The Sowers. features stories and best practices from Canadian church planters and leaders who are influencing kingdom movement and impacting their communities. With a whimsical thoughtful approach and format, episodes and conversations are easy to follow with tangible action steps at each episode’s conclusion. Insights gained can be used as teaching and inspiration for ministry whether personal or church specific.
Hosted by Matt Naismith, The Sowers. podcast desires to help and inspire every listener to become a sower in the places where they live, work, learn and play. Matt was a church planter and local pastor, before transitioning to a catalyst and strategist role for a church planting network.
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#97 - Mark Buchanan on Why Your Message Isn't Landing: Storytelling, Discipleship, and the Human Condition
Season 3 · Episode 97
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 • Duration 49:23
In this conversation, Mark Buchanan shares his transformative journey to faith, the significance of storytelling in communication, and the role of scripture in personal transformation. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in sharing faith and engaging the next generation in meaningful ways. Mark also discusses the richness of diversity in church leadership and the potential for new voices to shape the future of the church.Mark is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Ambrose Seminary in Calgary, Alberta. He is the author of twelve books, including most recently the David Trilogy (David: Rise, David: Reign, David: Descend), a fictional account of the life of King David, and "God Walk: Moving at the Speed of Your Soul." His novel "Shelter Me," based on the true story of a French village that rescued Jews during WWII, is due for release in 2025. He and his wife Cheryl lead New Story Community, a ministry that promotes the flourishing of Indigenous women in Canada.Takeaways+Mark's journey to faith began with a radical encounter with Jesus.+The power of storytelling is crucial in effective communication.+Scripture can transform lives when approached with a fresh perspective.+Engaging the next generation requires authenticity and openness.+Diversity in church leadership enriches the community and its mission.+Good storytelling evokes emotions and connects with listeners.+Jesus often taught through parables, highlighting the importance of narrative.+Reading Scripture with a first naivety can lead to profound insights.+Personal testimonies are powerful tools for sharing faith.+The church is in good hands with the next generation of leaders.To learn more about Mark Buchanan, please visit https://www.markbuchanan.net/home.
Chapters00:00 Mark Buchanan's Journey to Faith05:47 The Power of Storytelling in Communication11:27 The Role of Scripture in Personal Transformation16:51 Engaging the Next Generation in Faith24:12 The Importance of Authenticity in Sharing Faith31:14 Embracing Diversity in Church Leadership
#96 - Sid Koop on Youth Worker Community and Equipping Youth Workers Across Canada
Season 3 · Episode 96
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • Duration 51:57
In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt Naismith sits down with Sid Koop, Executive Director of Youth Worker Community, to explore the heart and vision behind youth ministry in Canada. With over 25 years of experience—from camp speaker to youth pastor to professor—Sid shares how the gospel has shaped his journey and why equipping youth workers is more vital than ever.
Discover how YWC is inspiring and supporting thousands of youth leaders through digital resources, training events, and coaching. Sid also opens up about the challenges youth workers face today, including mental health, social media, and the need for relational presence in discipleship.
🎧 Listen in for practical wisdom, encouragement, and a renewed vision for reaching the next generation.
