Our Distinctives
gospel-centered
We believe that the gospel is not only the way in to the Christian faith, but also the way by which we grow and live out our faith. Therefore, we challenge Christians, as well as skeptics, to live out the radically counter-cultural lifestyle that Christ called us to live. We equip and train people to integrate their faith with their work, thereby creating a movement of cultural renewal that spreads throughout the cities of Canada and the world.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:11-12
missional
Our central mission is to proclaim the gospel, which changes everything. In every aspect of the church, we engage and welcome the skeptical culture, graciously defending the truth of Christ and relevantly challenging existing cultural misconceptions about Christianity.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10
“You are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
prayerful
We believe that only God can change the city. There are no strategies, no marketing programs, no “magic bullet” that, if followed, can make the city embrace the gospel. We need God to move in a powerful way. We need our hearts to be melted with compassion for the broken beauty that is Toronto. So we weave prayer into all we do, knowing that if God is not in all we do, our work is in vain.
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1
merciful
Grace Toronto seeks to see the “City of God” permeate the city of Toronto. We minister to people from Queen’s Park to Regent Park. We seek to emphasize the call of Christ to “remember the poor,” to bring healing and hope to the broken. We partner with others to help mercy and righteousness reign in the streets and residents of Toronto.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter– when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” Isaiah 58:6-7
city-positive
We love the city: its diversity, its vitality, and its redemptive potential. God made the city and made it to be a place of refuge, creativity, and beauty. We see the city as both beautiful and broken, and we seek to love it so that it becomes a place of health and blessing. The gospel frees us to serve the city for its own sake. We are a church that celebrates the arts, professions, and cultural expressions of the city, even as we point to the one whose creative love and redemptive mercy makes him rightful ruler of the city.
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7
