Who We Are
The Canadian Christian Business Federation was formed in 1983 by a group of Christian business leaders in Southern Ontario who felt the need to meet regularly for mutual support and encouragement, and to deal with the daily challenges of integrating faith and work.
The CCBF has members and supporters across Ontario, many of whom are organized in regional chapters. There are currently 10 chapters which meet monthly over breakfasts or lunch. They are located in Ancaster, Brantford, Burlington, Cambridge, Chatham, Guelph, London, Niagara, Smithville, and Waterloo. A new chapter is scheduled to be launched on March 26 in Winnipeg.
These monthly meetings are times for mutual encouragement, prayer and discussion. Groups follow a five-year ‘curriculum’ based on the NIV Leadership Study Bible which challenges participants to apply biblical principles to their roles within their businesses or professions.
The CCBF is a membership-based organization. Annual membership fees ensure the continued viability of the organization and they also help develop a sense of belonging to a federation that has the emotional and spiritual welfare of its members as one of its core values. The federation is creating a mentoring network, connecting younger entrepreneurs with seasoned professionals, and is also expanding its INturn program, connecting Christian university business students in appropriate work environments. There is also a free online service to help members recruit qualified staff.
Hans Vander Stoep of Burlington, Ontario served as the organization’s executive director for 23 years, retiring in June, 2010.
Keith Knight is the current executive director. With a background in communication, he worked for 40 years as editor within both secular and religious publications and as communication director of The Presbyterian Church in Canada for nine years.
The national office is located in Guelph, Ontario.
Fast Facts
- CCBF organizes monthly networking opportunities – breakfasts or luncheons -- in a number of areas. At these casual meetings, attendees order their own meal, share with others what’s happening in their lives, personal and business, and participate in a discussion on Scripture-focused topics. If you’d like to start a group in your area, please contact CCBF. Check the for dates and locations in your area. We’d love to see you there.
- CCBF recognizes that, without a solid scriptural basis, future business leaders will not be able to practice Christian business principles.
- CCBF promotes a number of not-for-profit organizations in which CCBF members belong. To see what keeps members busy after hours check out
- CCBF’s 2010 Christian Business Directory was published in hardcopy in June and those listings are kept current on this website with updated listings and ads. Check the CCBF members can update their listings at any time by contacting CCBF.
- The website’s JOBS section is increasingly used by employers and potential employees as a viable conduit to find staff or employment. Contact CCBF for more information.
- CCBF members and friends are kept current on CCBF activities and alerted to opportunities via CCBF’s monthly NETWORKS which is e-mailed to more than 800 Christian business leaders and decision makers.
What We Do
Local Chapters
Meet monthly to apply biblical principles to real business issues.
Address issues of local, provincial or federal concern, through the presentation of briefs and submissions as chapters and through membership in the Canadian Christian Business Federation.
Address local business needs.
Organize public meetings for the local Christian business community.
Mission Statement
"The basis of the Canadian Christian Business Federation is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the inspired infallible, authoritative Word of God, as interpreted in Reformed creedal standards."
As stewards of God’s creation and totally dependent on God’s grace, members of the Canadian Christian Business Federation seek to promote their Christian business and professional tasks in service to their Master, Jesus Christ, by the study of Scriptures and prayer, by fostering understanding of ethical business activities, and by working to promote a God pleasing business climate in society. To this end, the Canadian Christian Business Federation’s activities include:
ensuring the stewardly use of resources and producing goods and services with respect and care for creation;
encouraging business structure that allows for responsible Christian activities;
encouraging the Christian management of business enterprises. This is achieved by counselling, sharing, advising members and promoting relevant literature;
promoting harmonious labour relations and meaningful work experiences through appropriate management practices;
encouraging Christian work apprenticeships for young people;
promoting Christian business ethics and standards within and outside business;
participating in the development of public policy and speaking out on matters of public policy proposed by the government as it relates to the justice system or business enterprises, in order to advance effectively the mission of Canadian Christian Business Federation members to promote the Glory of God in our society.
Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jerry Gerritsen - Jerry's Auto Body
5529 Regional Road 81 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B3
Office - 905-563-7702
FAX - 905-563-5321
E-Mail:
Clarence Louter,
RR #2, St.George, ON N0E 1N0
PHONE - 519-448-1163
Email:
Richard Tjoelker
JR Investments
217 Pine Tree Lane Strathroy ON N7G 4A5
STAFF
Keith Knight - Executive Director Canadian Christian Business Federation
26 Blueridge Court Guelph ON N1H 6S6
Phone - 519- 837-9172
Email:
We would be pleased to hear your suggestions for topics or issues you feel we should address.
Please submit your requests to this .
Recent topics and papers:
|
