About the Baptist faith tradition
Baptists are Christian people who share beliefs about God and mankind’s relationship to Him. We believe the Bible is God’s authoritative word to us, and that Jesus is the only hope for a lost and broken world. We also subscribe to a theology of believer’s baptism (as opposed to infant baptism), salvation through faith alone, Scripture alone as the rule of faith and practice, and the autonomy of the local church. In Canada, there are several Baptist churches and groups who associate voluntarily with each other for common causes. These include the Canadian National Baptist Convention and the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada.
At UBC, we offer several ways for you to interact with and discuss the Bible, learn about Jesus, and find hope in your individual situation. University is a great time to explore what you believe and ask your questions about God and what differences He can make in your life. Baptist chaplains are available to support you in this journey, and provide a safe atmosphere where you can wrestle with the big questions and grow your personal faith. Our groups are open to everyone, so you do not have to be a Baptist to participate.
Our beliefs
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God and without error, and that they are our supreme and final authority in faith and life. We believe in one God, the Creator, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary—100% God and man.
We believe that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual life to all believers, enabling them to understand Biblical truth, empowering them for godly living, and equipping them for service and witness.
We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His divine image; that they sinned resulting in the spiritual, physical, and emotional fall of humanity. We believe that all people by their own decisions have chosen to sin and thereby stand guilty before God and are in need of a Saviour.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitution sacrifice. We believe that all who by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God.
We believe that every person from every language, tribe and nation, is valuable and loved by God, who offers special privileges and gifts to anyone who puts their faith in His Son, Jesus.
Meet the chaplains
Craig O’Brien
Craig is glad to be part of the UBC campus community sharing life with students. Students are the heartbeat of the community. They bring their energy, ambitions, and passions to life at UBC. During his own university years, Craig remembers enjoying the opportunities available to him while also feeling some anxiety as he explored what to study and what to aim his life at. He found himself asking questions like, “What vision of success is going to shape my life?” In the process of discovery, he changed majors several times, used the summers as a way of exploring possible vocations, and talked a lot with friends and mentors about the future.
While it is important to learn about oneself, Craig also discovered he needed something more. Through these transitions he began to entrust himself to Jesus Christ and to explore the implications of life with Him in all relationships. His childhood faith began to change, expand, and mature. His earnest desire is for others to know the joy of having purpose and living loved in a relationship with God.
Craig obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Speech Communications from the University of Georgia in 1990. He later received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993 and then his Doctor of Ministry from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in 2003.
You can reach Craig by emailing pastorcraigobrien@gmail.com, or by calling 604 644 3961.
Suzanne Perry
Since 2006, Suzanne Perry has served as a Chaplain and International Student Minister at UBC, helping people in the international community on campus adjust to life in Canada. She also encourages students who are searching for God. Suzanne is happy to welcome new international students to UBC. She recognizes moving to a new country requires great courage and she holds a great deal of admiration for the brave students who have chosen to study abroad. English Corner is one of the groups she organizes, along with other special interest groups. Some of which are religious in nature, some are not. Everyone is welcome!
To register for English Corner, email speakinglisteningexploring@gmail.com.
Suzanne’s bachelor’s degree is in Human Resources Counseling: Specialization in Services to the Deaf (1992). Ten years later, she followed the call to pursue an international ministry career and enrolled in the Southwestern Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity (MDivBL) degree.
You can reach Suzanne by emailing suzanneperry.ca@gmail.com, or by calling 604 839 0484.
Susan Guo
Susan was born in China (fluent in Mandarin) and immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of 10. While she was striving to find meaning and happiness in achievements, relationships and material things, she experienced guilt, shame, fear and hopelessness. Susan’s life was transformed in her third year of university when she heard the good news of Jesus and received Him as her personal Lord and Savior. She began to experience God’s unfailing love, abundant grace, unexplainable peace, and living hope.
Susan obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Energy and Environmental Engineering from the University of Calgary in 2019. During her three years of working in the engineering field, God stirred within her a holy discontentment for her job and a deep longing for young adults to meet Jesus and experience transformation. In 2022, Susan committed herself to a new role where she can meet students where they are. She enjoys listening to people’s stories and walking with them in their faith journey amidst the realities of everyday life. Susan delights in gathering people around the table to share food and do life together – and there is a seat for you!
You are invited and welcome to connect with Susan by emailing shushanguo@gmail.com, or by calling 403 869 9368.
Services and events
- For the latest updates on all services, gathering, Bible studies and volunteer opportunities, please refer to the Origin Church linktree. You can also learn more about Origin Church and Born for More.
- English Corner conversation group meets weekly. Visit the English Corner at UBC Facebook page or email speakinglisteningexploring@gmail.com to register or for more information.