Encounter Church: First 5Stone Plant in Canada

Encounter Church—the first FiveStone plant in Canada—is coming to Kingston, Ontario. The city of 125,000 in eastern Ontario is home to the Canadian Forces Base and Queen's University. 

Planting pastor Andrew DeBartolo has served as an associate pastor at churches in Kingston and in Vaughn, Ontario. Kingston needs another gospel-preaching church, he said. Our vision for a new church is focused on loving the Lord and making disciples of Jesus Christ. We want to encounter Him.

Andrew said he was not interested in doing the work of church planting on his own, which is a primary reason why he pursued a relationship with FiveStone Churches. I value mentorship and accountability. I like the core values of FiveStone Churches and I like being a part of a network of churches that values relationships. I'm grateful to have those relationships as we grow the church plant.

Encounter Church expects to emerge with its first public worship service in the spring.

Andrew has a bachelor's degree in pastoral studies from Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto. He and his wife, Kathryn, have two sons, Malakai and Levi.

More about Encounter Church is available in a blog article here and on the church's website here.