Key Takeaways:+The gospel transforms lives—and youth ministry.+Discipleship is relational, not just programmatic.+Volunteers are essential and need equipping.+Mental health and social media are real challenges.+The local church is central to lasting transformation.To learn more about Sid Koop and Youth Worker Community, check out https://www.youthworker.community/. Chapters00:00 The Power of the Gospel in Personal Transformation02:55 Journey into Youth Ministry and Leadership06:02 The Evolution of Truth Matters and Youth Worker Community08:37 Challenges Faced by Youth Workers Today11:27 Building Community and Equipping Leaders14:34 The Role of Youth Ministry in Discipleship21:38 Equipping Youth Workers for Intentional Ministry23:02 Understanding Identity in Christ24:49 The Role of Discipleship in Youth Ministry25:54 Building Community Among Youth Workers27:38 Addressing Common Challenges in Youth Ministry29:26 Navigating Complex Issues: Gender and Mental Health31:57 Supporting Small Churches and Youth Ministries36:20 The Importance of Relational Ministry38:46 Collaboration Among Churches for Youth Ministry40:33 Hope for the Future of Youth Ministry
#87 - Is The Church Afraid To Talk About Sex? Reclaiming God's Design for Intimacy, One Honest Conversation at a Time with Kingdom Sexuality
Season 2 · Episode 87
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 • Duration 51:01
In this episode, the Kingdom Sexuality Ministry crew shares their journey of creating a ministry focused on healthy conversations about sexuality within a Christian context. They discuss their personal stories, the challenges they faced in finding resources, and the misconceptions surrounding sex. The conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue in marriages, the feedback they receive from their audience, and the impact their content has on both Christians and non-Christians. They express hope for future generations to engage with sexuality in a positive and informed manner, emphasizing the need for the church to support these discussions.
Kingdom Sexuality is led by Alana, Kyle, and Tiera—three friends with a shared passion for helping couples rediscover God’s design for intimacy within marriage.
What began as a podcast has grown into a growing community offering digital resources, honest conversations, and practical tools for couples to build thriving sex lives and marriages. From the Kingdom Sexuality Podcast to their Intimacy Club, their mission is simple: to help couples connect, communicate, and embrace sexual freedom the way God intended—with truth, grace, and biblical clarity.
Takeaways
+Finding wholesome Christian resources on sexuality can be challenging.
+Open conversations about sex can lead to healing and understanding in marriages.
+There is a significant gap in sexual education within the church.
+Common misconceptions about sex often stem from cultural narratives.
+Facilitating conversations about sex can help couples navigate their intimacy.
+Feedback from listeners often highlights the positive impact of their content.
+Criticism can arise from discussing sexuality openly, especially from those who misunderstand their intentions.
#86 - Is Bad Christian Art Offensive? Honest Worship, Lament in Song, and Creating Art That Breathes With Joshua Leventhal
Season 2 · Episode 86
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 • Duration 47:32
In this compelling conversation, Joshua Leventhal shares how his journey through faith and ministry has shaped his calling as a songwriter and artist. Raised between the prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta, Joshua explores the impact of place, story, and scripture on his music. He discusses the role of lamentation in worship, the importance of authentic Christian art, and why songwriting should help us become more fully human without losing reverence. With a heart for mentoring artists and a vision to write songs that speak to believers and skeptics alike, Joshua invites listeners to rethink what it means to worship in truth and beauty.Joshua Leventhal is a Canadian worship artist and songwriter whose music lives at the intersection of reverence and raw honesty. With a decade in church ministry and eight of those years also as a professional artist, Joshua writes devotional music that engages deeply with scripture and human experience. He lives in Chilliwack, BC, with his wife, Kaitlyn, and their dog, Luna, and will be stepping into full-time music and songwriting mentorship in 2026.Takeaways:+Joshua's upbringing in a Christian home influenced his faith journey.+He discovered his passion for music during high school youth group.+His songwriting often reflects themes of lamentation and honesty.+Joshua aims to create music that resonates with the full spectrum of human experience.+He believes art should not compromise its integrity for utility.+Joshua's upcoming project focuses on engaging with biblical narratives.+He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in Christian art.+Joshua seeks to inspire others through his music and creativity.+He believes in the power of specificity in songwriting to create universal connections.+Joshua's vision includes collaborating with other artists to expand the reach of meaningful music.
