Capital City Church began with a simple but powerful calling. In 1999, Pastors Mike and Lynda Welch moved from Guelph to Ottawa with a mission to bring new life to a struggling church.
On their very first Sunday, meeting in a movie theatre, only 12 people were in attendance. But with faith, vision, and a deep dependence on God, the church began to grow. What started in a theatre soon moved into a storefront in the heart of the city, where God continued to open doors and expand the vision.
During those early years, Pastor Mike felt led by God to purchase land in the east end of Ottawa — a step that seemed impossible at the time. Yet through unwavering faith, generosity, and perseverance, Capital City Church was built beam by beam. In February 2005, CCC celebrated its very first service in the building we now call home.
For over two decades, Pastors Mike and Lynda faithfully led the church and became known for their passionate faith, love for people, and dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit. Through their ministry, countless lives have been impacted through salvation, healing, restoration, and breakthrough. Today, Pastors Mike and Lynda Welch serve as Founding Pastors.
On January 1, 2026, leadership officially transitioned to Lead Pastors Bryan and Melissa Paré. As the daughter of Mike and Lynda, Melissa carries a deep personal connection to the history, heart, and vision of Capital City Church, representing the continuation of a multi-generational legacy of faith.
Together, Bryan and Melissa are passionate about building a healthy, Spirit-filled church where every generation can encounter Jesus, discover purpose, and feel at home. Their vision is to create a church culture marked by authentic community, strong biblical teaching, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and a heart for the city of Ottawa.
While leadership has transitioned, the heart of Capital City Church remains the same: to love God, love people, and see lives transformed through the power of Jesus Christ.