Encounter Church | History & Beliefs

Our History

Encounter Church has a long and vibrant history in the city of Victoria (Esquimalt). We were founded in 1928 and became a chartered Foursquare Church in 1933. In 1983 we received a commendation for 50 years of fruitful service and ministry.

Throughout the years we have sought to be a church that serves our community, and is an active part of the Esquimalt/Vic West area.

As we move forward we pray we will continue to impact the lives of those around us and that we will carry the heritage of our founders into fruitful ministry.

Encounter Church

We are a part of the Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada, and as such;

WE BELIEVE IN:

THE HOLY SCRIPTURES  We believe the Bible is God-inspired (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
THE ETERNAL GODHEAD  We believe God is triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14).
THE FALL OF MAN  We believe that man was created in the image of God, but by voluntary disobedience fell from perfection (Romans 5:12, 19).
THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION  We believe that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us, signing the pardon of all who believe in Him (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
SALVATION THROUGH GRACE  We believe that we have no righteousness and must come to God pleading the righteousness of Christ (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTANCE  We believe that upon sincere repentance, and a whole-hearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God (Luke 24:46, 47; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; 1 John 1:9).
THE NEW BIRTH  We believe that the change which takes place in the heart and life at conversion is a very real one (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20).
DAILY CHRISTIAN LIFE  We believe that it is the will of God that we be sanctified daily, growing constantly in the faith (Hebrews 6:1).
BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER  We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward work (Matthew 28:19, 20). We believe in the commemoration of the Lord’s Supper by the symbolical use of the bread and juice of the vine (1 Corinthians 11:24, 25).
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT  We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to endue the believer with power; and that His incoming is after the same manner as in Bible days (Acts 2:4).
THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE  We believe that it is the will of God that we walk in the Spirit daily (Ephesians 4:30-32).
THE GIFTS AND FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT  We believe that the Holy Spirit has spiritual gifts for the Christian; and that believers should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life (1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Galatians 5:22, 23).
MODERATION  We believe that the experience and daily walk of the believer should never lead him into extremes of fanaticisms (Philippians 4:5; James 5:19, 20).
DIVINE HEALING  We believe that divine healing is the power of Christ to heal the sick in answer to the prayer of faith (James 5:14-16).
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST  We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17).
CHURCH RELATIONSHIP  We believe it is our sacred duty to identify ourselves with the visible church of Christ (Acts l6:5; Hebrews 10:24, 25).
CIVIL GOVERNMENT  We believe that rulers should be upheld at all times except in things opposed to the will of God (Romans 13:1-5).
JUDGMENT  We believe that all shall stand some day before the judgement seat of God; and there receive eternal life or death (Romans 2:1-16; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
HEAVEN  We believe that heaven is the glorious eternal home of born-again believers (John 14:1-3; Revelation 7:15-17).
HELL  We believe that hell is the place of eternal torment for all who reject Christ as the Saviour (Revelation 20:10-15).
EVANGELISM  We believe that soul winning is the most important responsibility of the Church (Acts 1:8; 8:4-8).
TITHES AND OFFERINGS  We believe that the method ordained of God for the support and spread of His cause is by giving of tithes and free-will offerings (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15).

To download a more thorough version of the Foursquare Declaration of Faith click here.