Explore every episode of the podcast The Sowers Podcast

Chris Vacher returns to The Sowers Podcast (episode 127) to talk about his new book, The Long Way to Lead, and the central image that shapes the whole book: a maple tree. A tree only grows outward in healthy ways when it's healthy on the inside first — and Chris believes leadership works the same way.In this conversation, Chris and Matt dig into:+ Why Chris chose a maple tree (and real maple syrup taps on his own property) as the central metaphor for leadership growth+ His definition of leadership: godly influence towards God's agenda+ What leadership isn't — organizational power, positional authority, charismatic personality+ The four dimensions at the "trunk" of leadership: character, competency, credibility, and chemistry+ Why chemistry on a team isn't about being friends, but about whether you make the team better+ The "knots and scars" every leader carries, and a vulnerable story from Chris's own performance review+ The five directions leadership shows up outwardly: spiritual, personal, relational, ministry, and strategic leadership+ How spiritual gifts relate to leadership capacity+ How churches and teams can use the book's discussion questions, the Leader360 process, and the free team kickstart resourcesGuest Bio Chris Vacher spent 20 years in local church ministry leadership in the Greater Toronto Area, serving in worship, multisite, and executive pastor roles in churches of different shapes and sizes. Most of what he knows about leadership he learned in those years, some of it the hard way, from the people he led and the people who led him.In 2022 he began coaching and consulting as his full-time focus, leading to the founding of Clearway Church Solutions, where he works alongside pastors and church teams to build the foundations and frameworks that take a church from vision to strategy to execution. His work with churches across Canada and the United States includes executive coaching, strategic planning, fractional executive pastor leadership, and Leader360, the full-circle feedback process built on the same Five Directions described in the book.He holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Trinity Western University, where his research focused on how effective leaders actually behave rather than on how they think about leadership. Chris and his wife, Sonya, live in Ontario, Canada, with their four kids.Get the book, team kickstart video, and workshop info: https://www.thelongwaytolead.com

https://www.amazon.ca/Long-Way-Lead-Practical-Leadership/dp/B0HKQ21MK6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HA7R8YCSXE0J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xSy48bRQJWHzwoPreZKwNTuzSfjM-t-9S1Nu4pcSrNYr5oyt7u0Dy07S_buBlJCWFgfIxJNjQikRcQCbZm4K-E6pVY3EDE4YmKk17t9sgbM3Cag6fM9BTz4WD6c81XAv6X_430IxmymKuoRs3UOmlqJpIoMGfoeOMrWv2nWGBG53WqQlEsAWXDoPqS501TLD9PVrSX9ORPRplXU6fO9RrkowIcsV0s2Tqdem06IuZlGHXm9coZyCh99nGu_TyF8TOYj0IfIqM33PO9qY0WUzh-AGZfk6L32UhwNGoykC49s.pfFbsUP4jLa-zSys-IqbFoenif56173KOw_sl1sTSAM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+long+way+to+lead&qid=1791476617&sprefix=the+long+way+to+lea%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1#Leadership #ChurchLeadership #PastorPodcast #TheLongWayToLead #ChrisVacher #TheSowersPodcast

Troy Lydiate — Creative Director at Apologetics Canada, host of The AC Podcast, and recording artist under the name Scribe Music — joins the Sowers Podcast, Episode 126, for a conversation that moves from personal testimony to cultural apologetics.Troy shares his story of being adopted from Jamaica into a Canadian pastor's home in Saskatchewan, wrestling with identity as one of few Black kids in his community, and the strange soccer injury that stopped his athletic career and pointed him toward ministry. From there, the conversation turns to race and adoption, what "Black culture" actually means across a diverse global diaspora, how churches can build genuine (not tokenized) diversity in leadership, and why the church's greatest witness in a "non-committal" culture is consistency over time. Troy closes with a challenge to the Canadian church: a call back to reverence, holiness, and beholding God.Learn more about Apologetics Canada: https://apologeticscanada.com/Follow Troy / Scribe Music: https://www.instagram.com/prairieboytroy/Subscribe to the Sowers Podcast for more conversations on faith, culture, and the gospel.#ApologeticsCanada #SowersPodcast #ChristianPodcast #Adoption #Identity #Apologetics #discipleship GUEST BIOTroy Lydiate is a multifaceted artist, speaker, and Creative Director at Apologetics Canada, where he also serves as host of "The AC Podcast." As a graduate of Providence University with a Bachelor's Degree focused on Social Sciences, Troy has spent much of his professional career working with youth and young adults. Operating under the artistic moniker Scribe Music, Troy has unveiled four studio albums, skillfully utilizing his music as a conduit to convey the gospel message. His music production has garnered him nominations at the GMA (Covenant Awards), complemented by widespread recognition through blog features and regular airplay on Canadian Christian radio.Beyond his artistic endeavours, Troy is a devoted husband to Jasmine and a doting father to two young children. He has dedicated himself to the growth and vitality of the local church, actively engaging in discipleship, worship team, and church leadership. Embracing a mission to catalyze both cultural and global transformation, Troy's approach is firmly anchored in love, releasing hope by loving God and loving people.