🔥 Watch, share, and tag a fellow creative who needs to hear this!Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Joshua Leventhal02:15 - Early Life and Family Influences 05:30 - Unique Childhood Experiences 10:45 - Discovery of Music15:20 - Faith and Community 20:35 - Songwriting and Worship 27:50 - Current Projects and Future Vision 35:10 - Conclusion and Reflections
#85 - Brent Ingersoll on Renewal, Revival & Rebuilding the Church in Atlantic Canada
Season 2 · Episode 85
Tuesday, July 1, 2025 • Duration 49:12
In this compelling conversation, Brent Ingersoll unpacks his personal journey of faith, from a childhood commitment to Christ to a life-changing injury that redirected him into ministry. He reflects on pivotal moments at Kingswood University and the crisis and renewal story of King's Church following a leadership failure. Brent shares powerful insights on leading a presence-driven church, the growing hunger for the gospel in Atlantic Canada, and the importance of unity and collaboration across denominations. He also explores leadership lessons from the One Conference and speaks with hope about a coming awakening in Canada. This is a story of pain, perseverance, and the Spirit’s power to rebuild and revive.
Brent Ingersoll is the Senior Pastor at Kings Church, a church with congregations throughout Atlantic Canada. He and his wife, Melanie, live in the Saint John, New Brunswick, area along with their three kids. Serving in the Atlantic region since 2006, Brent has a deep passion for revival in Canada and is committed to seeing the local church bring a transforming, life-giving presence across the country.
TAKEAWAYS
+Brent's early commitment to Jesus at age six shaped his faith journey.
+A basketball injury led Brent to discover his passion for music and worship.
+Brent's ministry evolved through a series of small, faithful decisions rather than a singular calling.
+Kings Church has a rich history dating back to 1982.+The church faced significant challenges, including a moral failure of a senior pastor in 2012.
+Brent's leadership during the crisis led to a renewal and growth in the church community.
+The church's focus shifted to being presence-driven, prioritizing the Holy Spirit's role.
+King's Church has planted multiple locations to meet the growing spiritual needs in Atlantic Canada.
+Brent believes in a coming societal awakening in Canada, prompting the need for more churches. There's always like this ingrained healthy or unhealthy bit of skepticism.
#84 - Domenic Ruso on Bridging Secular Curiosity and Gospel Clarity in Canada
Season 2 · Episode 84
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 • Duration 49:38
In this engaging conversation, Domenic Ruso shares his journey from a Catholic upbringing in Montreal to becoming a pastor and church planter. He discusses the challenges and joys of navigating faith in a secular culture, the importance of listening to people's questions, and the need for the church to adapt its message for a modern audience. Ruso also reflects on his upcoming book, which aims to bridge the gap between secular curiosity and biblical truth, emphasizing the complexities of spirituality today. In this conversation, Domenic Ruso shares insights on engaging with non-believers, the importance of sermon preparation with audience awareness, and the reliance on the Holy Spirit in church leadership. He discusses the challenges of parenting in a secular culture while pastoring and reflects on the sweetness of Jesus in his journey. Ruso expresses hope for the future of the church in Canada, emphasizing the need for unity and adaptation in evangelistic efforts.
Domenic Ruso, Ph.D., is a pastor, author, and leader who believes that this is the best time to learn and engage new questions emerging from a secular culture. His passion for the church led him to the plant (the180.ca) in the greater Montreal region. Dom is constantly thinking of new ways to reflect on complex questions about faith, spirituality, truth, and how those intersect with faith in Jesus and the Bible. His graduate work in patristics and PhD in Reformation studies fuel his teaching in a way that seeks to stretch people to reimagine new paradigms that involve ongoing biblical engagement and the serious challenges of an emerging post-Christian culture.
TAKEAWAYS
+Church Planting Reveals God's Love
Dominic realized that his calling wasn’t just about serving others—it was God’s way of showing him how deeply he’s loved.
+Preaching Must Reach Both Skeptics and Saints
Effective teaching speaks to both long-time believers and spiritually curious seekers. That tension is where Jesus often met people.
