What's Inside
September already? How did that happen so fast? Summer isn’t over yet, but many of us are already thinking about the busy season ahead and making plans for what comes next. As always, CCCC seeks to provide exemplary support to our members by offering guidance to help you steward and develop your ministry.
This month, we are highlighting a few resources created exclusively for CCCC members. If you haven't explored God's Workplace yet, you'll find a collection of staff devotionals that you can use with your team, written by Rev. John Pellowe, our CEO. Our staff have been blessed by these conversations at our weekly meetings. We think you will find them beneficial in your ministry too! Also, check out some key resources in the CCCC Knowledge Base that have been refreshed with up-to-date guidance to help you address challenging questions with respect to employment benefits, the process of incorporation, and payroll fundamentals.
A recent Quebec court decision offers an encouraging development for Christian ministries. CCCC intervened in Harvest Ministries International Inc., v Québec (Attorney General) 200-17-035129-238 and have provided a summary for you here. The decision recognizes that religious organizations can rely on Charter freedoms beyond freedom of religion and that government decisions cannot be based simply on differences of opinion. You can read more about the case and CCCC's involvement at the link above.
As you prepare for fall, there are several opportunities to learn and connect. Build your understanding in the areas of employee benefits and artificial intelligence by signing up for our live webinars in September and October. CCCC Equipped in-person events also return this season. For those living in Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg, be sure to check your calendar to see if you can attend a session on September 22-24, and register here. Next month, the group will visit several Ontario cities!
We are also adding a new benefit for CCCC members and are excited to announce our new affinity partnership with trACT Software Inc., a Canadian provider of workplace investigation case management software. Learn more about how your CCCC membership unlocks savings when accessing this service by signing up here.
Curtis Towns
Director of Operations
I have recently had the blessing of moving into a new role as Director of Operations. In this role, I have the pleasure of supporting the incredible team that delivers our programs, services, and technology for the benefit of our member organizations. Additionally, I support our CEO with developing and monitoring CCCC's strategic and action plans. My mind is continually focused on how best to steward the resources God has entrusted to us while we work to advance our purpose and achieve our goals in doing important work for Christian charities.
Updated Topic Handbook on Employment Benefits
We updated our Topic Handbook on Employment Benefits this summer to give you practical guidance for understanding and managing employee benefits. The handbook explains employment benefits and why they matter. You’ll find practical tips for designing and reviewing employee health and pension programs, along with guidance on the payroll administration of common allowances, benefits, deductions, and credits. Some of these topics can get technical. We explain key terms along the way, so you can follow the guidance with confidence.
Considering Incorporation?
Is your ministry considering the possibility of becoming incorporated? Any group pursuing charitable activities grapples with whether to take advantage of the benefits of incorporation or remain an unincorporated association with less regulatory oversight. Each option has pros and cons. This may prompt groups to question whether incorporation is necessary, especially if an association has operated as an unincorporated entity for years. It is important to understand why many groups choose to incorporate and the process that accompanies it. Our updated topic handbook explains what incorporation is, why many groups choose it, and what the process involves. It also compares the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating versus remaining unincorporated.
The Four Pillars of an Ideal Ministry Organization
What does it mean for an entire ministry to be exemplary? CCCC's CEO, Rev. John Pellowe, explores what an exemplary ministry looks like and shares practical ways your organization can keep growing toward that goal. If your ministry is ready to put these ideas into practice, The Studio can provide tailored support. Connect with the team at thestudio@cccc.org.
Community Spirit - Blessing Other Ministries
Serving others and acting for the greater good of our community is foundational to the Christian faith. While every ministry puts this into practice differently, we can draw inspiration by learning from one another. Jeanette Klekta shares her experience at Church of The Rock in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
God's Workplace - Devotionals for Christian Ministry Staff
God’s Workplace is a growing collection of structured staff devotionals for Christian ministry staff (66 so far) that provide an easy way to start a conversation with a ministry team about management practices for organizational and team development. These devotionals support ministry management and leadership to develop their team as they continue to build their ministry together. Each devotional suggests follow-up activities to move from conversation to implementation.
CCCC identified two recurring needs among its members: a Sustainable Funding Model and a Relevant & Practical Strategy. Here are two God's Workplace staff devotionals that address these needs.
More Than Enough
The team will hear that Moses raised so much more in offerings than was needed to build the Tabernacle that he had to restrain people from giving more! This devotional will inspire your ministry’s approach to fundraising.
Paul's Strategy for Relevant and Practical Ministry
This devotional helps team members see how relevant and practical their ministry's strategy is from the perspective of the people the ministry seeks to reach. It will help everyone focus on refining their strategy to suit the current context.
