Mimico Baptist Church has a rich history in this neighbourhood for almost 105 years. And yet our piece in God’s continuing, unfolding work is a small piece of a much bigger picture. This being CBOQ Sunday, we remember and celebrate what Jesus established and continues to establish through His churches which include this Baptist family we are part of.
sermon: One Piece in His Bigger Picture (Luke 24:44-48) with Rev. Alvin Lau
From Jerusalem to Mimico: A Living Legacy of Faith
Rooted in Scripture, Reaching the World
In Luke’s account (recorded in the Gospel of Luke), especially in chapter 24, reminds us that Jesus’ resurrection was not just a miraculous event, but a launching point for a global mission. “This message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem,” Luke writes. And that message—“There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent”—continues to echo through time. So Jesus’s message spread, starting in Jerusalem to Antioch to the corners of the Roman empire.
A Baptist Journey: From 1609 to Mimico
As the history of the church unfolded, the beginnings of the Baptist movement with John Smyth in 1609 stems one branch towards the formation of Baptist churches in Ontario and Quebec, and ultimately to the founding of Mimico Baptist Church in 1920. Two key Baptist principles were highlighted:
- Autonomy of the Local Church: Each congregation discerns its path under the Spirit’s guidance.
- Interdependence: Churches collaborate to accomplish what no single church can do alone.
These principles are lived out through Mimico’s involvement in Toronto Baptist Ministries (TBM), the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec (CBOQ), and global partnerships through Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) and the Baptist World Alliance (BWA).
Partnerships and Participation: A Local Mission
Cindy Sellers, one of Mimico Baptist’s delegate to the CBOQ Assembly, shared inspiring stories of churches creatively responding to God’s call. From housing refugees to restoring buildings for ministry, churches are using what they already have to serve their communities. Mimico Baptist is no exception:
- Prayer for Lakeshore Collegiate Institute in partnership with Alpha Canada.
- Youth-led food drive benefiting Stonegate Ministry.
- Community night on October 31st, welcoming neighborhood children.
- Creation of a “Third Space” for gathering, learning, and relationship-building.
These efforts reflect a growing vision: to be a community of Christ sharing Christ with our communities.
A Changing Culture, A Timeless Message
Pastor David Donaldson, the other Assembly delegate, shared a compelling reflection on cultural shifts. In a world where authority has moved from external institutions to internal, subjective experience, the church must adapt its approach. Rather than starting with exclusivity or authority, we must begin with human flourishing—showing how the gospel leads to peace, purpose, and transformation.
This doesn’t dilute the message; it opens the door for deeper conversations. As David put it, “If we promote guidance, mentoring, friendship, inclusion… then we will get a hearing.”
Christ Remains the Centre
Drawing back to Luke 24:47, the reminder is clear: Christ must remain at the centre. Whether local or global, traditional or innovative, the mission of Jesus and the purpose of the church remains the same: That the forgiveness of sins is available to everyone through Jesus.