The Church In The North (CITN) podcast brings you thoughtful, sometimes humorous, conversations with church leaders from north of the 49th parallel. We share the untold stories of ministry practitioners who God is using in diverse settings - from rural Saskatchewan to urban Vancouver, from the outskirts of Winnipeg to the rocky shores of Halifax. We’re listening and learning to what God is doing in and through the church in our current cultural moment. Contact us at [email protected]
…
continue reading

1
Creation Care, Intercultural Ministry, and the Lausanne Congress with Joel Zantingh
1:39:32
1:39:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:39:32We've heard about the Lausanne Congress, but why should we care? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Joel Zantingh about the recent Lausanne Congress in Seoul, Korea. They also discuss the relevance of creation care and the impact of diaspora people groups on the Canadian Church. Joel is the Director of Engagement for the Lausanne Movement Cana…
…
continue reading

1
A Conversation with Future Ministry Leaders: Emily Welty, Karly Traub, and Lincoln Funk
56:09
56:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:09In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Emily Welty, Karly Traub, and Lincoln Funk about the future of church leadership. They also discuss ministry pathways, the effects of our current cultural moment on Christian youth, and the impacts of Briercrest on their futures in ministry. @karly.traub is from Port Coquitlam, BC and in her fourth year of a …
…
continue reading

1
Mentorship, Discipleship, and Pastoral Formation with Kesavan Balasingham
1:39:32
1:39:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:39:32In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Kesevan Balasingham about building a disciple-making culture. They also discuss the importance of mentorship and unique ministry opportunities in greater Toronto. Kesevan Balasingham is a Pastor at Fellowship Rouge Park Church, in Scarborough, ON. For more information about Fellowship Church Rouge Park visit …
…
continue reading

1
Building a Multiethnic Church with Cal Fong
1:29:31
1:29:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:29:31In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Cal Fong about the importance of next-gen ministries to church growth. They also discuss intercultural ministry, outreach to immigrant families, and Cal's unique ministry journey. Cal Fong is the teaching and equipping pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon, SK. For more information about Ebenezer Bap…
…
continue reading

1
The Power of Community Outreach with Dallas and Leah Beutler
1:23:33
1:23:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:23:33In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Dallas and Leah Beutler about inner-city outreach. They also discuss church co-leadership, pastoral burnout, and keeping Christ central in ministry. Dallas and Leah Beutler are the Lead Pastors at The Rock Church in Saskatoon, SK. For more information about The Rock Church, visit https://trcyxe.ca/ In the Pre…
…
continue reading

1
Creating a Culture Of Prayer and Generosity with Phil Kniesel
1:14:13
1:14:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:13In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Phil Kniesel about the power of support from other leaders in ministry. They also discuss financial stewardship for missions, personal devotionals, and creating a culture of prayer. Phil Kniesel is the Lead Pastor of Hope City Church in Edmonton, AB. For more about Hope City, visit https://hopecity.ca/ In th…
…
continue reading

1
AI, Apologetics, and Viral Debates with Andy Steiger
1:45:09
1:45:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:45:09In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Andy Steiger about Apologetics Canada's gospel-centred approach to reaching lost people. They also discuss AI's role in ministry (or lack thereof), the unique opportunity of reaching next-gen through apologetics, and the recent virality of Apologetics Canada's podcast (with a nod to Wes Huff). Andy Steiger i…
…
continue reading

1
Missional Engagement and Close Proximity Multi-site Campuses with Todd Petkau
1:12:37
1:12:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:37Why would a church plant multisite campuses in the same neighbourhood and within walking distance? In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Todd Petkau about his church's unique multi-site model. They also discuss his journey to vocational ministry, church governance, missional philosophy, and catechism programs. Todd is the Lead Pastor of Riverwoo…
…
continue reading

1
Building a Leadership Development Culture with Sam Romijn
1:27:56
1:27:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:56Can local churches intentionally grow their own ministry leaders? In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Sam Romijn about nurturing a leadership development culture in the local church. They also discuss his surprising journey into senior pastoral leadership, local outreach, and multisite church. San is the Lead Pastor of Coquitlam Alliance Churc…
…
continue reading

1
Embracing Diversity in the Church with Terry Sanderson
1:12:44
1:12:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:44What happens when a pastor uproots his life, late in his career, to embrace a new community and culture? In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Terry Sanderson about his ministry journey from St. Louis to Toronto and how his community navigated the challenges of rapid church growth in a few years. They also discuss the church's commitment to inte…
…
continue reading

1
Discoveries from Leaders at the Pipeline Symposium - Part 2
54:45
54:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:45How do we confront the Canadian clergy shortage crisis? On November 18-20, over fifty ministry leaders gathered from across Canada at Muskoka Woods Camp for the first-ever Pipeline Symposium. Many invitations were sent out, and some couldn't attend, but there was a strong representation of denominational, academic, parachurch, and local church lead…
…
continue reading