Joshua Leventhal is back on The Sowers (Episode 125) for a track-by-track walk through of his new album, Tapiseri: Volume I — the first installment of a 25-song, three-volume concept record retelling the story of Scripture from Genesis through Revelation. Four years in the making, Tapiseri: Volume I moves from Creation through the wilderness wanderings, and in this conversation Josh unpacks the theological and musical choices behind songs like "Blessed," "Union," "Cursed," "Vagabond," "Cover," "Covenant," "Birthright," "Liberty," and "Tribes."Josh talks about writing music as an act of discipleship, why he resists tying a neat bow on hard biblical stories, how a Tolkien-inspired image shaped the song "Blessed," why "Cursed" abruptly shifts key, and how the free companion ebook can help individuals and groups engage Scripture more deeply.BIO Joshua Leventhal is an American-born, Canadian-raised, JUNO-nominated and two-time GMA Covenant Award-winning recording artist based just outside Vancouver, British Columbia. His 2022 debut full-length, ALL YE LEPERS, explored the goodness of Christ across the full range of human experience. That same vision now finds fuller expression in Tapiseri, a multi-volume biblical concept record tracing the grand narrative of Scripture. Tapiseri: Volume I spans Creation through the Hebrew exile and the giving of the Law. He is married to fellow creative and acclaimed abstract painter Kaitlyn Rose Leventhal.🎧 Listen to Tapiseri: Volume I on all streaming platforms 📖 Get the free companion ebook at https://www.joshualeventhal.com/.

BJ Chursinoff is the pastor of Gospel City Church in Port Coquitlam, where he has served in ministry for over a decade. Alongside his wife Jess, BJ walked closely with Kyla Gillespie (formerly Brycen) through her journey out of gender transition and into full surrender to Jesus — a story shared in Kyla's own book and in a previous episode of this podcast.

In this conversation, BJ shares:

+ His own journey to faith and a decade of walking away before God called him back

+How a Saturday-night recovery ministry called God Rock became Gospel City Church

+The night Jess first approached Brycen (now Kyla) at a worship service

+ Why "everyone is broken" makes recovery ministry uniquely honest

+ The moment Kyla shared her story — and why BJ and Jess responded, "We love you even more"

+ Why they asked Kyla for grace in the relationship, and what that cost them

+ Holding the traditional sexual ethic without wavering, while never pushing Kyla away

+ The invitation to live in their home during Kyla's detransition

+ What it means to walk in both grace and truth like Jesus did

BJ is passionate about the clear and faithful teaching of God's Word and longs to see people transformed by the grace of God. He loves Jesus, His Church, His Word, and the lost, and is committed to helping others grow in a deeper, more authentic walk with Christ. He is married to his wife Jessica, and together they have a daughter, Sydney.

Links:

Gospel City Church: http://gospelcity.ca/

"Transformed" by Kyla Gillespie: https://www.amazon.ca/TransFormed-Journey-Confusion-Reassignment-Detransitioning/dp/B0FCL13CD7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RMB2RGDCMCGW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5JDi_aQXnLEQtzuMoi8PynJ58BYoMe1lVwmizmQhwF4.g-H52-FqRKnu7KEqkPbT9ougvPrzPzdq9WQ4ybxh-bc&dib_tag=se&keywords=transformed+kyla+gillespie&qid=1788534926&sprefix=transformed+kyla+gillespi%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1

Episode #118 with Kyla Gillespie on The Sowers: youtube.com/watch?v=ZrqxDwczqDU&source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fjoin.thesowerspod.ca%2F🔔

Subscribe for more conversations that help you share and follow Jesus in the places you live, work, learn, and play.#Christianity #GenderDysphoria #Detransition #Grace #Discipleship #Pastoring #GospelCityChurch

