Burnett Church: A Season of Momentum
Located in Maple Ridge, BC, Burnett Church is a come-as-you-are community inviting everyone to participate in the story God is telling. Guided by its mission to love Jesus and love others, Burnett strives to create a place where all feel they truly belong. As part of Fellowship Pacific, the shared value of generous belonging is alive and growing, reflected in Burnett’s recent updates and initiatives that welcome and equip everyone to be part of God’s work in the community.
When people ask how things are going at Burnett Church these days, the response is simple: “Up and to the right.” It’s a phrase that captures a season marked by momentum, growth, and fresh excitement. At the same time, the leadership at Burnett is keenly aware that momentum is fragile, so the focus has been less on chasing growth and more on staying in step with what God is already doing.
One of the clearest markers of this season has been a renewed commitment to Burnett’s vision and to making sure that vision belongs to everyone, not just staff or elders. Burnett is intentionally a “Come As You Are” community, emphasizing belonging before believing and creating a church environment where anyone can explore Jesus. It’s a church unchurched people love to visit and eventually call home. This vision is reinforced weekly during team huddles and lived out through simple but powerful acts of hospitality—people taking time to connect, notice, and welcome others.
The fruit has been tangible: meaningful community growth and 12 baptisms in 2025 - the most the church can remember in a single year.
Another highlight this past fall was the Sisterhood Conference. Approximately 125 women gathered for a powerful time of teaching, worship, prayer, and connection, led by Melissa and her team. Sisterhood continues to be a vibrant ministry at Burnett, with a heart to partner with and serve women beyond their local church. Information about ongoing Sisterhood events and the annual conference can be found here.
Burnett is also seeing encouraging signs of growth through a discipleship culture marked by a bias for action. This winter, the church has celebrated the way volunteer leaders are stepping into ministry ownership. Whether it’s Kevin and Ernie leading the coffee bar ministry through a season of transition, Larry rebuilding the Brotherhood ministry, Mike and Amy preparing to lead a Spring Break missions trip to Colima, Mexico, or Abel and Karleigh investing in a growing Young Adults ministry. Each story reflects people taking meaningful steps in faith. Together, these moments point to a deeper reality: not only are new people discovering faith at Burnett, but long-time believers are continuing to experience new life in Christ.
Burnett Church is grateful for this season and committed to stewarding it well. Listening closely, moving faithfully, and making room for what God has next.
Tim Heerebout,
Lead Pastor
