WINNIPEG, MB—The winners of a contest to identify the best Christian places to work in Canada were unveiled September 29 at the annual conference of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC).

"CCCC is pleased to honour these organizations whose employees have affirmed their role as model employers," says executive director John Pellowe. "We believe Christian ministries should be model workplaces and this survey encourages organizations continue to strive for excellence."

The contest is jointly sponsored by the CCCC, the Bridgeway Foundation and the Best Christian Workplaces Institute, which administered it.

In his successful business career, Best Christian Workplaces Institute founder Al Lopus learned that healthy companies tend to be wealthy companies. And he insists the same basic principle applies in Christian workplaces. "Healthy ministries are fruitful ministries," he says.

The following organizations (in alphabetical order) received awards:

Bethesda Christian Association’s primary mission is to care for individuals with disabilities and their families in British Columbia. Some 320 employees and 369 employees enable BCA to support 240 individuals and families. (www.bethesdabc.com)

The Bible League of Canada seeks to connect with people throughout the world who need God’s word. The group works "to provide Scriptures and training worldwide that bring persons prepared by the Holy Spirit into the fellowship of Christ and His Church." (www.thebibleleague.ca)

Centre Street Church in Calgary exists to introduce people to Jesus and to help them become fully devoted followers of Him.

The large congregation, which highlights small group gatherings and community outreach, recently moved into a brand new building. (www.centrestreetchurch.ab.ca)

Christian Direction in Montreal works with churches to seek "spiritual transformation by Jesus Christ of all of life in the cities of Québec and the francophone world." They are active in many areas of life including the public education system and business world. (www.direction.ca)

Compassion Canada is committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus name. Ministries address a wide range of spiritual, social, emotional, psychological, physical, mental, economic and educational issues affecting children. (www.compassion.ca)

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada is a national association aiming to bring Christians together for greater impact in mission, ministry and witness. It seeks to connect churches, encourage leaders and represent Christian perspectives in public life. (www.evangelicalfellowship.ca)

The Free Methodist Church in Canada is a denomination representing 130 churches spread between Vancouver to Montreal. It aims to see healthy churches within the reach of all people in Canada and beyond. (www.fmc-canada.org)

Muskoka Woods is a Christian, interdenominational, non-profit sports resort in Rousseau, Ontario. It welcomes youth of any race or creed, and is an ideal setting for life-changing, fun-filled adventure. (www.muskokawoods.com)

The Scott Mission is a non-denominational Christian agency providing a wide range of ministries for poor, homeless, needy families, shut-ins, children and youth in downtown Toronto. They aim to bring physical, spiritual and emotional wholeness to those who seek their help. (www.scottmission.com)

SIM Canada is mission agency working to plant, strengthen and partner with churches around the world through a wide variety of evangelism, compassion, discipling and equipping ministries. (www.sim.ca)