About
Mission & Vision
Vision
A Groundswell of people loving God and neighbours, showing a new way of life through Jesus.
Mission
To work with God in renewing and restoring individuals, communities, and Creation, by helping them grow deeper in relationship with Jesus.Our Values
Called Of God
We believe every person is invited by God into a loving relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. As a church, we live out this calling by loving and serving the Burlington community through genuine, life-giving relationships, practical care and support. Knowing we belong to God’s family, we encourage each person’s gifts and passions to grow and flourish."But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
Fixed On Jesus
Jesus is at the center of who we are and all we do. As we fix our eyes on Him, our lives are transformed—we learn to see God, ourselves, and others through His grace and love. In Jesus, we gain an eternal perspective that shapes how we live and how we love."fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
Empowered By The SPirit
We rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us each day. The Spirit equips every follower of Jesus with spiritual gifts and wisdom for real life, helping us reflect the character of Christ. We seek to live marked by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being," (Ephesians 3:16)
Grounded In Scripture
We are anchored in the Bible as God’s true and trustworthy Word. Scripture shapes our beliefs, directs our decisions, and guides how we live as disciples of Jesus. As we read, learn, and live out God’s Word, the Holy Spirit renews our minds and transforms our lives."For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
Formed Through Community
We believe faith is lived best together. Following Jesus means loving one another and walking through life side by side. As a church family, we are committed to authentic community—creating a place where people are known, supported, and encouraged to grow in their walk with Jesus."Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:15-16)
Powered By Prayer
Groundswell is a Pray First church! Before we dream, create or plan our next step we ask God to show us His plan. Prayer shapes our hearts, aligns us with God’s will, and fuels our faith as we collectively depend on Him. Through prayer, we seek God’s presence, wisdom, and power, trusting Him to lead and sustain us."Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7)
Our TEAM
Our Lead Team
The City of Burlington’s Itabashi Bridge was donated to Tansley Woods by its twin city, Itabashi, Japan. Fittingly, Itabashi means ‘wooden bridge’ in Japanese.
For Groundswell, that image points beyond itself to the wooden cross of Jesus - the bridge by which God meets us and by which we are redeemed.
We love being in the heart of Tansley Woods, where this bridge is a reminder to us of Jesus’ sacrifice.
The Groundswell Story
Groundswell came together in early 2018 as a movement of the Spirit within several families seeking God for what was next in their spiritual journey. These families began envisioning a church grounded in orthodoxy; a church committed to the authority of the Word, intentional about spreading the Gospel, focused on loving and supporting people’s walk with Jesus and passionate about caring for their community.
After months of seeking God through earnest prayer and careful discernment, this band of believers connected with The Christian and Missionary Alliance and began the journey of planting a new church. They chose the Tansley Woods area of Burlington as their home base and started engaging their neighbours and the wider community - looking for ways to be Jesus’ hands and feet.
This eager group of believers began to flourish - and then COVID had its way with the world.
Yet even in isolation, God was at work. That season of intentionality became a refining time for those committed to the vision, deepening closeness to Him and to one another. People found creative ways to connect, care, and keep growing - individually and collectively – through learning, prayer and service.
Today, Groundswell is a vibrant, eclectic community committed to being a bridge for those who do not yet know Jesus, those finding their way back home to Him and for those who have walked with Him for years and are choosing to deepen their faith in the company of fellow travellers.
Wherever you are on your journey… we invite you to come and see for yourself.