donate

EFC Update Newsletter Oct. 21

21 October 2025

Charitable status update

The EFC has posted an update on the charitable status issue. The office of Liberal MP Karina Gould, now chair of the Finance Committee, has shared a Finance Department statement with EFC-affiliated denomination the CRC. The Finance Department indicates that charitable status for religious organizations is not under review and that the government does not plan to change that. The EFC has not received direct, official confirmation from the Finance Minister’s office, but this is an encouraging, on-the-record statement.

EFC seeks youth leaders for study

We’d love your help! A few months ago, we introduced the Influencing Faith Study – a Canada-wide research project exploring how youth engage with social media, how it’s used in ministry, and how it affects faith formation. The study is moving forward with incredible insights so far, and we can’t wait to share them with you. But right now, we need to hear from youth leaders across Canada. Here’s the survey link to share with your youth leaders: English French

Seven Faith Today articles awarded

The Word Guild, a national association of Christians in publishing across Canada, announced winners in its annual awards contest on Oct. 4. Seven articles published by Faith Today were judged best in their category, including a column by EFC President David Guretzki. Congratulations to the winning writers! Get the details and links to the winning articles at FaithToday.ca/Awards2024

Making peace in the forgotten crisis in Congo 

Even in a war-torn place like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, God is moving through local churches to create examples of reconciliation, reports Miranda Brown. Read her post at FaithToday.ca.  

Making prom and graduation dreams come true

The Cinderellas and Fellas spring event at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Acton, Ont., helps community members get free prom and formal attire. Read more in the Sep/Oct Faith Today

Subscribe for free to Faith Today, the EFC’s bimonthly magazine, to read other inspiring stories of community outreach and many more thought-provoking columns and articles. 

Coming Events at TheEFC.ca/Calendar

Ottawa, Ont., Oct. 23, David Guretzki and staff at EFC Presidents Day  

Ottawa, Ont., Oct. 24, EFC’s Centre for Faith and Public Life holding a briefing on Public Policy, Legal Trends and Antisemitism in Canada 

Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 27-31, World Evangelical Alliance General Assembly   

Nationwide, November, Together for Canada: An EFC Sunday for Prayer and Partnership in the Gospel

Additional Christian community calendar events

  • An Evening of Conversation (Murray Watts / Imago), Toronto, Oct. 21 

  • The Beloved Son Play about Henri Nouwen (Murray Watts / Imago), Waterloo, Oct. 21; Toronto, Oct. 22; Richmond Hill, Oct. 24; Ancaster, Oct. 25

  • ELO Forum (ELO Network), Winnipeg, Oct. 22; Vancouver, Nov. 5 

  • Flourishing Together Teachers Conference (ACSI Eastern Canada), Moncton, Oct. 23-24; Waterloo, Ont., Nov. 6-7 

  • Celebration of Generosity (Generous Giving), Collingwood, Oct. 24-26 

  • Paul and Grace: Scripture and Theology Colloquium (Wycliffe), Toronto, Oct. 24 

  • Wor/th Seminar on Worship and Theology (Matt Redman/Matt Maher/etc.), Abbotsford, Oct. 25 

  • Kentro Workshops: Domestic and International, Oct. 27 

  • Canadian Stories of Transforming Culture (TOWC), Canada, Oct. 28 

  • Convention 2025 (MEDA): Bold Moves, Montreal, Oct. 30-Nov. 2 

  • Civic Prayer Breakfast, Ottawa, Oct. 31 

  • Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference (Bayview Glen Alliance Church), Toronto, Nov. 1 

  • #HACK Global Celebration Call (Lausanne), online, Nov. 1

  • Pastors and Leaders Prayer Summit (Pray Ottawa), Godrey, Ont., Nov. 3-5 

  • Negotiation and Difficult Conversations (Conrad Grebel), Waterloo, Ont., Nov. 6-7 

  • Chris Renzema in Concert (Redeemer), Ancaster, Ont., Nov. 7 

  • True Women Leaders Forum (Cathie Ostapchuk/Gather:Women), Mississauga, Nov. 7

  • Why Religion Went Obsolete, with Christian Smith (IRCSF), online, Nov. 7

  • One-Day Summit (Gather:Women), Mississauga, Nov. 8