1
Discoveries from Leaders at the Pipeline Symposium - Part 1
49:41
49:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:41How do we confront the Canadian clergy shortage crisis? On November 18-20, over fifty ministry leaders gathered from across Canada at Muskoka Woods Camp for the first-ever Pipeline Symposium. Many invitations were sent out, and some couldn't attend, but there was a strong representation of denominational, academic, parachurch, and local church lead…
…
continue reading

1
Alpha, Emerging Generations, and Leadership with Shaila Visser
1:22:58
1:22:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:58With rising digital distraction and pastoral shortages, is the church prepared to reach emerging generations? In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Shaila Visser about the remarkable growth of the Alpha program and its impact on youth ministry. They explore insights from recent research on emerging generations, highlighting the significant spiri…
…
continue reading

1
Military Chaplaincy and Co-vocational Ministry with Jason Mills
1:05:17
1:05:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:17In this episode of CITN, Rob Chartrand interviewed Jason Mills, Dean of Briercrest Seminary. This in-house guest talked about his journey from Church ministry, to chaplaincy and teaching, and how God's calling for his life has led him on a ministry journey across Canada. Rob and Jason discuss chaplaincy and the position's unique opportunity to conn…
…
continue reading

1
Learning from a Colombian Church Planter with Hernando Munoz
1:29:58
1:29:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:29:58Newcomers are arriving to Canada from around the world, including Latin America. What is God up to? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Hernando Munoz about his adventures in church planting in both Toronto and Calgary. We talk about the unique intercultural model of First Alliance Church as well as how God is at work in Latin America - and what…
…
continue reading

1
Planting the Gospel in East Vancouver with Jake LeFave
55:53
55:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:53Sometimes, God takes our well-laid plans and turns them upside down for his glory. In this episode of CITN, we speak with Jake LeFave about church planting during a time of global disruption. We explore the heart-realities that ministry leaders wrestle with, the surprise of God's gracious redirection, and the challenges of planting the gospel in Ea…
…
continue reading

1
Move-In and the Canadian Missional Awakening with Nigel Paul
1:24:26
1:24:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:26What happens when regular Christians move in among the unreached, urban poor? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Nigel Paul about a missional movement of people who are moving into some of the most challenging neighbourhoods across Canada (and around the world). We also discuss the challenge of leading a movement while staying invested in your …
…
continue reading

1
Truth and Reconciliation and Canada's Indigenous Peoples with Howard Jolly
1:16:15
1:16:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:15Why should churches be paying attention to National Truth and Reconciliation Day? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Howard Jolly about his journey into pastoral ministry. We also discuss the challenges and dreams he has for Canadian Indigenous churches. Howard is the Executive Director of Indigenous Alliance Churches of Canada. You can support…
…
continue reading

1
Intentional Leadership Pathways for Youth Ministries with Chris Whitelaw
57:39
57:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:39Why are young people no longer pursuing careers in ministry? This week on the podcast, we have an in-studio conversation with Rob, Geoff, and Kaitlin, PLUS our guest Chris Whitelaw, Youth Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton. Together they explore some of the causes of the shortage of young workers, both culturally and within the church. Th…
…
continue reading

1
Co-Pastoring, Mergers, and Multi-Site with Brandon and Emma Richardson
1:28:17
1:28:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:28:17How do you lead through successive seasons of rapid change? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Brandon and Emma Richardsons about church planting, growth, mergers, and multi-site. We also discuss co-pastoring as a couple and navigating family in ministry. Brandon and Emma are the founding planters of SLATE Church and Co-Pastors of BASE Church i…
…
continue reading

1
Helping Women in Prostitution Find Purpose with Jacquie Meyer
57:31
57:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:31Is human trafficking an overseas problem or a Canadian problem? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Jacquie Meyer about the stigma surrounding women trapped in prostitution and addiction. We also discuss the challenges of leading a growing organization and staying healthy in an intense ministry environment. Jacquie is the founder and Executive D…
…
continue reading

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Roger Reid
1:01:50
1:01:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:50What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part seven of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Roger Reid, Youth Specialist with Hillside Church in Moncton, NB. There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of co-hosts to…
…
continue reading

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Chet Kennedy
53:44
53:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:44What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part six of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Chet Kennedy, the Student Ministries Team Lead at First Alliance Church in Calgary, AB. There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our…
…
continue reading

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Grover Bradford
1:03:29
1:03:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:29What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part five of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Grover Bradford, Discipleship Pastor with Heritage Christian Academy in Calgary, AB. There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our t…
…
continue reading

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Sid Koop
1:01:19
1:01:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:19What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part four of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Sid Koop, the Executive Director with Youth Worker Community. There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of co-hosts to retu…
…
continue reading

