A Story of Gospel Growth in Calgary, Alberta

Recently, Karen and I had the privilege of visiting Steve and Laura Pratt in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In their two years on the field, the Pratts have planted FaithWay Bible Baptist Church and have already seen God bless with steady, meaningful growth in a rapidly changing city that deeply needs gospel-preaching churches.

Early Challenges and Unexpected Lessons

When they arrived, Steve and Laura began sharing the gospel with people everywhere they went. Some conversations went well, while others quickly revealed the unique challenges of ministering in a city filled with many cultures and languages.

One early outreach attempt involved two bus stops only 50 feet apart. Steve spoke with a woman for twenty minutes, who seemed to understand him—until he discovered she had not understood a single word. Moments like that showed just how complex ministry in Calgary can be.

Yet God used those early challenges to prepare them for a congregation that now includes over twenty different nationalities, an amazing testimony to the diverse mission field where the Lord has placed them.

Meeting People Where They Are

Determined to reach people effectively, the Pratts expanded their outreach through an aggressive social media strategy. This was far more than simply creating a Facebook page or a website. Targeted ads on Facebook and Google began appearing on screens across Calgary, helping connect them with people from backgrounds they might never have encountered through personal outreach alone. This blend of digital visibility and personal evangelism has been instrumental in bringing people from many nations to hear the gospel.

From Garage to Growing Church

FaithWay Bible Baptist Church began in the Pratts’ garage. On their first Sunday, they had four visitors, and Steve led all four to the Lord. With the garage door open and signs in the yard announcing that a church was meeting there, neighbors and people who saw their online ads attended regularly.

After six months, they were averaging 24 people and sensed the Lord leading them to seek a building.

A Season of Growth in Movie Theaters

While on deputation, a movie theater had contacted Steve and offered a meeting space if ever needed. He remembered that email, reached out, and two weeks later FaithWay held its first service in the theater’s smallest auditorium—50 seats.

Over the next couple of years, the church moved into larger theaters seating 78, then 88, then 124, and eventually 177. During this season, the Lord also began calling men into ministry, and several are now preparing for future pastoral and missionary work.

Where They Are Today

Today, the church rents a building for Sunday and Wednesday services. The sanctuary seats 168, and two additional rooms serve Sunday School and nursery needs. FaithWay now averages nearly 100 people weekly and reaches close to 130 when everyone is present.

Beyond weekly services, the ministry includes:

  • A growing Bible Institute
  • ESL outreach
  • Children’s ministries
  • Discipleship programs that equip believers for the work of the Lord

The Next Step: A Permanent Home

The greatest need the Pratts currently face is a building they can use full-time. Their present facility is available only about twelve hours a week—just enough for services—and offers no weekday access for ministry or community outreach.

Purchasing property would cost around $2 million, and leasing a suitable full-time building would range from $20,000 to $25,000 per month. Their current rental already costs $10,000 monthly. With FaithWay nearing capacity and preparing to move to two Sunday morning services, securing a permanent building is essential for continued growth and long-term gospel impact in Calgary.

Looking Ahead

The Pratts will begin scheduling U.S. visits at the end of 2026 and are preparing additional meetings for 2027.