History
The history of Focus on the Family Canada
Six years after Focus on the Family began in the U.S., strong interest north of the border sparked the humble beginnings of Focus on the Family Canada. Keen insight and the ability to respond to the unique needs of the Canadian family fuelled the rapid growth of Focus Canada into an independent partner in one of the largest family ministries in the world.
With God’s grace, families across the country have turned to us – for generations! We regularly hear from people who grew up on Adventures in Odyssey and the Focus on the Family daily broadcast, and are now raising their kids with the same resources and support. When families are built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, they are equipped to weather life’s storms and thrive.
The founder of Focus on the Family
James C. Dobson, PhD, is founder and chairman emeritus of Focus on the Family. As founder, Dr. Dobson's vision and philosophical perspectives shaped Focus on the Family at its inception and supplied the impetus for its outreach for the first three decades of its existence. In 2009, Dr. Dobson retired from Focus on the Family and started a new radio ministry called Family Talk.
Timeline
1977 — Focus on the Family’s first broadcast
1982 — First Focus on the Family broadcast airs in Canada
1983 — Focus on the Family Canada’s one-room office opens in Vancouver, BC
1986 — Geoff Still appointed first Focus Canada president
1987 — Adventures in Odyssey begins. Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines are launched
1995 — Bruce Gordon is appointed second Focus Canada president
1997 — Focus on the Family Canada website is launched
1998 — Dr. Darrel Reid is appointed third Focus Canada president
2000 — Focus on the Family Canada’s office moves to Langley, BC
2003 — Clergy Care Network begins
2004 — Terence Rolston is appointed fourth Focus Canada president
2005 — The Truth Project is released. Jim Daly becomes president of Focus on the Family in the U.S.
2007 — First cross-country Parenting Matters tour kicks off with Dr. Tim Kimmel
2008 — Ministry to francophone families begins. Kerith Retreats’ Alberta centre established
2009 — Thriving Family (now Focus on the Family) magazine begins publication
2010 — Kids of Integrity website launched
2011 — Grand opening of new Langley, BC, head office. Waiting to Belong initiative begins. End the Wait tour with Steven Curtis Chapman
2012 — First annual Together for Adoption Canada conference is held
2013 — Focus on Marriage 2013 tour with Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. Together for Adoption Canada conference
2014 — Irreplaceable sells out theatres across the country. The Family Project launches. Kerith Retreats’ Manitoba centre opens
2015 — Together for Adoption Canada conference. The Drop Box sells out theatres across Canada
2015–2016 — A Lifelong Love marriage tour with Gary Thomas
2016 — Together for Adoption Canada conference
2017 — Brio magazine relaunches. Marriage tour with Gary Thomas. Date Night Comedy Tour. Marriage tour with Gary Chapman. Together for Adoption Canada conference with Ann Voskamp. Mully released in theatres across Canada
2018 — Hope Restored marriage intensive program officially launches in Canada (Alberta / Manitoba). Launch of Marriage Enrichment Events and Conferences. Piloted Focus on the Family Broadcast on television
2019 — National marriage survey conducted
2020 — Hope Restored launched in Ontario
2021 — Jean-Paul Beran is appointed fifth Focus Canada president
Our global offices
In addition to Focus on the Family Canada, there are 12 associate offices established around the world. Together with these global ministry partners, Focus on the Family provides programs and services to strengthen families in 60 different countries, with the daily broadcast reaching 120 nations!
Focus Famille
Live in Canada but speak French? Our French ministry, Focus Famille, would love to connect with you!
Learn more