At just 24 years old, Aidan Britnell left a career in cybersecurity to build technology that serves the local church. In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Aidan shares his testimony of growing up in the church and rediscovering the weight of the gospel at Hope Bible Church in Oakville, Ontario — and how that love for the local church led him to found Kaleo AI, a live translation app that delivers church services in nearly 200 languages in real time.Matt and Aidan dig into what AI actually is, how Aidan trained a custom model on theological and biblical vocabulary to serve churches well, and the ethics every believer should be thinking through: the upside of AI freeing up time for ministry and Bible translation in unreached languages, and the downside of young people turning to AI for the deep questions they're afraid to bring to a pastor. They also talk about stewarding time in a world engineered to steal our attention, discernment in community, and a few other tools Aidan's building — including Within, an app for scripture memory, and Clearway Core, a church operations tool.BIOAidan Britnell is a Canadian technologist and entrepreneur who is passionate about accelerating the mission of the Church through technology. He is the founder of Kaleo AI, a translation platform helping hundreds of churches around the world reach people with the message of Jesus. He also writes Church Tech Insider, serving church staff with practical strategies to leverage tech and AI in their ministry. Aidan and his wife Rachel are members of Hope Bible Church in Oakville, Ontario.Links: Kaleo AI: https://withkaleo.com/Within App: https://withinapp.io/Clearway Core: https://core.clearway.co/Hope Bible Church: https://hopeoakville.ca/

What if churches in your city stopped competing and started collaborating?In this episode, Matt talks with Jeremy Putz, Lead Pastor of Central Baptist Church and one of the leaders behind Reach Edmonton, a growing movement helping churches work together to plant more churches across the city.Jeremy shares the surprising story behind Reach Edmonton, practical lessons for building trust among diverse church leaders, and why he believes every church—large or small—has a role to play in church multiplication.This conversation is packed with insight for pastors, church planters, ministry leaders, and anyone passionate about seeing the gospel take root in their city.About Jeremy PutzJeremy Putz is the Lead Pastor of Central Baptist Church, a growing multisite church in the Edmonton region, where he is passionate about helping people follow Jesus together and developing healthy leaders and churches. He also helps lead Reach Edmonton, a collaborative movement focused on catalyzing new church plants across the city. In this season, Jeremy is helping guide Central's expansion into McDougall, a historic downtown church building that is becoming home to a new congregation and a renewed centre for ministry in the heart of Edmonton.To learn more about Jeremy and Central Baptist Church, please visit https://www.followingtogether.com/.Checkout Neil Powell and John James' book, "Together For The City" here: https://www.amazon.ca/Together-City-Neil-Powell/dp/0830841539Subscribe for conversations with church planters, pastors, and ministry leaders helping sow gospel seeds across Canada and beyond.#ChurchPlanting #ChurchLeadership #Pastors #ReachEdmonton #ChurchMultiplication #TheSowersPodcast #GospelMovement #leadership

What does it really look like to follow Jesus when life feels ordinary, slow, or even fruitless?In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, we sit down with Mike Blackaby—church planter, author, and pastor—to talk about:+ Growing up in a multi-generational ministry family+ Overcoming doubt and discovering a personal faith in Christ+ Church planting in secular Victoria, BC+ Why faithfulness matters more than quick results+ The danger of constantly chasing “mountaintop” experiences+ How to experience God in the rhythms of everyday lifeMike shares powerful wisdom from his pastoral journey and insights from his book "Experiencing God in Everyday Life"—a companion to the classic "Experiencing God" that helps believers move from spiritual highs to sustainable spiritual growth.🔥 Key takeaway: Don’t quit before the harvest. God is at work—even when you can’t see it.Guest Bio:Mike Blackaby serves as a church planter in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where he lives with his wife, Sarah, and their four children. He holds a PhD in Worldview and Apologetics from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books and Bible studies including God, Heroes, and Everyday Dragons, Experiencing God in Everyday Life and Straight to the Heart: Communicating the Gospel in an Emotionally Driven Culture.To learn more about Mike blackaby and Canvas Church: Oak Bay, please visit: https://www.canvasoakbay.ca/To order a copy of "Experiencing God in Everyday Life," pleaser visit: https://www.amazon.ca/Experiencing-God-Everyday-Life-Access/dp/B0FPXJLJX8👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on evangelism, church planting, and discipleship.

