Who We Are

In December 1987, Pastors Cameron and Margaret Ogilvie stepped out in faith and acquired this church building with a vision: to see it filled with people who love the Lord and to see the entire town of Oliver transformed by His love.

In 2020, Pastor Margaret entrusted the leadership of the church to Pastors Wade and Laura Potten, who now carry that vision forward as the next generation of leadership. Their heart is to see children, families, and individuals grow in Christ and discover the joy of serving. They believe church is more than a place to attend it’s a community where every member uses their God-given gifts and actively participates as part of the body of Christ. 

Oliver Word of Life is a church where families encounter Jesus, grow in God's Word, and experience family life through the love of Jesus Christ.

What We Believe

One True God
Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 43:11, and Matthew 28:19

Scriptures Inspired
2 Timothy 3:15-17

Deity of Jesus Christ
Matthew 1:23

Original Sin and Fall of Man
Romans 3:23-26

Salvation by Faith
Ephesians 2:8-9

The New Man in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10, and 2 Peter 1:4

Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:1-4

Divine Healing
Matthew 8:16-17

Church + The Body of Christ
Ephesians 1:22-23

Human Value
Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 22:39, Romans 13:8-10

Gender Identity
Genesis 1:27, 5:1-2, Psalm 139:13-16, 1 Corinthians 7:24

Marriage and Sexuality
Genesis 2:24, Hebrews 13:4, Matthew 19:4-6

Water Baptism
Mark 16:16

Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 11:23-31

The Blessed Hope
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Romans 11:27, Titus 2:13

The Final Judgment
Matthew 25:46, Mark 9:43-48, Revelation 19:20; 20:11-15; 21:8

The Body of Christ
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 
1 Corinthians 12:27

Using Spiritual Gifts
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”  Romans 12:6

Equipping the Saints
“…to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” 
Ephesians 4:12

The Great Commission
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” 
Matthew 28:19

Love in Action
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 
1 John 3:18

Our Story

Wade was raised in the Fraser Valley, and Laura grew up in the beautiful Outaouais region of Quebec. They met in Victoria, BC, and have been married for almost 20 years.

Together, Wade and Laura are passionate about helping people learn and grow in the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Blessed with six amazing children, they believe deeply in marriage, the value of children, and the importance of families rooted in God’s Word.

Today, they serve as the Lead Pastors of Oliver Word of Life, and Wade also serves as Chaplain for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 97 – Oliver.

A family of ten standing outdoors on a sunny day, dressed in blue and white clothing, smiling with a green hedge and blue sky in the background.

You Are Welcome Here!

We would love to meet you!  Whether you’ve been following Jesus for years or are just beginning to explore faith, there’s a place for you at Oliver Word of Life.