Claim OwnershipChurch in the North
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© Briercrest College and Seminary
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The Church In The North (CITN) podcast brings you conversations with Canadian ministry leaders. We share their stories, leadership training, and practical ministry tips. We’re listening to what God is doing in and through the church in our current cultural moment all across Canada - from rural Saskatchewan to urban Vancouver, from the outskirts of Winnipeg to the rocky shores of Halifax.
Each episode usually begins with a pre-show hosted by Dr. Rob Chartrand, featuring co-hosts Dr. Geoff Dresser and Rev. Chris Drinnan, who discuss current trends in church and Canadian culture. In addition, each podcast features an interview with a guest ministry leader from somewhere within our beloved nation.
Contact us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca
Each episode usually begins with a pre-show hosted by Dr. Rob Chartrand, featuring co-hosts Dr. Geoff Dresser and Rev. Chris Drinnan, who discuss current trends in church and Canadian culture. In addition, each podcast features an interview with a guest ministry leader from somewhere within our beloved nation.
Contact us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca
80 Episodes
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Leadership is hard, but it's even harder in hard times. In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Tim Coles about how he has led from a place of suffering while leading an historic, national youth organization. They also discuss Youth For Christ's legacy and its impact on Canada's youth. Tim is the National Director of Youth for Christ Canada. To contact Tim or learn more about YFC, visit https://yfc.ca/about/our-team/?filter-department=lead-team. In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris discuss new findings on the quiet revival in the UK and the religious resurgence in Canada. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
What can't we ignore when designing a church discipleship pathway? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Daniel Im about discipleship frameworks and how leaders can be more intentional in their discipleship practices. They also discuss multi-site church, personal development, continuing education, and the discipline of writing. Daniel is the Lead Pastor at Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, AB.To contact Daniel or learn more about his church, visit https://beulah.ca/. To order a copy of his book, visit https://a.co/d/07JrBbUf. In the pre-show Rob, Geoff & Chris talk about discipleship, spring snowstorms, and the road to YQ. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
What can we learn from bible college students ready to launch into ministry? In this episode, Rob has an in-studio conversation with Briercrest ministry students Dawson, Edo, Paige, and Kaytee. They talk about their hopes and fears for ministry, what influenced their callings, and how older ministry leaders can invest in younger leaders. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/.
In this episode, Pastor Michael Voll walks us through his journey from sensing a call to ministry to leading a mega church and developing innovative models for multiplication. Michael shares candid insights about leadership, evangelism, church revitalization, and the importance of community in faith-based work. Learn from his experiences navigating grief, mentoring future leaders, and building sustainable church communities in rural Canada. Michael Voll is the pastor of North Pointe Church in Edmonton, AB. For more infomation on North Pointe, see, www.np.churchIn the pre-show Rob, Geoff & Chris look ahead to the Spring and the return of warm weather. They also discuss internships and mentoring.For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.caIf you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
Why do some pastors remain in ministry for decades while others struggle with burnout? In this episode of CITN, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about longevity in pastoral ministry and the realities of burnout. They discuss recent research from Barna on pastoral wellbeing, the reasons some pastors consider leaving ministry, and the role that vocational calling plays in helping leaders persevere over the long haul. The conversation also explores the difference between ordinary fatigue and true burnout, along with practical habits that help pastors cultivate resilience in ministry.For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.caIf you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
In this episode, Jeremy MacDonald and CITN host, Rob Chartrand, talk about a growing spiritual hunger with Gen Z. Drawing on recent research, cultural trends, and his experience forming future ministry leaders, they reflect on why young people are searching for meaning in a culture shaped by anxiety, nihilism, and fragmentation. He’ll talk about how youth workers might need to shift from trying to convince students that faith matters to helping them discover the depth and beauty of the Christian story. This episode was cross-posted from the Volunteer Youth Leader Podcast. To listen to more of the Volunteer Youth Leader Podcast, visit youthworker.community/podcastFor more information about CITN, visit churchinthenorth.caFor questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