#83 - Mike Cheon on Following Jesus from K-Pop Stages to Afghan Frontlines and a Calling to Canada
Season 2 · Episode 83
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 • Duration 43:32
In this conversation, Pastor Mike Cheon shares his remarkable journey from South Korea to Afghanistan, tracing a path that led from the stage as a K-Pop artist to the front lines of mission work in a war-torn nation. He reflects on the challenges and victories of ministering in Afghanistan, his transition to life and ministry in Canada, and his ongoing work with Afghan refugees and immigrant communities. Pastor Mike offers a compelling invitation to the Canadian church—urging believers to see immigration not as a barrier, but as a gospel opportunity to build bridges and embody the love of Christ. His story is a powerful reminder of God’s global mission and our call to serve with courage and compassion.Pastor Mike Cheon serves as the project manager for AFG Worship with Operation Mobilization and sits on the Advisory Council for the Global Ethnodoxology Network. A passionate church planter with Send Network, Mike holds a Master of Divinity from McMaster Divinity College.Before entering full-time ministry, Mike experienced early success in the music industry as a K-pop artist in 1999. Since then, he and his wife, Sunny, have been deeply engaged in ministry to Afghanistan, serving faithfully since 2003. Mike is passionate about cross-cultural worship, global missions, and equipping the Church to reflect the heart of God for the nations.TAKEAWAYS:+Pastor Mike's journey began in South Korea, where he experienced a revival movement.+He transitioned from a successful music career to missionary work in Afghanistan.+In Afghanistan, he faced significant challenges but found opportunities to share the gospel.+His time in Afghanistan was marked by deep faith and commitment to serving others.+After leaving Afghanistan, he continued his mission work in Canada, focusing on Afghan refugees.+He emphasizes the importance of community and support for immigrants in Canada.+Sharing the gospel can transform lives and communities.+Pastor Mike calls for the Canadian church to actively engage with and support immigrant communities. To learn more about Pastor Mike and his ministry, please visit https://afgworship.org/.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pastor Mike's Journey01:56 From South Korea to Afghanistan: A Musical Calling08:22 Experiences in Afghanistan: Faith and Challenges20:13 Transitioning to Canada: New Beginnings and Missions28:00 Encouragement for the Canadian Church: Embracing Immigrants36:15 New Chapter#TheSowersPodcast #GlobalMission #ChurchInCanada #KPopToKingdom #AfghanMinistry #ImmigrantChurch
#82 - Daniel Im on Rethinking Discipleship, Spirit-Empowered Growth & Embracing the Opportunity
Season 2 · Episode 82
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 • Duration 52:12
In this episode, Daniel Im returns to discuss his new book, "The Discipleship Opportunity." He challenges outdated church growth models and explores how today’s church can cultivate disciple-makers rather than passive consumers. Through relatable metaphors and personal insight, Daniel highlights the importance of creating environments where people can truly grow in faith. He also unpacks how the Holy Spirit shapes community, why grace and action must go hand-in-hand, and how even pain can deepen our discipleship journey.
Daniel Im is a pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and podcast host with a passion for the local church. He is the lead pastor of Beulah Alliance Church and the author of several books. His latest book is The Discipleship Opportunity: Leading a Great-Commission Church in a Post-Everything World. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife, Christina, and their three children.
TAKEAWAYS
+We often teach the way we've been taught.
+There are more interested individuals than we realize.
+Churches should focus on teaching people to feed themselves.
+Discipleship should not just produce followers but disciple-makers.
+We need to challenge the assumption that growth equals faithfulness.
+Creating environments for learning can transform church dynamics. The church should focus on creating environments for the interested.
+Balancing action and grace is crucial in discipleship.
+The love of God is central to spiritual transformation.
+Discipleship involves inviting people into experiences with God.
For more information, visit danielim.com and connect with him on social media @danielsangi.
#81 - Planting Deep, Leading Bold: Five Stories of Intimacy, Identity & Impact Across Canada
Season 2 · Episode 81
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 • Duration 24:54
In this recap episode of the Sowers Podcast, Matt reflects on key insights from recent conversations with various guests, including Ezra Okoti, Melinda Estabrooks, Matt Menzel, Jared Brock, and Chris Price. Each guest shared valuable perspectives on church leadership, community, vulnerability, intimacy with Jesus, and the importance of trusting the gospel. The episode emphasizes the need for inclusion, the power of storytelling, and the significance of young people in the church's future.