Is God moving among high school students in Canada?In this powerful conversation, Avalon Reimer shares how Grade 10 students across the country are courageously sharing Jesus in their schools, running Alpha groups, gathering friends to explore faith, and creating spaces for others to encounter the Holy Spirit.Avalon Reimer, otherwise known as “Lonny” by students, serves at Alpha Canada as the SLC Experience and Hospitality Coordinator. Based in Calgary, Alberta, she works closely with Grade 10 students and their local churches to create formative experiences through the Student Leadership Collective, equipping them in evangelism and leadership where God has already placed them. She is passionate about seeing high school students recognize that they play an integral role in the church and society today.In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Avalon shares:+ Her own faith journey during COVID + The importance of discipleship and mentorship + How students are leading Alpha in schools + Stories of youth encountering Jesus across Canada + Why Gen Z may be more spiritually open than we think + How adults can encourage the next generationThis episode is full of hope, courage, and practical encouragement for parents, pastors, youth workers, and anyone passionate about evangelism and discipleship.To learn more about Avalon Reimer and Alpha's Student Leadership Collective, please visit https://alphacanada.org/studentleadershipcollective/.

👇 Let us know in the comments:

What encouraged you most from Avalon’s story?

Cam and Christa Moore didn’t have a launch team, a big budget, or a perfect plan. What they had was a clear call from God—and the courage to say yes.

In this episode, they share their journey from the Bible Belt to Nanaimo, British Columbia—one of the most irreligious cities in Canada—and what it looks like to plant a church from scratch through simple faithfulness.

From prayer walking neighborhoods to starting conversations with strangers and opening their home to anyone who walks through the door, the Moores are discovering that obedience isn’t glamorous—but it’s powerful.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to follow God into the unknown, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you.

Kyla Gillespie shares her powerful journey through same-sex attraction, gender dysphoria, transition, and ultimately encountering the transforming love of Jesus. This is a story of truth, grace, and the life-changing power of the gospel.Kyla Gillespie’s story is one of deep struggle, honest questions, and radical transformation.In this episode, Kyla opens up about:+ Growing up with gender confusion and same-sex attraction+ Living as a trans man for six years+ The emptiness that followed pursuing identity apart from Christ+ The people who loved her with both truth and grace+ The moment God spoke:“Return to Me, Kyla”+ Her journey of detransition and rediscovering her identity in ChristThis is more than a story about gender—it’s a story about the gospel.➡️ If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, shame, or feeling disqualified from God’s love, this conversation is for you.About Kyla:Kyla Gillespie is the founder of Renewed & Transformed Ministries. Kyla is a podcaster and an international speaker inspired to share her own experiences with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria so others might encounter Christ and experience His power and hope in their lives. She lives in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, where she is an active member of Gospel City Church.To learn more about Kyla and Renewed & Transformed Ministries, please visit https://kylagillespie.com/.

What if your calling isn’t something you figure out—but something God unfolds?In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Chris, Co-Lead Pastor at Hope Bible Church Oakville, shares his incredible story—from a 20+ year marketplace career to stepping into pastoral leadership.

You’ll hear:+ The miraculous moment that sparked his family’s faith+ Why every Christian is “called” (and what that really means)+ How God uses marketplace experience to prepare leaders+ The power of mentorship, prayer, and Spirit-led leadership+ Why leader development is critical for the future of the Church🔥 This episode will challenge you to rethink calling and embrace faithfulness in whatever season you’re in.About ChrisChris serves as one of two Lead Pastors at Hope Bible Church in Oakville, a role he transitioned into 3 years ago following a 20+ year career as a marketplace entrepreneurial leader. He has deep roots at Hope, having been part of the church for 18 years and serving as an elder for the past 13 years.Chris combines his love for Jesus, a deep desire to be Spirit-led, and a pastoral heart, with a dynamic and seasoned approach to organizational leadership, strategy, and development. One of his greatest passions is seeing God equip and mobilize a new generation of leaders—men and women who will spend their lives to see God’s kingdom come.Chris and his wife Michelle have three young adult children. Their home is always full—and very loud—as they love hosting and meeting new people.To learn more about Chris and Hope Bible Church Oakville, please visit https://hopeoakville.ca/.

