History
In 1981 Barry Boucher was one of three founding pastors of Lifecentre. The heart of the church was built on Love Never Fails. Lifecentre’s modest beginning was in a hotel in the west end of Ottawa. Within the first year, a warehouse at 1826 Woodward Drive was found and the countless hours of volunteer renovations began. We attribute these beginnings as crucial to Lifecentre’s development because it was in the “labouring together” where true community was formed.
In 1982 both a day-school, Life Christian Academy and a bible school, Ottawa School of the Bible, began and continue to thrive 28 years later. In 2006, Life Christian Academy successfully branched out of Lifecentre to become a separate regional school servicing the Christian community in Ottawa.
As the end of the ’80’s came to a close, it was apparent that the growing members of Lifecentre needed a new home. A wonderful step of faith occurred when an “over-the-top” offer came on their building and 300 members stepped off the diving board and began to believe God for a new location.
God certainly answered the heart cries and a ten-acre site was offered in the east end of the city at 2214 Innes Road. From this location both a French and English congregation in separate facilities demonstrates to the nation that unity is a decision and is possible.
Within a year of moving into their 27,000 square foot facility, the Lord asked the leadership team to birth a new work in the inner city. The new church began in September 2003 with 40 congregation members putting their hand to the plow to see another work established.
One year later, another church was birthed with 140 members moving back to the west end of the city and conducting services by renting 1826 Woodward Drive. Both these churches are still flourishing and reaching out to those in need.
God has continued to pour out His blessings and within a few years of moving into 2214 Innes Road, the leadership gathered the members to burn the mortgage and the church has been debt-free since then.
An additional 8,000 square foot facility has been erected to house our booming Kids/Youth ministry and a few years ago an $800,000 renovation has given the members a state-of-the art facility where they continue to invite their family and friends to.
Pastor Barry successfully transitioned the church to his son Jason on Father’s Day 2007. Lifecentre’s journey has included an intentional relationship with the larger body of Christ throughout Ottawa, in Canada and around the world.
Twenty-eight years later Lifecentre is still committed to a single vision across all of our ministries in Growing People With Jesus and Others.
If you require additional information, please contact us through email, by calling 613.834.6585 or visit Guest Services, located in the foyer on Sunday.