The Story Behind Wolf Creek Community Church
The vision for Wolf Creek Community Church (WCCC) was formed in 1999 when several members of the Bethel CRC of Lacombe attended a conference on church growth in Chicago. The dream became a reality in August 2003, when approximately 40 people attended the inaugural service in the “Big Red Barn” south of Lacombe. By October of that year, Classis AB North (our local governing body of Christian Reformed Churches) approved the creation of our church. On February 1, 2004, our first official worship service was held.
From the beginning, our purpose was and remains: “to reach out and enfold people for Jesus, together becoming devoted disciples of Him.” WCCC is a community-based ministry that focuses on outreach in our neighbourhoods and worldwide.
Our first facility was a rented commercial space in downtown Lacombe beside the laundromat. In our humble beginnings, the Alpha Course was taken by a number of people and membership classes were offered. Worship services were held every second Sunday. On Easter Sunday 2004, our first baptisms and public professions of faith were held, and new members signed the “Membership Covenant.”
That same year, the church began its search for a full-time pastor, where we welcomed Rev. Andy Geleynse. Happily, the church grew quickly under Pastor Andy’s leadership. So, in 2007, the church purchased the Lacombe RV building on the east side of town. The first worship service in our new home was held on December 16, 2007. We praise God for such a wonderful provision: worship, education and fellowship center on the corner of Wolf Creek and Wolf Creek Drive.
After Pastor Andy left, Henk-John Kuipers was hired as a full-time Director of Ministries, and Pastor Harry Valstar became interim pastor. The following year was a time of reflection but also one of looking forward. New ministries were created, including The Alpha Marriage Course, Mom-Time, Sunday potluck meals and “Hands and Feet” Sundays.
A new chapter of ministry began with the arrival of Pastor Leon Johnston in December 2010. One of the blessed realities of this season has been the influx of many of the younger generation joining our church, which has resulted in many births and baptisms and the development of many young leaders. Through worship and small group ministry, the church continues to be spiritually formed for mission in this community and world.
After a couple of years of searching for a new pastor, God answered our prayers when Pastor Rick Abma was installed in December 2021.