What if the next generation isn’t closed to Jesus—but open in a different way?In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Smits, National Director of Power to Change–Students, to talk about evangelism, spiritual curiosity, and mission in a post‑Christian world.Andy explains:+ Why spiritual openness today doesn’t look like the past+ How Gen Z mirrors post‑Christian Quebec more than church‑saturated culture+ Why evangelism is increasingly a journey, not a moment+ What it means to “pull up a chair to tables we don’t own”+ How everyday relationships are shaping faith more than programsAndy Smits is a national ministry leader, strategist, and communicator committed to helping the church reach the next generation. Known for his ability to read cultural trends and connect them to mission, Andy works at the intersection of faith, leadership, innovation, and emerging technologies—helping leaders respond with creativity and faithfulness.📍 Watch, reflect, and rethink how we share Jesus today.To learn more about Andy and Power to Change Students, please visit: https://p2cstudents.com/🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, culture, and living missionally where you live, work, learn, and play.

What happens when worship stops being a show—and becomes simply about Jesus again?

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Bobby Lane—worship pastor, songwriter, and founder of Backyard Worship—joins us to talk about pure worship, spiritual hunger among the next generation, and why authenticity matters more than excellence when it comes to encountering God.

Bobby reflects on:

+ Growing up as a pastor’s kid

+ Losing his mom and how that trial deepened his faith

+ Why students are longing for worship without lights, hype, or performance and how that led to the formation of Backyard Worship.

+ The tension between growth and purity in ministry

+ The future of worship music and songwriting in the local church

🎶 About Bobby Lane

Bobby Lane is a worship pastor and artist based in Sarnia, Ontario. He pastors at a local church and leads a worship collective called Backyard Worship. He is married to his wife of four years and is the proud dad of his son, Sparrow. Bobby is passionate about leading people into worship that is free from performance and centered fully on honest devotion to the Lord, and he carries a deep desire to see local churches writing and singing their own songs.

To learn more about Bobby Lane and Backyard Worship, please visit: https://www.backyardworship.ca/

📌 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, mission, and the life of the church.

What happens when two pastors share the “first chair”?

Derik Fuller and Kirk Giles are the Co‑Lead Pastors of Forward Church, a growing multi‑site church across Southwestern Ontario. Before stepping into co‑leadership, Kirk famously Googled whether the model works—and discovered the overwhelming verdict: don’t do it.

Five years later, they’re still leading together.

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Derik and Kirk pull back the curtain on:

+ Why co‑leadership almost didn’t happen

+ The seven objections they had to overcome

+ How ego, pride, and power can quietly sabotage leadership

+ The weekly rhythms that keep them unified

+ How co‑leadership strengthens elder teams and staff culture

+ Why the Canadian church must prioritize discipleship in unstable times

This is an honest, pastoral, and deeply hopeful conversation about leadership, trust, and planting seeds while trusting God for the growth.

About the Guests:

Derik Fuller is one of the Lead Pastors of Forward Church, a multi‑site church with locations in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Paris, Ontario. He’s a husband, a father, a sports nut, and an ordinary guy rescued by an extraordinary Saviour.

Kirk Giles is the Co‑Lead Pastor of Forward Church and former President of Promise Keepers Canada (now Impactus). He and his wife Shannon have been married for over 30 years, have four children, and are brand‑new grandparents. Kirk loves the Blue Jays, discipleship, and developing leaders.

To learn more about Derik, Kirk, and Forward Church, please visit: https://forwardchurch.ca/

👇 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Rich Birch unpacks why most churches are missing people before they ever have a chance to stay. Drawing on decades of experience in multi-site leadership and church growth strategy, Rich breaks down what first-time guests are really asking, why invite culture matters more than marketing, and how churches of any size can make simple changes that lead to lasting growth.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why the average church is far “stickier” than leaders realize

• The two subconscious questions every first-time guest is asking

• Why being “friendly” is not enough anymore

• How invite culture fuels discipleship, leadership development, and mission

• Simple changes churches of 70–100 people can make right now

• Why teaching still matters deeply to unchurched people

Whether you’re leading a church plant, a small congregation, or a multi-site church, this conversation will challenge and equip you to remove barriers and help more people encounter Jesus.