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Cecil Rast
58:02
58:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:02What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part three of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Cecil Rast, the Metro Vancouver East Regional Director with Youth Unlimited. There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of …
…
continue reading

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Mark Mowbray
54:23
54:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:23What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part two of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Mark Mowbray, the Senior High & Young Adult Pastor at Bramalea Baptist Church in Brampton, ON. There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can exp…
…
continue reading

1
Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Terry Friesen
1:24:35
1:24:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:24:35What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For Part One of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Terry Friesen, the Youth Minister at West Portal Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff bid farewell to Dan at his final pre-sho…
…
continue reading

1
Planting a Church and Moving On with Matt Naismith
1:25:16
1:25:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:16Do church planters always stay in the church they've planted? In this episode, we talk with Matt Naismith about following God's call to plant a church and then following God's lead to transition into a new ministry. We also discuss missional communities, ministry in southern Ontario, and his podcast "The Sowers." Matt is the Church Planting Catalys…
…
continue reading

1
Women in Ministry, Discerning God's Calling, and Spiritual Health with Michelle Dwyer
1:12:51
1:12:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:12:51How are you going to lead as a woman? This question was asked of Michelle Dwyer when she applied to become the lead pastor of her church. We discuss her answer on this episode of CITN. We also talk about spiritual and emotional health in ministry, discerning God's call, and emerging generations. Michelle is the Lead Pastor of Westlife Church in Cal…
…
continue reading

1
The Canadian Clergy Shortage - An In-Studio Conversation with Rob, Geoff, and Daniel
52:38
52:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:38What can be done about the Canadian clergy crisis? This week on the podcast, we have an in-studio conversation with Rob, Geoff, and Daniel Markin (Director of Marketing at Briercrest) about a recent article posted in Faith Today by Rick Hiemstra, "Waking Up to the Pastor Shortage." He predicts that Canadian evangelical churches will need to recruit…
…
continue reading

1
Planting the Gospel in Quebec with Maxime Cauchon
1:03:04
1:03:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:04Quebec has been resistant to the gospel for decades - and for good reason. What might it cost the church to change that? In this episode, we talk with Maxime Cauachon about multiplying church planting movements in Quebec. We also discuss co-vocational ministry and the necessity for innovation when faced with scarcity. Maxime is the Lead Pastor of L…
…
continue reading

1
Refugee Sponsorship and Canadian South Asian Churches with Joel David
1:13:13
1:13:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:13South Asians are the largest visible minority group in Canada. So who is reaching them with the gospel? In this episode, we talk with Joel David about his journey to Canada to pastor a church for South Asian Canadians. We also discuss refugee sponsorship, second-generation Canadians, and the unique challenges of reaching people from South Asia. Joe…
…
continue reading

1
Resilient Disciples and Resilient Leaders with Chris McGregor
1:22:46
1:22:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:22:46Resiliency is a cultural problem and a church problem. What can we do? In this episode, we talk with Chris McGregor about planting and growing a church in Montreal. We also discuss the challenges of forming resilient disciples. Chris is the Lead Pastor of City Church in Montreal, QC. For more information about Chris or his church visit https://city…
…
continue reading

1
Who Needs Apologetics? with Tim Barnett
1:30:55
1:30:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:30:55Who needs apologetics? Isn't the Bible enough? In this episode, we talk with Tim Barnett about his journey from a high school teacher to a professional apologist. We also discuss the changing face of apologetics and the need for apologetics in Canadian churches. Tim works with Stand to Reason and manages his own YouTube channel, Red Pen Logic. For …
…
continue reading

1
Theological Education in the Church with Cody Matchett
1:25:33
1:25:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:33Does theological education belong in the academy or the church? As we consider clergy shortages across the country, will our traditional structures of ministry training be sufficient to fulfill this need? In this episode, we talk with Cody Matchett about how his church is seeking to bring theological education to its members. We also discuss the fu…
…
continue reading

1
Location, Space, and Mission with Brad Moffat
1:15:52
1:15:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:52Some say church buildings don't matter - until they affect their mission. In this episde, we talk with Brad Moffat about the unique design and location of his church building and how it forced them to think creatively about mission and multiplication. Brad is the Lead Pastor of McKenzie Towne Church in Calgary, AB. To connect with Brad or learn mor…
…
continue reading

1
AI, Technology, and Resurrection Sunday with Rob, Dan, and Geoff.
1:00:21
1:00:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:21Should pastors be talking with their congregations about AI? This week on the podcast we have an in-studio conversation with Rob, Geoff, and Dan about AI and Easter planning. The conversation is philosophical, theological, and also practical. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please e…
…
continue reading

