History

CMA A Brief History 1927 - 2008

The Christian Ministers Association has its original roots in the Pentecostal movement that came to Canada in the late 1920’s. ( view timeline below)

Early on in our history we were a small group(in western Canada) of ministers gathered together under the name Full Gospel Missions. As time moved on and more ministers were gathering, there was a collective decision to establish a wider circle of fellowship. By 1946 a Dominion Charter was granted by the Canadian Federal Senate and the Evangelical Churches of Pentecost was born.

By 1952 The E.C.O.P. (Evangelical Churches of Pentecost) now a growing fellowship of ministers and the ACOP (Apostolic Churches of Pentecost) another early (1921) fellowship of Pentecostal churches in Canada , had entertained the desire to join together in ministry and fellowship – Sharing together the Bible school in Eston Sask and in Vancouver BC. This act was in keeping with the belief that walking together in unity and fellowship is the heart of God. A later decision to follow different church governmental tracks lead to the parallel (still walking in unity) yet distinct ministries of ECOP and ACOP which exist to this day.

In the 1980 as ministries began to change and diversify, E.C.O.P. changed its name to the more contemporary name (CMA) CHRISTIAN MINISTERS ASSOCIATION of Canada. Serving ministers in Canada who did not walk in traditional denominational groups. CMA has, through the years of change and renewal ,continued to strengthen its call as a welcoming home for fellowship and credentialing in the Nation of Canada.

The Christian Ministers Association is privileged to walk with a broad base of ministers and ministries whether they are pastoring large churches or home churches, mission’s centers, itinerant ministiries or private schools. Different Apostolic and mission organizations or associations have also been members as we often welcome and witness a “Group within a group” reality. The desire of the association is facilitation never dictation and fellowship over denomination.

The Core DNA of CMA has its roots in the statement “To know the Scriptures and the Power of God”
This statement reveals the desire of this fellowship to pursue and embrace the Biblical inerrancy and grounding of the scriptures as well as experience all that God has for his children in the way of the Gifts of the Spirit. Balance in these two key areas is considered essential to our expression as a fellowship.

The method of membership in the CMA has been established over the years as a relational networking of friends and colleagues. Our desire is to develop relationally and maintain those relationships by the grace of God. Membership is not an exclusive club or a stamp of approval of the call of God on ones life or ministry. Rather it is a simple means of connecting and facilitating as well as providing all the governmental requirements for ministers in the nation of Canada. Current Membership is over 250.

We welcome your inquiries and fellowship.