At one time, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) had a number of congregations serving the people of Prince Edward Island, a Canadian province on the Atlantic coast. In the mid-20th century, these churches separated from the denomination, leaving no unique Disciples witness in that beautiful part of the world for many years.
Things changed when an ordained Disciples chaplain began serving the provincial prison. Rev. Scott MacIssac began worshipping on Sundays with a handful of people that has grown to an average of 25 in just 18 months. This was amazing growth considering the church had not been very intentional about its beginning. Today, it is All People’s Christian Church on Prince Edward Island, a diverse congregation of people of all ages from throughout the entire province, all of whom are committed to Disciples values and this new Disciples witness.
In February, Scott will take the long train ride to Indianapolis where he will attend New Church Planter training. He deeply desires resources and education so that he can clarify the core group’s vision for ministry on the sparsely populated Island. All People’s also benefits from its partnership with the Church Development Corporation in Canada, which serves Stone-Campbell congregations. The church sees its role as being a witness throughout the entire Island. It will likely meet in house groups around the Island, worshipping one Sunday a month in Charlottetown, the island’s capital city of 30,000 people.
By: Katie Marlow
Church Extension
