History of the 4Cs

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In 1592 there arose from the Nonconformist religious movement during the Puritan reformation of the Church of England a group called the Congregational Christian Church.
Congregationalists arrived in North America by way of the Pilgrims and the Puritans. They organized a union of churches in the mid 1600s which spread through Canada.

In 1925 four denominations merged to form the United Church of Canada, they were the Methodist Church of Canada, two-thirds of the congregations of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Association of Local Union Churches, and all but five Ontario churches of the Congregational Union of Ontario and Quebec.

In 1988, a number of United Church of Canada congregations separated from the national church, which they felt was moving away theologically and in practice from Biblical Christianity. (Authority of Scripture).

This group became aware of the five Ontario Christian Churches, and began the process of joining with them. Out of these discussions, a new organization was formed: Congregational Christian Churches in Canada (or, as it became known, “the 4Cs”).
The name “congregational” generally describes its preferred organizational style, which promotes local church autonomy and ownership, while fostering fellowship and accountability between churches at the National level.

Currently, the 4Cs is led by a National Board of Directors, representing different areas of the country and coordinated by the Chairman and the National Pastor (Rev. David Schrader) who gives spiritual oversight to the broader Church. The denomination meets annually at a National Conference, at different locations across Canada.

Today, the 4Cs represent a family of about 51 evangelical churches across Canada, each one committed to living out the Biblical witness of Jesus Christ-His Great Commands and Great Commission-in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Each 4C’s congregation has a strong desire to present and represent Jesus, to foster caring in both global and local mission projects, and to work hand-in-hand with committed Christians of other denominations.

The 4C’s present vision statement is: “Proclaiming Jesus Christ. Making Disciples. Building Healthy Churches". 

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​Who We Are - Good Shepherd Church History

Since many of us trace our church heritage back to Union, we must make note that the first church building in Lawrencetown was a Methodist chapel built in 1823.
 
In 1827, the Presbyterian pioneers called a missionary from the Free Church of Scotland and a small church was built on Macdonald’s Head.
 
In 1844, Rev. Alex Steele was reporting services and congregations at Lawrencetown, Lake Porter and Musquodoboit Harbour.
 
In 1849, when the original church was in disrepair, a new church was built on the opposite side of the road.
 
Twenty-two years later Musquodoboit Harbour, Clam Harbour and Meagher’s Grant joined their congregations to form a separate Pastoral Charge and, in 1889, a church building was dedicated, which still stands today.
 
Meanwhile, at Cole Harbour, all worshipers gathered in a little Methodist Chapel known as the “Meeting House”, which was built around 1830.
 
After Church Union in 1925, Cole Harbor and Lawrencetown became part of Woodlawn pastoral Charge until were designated student mission fields in 1952.  In 1956, these two “fields” joined and the manse was built in Cole Harbour.
 
The church in Lake Echo was built and dedicated in 1952/53 and became part of the Cole Harbour/Lawrencetown Charge in 1959.   
 
In 1979, with the growth of all areas, Lawrencetown/Lake Echo became a Pastoral Charge and called their own minister.  This is where we stood when at December 1, 1988, our new congregation emerged.
 
For almost the past decade, our congregations were aware  that the National body of the United Church was moving away from the basic principles on which it was founded; namely, the headship of Christ and a scriptural understanding of God’s will for His church. 
 
As the events of the summer of 1988 unfolded, we realized the National Body was not going to be dissipated by the petitions of the people in the pews.  After much prayerful soul searching, we decided to form a new congregation, with Christ as the Head.  This church would be based on the scriptures and the original Articles of Faith on which Church Union had begun in 1925.  The “Free church of the New Covenant” was formed.  “Free” was taken from the original Presbyterian title of “Calvin Free church”, and “New Covenant” was a direct scriptural reference from Jeremiah 31-31:33.
 