Can the church speak faithfully about sexuality while remaining deeply compassionate? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Bryan Pue as he shares a gospel-centered approach to sexuality, identity, and relationships. They also discuss vulnerability in leadership and Bryan's personal ministry journey. Bryan Pue is a founder of the Union Movement. For more information, go to theunionmovement.comIn the pre-show, Rob, Geoff & Chris talk about the Youth Worker Community conference, recent happenings at Victory Church Moosejaw, and YouthQuake's hectic registration launch.For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
What does it look like to build a simple, multiplying church on a university campus? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Robin Wallar about planting churches on university campuses. They also discuss the church's growth strategy through reproducing evangelism and growing families in a missional context. Robin Wallar is a lead pastor at LIFT church, with locations on 9 university campuses across Ontario.To see more about LIFT church, visit https://www.liftchurch.ca/. Robin Wallar's book, Everyone Sent, is available on Amazon. In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff & Chris talk all things summer camp. They discuss camp's unique role in developing young leaders and reaching a unique demographic.For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
Every leader is a reader, but how do they choose what belongs on the shelf? In this episode of CITN, Rob, Geoff, & Chris talk about their top reads from the past year. They also discuss the place of humour in leadership roles, the unique role of stories, and their own personal study habits. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
Planting a church is hard, but revitalizing a church is even harder. In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Danny Arevalo about his journey from planting a house church to revitalizing a declining church to multiplying churches in different cities. We learn how even a small church can make a big impact. Danny is the Lead Pastor of Freedom Church in New Westminster, BC. To learn more about his church, visit: https://www.freedomchurchbc.com/.In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff are joined by guest host Daniel Markin, who has appeared on the show previously. They discuss an article posted in Faith Today called, "Rethinking Canada's Congregational Leadership Crisis: Who is the Spirit Calling?" by Gordon T. Smith. To read the article, visit: https://faithtoday.ca/Magazines/2025-Sep-Oct/Rethinking-Canada-s-congregational-leadership-cris. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment. #pastors #ministryleaders #resiliency #clergy #podcast #bible #canada #canadian #multiplication #multisite #calling #quietrevival #religiousresurgence
Is there hope for the rural church in Canada? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Guy Shields about the challenges the rural church faces and the advantages of rural church leadership. They also explore Village Mission's role in developing and supporting leaders in small churches, as well as the approaches other movements are using to address the shortage of rural clergy. Guy is the Executive Director of Village Missions in Canada. To learn more about his organization, visit: https://villagemissions.ca/.In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris discuss whether or not the decline of the Canadian church is a myth. The discussion is in response to an article written by the Flourishing Congregations Institute. To read the article, visit: https://flourishingcongregations.org/not-dead-yet-is-the-decline-of-the-canadian-church-a-myth/. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
Sociological data show that Gen Z, as well as young men, is rushing back to church. Is this a spiritual revival? In this week's podcast, Rob, Geoff, and Chris have a lengthy in-studio conversation about a recent article published by CTV News. They examine the issues from sociological, philosophical, and theological vantage points. To read the CTV article, check out: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/return-to-faith-church-attendance-increasing-for-first-time-in-decades/. Rob also references an article from Barna: https://www.barna.com/trends/church-attendance-women-men/. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
Does the location of your church drive mission? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Dan Godard about his transition to a new church and his first year in leadership. They also discuss multi-ethnic ministry, the clergy shortage, and what leadership development looks like in his movement. Dan is the Lead Pastor of Royal Oak Victory Church in Calgary. To learn more about his church, visit: https://www.rovc.ca/. In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about the significance of a Blue Jays win for Canada. Rob also tests Geoff and Chris' knowledge of Canadian trivia. Finally, they discuss Canada's national identity and the role, if any, the church plays in shaping it. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