TAKEAWAYS
+Ezra Okoti emphasizes the need for the Western church to learn from the African church.
+Repetition in ministry is crucial for lasting impact.
+Melinda Estabrooks highlights the importance of mental health and inclusion in the church.
+Intimacy with Jesus is foundational for effective ministry.
+Jared Brock calls for clarity in spiritual warfare and resisting cultural relativism.
+Chris Price stresses the importance of trusting the gospel seed over changing the message.
+Grief can accompany transitions, even when moving to good things.
+Young people are showing authentic faith and community engagement.
+Hospitality is central to gospel witness and community building.
+The kingdom of God is actively moving through faithful individuals in Canada.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Podcast Recap
02:17 Insights from Ezra Okoti: Learning from the African Church
06:08 Melinda Estabrooks: Adoption, Redemption, and Community
09:50 Matt Menzel: Intimacy with Jesus and Revival
#80 - Chris Price on Church Planting in Team, Sowing Seeds, and Trusting God With the Journey
Season 2 · Episode 80
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 • Duration 47:55
In this conversation, Chris Price shares his transformative journey into pastoral ministry, detailing his early life, the challenges of church planting, and the importance of community and teamwork in ministry. He reflects on the transitions he faced, the grief associated with leaving a familiar environment, and the power of the gospel in reaching people. Chris emphasizes the significance of trusting in God's plan and the importance of sowing the seed of faith widely, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys in faith and leadership.
TAKEAWAYS
+Chris's journey into pastoral ministry began at age 20.
+Transitioning to church planting involved significant discernment.
+Grief can accompany transitions, even positive ones.
+Leading as a team requires humility and a willingness to learn from others.
+The power of the gospel is essential in church planting.
+Trusting in God's plan is crucial for ministry success.
+Sowing the seed of faith widely is important for growth.
+The church's mission is to reach wanderers and those far from God.
Chris is one of the lead pastors at The Way Church Vancouver—a church he planted with two close friends in 2020. He is also the head of theology at The Way College. He holds an MA in Christian studies, and he has been in pastoral ministry for close to twenty years. Married to Diandra for 16 years with two children, Kaeden (13) and Mila (10), they live together in East Vancouver.
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Today’s culture demands that we engage with real questions and resist recycled answers. Discipleship must be relational, not just informational.
+Listening Is Foundational to Discipleship
We can't lead people without first hearing their questions, doubts, and stories. Listening is the starting point for spiritual transformation.
+The Holy Spirit Is Essential for Ministry
Leadership isn’t about charisma—it’s about dependence. Dominic highlights how the Spirit leads through preaching, parenting, and pain.
+Creating Safe Spaces for Doubt Grows Faith
Churches need to be places where people can wrestle with their beliefs and not feel shamed for questioning.
+Unity Across Denominations Fuels Renewal
The future of the Canadian Church will depend on laying down egos and linking arms across traditions for a shared gospel mission.
To learn more about Domenic Ruso and his upcoming book, please visit http://www.domruso.com/. His book is also available for preorder at The book is also available for preorder on Amazon and through his publisher, Wipf and Stock.
To learn more about the church Domenic planted and now pastors, please visit https://theoneeighty.ca/.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
03:41 The Call to Pastoral Ministry
06:00 Transition to Church Planting
08:57 The Impact of Secular Culture
11:42 Writing the Book: Bridging the Gap
14:26 Surprises in Secular Engagement
17:25 Discipleship in a Secular Context
20:04 Teaching and Communication Strategies
22:40 Engaging with Non-Believers
24:29 Sermon Preparation and Audience Awareness
27:55 Reliance on the Holy Spirit in Leadership
30:48 Parenting and Pastoring in a Secular Culture
