This is Us - Canadian small churches in action

Sam Reimer has just completed a research book called - Caught in the Current: British and Canadian evangelicals in an age of self-spirituality. Reimer speaks to self-discovery and identity in a changing society - with the locus of authority changing from external to internal (religion of the heart). Included is a discussion on the place of denominations in Canada, the turn towards Holy Spirit direction, and the inner voice of the heart taking the place of the external voice of God.

Robbie Kelly pastors at the Celebration Church in Brantford, Ontario. He has lived through a pandemic, a church facility move and a senior leadership upheaval in the past few years. The transitions have come back to flourishing through community.

Rod Wilson has pastored churches, served as President of Regent College, worked in the area of psychology, been a father and husband. His years of experience have led him to forsee personal and institutional relational health - using three phrases: Thank you, I'm sorry, and Tell me more.

Marshall and Merrie Eizenga direct Kerith Creek retreat centre in Alberta, sponsored by Focus on the Family.  In these past few years they have conducted a number of retreats for couples and singles.  From their experience they share wise advice on how to remain resilient and to restore you soul.

Karen Stiller is a pastor's wife, a co-editor of Faith Today, a writer and much more.  She shares from her experiences in the big church and the small church.  Her wisdom includes vital insight into small church ministry with a passion for the pastor's wife.

Dr. James Robertson is a professor of history at Tyndale University while also serving a two point ministerial charge in Ontario. He has recently written a book titled: Overlooked: The forgotten origin stories of Canadian Christianity published by New Leaf Press.

Susan Saunders served on a refugee resettlement committee, bringing refugees to Bridgetown, Nova Scotia. Her stories are compelling and give a peek into the work a small church may undertake to bring refugees to Canada.

Mark Reece has been involved with refugee resettlement in the Maritimes for over a decade. As a pastor he has navigated the work needed to bring refugees to Canada, has worked with steering teams that provided the ground work, and has seen the love and compassion of the church and community reach out to refugees.

Melissa Davis is currently heading up the music program at Tyndale University in Toronto, Ontario. She has 35 years of experience in music and worship. Her passion is seen in this episode where she talks about her vision and how worship and music can flourish in the small church

Jordan Abbott, pastor at Capstone Church in Calgary, discusses the church’s journey and mission. Capstone, planted 10 years ago, aims to reach unreached people and plant churches. Abbott emphasizes community, diversity, healing, and justice as core values. The church has two expressions: Capstone East and Capstone West. Capstone East, led by Abbott, focuses on family-centric … Continue reading "Episode #83 – Jordan Abbott – Living Urban in a Small Church"

Dana Friesen is a writer based in Guelph, Ontario. She shares her personal experiences with dementia in her family and gives practical advice for small churches based on her research of over 200 Canadian churches. The challenges faced by small churches are explored along with the importance of community and relationships, and the need for … Continue reading "Episode #82 – Dana Friesen – Out of Sorts in the Small Church"

Laurie Acker is one of the top experts in small church ministry and founder of the Small Church Network. Since beginning her Small Church Ministry organization in 2020, her website, podcast, and conferences have reached over 1 million people in small churches worldwide. In this episode discussion centers around the importance of relationality, emotional health, … Continue reading "Episode #81 – Laurie Acker – Resourcing the significant small church"

George Guthrie teaches New Testament studies at Regent College. In this episode he talks of the place of the Bible in small churches, hospitality and connection as well as training for leadership. A good piece of advice from George – Don’t overlook the small!

Dorothy Pang is the director of the Tyndale Intercultural Ministries (TIM) Centre at Tyndale University in Toronto. She has over 25 years of experience in law, business and executive leadership. For 10 years, Dorothy was an executive leader in a large intercultural church in northeast Toronto. She is passionate about helping churches embrace the Rev … Continue reading "Episode #79 – Dorothy Pang – Intercultural Canada – Where Small Churches can shine"

Scott Tolhurst has served in ministry for over 50 years. His insights into seniors as the future inspires the small church to consider how they can best seek out and provide ministry opportunities to seniors. Seniors are also encouraged to step out into ministry in a new way.

