harbour community church.


launched:

april 2022

location:

nanaimo, bc

mission:

we empower people to foster communities who love God, love others, and make disciples.

vision:

a network of churches who are connected through common love for Jesus and a passion to reach their neighbours.


Harbour Community is exploring what a faith community looks like in a non-Christian, post-pandemic environment. We're leaning into the original ways of inviting people into saving relationship with Jesus and sending them as missionaries out into the fields. Rather than gathering for regular events, we believe that the Gospel takes root over dinner tables, soccer games, and backyard BBQs. Part of this process is exploring a network of smaller churches (or missional communities) that together form Harbour Community. The intimacy of these smaller communities incubates discipleship as the churches study the Word together. It promotes a culture of mission as the churches live locally in their areas, immediately able to respond to the needs of their community.

about nanaimo:

  • Nanaimo is the least religious metropolitan area in Canada (source)

  • Nanaimo is economically diverse, with most people being in the income range of 20-40K and 100-150K

  • Nanaimo was originally called Colviletown around an HBC outpost. Renamed in 1860, the name comes from the Snuneymuxw tribe, whose land it resides on.

  • Healthcare workers account for over 10% of the jobs in Nanaimo.

meet the philps family

Stephen & Nicole, Zelda, Lincoln

Stephen was born in Edmonton, Alberta into a pastoral family. Growing up in the church, he was fortunate to have a number of significant individuals who spoke into his life and showed him how God transforms everything. He's a graduate of Prairie Bible College (BA Ministry, '06) and Northwest Baptist Seminary (M.Div, '22). He's had the privilege of serving in many communities from different traditions and roles.

Church planting has been a calling more than a desire. While in a state of transition due to the pandemic, he and Nicole felt a rooting in Nanaimo to explore how God might work through a different Gospel expression. At the same time through reading and discussion, God was shaping the concept of missional communities/microchurches as a way to reengage spiritual refugees and those who would never darken the doors of a traditional church building.


What challenges have you faced in church planting?

The past year has been one of tremendous personal growth, equalled by the challenges. Our small community has seen countless spiritual battles: mental health, cancer, personal health and more. We're forging a new trail through the cultural jungle where there are no paths, and learning every step of the way.

What gives you hope?

God's faithfulness and the depth of relationship. Every week, I'm privileged to sit with individuals who are struggling deeply with their faith, yet willing to engage in relationship. The Spirit gives me glimpses into the ways He's working in the hearts of individuals and inviting us into a new way forward that engages all generations and activates workers back into the fields.