New Affinity Partner for Workplace Investigations
When a complaint requires a formal investigation, keeping the process organized, consistent, and well-documented can quickly become complicated. CCCC is pleased to introduce a new member benefit with trACT Software Inc.
trACT is a workplace investigation case management platform built in Canada for HR professionals at organizations with 50 or more employees and a volume of at least 3 or more investigations a year. It manages the full investigation lifecycle, from intake to outcome letters, and is designed for the person doing the investigation, not just the organization tracking results. trACT was founded by Samantha Carter, a Certified HR Professional who built the tool after living the problem it solves.
This new relationship represents a slightly different approach for CCCC affinity partnerships. In addition to providing preferred pricing to members (i.e., a 15% discount), CCCC receives a modest promotional service fee when members purchase through the partnership.
More information about trACT and workplace investigation practices will be shared in the coming weeks. Click here to stay in the loop!
Harvest Ministries International Inc. v Quebec (Attorney General), 200-17-035129-238
In Harvest Ministries International Inc. v Quebec (Attorney General), 200-17-035129-238, the Quebec Superior Court (“Court”) found that the decision of the Quebec Tourism Minister (“Minister”) to cancel a Christian group’s (“HMI”) rental contract with a government-owned conference centre violated HMI’s Charter-protected freedom of expression. CCCC intervened in this case with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and Réseau Évangélique du Québec, focusing on the collective freedom of religion and freedom of expression.
The Court awarded damages to HMI for the Minister's breach of contract as HMI demonstrated significant efforts to relocate their event without success. HMI’s freedom of expression was violated because the Minister’s decision to cancel the contract was based on her personal views. The Minister did not have the discretion to determine whether HMI had access to public spaces based on their pro-life viewpoint. The Court also found that the Minister was personally liable and awarded punitive damages against her to punish and prevent further oppressive conduct.
This decision is encouraging for religious groups, as it recognizes that non-religious Charter freedoms can be exercised, and that governments cannot arbitrarily make decisions based on personal differences of opinion.
The Importance of Good Faith in Charity Governance
Changing bylaws, appointing new Directors, and admitting new members are common, but important changes made by charities and not-for-profit organizations. A recent Ontario court decision highlights that two key questions that organizations incorporated under Ontario's Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010, S.O. 2010, c.15 (“ONCA”) need to consider: (1) whether these changes are being made in compliance with the legislation; and (2) whether the amendments are in good faith.
In Chifor, et al, v. Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, 2026 ONSC 667 (“Chifor”) the court found that the board of directors' ("Board") motivation to restrict membership was based on personal concerns. The court held that the Board lacked authority to unilaterally approve or deny membership applications and reiterated that fundamental changes to bylaws require special resolutions under the ONCA. This case emphasizes that boards need to ensure their actions align with the requirements set out in ONCA and with the procedures relied upon by members in their bylaws. Members may be entitled to recourse if fundamental changes are made to the bylaws without their approval.
Quick Picks
CCCC staff are constantly reading news, reports, and other resources to stay on top of developments in the charitable sector. We think you'll find these picks helpful!
- Supreme Court of Canada Grants Leave to Appeal in His Majesty the King in right of Alberta v. Prabjot Singh Wirring
- Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act Now in Force
Events
How to Think about Employee Benefits
September 16, 2026 | 2:00 pm EDT (Webinar)
Employee benefits are more than a budget expense. Join Christian Malleck, Head of HR Programs and HR Consulting, and Nick Lall, Head of Pension and Group Benefits, for a strategic discussion on how employee benefits decisions can support your ministry's people, culture, financial stewardship, and long-term effectiveness. Webinar participants will learn how to align benefits with organizational goals, balance cost and competitiveness, and approach pensions, health benefits, and wellness as part of a comprehensive total compensation strategy.
NOTE: If you are looking at this page after September 16, please go to our Store (members have free access) to find the post-webinar recording or see The Green® webinar chats to ask questions.
Other Notable Upcoming Events
AI Policy & Use for Charities | October 28, 2:00 EDT (Webinar)
AI Policy & Use for Charities is an informational webinar designed to help charities responsibly and practically manage AI at their organization. Led by Simone Waller, CCCC’s Associate Director of Legal Affairs and AI Officer, and hosted by Nick Lall, Head of Pension and Group Benefits, the webinar will walk participants through CCCC’s AI Policy guidance and a clear, step-by-step approach to adopting and implementing an AI policy across their organization.
NOTE: If you are looking at this page after October 28, please go to our Store (members have free access) to find the post-webinar recording or see The Green® webinar chats to ask questions.
