What is CBOQ (Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec)?

Updated

CBOQ stands for the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, a regional family of churches that describes itself as "a family of churches, transformed by Christ, revealing God's kingdom." It exists, in its own words, "to equip churches and leaders to engage with their mission from God in their community." If you are looking for a Baptist network in Ontario or Quebec, exploring whether a church belongs to this body, or wondering what kind of support is available to congregations and leaders, this overview covers what CBOQ is and what it does.

What CBOQ is

CBOQ is a fellowship of local churches across Ontario and Quebec. It is not a single congregation but a network that connects churches and their leaders. Its stated identity centers on three ideas:

  • A family of churches — congregations relate to one another rather than operating in isolation.
  • Transformed by Christ — the shared theological grounding.
  • Revealing God's kingdom — the outward purpose in communities.

On belief, CBOQ affirms "the authority of the Scriptures for all matters of faith and practice," which is the doctrinal statement highlighted on its site.

What CBOQ does

CBOQ's mission is to equip churches and leaders. Its website lists several concrete ways it supports local churches and their communities:

  • Training leaders — leadership resources and development for pastors and church leaders.
  • Supporting innovative ministries — backing new and creative expressions of church.
  • Responding compassionately to social needs — engaging community needs rather than staying inward.
  • Responding to crises — practical help when churches or communities face difficult situations.
  • Administrative and financial services — operational support for congregations.
  • Church planting — a collaborative role in "seeding new expressions of church for today."

It also provides resources across areas such as church life, church development, revitalization, church operations (finance, governance, personnel), and transitions.

How it relates to local churches

The relationship is supportive and collaborative rather than controlling. CBOQ frames itself as coming alongside churches so they can pursue their own mission in their own community. In practice, that means a local church can draw on CBOQ for leader training, ministry resources, administrative help, and partnership in starting new churches.

CBOQ is also led by a board that "directs and leads CBOQ's spiritual, temporal and administrative affairs," and it gathers churches annually at an Assembly for fellowship, prayer, and worship.

Who this is for

  • Church leaders and pastors in Ontario or Quebec looking for training, resources, or a network.
  • Congregations considering joining CBOQ or wanting to understand what affiliation offers.
  • Individuals trying to identify whether a particular church is part of this family.
  • Anyone curious about Baptist structure in this region.

If you want to go further, the CBOQ site offers a "Find a Church" tool, a "Joining CBOQ" section for those exploring membership, and resource pages organized by ministry area.