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 podcast@churchinthenorth.ca
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Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Roger Reid
1:01:50
1:01:50
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What 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…
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Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Chet Kennedy
53:44
53:44
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What 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…
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Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Grover Bradford
1:03:29
1:03:29
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What 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…
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Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Sid Koop
1:01:19
1:01:19
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What 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…
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Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Cecil Rast
58:02
58:02
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58:02
What 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 …
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Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Mark Mowbray
54:23
54:23
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What 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…
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Learning From The Old Youth Guys with Terry Friesen
1:24:35
1:24:35
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What 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…
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Planting a Church and Moving On with Matt Naismith
1:25:16
1:25:16
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Do 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…
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Women in Ministry, Discerning God's Calling, and Spiritual Health with Michelle Dwyer
1:12:51
1:12:51
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How 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…
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The Canadian Clergy Shortage - An In-Studio Conversation with Rob, Geoff, and Daniel
52:38
52:38
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What 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…
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Planting the Gospel in Quebec with Maxime Cauchon
1:03:04
1:03:04
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Quebec 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…
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Refugee Sponsorship and Canadian South Asian Churches with Joel David
1:13:13
1:13:13
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South 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…
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Resilient Disciples and Resilient Leaders with Chris McGregor
1:22:46
1:22:46
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Resiliency 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…
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Who Needs Apologetics? with Tim Barnett
1:30:55
1:30:55
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Who 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 …
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Theological Education in the Church with Cody Matchett
1:25:33
1:25:33
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Does 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…
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Location, Space, and Mission with Brad Moffat
1:15:52
1:15:52
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Some 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…
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AI, Technology, and Resurrection Sunday with Rob, Dan, and Geoff.
1:00:21
1:00:21
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Should 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…
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The Church, Evangelicalism, and MAID with David Guretzki, Part 2
54:19
54:19
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Why 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…
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The Church, Evangelicalism, and Culture with David Guretzki, Part 1
55:20
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Should 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 …
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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…
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Are Big Churches Just Big Shows? with Dustin Funk
1:14:52
1:14:52
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Mega-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…
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Why Plant Churches? with Daryl Molyneaux and Johnny Thiessen
1:13:13
1:13:13
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Why 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…
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Welcoming the Foreigner, Feeding the Hungry, and Loving the City with Daycee Richardson
1:25:54
1:25:54
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What'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…
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Leading and Leaning Into God Through Life's Great Disruptions with Jon Stairs
1:20:57
1:20:57
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Sometimes 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 …
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Discerning God's Call and Transitioning Churches with Kyle Harnett
1:25:52
1:25:52
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Hearing 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…
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Why Should Anybody Pastor a Rural Church? with Phil Houston
1:02:33
1:02:33
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Rural 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…
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Church Reconciliation and Indigenous Peoples in Thunder Bay with Milissa Ewing
1:34:31
1:34:31
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When 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…
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Where Have All the Evangelists Gone? with Bill Hogg
1:41:33
1:41:33
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Why 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…
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Advent, Evangelicalism, and Tradition with Dean Pinter
1:13:13
1:13:13
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Is 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…
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Why Plant a Church in Halifax? with Chad McDonald
1:13:28
1:13:28
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Is Eastern Canada hard soil for church planting? In this episode, we talk with Chad MacDonald about his first year planting a church in Halifax, Nova Scotia and how he received a little help from south of the border. We also discuss strategic church planting and his church plant's unique team structure. Chad MacDonald is a pastor from Port City Chu…
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The Cost of Multiplying Leaders and Churches with Mark Burch
1:22:21
1:22:21
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Are we seeing a shift in how we train future ministry leaders? In this episode, we talk with Mark Burch and discover how his church is investing a significant portion of its budget toward leadership development and church multiplication. We discuss church planting, gospel contextualization, and the future of theological training for pastors. Mark i…
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The State of Youth Ministry in Post-Covid Canada with Sid Koop
1:30:57
1:30:57
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Are we seeing the end of youth ministries in Canada, or is God up to something? In this episode, we talk to Sid Koop about the current state of youth ministry after Covid. We discuss the importance of youth worker training, the uptick in youth conferences, and the challenges of helping youth form Christ-centred identities. Sid is the Executive Dire…
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Rural Multi-site, Reconciliation, and Resiliency with Nathan Weselake
1:27:13
1:27:13
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Rural churches are disappearing and should we rely on standard models to rejuvenate them? In our conversation with Nathan Weselake, we uncover an alternative approach to reaching and growing disciples in rural communities. We also discuss his church's journey of reconciliation with First Nations communities and how to stay healthy while in ministry…
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Persecution, Prayer, and Planting Ethnic Churches with Nahom Okbatensae.
1:17:55
1:17:55
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Does our cultural infatuation with safety and security hinder the gospel? Nahom Okbatensae takes us to school as we hear about his flight from persecution in Eritrea, to his arrival in Canada to his church planting journey. We also discover his church's passion for prayer and approach to keeping the next generation in the faith. Nahom is the Lead P…
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The Adventure of Prayer and Church Renewal with Phil Collins.
1:17:42
1:17:42
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Ministry isn't just hard; it's impossible apart from God. In this episode, we talk to Phil Collins about his adventurous hiking excursions, prayer retreats, and church renewal. We also discuss multi-site and the intersection between counselling education and pastoral leadership. Phil is the Lead Pastor of Willow Park Church in Kelowna, BC. For more…
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Disciple-making, Emerging Adults, and University Campuses with Robin Wallar
1:17:26
1:17:26
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Not all emerging adults are deconstructing or done with faith. In this episode, we explore growing disciple-making movements and church plants on Canadian university campuses. Robin Wallar is the Lead Pastor of LIFT Church in the Toronto/Hamilton region. He leads a multiplying, disciple-making, multisite church that spans six different university c…
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The Significance of the Small Church with Ron Baker
1:13:13
1:13:13
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Are bigger churches better than smaller churches? In this episode, we talk to Ron Baker about the significance of smaller churches and the implications of the recent EFC "Significant Church" study. Ron is the Director of the Canadian Small Church Ministry Centre. Find out more on his website, www.cscmc.ca, where you will discover links to his recom…
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Micro-churches, Disciple-making, and Co-vocational Ministry with Jeremiah Capule
1:11:37
1:11:37
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Multiplying disciples sounds good in theory, but how do you actually do it? In this episode, we discuss multiplying disciples and churches with Jeremiah Capule. Jeremiah Capule leads a diverse disciple-making, house church network throughout Calgary (and beyond) with SEND Network Canada and Alberta Underground. For more information about SEND Netwo…
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Resiliency and the Last Ten Years with Dr. Keith Taylor
1:13:13
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Dr. Keith Taylor is the former Lead Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, where he served for thirty years. He also served as the interim President of The Alliance Canada. Rob and Keith discuss building lifelong resiliency in ministry, being intentional in the last ten years, emerging generations, and other topics. To contact Keith, email h…
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What can you expect to hear in The Church In The North (CITN) podcast? 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…
…
continue reading