The congregation of the Free Church of the New Covenant held its first worship on December 4, 1988, in the gym at Atlantic View School.  This school was to be our home for almost eight years.   We started without any previous possessions (hymnbooks, organ, pews, etc.) but with joyful hearts, praise, thanksgiving and slippers on our feet!
 
Thankful praise and heartfelt prayer marked the end of months of uncertainty and the beginning of our new journey in the service of the Lord.  Revs. Bruce Roberts and Michael Kaye were our first pastors. In our first year, the congregation decided to become a tithing church, supporting missions at home and abroad. 
Each passing week brought new blessings--many of them tangible, in the form of office furniture, an organ, etc.  As with any earthly journey, the progress was not always smooth, but we learned very early that prayer for the Lord’s guidance must be a prerequisite for every plan and action.  A Long-Range Planning Committee began a search for a building site.
 
In early 1989, the church became affiliated with the Congregational Christian Churches in Canada—for many a dramatic return to their roots.  When the union of Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches took place in 1925, five Christian churches were led by God’s Holy Spirit to decline to enter that union.  They remained the Congregational Christian Church of Ontario. Almost 500 people attended the 164th Annual Conference in 1989 and the name was changed to Congregational Christian Church in Canada.  Many other former United Church congregations joined and the 4C’s now encompasses more than 90 congregations from sea to sea.
 
In May of 1989, we received a donation of land from Edgar and Kay Conrad.  This land was found to be suitable for a church site.  Enthusiastic volunteers cleared the lot and a road was built.  The dedication ceremony was held here on a windy, rainy day—the first Sunday of Advent, December 3, 1989.
 
In early 1991, an elder received a prophecy which made it clear that God did not want us to build a church building yet.  Changes in ministry were coming.  Rev. Bruce Roberts left in the spring of ’92 to lead the congregation of Cornerstone Community Church in New Glasgow.  Rev. Michael Kaye left for Ontario and a call went out to Rev. Michael Sherbino, who began his ministry with us in June of ‘92.
 
The Long Range Planning Committee began a diligent search for a different church site and plans for Lawrencetown were put on hold.
 
In September of ‘92 we changed our name from “Free Church of the New Covenant” to “Good Shepherd Church”, which better suited our programs and was not open to misinterpretation.
 
In 1994 Rev. Michael Sherbino resigned to establish “City Heights Church” in Cole Harbour-Westphal.
 
At that time, in the infinite wisdom of God, Revs. Max & Phyllis Nesbitt were members of our congregation and they accepted our call to a team ministry of strong spiritual leadership.
 
After two years of searching all possible alternate sites to build a church, in June 1994 the elders requested the building committee apply for rezoning of the Lawrencetown site.  If the rezoning was successful they felt this would be an indication from the Lord that we should proceed with the building.  This was not a quick process and it was not until the fall of 1995 that the foundation was laid.  Eventually, on September 11, 1995, when all matters had been considered, all permits were in place and all regulations were satisfied, the actual work was begun in earnest.
 
In January, 1996, the actual construction began.  With the funds available we realized we would only be able to do the multipurpose room.  But God had other plans!  Because of the development agreement with the county, we had to put up the shell of the sanctuary.  As the Lord prospered us, the wise decisions of the building committee and unexpected donations from various construction companies, we have ended up with much more than any of us anticipated.  We give the glory to God working through the responsive hearts of His people at Good Shepherd Church and the community at large.  At every turn, there were key people who gave us benefits above and beyond the call of duty.  To them we express heartfelt gratitude.
 
As the professional work progressed, church members gave freely of their time and efforts to the more mundane tasks for which their talents were suited.  One very meaningful day, we wrote scripture on the rough inner walls. 
Every newly completed step of the construction and finishing was a joy to our hearts.
 
On September 8, 1996, we enjoyed a service in the parking lot.  It was a great thrill.  Manna sang twice and the neighbours were appreciative.  The moving out of chairs and the sound system, made it a busy adventure, so it was decided we would wait with more patience.
 
