This past Vision Sunday, our Lead Pastor, Ben Johnson, preached a message entitled “Unless the Lord Builds the House.” Pastor Ben reminded us that “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1), emphasizing the importance of resting in God while faithfully taking responsibility to build what He has placed on our hearts. As First Assembly looks ahead to its 100th anniversary in 2029, we reflected on God’s faithfulness throughout our church’s history and celebrated the many lives impacted through salvations, baptisms, missions, and ministry. Pastor Ben also shared the vision for making room for more through the South Property. As we look ahead, we are invited to become champions of this vision through prayer, planning, planting a financial seed, and participating in faith, trusting God’s provision and following His will, His way, and His timing.
✍️ Notes Title: Vision Sunday – Ben Johnson
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1 (NIV)
My heart to build a house “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the name of the LORD my God.” 1 Chronicles 22:7 (NIV)
Rest & Responsibility 1. God builds His house We rest in Him.
2. We act in Faith And take responsibility to build
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 (NKJ)
FA’s legacy of faith: 1923 – Believers met in home prayer meetings on 14th avenue. 1927 – Rented an upstairs room on 8th avenue SW. 1929 – First Assembly was birthed.
Look back and celebrate: • 184 baptized • 292 decisions for Christ • 2500+ average weekend attendance • Tehillah Worship: over 1 million streams in a single year for the first time and so much more! • Over 800 people serving as leaders and volunteers • Sunnyside Camp: 702 campers, 42 baptized, 22 called into full time ministry. • 127 students in ministry schools • FA Cares: 900 hampers distributed, 2400+ families assisted, 286+ served through pastoral counselling • Missions: $403,073 raised, supporting 15 global workers, reaching 430 countries.. • 100 Calgary Dream Centre graduates… • Calgary Dream Centre (Erlton House): a safe, healthy, supportive and affordable home for women and mothers with children. • Vision 100 Giving: $682, 521 raised!
In 2029, First Assembly will turn 100 years old… Here’s why we are doing this, “the harvest is plentiful…” (Luke 10:2)
Making room for more Our church as doubled in size since 2019 • 2 campuses • 5 services a weekend • Space and facilities maxed
South Property – 49.5 acres in SE Calgary for First Assembly future expansion
Shared vision for Christian high school partnership: • GCA • Trinity • First Assembly
God’s provision: • 7-8 millions of resources we need - already provided!
God’s provision • Land is paid for • Much of consultant and permitting costs paid • High school partnership
God’s will, God’s way, God’s timing…
Psalm 127 “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
Every Church • Consumers • Contributors • Champions
Champion’s Call 1. Pray – Favour with the city and supernatural provisional. 2. Plan – Vision 100 Miracle Offering Sunday on Nov. 29 3. Plant – plant a financial seed. 4. Participate – Step in the vision by Faith.
