Making space for God
Sanctus Church is a multi-site community shaped by Scripture, led by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in hope. We gather with expectation that God still meets and transforms His people today. Whether you're exploring faith, returning to church, or growing deeper in your walk with Jesus—you're welcome here.
The Core Convictions That Shape Us
These convictions guide how we gather, serve, and grow together. They reflect our commitment to Scripture, to one another, and to the movement of God's Spirit among us. They're not rules but invitations to participate in what God is doing.
Scripture Shapes How We Live
We engage the Bible with honesty and expectancy, allowing God’s Word to challenge, form, and guide us.
Everyone is Welcome
Whether you're curious or committed, skeptical or seeking, there's a place for you among us.
Every Follower Carries Responsibility
Every follower of Jesus is called to participate—contributing their time, gifts, and presence to the life of the Church.
Relationships Require Authenticity
We pursue love, forgiveness, and honesty as the foundation of healthy community and spiritual growth.
We Care for the Whole Person
Ministry means addressing spiritual, emotional, and physical needs—with compassion, truth, and prayer.
We Grow by Gathering
Big worship services and small group connections work together to help us know God and each other more deeply.
Serving is Part of Discipleship
We use our Spirit-given gifts to build up the Church and joyfully serve those around us.
Leadership Should Look like Jesus
We follow leaders who are grace-filled, Spirit-led, and committed to reflecting Christ in character and conduct.
We Make Space for God to Speak
Listening to the Holy Spirit—through Scripture, prayer, and promptings—is part of how we follow Him daily.
Tools Serve the Mission
We use technology intentionally, not to impress, but to equip, connect, and disciple more effectively.
What We Believe
At Sanctus Church, our beliefs are grounded in the Bible, shaped by the global and historic Church, and centred on the life, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ. What we believe doesn’t just shape what we teach—it guides how we live.
Rooted in Scripture.
Formed by History.
Focused on Jesus.
We affirm a clear Statement of Faith, grounded in Scripture, and we stand in unity with the global Church by affirming both the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. These ancient declarations help anchor our faith and connect us to the story of Christianity across time and culture.
Statement of Faith
Our foundational beliefs—based on Scripture—outline key truths about God, humanity, salvation, the Church, and the return of Jesus.
Apostles' Creed
A historic summary of Christian belief, confessing faith in the Triune God and the resurrection hope we share.
Nicene Creed
A powerful, unified declaration of belief developed by the early Church—affirming the divinity of Christ, the work of the Spirit, and the mission of the Church.
Our Story
Sanctus Church began in 1985 with just 40 people meeting at Fairport Beach Public School, planted from Bethel Church with a heart for reaching the community. From day one, we’ve seen God’s faithfulness as we’ve grown in number, deepened in discipleship, and expanded across Durham Region and beyond. What began as a small church plant has become a multi-site movement, rooted in the Word, led by the Spirit, and shaped by God’s ongoing call.
1985–1999:
Humble Beginnings & Early Growth
Launched from Bethel Church in 1985 with just 40 people, the church quickly grew, moving from Fairport Beach Public School to its first permanent home on Kingston Road. By 1999, the church had outgrown its space, broken ground at 599 Bayly Street in Ajax, and re-launched as Carruthers Creek Community Church, now serving 600 people.
2000–2014:
Expansion, Transition, and Vision
Under new leadership with Jon Thompson becoming Senior Pastor in 2005, the church grew to 1,200 and began launching ministries like City of Hope, focusing on emotional health and justice. A refreshed vision was cast to reach 10,000, and the church became known as C4 Church, launching its first 5-year growth plan in 2014.
2015–2019:
Becoming Multi-Site
With the launch of Port Perry (2015) and Bowmanville (2018), C4 Church became a multi-site community. Renovations to the Ajax location, capital campaigns, and increased discipleship initiatives solidified this next phase of growth. By 2019, the church embraced a new name: Sanctus Church—a reflection of its growing identity and mission.
2020–Present:
2020–Present: Strengthening and Rebuilding
After a global pause during COVID-19, Sanctus focused on reinforcing its foundations—strengthening leaders, investing in discipleship, and preparing for future expansion. In 2023, Sanctus re-entered global missions and cast Plan 3, a bold new vision for deeper discipleship, wider reach, and long-term kingdom impact.