Undergirding this venture, was prayer at many levels--the building committee, the elders, the people and friends of GSC.  At times, special prayer meetings were called to intercede when the work slowed or was stopped because of bureaucracy.  With God, “all things are possible”.  Our first service in the building was a great celebration and was held on Thanksgiving Sunday, October 13, 1996.  As the wiring was not complete in the sanctuary, this service was held in the multi-purpose room.  New members were received and we hosted many friends from other congregations.
 
The next week, we were finally in our new church home.  This service was highlighted by the christening of two babies.  The long-ago dream had become a reality.
 
The next two years had been a process of refining--for the physical building as well as the spiritual body. The Lord was saying to build His Church, by being His witnesses along the Eastern Shore.  We began the “Alpha” program, which was a “team effort” in the church, and, most encouraging of all, a “team effort” in association with other churches and denominations--United, Anglican and Roman Catholic.  As we united in presenting Christ, we were indeed being a lighthouse in these communities.
The biggest miracle was not the building, but the family of God--united and willing to witness for Him in whatever way He directed.  The banner Linda Wood made for the sanctuary says it all.
“Thus far has the Lord helped Us”  1 Samuel 7:12
 
In April, 1998, Pastor Gary Boyd took on the part-time role of Youth Pastor.  We accepted Rev. John Andrew Adams as our Senior Pastor from 2000 to 2002. We had pulpit supply for the following six months.
At this time, Pastor Gary took over the pasturing of the flock and we are thankful for his true and fulfilling leadership by example, which brings out the best in all of us.  
 
May 2005, after much prayer, it was felt God had placed Pastor Gary here to lead us forward. God had been gracious and blessed us throughout this time and we were able to hire a part-time Youth Pastor, Melissa Boyd, in 2006. 

In 2013, Pastor Gary felt it was time to step down and make room for someone who could take Good Shepherd Church to the next level of service and commitment to the Lord.  He asked that a search committee be struck to call another to the Senior Pastor’s position, and that he would be willing to work for one more year, but wanted to step out of the position by the summer of 2014.

The Lord called Pastor David Boyle to Good Shepherd Church as the Senior Pastor in July of 2014. At that time the decision was also made to make Pastor Melissa Boyd an Associate Pastor, believing that the two of them could minister together as an effective team for the Lord at Good Shepherd.

In 2017, Pastor David Boyle was called to a ministry in Ontario and Pastor Melissa Boyd took over as Interim Pastor of Good Shepherd Church. In October of 2018, Pastor Melissa was accepted as our Senior Pastor by a unanimous vote of the congregation.

Pastor Melissa led our church family with faith and grace for 3 years, and in September of 2021 announced that she had taken a position as Assistant Pastor at Deep Water Church. Our church began following the ministry of The Story with guest speakers through October, as the search for a new Interim Pastor began.
 
We use our church building with a great sense of thankfulness to God for his unfailing goodness and give Him all the Glory.
 
“Thus far the Lord has helped us”.

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Our Foundational Roots

Of course, our foundation is Jesus Christ (cf 1 Corinthians 3:10-17, Ephesians 2:19-22, Isaiah 28:16-17, Psalm 118:22, Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:4-5). Yet Jesus didn't just come out of thin air, He was born of the virgin Mary, by the Holy Spirit, into a Jewish family whose roots can be traced back to David, to Abraham and to Adam (cf Matthew 1, Luke 3), and He lived by and was obedient to the Old Covenant. With this understanding, at Good Shepherd Church we teach Christian values with an understanding of the New Testament (New Covenant) rooted and grounded in the Old. Thus we celebrate the Biblical feasts as part of the Christian calendar (e.g. Passover, Pentecost and Feast of Tabernacles etc.) as seen through the lens of Christ as the Messianic and prophetic fulfilment of these feasts.

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KNOWING, PRACTICING AND SHARING THE LOVE OF GOD.