMBERSHIP
Individuals and congregations can become members of CALC.
A Brief History of CALC
CALC began informally on 7 October, 1991 when a group of about 50 laypersons and pastors, representing 15-20 Lutheran congregations in western Canada, gathered together in Calgary with a vision for a kind of Lutheran church different from what they were experiencing. Those involved included Pastor Ken Wilsdon, Pastor Verne Roste, Pastor Norm Miller, Pastor Terry Sauder, Olive Kieler, Philip Brose (lawyer), and several other laypersons. Those who came together desired to establish a middle-of-the-road, theologically conservative church with an emphasis on Scriptural authority and the Lutheran Confessions. A model was seen in the center ground previously held by the former Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCC). A motion was made that an association be formed, with the older ELCC constitution being used as a model, and, as well, a motion to pursue federal incorporation. A steering committee was formed to develop a constitution and bylaws. The participants' vision for a new Lutheran Synod included such values as the importance of autonomy for local churches, conservative social ethics positions, a commitment to the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inerrant Word of God, a commitment to the church's evangelistic mandate, and an openness to the sovereign working of God's Spirit. An information meeting was held in March 1992 in Calgary.
On the 30th and 31st of October, 1992, a constituting convention was held in Calgary, attended by over 100 delegates. Thereby, an unincorporated national church body, calling itself the Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregation was established, composed of congregations and individuals wishing to come together for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Saviour and risen Lord, to hold fast to Scriptures, rightly to administer the sacraments, and to live lives of faithfulness and service, all in accordance with Lutheran tradition, teachings and confessions.
Rev. Vernon Roste was the president of CALC from the beginning of the life of the church body. He guided the organizing and the development of CALC for two years before the constituting convention. Part of his duties took him to Ottawa with Edmonton lawyer Phil Brose where they guided the Charter Bill for the organization through Parliament.
The original petitioners for an act to incorporate CALC, as well as being the provisional governing body, were Garth Wagner, Harold Stedel, Olive Kieler, Rev. Vernon Roste and George Cooper. In June 1994, CALC was granted its federal incorporation. Ms. Deborah Grey who brought Bill S-5, an act to incorporate the Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations, forward for second reading concluded her speech in the House of Commons as follows: "This association seeks a return to Lutheran roots with its emphasis on Scripture, missions and Lutheran theology".
CALC's original purpose was (and still is) to offer a new home for congregations and clergy who were uncomfortable with liberal theological trends the opportunity to join a Canadian Lutheran ministry that is familiar, evangelical and conservative within the greater Lutheran family.
For a more extensive history, click here to download the brochure, "CALC - Proud History of Canadian Lutherans Who Chose to Take a Stand".
Presidents of CALC have been:
Rev. Vern Roste (founding) - 1992-1995
Rev. Terry Sauder - 1995-1999
Rev. Daniel Deyell - 1999-2003
Mr. Dave Muir - 2003-2006
Mr. Roger Plested - 2006-2009
Rev. Edward P. Skutshek -2009 to 2021
Rev. James Bredeson - 2021 to Present