GUEST BIO Rich Birch is a trailblazer in the multi-site church movement across North America. He played a key role in The Meeting House becoming Canada’s largest multi-site church, reaching over 5,000 people across 20+ locations. Rich also served in senior leadership at Connexus Community Church (a North Point Strategic Partner) and as Operations Pastor at Liquid Church in New Jersey.Rich’s mission is to help 100 churches grow by 1,000 people each by transforming their invite cultures. Through unSeminary.com, his podcast, blog, books, and coaching, he equips thousands of church leaders with practical, proven growth strategies.He is the author of "Church Growth Flywheel" and "Unlocking Your Church’s Invite Culture," leads the Church Growth Flywheel Masterclass, and coaches churches through the Church Growth Incubator. Rich lives in Ontario with his wife Christine, their young adult children Haley and Hunter, and their dog Rory—who is constantly being asked (unsuccessfully) to stay off the furniture.To learn more about Rich Birch and unSeminary, please visit: https://unseminary.com/

In this powerful conversation, Matt Naismith sits down with Chris Keyes, VP of Programming at Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO), to explore the urgent need for evangelization within the Catholic Church. Chris shares his own journey from cultural Catholicism to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus—and how the Holy Spirit ignited a lifelong passion to see Catholics truly encounter Christ.

This episode dives into:

+ Why many Catholics are sacramentalized but not evangelized

+ The role of the Holy Spirit in authentic discipleship

+ The Catholic Charismatic Renewal and its global impact

+ Why evangelicals and Catholics need each other now more than ever

Whether you’re Protestant, Catholic, or simply passionate about seeing people come alive in Christ, this conversation will stretch, encourage, and unify.

Chris Keyes has been active in evangelization for over 40 years. He was a regular contributor to the national television ministry Food For Life and holds an MA in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. After a long career in high‑tech leadership, Chris joined Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) in 2016, where he now serves as VP of Programming. His ministry passion is activating young men to support one another in living an evangelistic lifestyle empowered by the Holy Spirit. Chris is the proud father of two married children and the proud “Poppy” of nine grandchildren.

To learn more about Chris Keyes, visit: https://cco.ca/

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on gospel multiplication, discipleship, and mission.

In this episode, Danielle Strickland joins the podcast for a deeply compelling conversation on discipleship, justice, prayer, and hope in a fearful world. Danielle recounts her first encounter with Jesus in a jail cell, how love—not shame—set her on a new path, and why the Church is at its best when it looks upward and moves outward.

Together, they unpack:

• Why justice and discipleship cannot be separated
• How fear-driven Christianity pulls the Church off mission
• Danielle’s practice of Infinitum: a rule of life for people who don’t like rules
• How prayer becomes the fuel for sustained hope and resilience
• Practical expressions of justice through IMBY, Brave Global, and more

Danielle Strickland lets Love lead her to inspire, challenge, provoke, and disrupt the present—and to live the future now. Having lived in different cultures around the world, she celebrates diversity and works tirelessly to see wrong things made right. She has authored seven books, leads Boundless Enterprise, hosts The Right Side Up podcast, and speaks globally on faith, justice, and transformation.

Danielle lives in Vancouver, Canada with her three sons and husband Steve. Danielle loves getting outside, doing new things, physical adventures, and she can’t seem to turn down a free lunch.

To learn more about Danielle Strickland, please visit:

https://www.daniellestrickland.com/

To learn more about IMBY and Brave Global, please visit:

https://www.imbyhomes.org/

https://www.braveglobal.ca/

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on mission, discipleship, and gospel renewal in Canada.

In this conversation, Matt sat down with William Dmytrow, pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon and General Director of the 306 Network — one of the most inspiring unity movements we've ever encountered.William didn’t grow up in a Christian home. But through a friend’s invitation to camp, a desperate prayer at age 16, and the simple words “youth group,” God began a journey that led him to pastor the very church he wandered into that night.Today he leads a growing movement uniting 46+ churches, rallying hundreds of youth, and equipping a generation to follow Jesus for life.🔥 What’s happening in Saskatoon?+A student led a Youth Alpha in her school… and within months 30 more were running.+ Students are sharing stories like: “God is quietly working in significant ways in the city right now.”+ Principals are noticing the impact.+ Youth across Canada are showing signs of being the open generation — spiritually curious, eager, and ready.💬 “When God’s people gather together, good things happen.”This is the heartbeat of The 306 Network.And the fruit is undeniable.About WilliamWilliam Dmytrow serves as a pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and serves as the General Director of the 306 Network, a grassroots movement uniting youth ministries across the region. He is the author of “The Leader After His Own Heart.”

As a husband, friend, and follower of the way of Jesus, William’s life centers on one simple goal: gathering people around Jesus and helping them follow Him for life. He loves creating with both hands and mind, whether through pastoring, writing, or speaking.