Next Equipped Leg | September 22 - 24, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg (In Person Event)
Gather with Christian charity leaders and pastors for a day of learning, insights and connection at Equipped by CCCC. Learn from the CCCC team and from other ministries through a mix of keynote presentations, table discussions, and breakout sessions. Registration includes the full-day event, lunch, and refreshments. Ministry workers from organizations that are not currently CCCC members are welcome to register with non-member pricing. Registrations are non-refundable but are transferable up to one week prior to the event. Each attendee must complete a separate registration. Registration closes one week prior to the event date. NOTE: Equipped is coming to Ontario in October! Look here for the cities and how to register.
Accredited Member News
By demonstrating commitment to integrity, accountability, and transparency through compliance with the CCCC Standards of Accountability, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary has earned CCCC Accreditation.
- Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary - MB Seminary is the national seminary of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. MB Seminary educates and equips men and women who help lead the church in reaching Canada and the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Congratulations to the Accredited Members listed below who recently participated in a scheduled accreditation review and demonstrated their ongoing commitment to CCCC Accreditation standards. We are proud to have you as part of our Accredited Member community! To find out more about CCCC Accreditation and our Accredited members, visit giveconfidently.ca.
- Camp Mini-Yo-We Inc. - Camp Mini-Yo-We is a Christian summer camp and year-round retreat centre committed to one big idea – developing tomorrow’s leaders. Their combination of innovative programs, premium facilities and experienced staff have been shaping next generation leaders for nearly 80 years.
- The Bible League of Canada - Bible League Canada has been committed to doing missions differently. How? By strategically building extraordinary international partnerships with national ministries in over 40 countries, equipping local believers through Bible-centric discipleship programs to become champions for the Gospel, committed to reaching their own communities with the Living Word of God.
- Christian Research Institute - Canada - The Christian Research Institute exists to provide Christians worldwide with carefully researched information and well-reasoned answers that encourage them in their faith and equip them to intelligently represent it to people influenced by ideas and teachings that assault or undermine biblical Christianity and the essentials of the historic Christian faith. In carrying out this mission, CRI’s strategy is expressed by the acronym E-Q-U-I-P:
- Messianic Vision Canada (Sid Roth's It's Supernatural) - Messianic Vision Canada’s vision is to reach the “unsaved” through daily broadcast of their shows in Canada, evangelistic projects in Jewish communities and on-going stewardship principles.
For more information see CCCC Accreditation, Accredited Members, and/or visit giveconfidently.ca.
Recent Blog Posts
CCCC Intervention Update: Court finds Quebec Tourism Minister’s decision to cancel Christian conference violated free expression
Read more
Best Practice or Policy Around Taking Wallet Drops at Bank
When it comes to handling church offerings, even a routine task like taking a deposit to the bank can raise important questions about trust, accountability, and good financial controls. A recent conversation on The Green® brought members together to share how their churches handle bank deposits, what safeguards they have in place, and where they see the greatest risks. There are some helpful perspectives in the discussion, especially for churches reviewing their own practices or wondering whether their current process is enough. How does your church handle offering deposits, and what checks have you put in place to protect both the church and the people involved? Join the conversation on The Green® and share what has worked for you.
Read moreMaternity Leave Policy
Maternity and parental leave can bring up more questions than many ministries expect. What should your policy say? How much should it point back to provincial rules? What about benefits, notice, salary top-ups, or planning for an employee’s return? Members on The Green® are sharing how their churches and charities have worked through these questions in practice. If your organization has a maternity or parental leave policy, what have you found most helpful to include, and what would you suggest to a ministry reviewing theirs today?
Read more
Board Management Software
Keeping board members connected to the right documents, meeting notes, and updates can get complicated quickly, especially when people use different devices and have different levels of comfort with technology. A recent discussion explored everything from Microsoft 365 and SharePoint to custom-built board portals and dedicated board management platforms. Members are weighing costs, ease of use, security, and the amount of technical support each option needs. What does your organization use to manage board documents and meetings, and what would you recommend to another ministry looking for a simple, reliable solution?
Read moreServices
A Pro When You Need One
The professionals listed in our Professional Associates Directory provide services to charities and practice in four general areas: law, accounting, insurance, and consulting.
CCCC Benediction
Curtis Towns, Director of Operations
May the Lord provide you with the support you need in this season. May he bless you with the wisdom and resources to make decisions and carry out the good work he has put before you. May your soul be stirred with excitement as you get a front row seat to see what he does through you and your ministry.
Contact Details
Canadian Centre for Christian Charities
PO Box 335 STN Waterloo
Waterloo, ON N2J 4A4
(519) 669-5137