Joanna La Fleur serves with Alpha Canada and also has her own ministry called “The Word Made Digital”. Joanna emphasizes the pervasive nature of digital technology in modern life, likening it to the water we swim in, and highlights the need for self-awareness and learning how to navigate these digital waters effectively. She also acknowledged … Continue reading "Episode #77 – Joanna la Fleur – Digital Age imperatives for the small church"

Ron Baker interviews Brianna Matchett, a counseling therapist in Calgary, about her ministry and experiences with grief. Brianna emphasizes the importance of relationship and community in small churches, particularly during times of grief. She advises keeping track of grieving individuals, acknowledging their needs, and offering practical support. Brianna highlights the significance of time in alleviating grief's weight and the importance of community and nature in healing. Brianna also stresses the need for small church leaders to teach about grief and involve the community in supporting grieving members.

Lydia Fawcett works with MCC - BC in the area of Abuse and Bullying. She finds that churches are as prone to abuse and bullying as the general society. Her passion to help the vulnerable is evident in this interview. Addressing abuse in small churches. Churches must prioritize listening and learning to prevent abuse, regardless of denomination or beliefs. The importance of truth-telling in a church setting is key, with abuse defined as any behavior that causes harm or injury to another person, regardless of their faith background or socio-economic status. Exploring power dynamics in abusive relationships, with a focus on emotional manipulation and gaslighting. Women in the church experience emotional abuse through gaslighting and lack of agency in decision-making. Communication, abuse, and self-awareness. Fawcett emphasizes self-awareness for effective communication. She reflects on the historical roots of the societal crises related to abuse, tracing back centuries. The importance of churches being safe spaces for healing and growth Don't be afraid to learn and listen deeply – find resources and be willing to grow.

Jane Peck serves as senior pastor at the Hope Chapel in Collingwood, Ontario. A church that has been present in the community for over a century, the current church congregation was eager to reach their community. An opportunity to ,partner with other local churches and organizations has provided a noon lunch hour program for the local high school. Jane and Ron's Christian Community Journeys Jane and Ron discussed their backgrounds in the Christian community, with a focus on their experiences in small churches. Jane shared her lifelong involvement in ministry, starting in her rural childhood church and continuing through various roles such as youth leader and camp worker. She also spoke about her journey towards ordination within her church, which she pursued after 28 years of marriage with her equally involved husband. The couple, who have moved frequently, currently reside in Collingwood, Ontario, where Jane is working toward becoming a senior pastor under Hope Chapel. Disparity in Rural Retirement Communities Ron and Jane discussed the area surrounding Collingwood, Stainer, and Dunchroon, with a focus on its current state and future prospects. Jane explained that the region, though rural, has become a retirement hub due to its scenic beauty and access to tourism. However, she pointed out a growing disparity between the wealthy and less affluent populations, particularly in the retail sector. Ron agreed, noting the shift from a blue-collar to a more resort-oriented economy, highlighting the potential for continued Challenges and Community Outreach of Jane's Church Jane and Ron discussed the challenges faced by Jane's church, which was celebrating its 127th year of existence. The church, having aged and shrunk in size, had fallen into a 'survival mode' but a group of members, including Jane, decided to continue. With the help of retired pastor Tim Harden, Jane took over as the church's leader during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite a decline in congregation numbers, the church was able to attract new members due to its community outreach initiatives. To fund these initiatives, the church sold its parsonage and used the proceeds to support its community outreach. The church aims to raise $60,000 to continue its current programs for another year, with $52,000 already raised. Ron acknowledged the church's efforts and the importance of its community outreach. Church Community Engagement and Support Jane discussed their church community's approach to engaging with young people. They emphasized that their aim was not to create a youth group, but to provide a welcoming space for students to build relationships and serve. This strategy has led to deeper engagement and even introduced some young people to other churches. They also talked about their community coverage efforts and the positive impact it has had, including collaboration with other churches and community members. Jane highlighted the need for continued community support due to the organization's limited resources and the potential of building sponsorships to support their ministries, especially the high school lunch program. Leadership Advice for Small Churches Jane emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind and following God's will, which can lead to changes or endings of past endeavors. She also highlighted the value of looking back at the church's history, appreciating the manual and the experiences that have shaped it. Ron agreed with Jane's advice and mentioned that he would provide a link of their discussion in the future. They also shared their relocation stories and briefly discussed their current living situations.

Outline: Paulo's Journey in Ministry Pastor Paulo's Church and 5 Fun Days Program Community Involvement and Networking in Church Church Growth and Low-Income Neighborhood Discussion Community Connections and Church Strategies Small Church's Tech Transition Amid Covid-19 Small Church Online Presence Strategy