EFC and partners release Influencing Faith report
The EFC’s Centre for Research on Church and Faith and 12 affiliate research partners released the full final report from the Influencing Faith study last week. The research investigated how social media engagement affects the faith formation of Canadian youth involved in evangelical youth ministries, and how youth ministry workers use these platforms in their ministry. The research explored the role social digital environments play in shaping how youth form their sense of self, belonging, identity, connection and authority, and the implications for their relationships with one another and with God.
The Influencing Faith study provides a foundation for discussion and discernment for church and youth leaders as they shape their youth ministries. The research findings offer a basis for thinking critically about the technologies we adopt, how they change our message, and how the Church can better engage in disciple-making in a social media age.
For church leaders and Christian educators, the study can generate discussion on the role the Church can play in creating “compelling alternative communities,” rich alternative social networks in the real world that remove the sting of perceived social exile where belonging can be affirmed away from social media.
Church leaders can also use the study’s findings for conversations about implementing written social media policies for digital interactions between church staff and youth as a vulnerable population.
Read the full report at TheEFC.ca/InfluencingFaith. A journalistic introduction to the report is also available in the Nov/Dec 2026 issue of Faith Today, the bimonthly magazine published by the EFC.
EFC thankful Budget 2026 does not target pregnancy care centres
Thank you for your prayers! The federal budget does not include measures targeting pregnancy care centres.
This fall, the House of Commons finance committee had singled out pregnancy care centres, mischaracterizing their work, and recommended additional requirements for this one type of charity. The EFC wrote to the Finance Minister objecting to this characterization and urging him not to follow the recommendation. We are thankful this recommendation was not included in the budget.
Given the committee’s recommendation, it is a good idea to continue to highlight the positive work of local pregnancy care centres to elected officials.
Bill C-41 makes significant changes to criminal law on MAiD
A new government bill on euthanasia is moving quickly through the House of Commons. Bill C-41, the Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act, was introduced on October 27, 2026. The bill makes two significant changes to the criminal law on MAiD. It would stop the expansion of MAiD for mental illness, scheduled to take effect in March 2027. The EFC welcomes this change. People living with mental illness need care and hope, not access to death.
However, the bill would also allow advance requests for MAiD. With an advance request, a person sets out the criteria to be met for their life to be ended by MAiD in the future, when they can no longer consent. The EFC opposes advance requests. We believe they further devalue life, entrench discrimination against people with disabilities and put people who are vulnerable at risk. They also leave others to interpret the wishes of people living with dementia and other cognitive disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in our communities.
The House of Commons is on a break week and is scheduled to continue debate on Bill C-41 on November 16. Please contact your local MP to share your concerns and pray for all MPs as they consider this bill. The EFC is engaging with parliamentarians and will continue to share updates and resources at TheEFC.ca/C41.
EFC senior ambassador Bruce J. Clemenger receives honorary doctorate
EFC senior ambassador Bruce J. Clemenger received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree this past weekend from Crandall University, where he also spoke at three convocation ceremonies. His address was entitled "Collaboration Across Divides: Blessed Are the Peacemakers."
Image credit: Maria Berezovsky / Unsplash