Why do we gather as churches and what is good gathering? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Jonathan Griffiths about his new book, "Gathered for Good," and the importance of the coming together of God's people. They also discuss his church's unique mission in Ottawa, leadership pathways, and gospel preaching. Jonathan is the Lead Pastor of The Met in Ottawa.To learn more about his church visit: https://www.metbiblechurch.ca/. To get a copy of his book, visit: https://www.metbiblechurch.ca/. To learn more about Timothy Trust, visit: https://timothytrust.ca/. Also, check out Jonathan's broadcast, Encounter the Truth: https://encounterthetruth.org/.In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about Taylor Swift's new album and discover that Geoff has refined musical tastes. They also discuss the importance of relevancy and have an extensive conversation about the "Quiet Revival." In the discussion, Rob referenced an article by Andy Bannister, which you can access here: https://www.andybannister.net/the-quiet-revival-are-young-adults-leading-a-church-resurgence-in-england-and-wales/. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
How can you participate in God's global mission in the most ethnically diverse city in the world? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Brett McBride about how God called him, an unlikely candidate, to become the Lead Pastor of The Peoples Church in Toronto. They discuss his church's distinctive approach to local and global mission, leadership transition, ministry calling, and change management. To learn more about his church, visit: https://thepeopleschurch.ca/. In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris discuss the ins and outs of ministry calling and how pastors can help young leaders discern their calling. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
What is the relationship between spiritual formation and resiliency, and why does it matter for future leaders? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Phil Collins about the new course that he is teaching with Briercrest College. They also discuss the key factors that contribute to building resiliency and the power of mentorship. Phil is the lead pastor of Willow Park Church in Kelowna, BC. To learn more about his church or connect with Phil, visit: https://www.willowparkchurch.com/staff/. In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris discuss how pastors might address the topic of the tragedy of Charlie Kirk with Canadian congregations. They also reflect on a related article written by a recent CITN guest, Paul Carter. To read Paul's article, visit: https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/should-canadian-pastors-talk-about-charlie-kirk-on-sunday/. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
Are young men returning to the church, and is there a growing interest in the Bible? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Paul Carter about young men in the church, geeking out on the Bible, and the future of ministry leaders. They also discuss gospel contextualization and making the best of the fourth quarter in ministry. Paul is the lead pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Orillia, Ontario. He is also the host of the "Into the Word" podcast, available on most major streaming platforms. You can also visit www.intotheword.ca. To connect with Paul, visit www.cornerstoneorillia.org/leadership.In the pre-show, we are introduced to our new co-host, Pastor Chris Drinnan from Moose Jaw. Rob and Geoff interrogate him about his church, family, hobbies, and preferences for power tools. They also have a conversation about bible devotions and biblical illiteracy. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
People from around the globe are on the move, so how do we reach them with the love of Jesus when they arrive in Canada? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Rick Love about his work with New Canadians in Calgary and across Canada. They discuss the motivation for his work and strategies for bridging the cultural gaps that prevent New Canadians from discovering Christ. Rick is the Founder and Director of Love New Canadians and the Intercultural Ministries Pastor at Foothills Alliance Church in Calgary. For more information about his organization, visit https://www.lovenewcanadians.ca/. In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff get caught up and share their summer ministry plans. They also discuss the realities of immigration in Canada and what this means for followers of Jesus. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
What are your biggest challenges in worship design? In this episode of CITN, Rob and Geoff have an in-studio conversation about worship song selection and the problem with relying on the Spotify algorithm. They also address the pros and cons of multi-tracks and have a brief sparring match about the song Reckless Love. The podcast ends with an exploration of the missing component in most worship sets: confession. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
We'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 Canada. For more information about his organization, visit https://lausannecanada.com/.In the Pre-Show, Rob, Geoff, and Kait share a surprise announcement with the listeners. They also discuss how to cope with the wins and losses of Election Day in Canada. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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