Our  Story

The Church of God first began in Moose Jaw in 1944 through a local radio program on CHAB called "Church of God on the Air".  By God's grace, a congregation developed quickly and in December 1944 a church building on Fairford Street was purchased from the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and Rev. M.G. McLuhan became the first pastor of COG-MJ.  In the same year, the International Bible College (then named South Saskatchewan Bible Training School) moved from Consul, SK to Moose Jaw, SK and remained a strong local equipper of Christian leaders right up until its closure in 2012.
God faithfully blessed COG-MJ over the years, growing its congregation in both numbers and Christ-like character.  Many developed a heart to serve and support mission work, both locally and abroad.
Today's church property and building, located on 50 Hochelaga Street East, were purchased from the Apostolic Church in 1984 and in the spring of 1996, our congregation was blessed with our present Lead Pastor and his wife, Rev. Larry & Connie Hasmatali.  God has instilled in Pastor Larry great vision and passion to effectively and faithfully lead our church since then, and the congregation has grown from 40 people to more than 800 people.

In the spring of 2012, we adopted a new church logo that depicts a cross, flame, and plant, symbolizing our emphasis on salvation, the Spirit of God, and growth.  We've also renovated our church building several times to accommodate our expanding numbers, and take full advantage of the former IBC Campus for small group gatherings and events.  In 2015, we began a church plant in Prince Albert, SK with Pastor Changsub Kim, and in 2020 a Spanish-speaking congregation led by Pastor Marvin Garcia, Casa de Gloria, was established in Moose Jaw.

Amidst severe restrictions during the pandemic, COG-MJ and its church plants continued to grow thanks to the passion, commitment and vision of its leadership and members.  Church looked different, but our members continued to give and serve generously, making it possible for us to walk into the unknown with God.
We are excited to see what God has in store, and seek to advance into more ministry opportunities that meet the deepest needs of our congregation, community, and world.

Since our earliest days as a radio program, our vision has been to take the gospel beyond our walls.  The Lord has used the pandemic to sharpen our focus towards those outside our walls - our local community and beyond - and we're investing in media tools and personnel to facilitate this vision, committing to the Lord our efforts at reaching the isolated, the broken, and the unchurched.  We're also committed to following Jesus' example of intentional discipleship through small groups.  Only there can true community, accountability, and growth be fostered.
We'd love to include you in our story!  At COG-MJ we believe that every life is important and has potential for greatness in God's kingdom!  If you'd like to connect with us, share your own story, or receive prayer, please visit one of our pages under Reach Out.  God bless you as you journey with us!