1
The Church, Evangelicalism, and MAID with David Guretzki, Part 2
54:19
54:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:19Why should churches care about medical assistance in dying (MAID)? This is the second of a two-part interview with David Guretzki, the President and CEO of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC). We discuss Canadian Evangelicalism, theology, and culture. To learn more about EFC, visit www.evangelicalfellowship.ca. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and…
…
continue reading

1
The Church, Evangelicalism, and Culture with David Guretzki, Part 1
55:20
55:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:20Should we stop using the term evangelical? This is the first of a two-part interview with David Guretzki, the President and CEO of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC). We discuss Canadian Evangelicalism, theology, and culture. To learn more about EFC, visit www.evangelicalfellowship.ca. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff are back together …
…
continue reading
When culture blurs the line between men and women, should churches do the same? In this episode, we talk with Jody Cross about his transition from being a worship pastor for more than thirty years, to becoming a lead pastor. We discover how his church's emphasis on discipling men has benefited everyone. Jody is the Lead Pastor of Southshore Bible C…
…
continue reading

1
Are Big Churches Just Big Shows? with Dustin Funk
1:14:52
1:14:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:14:52Mega-churches have gotten a lot of bad press lately, but is it fair to judge every large church for the mistakes of a few? In this episode, we talk with Dustin Funk about his church's growth over multiple decades and how God has used it to reach lost people. We also learn about his calling and the church's unique origin story as an ethnic Italian c…
…
continue reading

1
Why Plant Churches? with Daryl Molyneaux and Johnny Thiessen
1:13:13
1:13:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:13Why are we planting churches when so many pulpits are vacant and so many churches are closing? In this episode, we talk with Daryl Molyneaux and Johnny Thiessen about planting churches in Canada. We also talk about calling and the uniqueness of the Canadian context. Daryl and Johnny are with SEND Calgary, helping to catalyze church plants. For more…
…
continue reading

1
Welcoming the Foreigner, Feeding the Hungry, and Loving the City with Daycee Richardson
1:25:54
1:25:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:54What's the difference between loving a city and wanting to love a city? In this episode, we talk with Daycee Richardson about mobilizing the church for justice and compassion. We discuss her unique pastoral role of "Community Advocate" and how her church has been welcoming New Canadians, partnering with community agencies, feeding the hungry, and b…
…
continue reading

1
Leading and Leaning Into God Through Life's Great Disruptions with Jon Stairs
1:20:57
1:20:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:57Sometimes life has a way of blowing up our plans - especially in ministry. In this episode, we talk with Jon Stairs and hear about a devastating disruption his church faced - just thirteen days after he became the lead pastor. We learn a lot about dependency on God, leadership, and doing the right thing, even when it's hard. Jon is the Lead Pastor …
…
continue reading

1
Discerning God's Call and Transitioning Churches with Kyle Harnett
1:25:52
1:25:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:25:52Hearing God's voice is hard - it's even harder when you have the wrong mindset. In this episode, we talk with Kyle Harnett about his transition process from leading a small, nimble multiplying church plant to leading a very large church. We also discuss spiritual renewal and mobilizing the church for mission. Kyle is the Lead Pastor of Foothills Al…
…
continue reading

1
Why Should Anybody Pastor a Rural Church? with Phil Houston
1:02:33
1:02:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:33Rural churches are everywhere, but who should lead one? In this episode, we talk with Phil Houston about the learning (and unlearning) that took place when he began pastoring a rural church. We also talk about the challenges of finding rural pastors and ministry strategies in an agrarian environment. Phil is the Lead Pastor of Park Avenue Bible Chu…
…
continue reading

1
Church Reconciliation and Indigenous Peoples in Thunder Bay with Milissa Ewing
1:34:31
1:34:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:34:31When your church and your community both need healing, where do you begin? In this episode, we talk with Milissa Ewing about leadership challenges in a church wrestling with past abuse in a city marked with a bad reputation. We also discuss women in ministry, Indigenous leadership, and gospel contextualization. Milissa is the Lead Pastor of Redwood…
…
continue reading

1
Where Have All the Evangelists Gone? with Bill Hogg
1:41:33
1:41:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:41:33Why are we losing our evangelistic pulse in local churches? In this episode, we talk with Bill Hogg about the disappearance of evangelists and the pressing need to fan into flame gospel potency and evangelistic giftings in local churches. Bill is the National Director of Message Canada and Lead for Advance Canada. To connect with Bill or to learn m…
…
continue reading

1
Advent, Evangelicalism, and Tradition with Dean Pinter
1:13:13
1:13:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:13Is Advent something worth celebrating or is it a dead tradition? In this episode, Rob talks with Rev. Dr. Dean Pinter about Advent, liturgy, Evangelicalism, and church tradition. Father Dean is the Rector of St. Aidan Anglican Church in Moose Jaw, SK. In the podcast, he references two authors: Malcolm Guite and Stephen Cherry (Barefoot Ways). For m…
…
continue reading