William writes bi-weekly at “Follow Jesus for Life with William Dmytrow” on Substack, exploring what faithful discipleship to Jesus looks like in everyday life. He and his wife Emma live in the heart of Canada, where they pursue life with Jesus in the modern world.To learn more about the 306 Network and read some of the things William has made, please visit:https://www.306network.ca/https://linktr.ee/williamdmytrow

What does it mean to follow Jesus when obedience costs you everything?

In this powerful episode of The Sowers Podcast, Persian-speaking pastor and church planter Nathanael Fallahi shares his incredible journey from Islamic seminary in Iran, to encountering Jesus in a deeply personal way, to planting underground house churches under intense persecution, and finally to rebuilding life and ministry in Canada.

Nathanael opens up about:

+ His search for the true God and the moment he met Christ

+ Traveling seven hours each way to attend worship in Tehran

+ Serving believers in Iran under government pressure and fear

+ The cost of discipleship for Iranians, refugees, and newcomers

+ The long and painful journey of family separation

+ The birth of a new Persian-speaking church in Toronto

+ How Canadian churches can love and walk with immigrant planters

This episode is an honest, hope-filled look at resilience, persecution, and the faithfulness of Jesus—no matter the cost.

About Nathanael Fallahi:

Nathanael is a Persian-speaking pastor and church planter based in Toronto. He came to faith in Christ after years of spiritual searching and theological study in Iran—where following Jesus came at great cost. Today he serves among Persian-speaking newcomers and refugees, walking alongside individuals and families in discipleship, community, and biblically grounded care. His heart is to see people encounter the true God, find healing in Christ, and become faithful disciples one step at a time.

To learn more about Nathanael Fallahi, please visit: https://www.gbchurches.com/

To learn more about Send Network Canada, please visit: https://www.sendnetwork.ca/

Chapters

00:00 Journey of Faith: From Iran to Canada

05:36 Understanding Iran: A Historical Perspective

08:44 Church Planting Under Persecution

12:15 The Gospel's Transformation Through Suffering

15:19 Reaching Iranian Communities in Canada

20:19 The Role of Community in Church Planting

22:35 Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience

24:56 Supporting Immigrant Church Planters

27:36 Celebrating New Life: Baptism Stories

29:55 NEWCHAPTER

Leadership isn’t first about strategy — it’s about the inner life of the leader.

In this episode, Jason Ballard (Lead Pastor at The Way Church, Founder of The Pastorate) takes us deep into the work God does within a leader: emotional awareness, spiritual rhythms, honest self-audit, and learning to lead from presence rather than pressure.

Jason shares vulnerable lessons from his own formation — moments where pain became his teacher, where his passion accidentally steamrolled others, and where slowing down saved relationships. We explore the three awarenesses every leader needs in every room: self-awareness, other-awareness, and awareness of the Spirit.

He also unpacks the “lost hard drive” story — where one leader’s calm, gracious response discipled a teenager more deeply than any Sunday production ever could.

This conversation is for pastors, planters, parents, and anyone who senses God shaping “the leader within.”

About Jason:

Jason is a lead pastor at The Way Church in Vancouver, BC and the director/founder of The Pastorate, a ministry dedicated to strengthening Canadian pastors. Formerly with Alpha International, he helped pioneer the Alpha Youth Film Series, used worldwide to engage over a million teenagers in conversations about Jesus. He serves through The Pastorate Podcast, The Way Church Podcast, and leadership development initiatives at The Way College (Everyday Seminary). Jason and Rachael have three kids — Hudson (12), Mary (10) and Millie (8).

Links:

The Way College

The Pastorate Podcast

The Way Church

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Leadership

05:39 Personal Growth in Leadership

10:28 Skills for Effective Leadership

15:38 Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence

20:18 Leading with Kindness and Integrity

23:08 The Essence of Christian Leadership

24:31 Navigating Goals and Contentment

26:45 The Journey of Personal Development

29:02 Establishing Rhythms for Growth

32:57 Understanding God's Character and Ways

36:07 The Future of Christian Leadership

42:35 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt sits down with Jono & Nicole Zantingh, co-lead pastors of Evolve Church in Edmonton. Their journey began in Winnipeg, where they spent over 20 years serving and leading in the local church. But in 2017, God began stirring their hearts toward an unexpected calling.What follows is an incredible story of discernment, obedience, sacrifice, and God’s miraculous provision — from interest parties, open mic nights, and shoe-store conversations… to now seeing students, families, and newcomers encounter Jesus every single week.In this episode, they share:+How God used a season of uncertainty in 2017 to redirect their lives+The miraculous story behind the launch of Evolve Church+What it’s like to co-lead as husband and wife with wildly different giftings+Their heart for Gen Z and why they’ve committed so deeply to reaching the University of Alberta+Why they believe Canada is in a ripe harvest seasonAbout Jono & Nicole:Jono and Nicole met in 1997, married in 2000, and have chased after God’s calling together ever since. After decades of fruitful ministry in Winnipeg, they moved with their three children — Julia, Riley, and Kaleb — to Edmonton in 2018 to launch Evolve Church. Their home and lives continue to be open spaces where people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and discover their identity and calling in the Kingdom.To learn more about Jono, Nicole, and Evolve Church, please visit: https://www.evolvechurch.com/

To learn more about ARC Canada, please visit: https://arcchurches.ca/👉 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire kingdom movement across Canada.#TheSowersPodcast #ChurchPlanting #EvolveChurch #CampusMinistry #GenZRevivalChapters00:00 The Call to Change: A New Journey Begins08:12 Planting Evolve Church: The Early Days18:12 Marriage and Ministry: A Unique Partnership25:10 Evolve on Campus: Reaching Students38:43 Empowering the Next Generation: A Vision for the Future42:20 NEWCHAPTER

In this honest and theologically rich conversation, Matt welcomes Pieter Valk to The Sowers Podcast to talk about his journey as a same-sex attracted Christian who has committed to following Jesus through vocational singleness.Pieter shares candidly about:• Growing up in the church, shame, and loneliness• Thousands of prayers for orientation change• Harmful and helpful experiences in Christian community• Why he still holds to a historic Christian sexual ethic• How to think theologically about Scripture, authority, and interpretation• The top 10 arguments for a revisionist sexual ethic — and his responses• Why the church needs deeper discipleship, not just clearer doctrine• What thriving, chosen family, and intentional Christian community can look like• The three “missing discipleship levers” for today’s churches• Hopeful stories from churches in Canada moving toward better pastoral careWhether you’re a pastor, parent, LGBTQ+ Christian, or someone sorting through these questions yourself, this episode is packed with wisdom, compassion, and clarity.Pieter Valk is a speaker and author, the Director of Equip, a diaconate explorer in the ACNA, and a licensed professional counselor. He writes at https://pieterlvalk.substack.com and is on social media at @pieterLvalk.📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED• Equip: https://equipyourcommunity.org• Pieter’s Substack: https://pieterlvalk.substack.com• Follow Pieter: @pieterLvalk

"The Secular Creed" by Rebecca McLaughlin

https://www.amazon.ca/Secular-Creed-Rebecca-McLaughlin/dp/0999284304/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1FU7Q0XZOJYLW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fp6WFbF76brSxYM-W3K40_C4VXN1Lybw6lDy6lJbJX-Je0sTAbzds0OWaduXJt2SSSSxtgES-gxRJ9kayBBkAPkZKIoNQmhUEJ8NjNRxtanCW7iwOlRENgw51986gw5VQ_YOI0PD0m-UaZ5NreZEOt2qzwVbJVq56ecTDFH4GDSzoNE32X15mSFWi9Cjzir2Odvy0Dan6jVkBE8nWQUuqortWL8Mx2kgvFnaWiT_4UVenKAWzn7KXcHUFnlYivSbeVs4P1OYEY1W4_Tn-33GdvbabOTLnPzxMRGcmeZtXgI.Tj3Af06ruW2DhSuTEoKNsHgPu6SOKt3RxaunfQoUepk&dib_tag=se&keywords=rebecca+mclaughlin+books&qid=1770223508&sprefix=rebecca+mc%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-14

What does biblical stewardship look like in a housing crisis, high interest rates, and a growing Church?

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt Naismith is joined by Joy Gomersall, Executive Director of Stewards Canada, for a powerful conversation on money, mission, and the future of church buildings in Canada.

Joy shares:

+Why banks often refuse to lend to churches

+How Stewards Canada connects Christian investors with growing congregations

+Real stories of churches expanding their impact through fair mortgage financing

+Why stewardship is about ownership vs. caretaking (Psalm 24:1)

+What excites her most about the next generation of kingdom‑minded investors

Joy grew up attending a Stewards‑funded church in the GTA and now leads the organization that helps churches acquire and expand spaces for ministry. With a background in banking, nonprofit leadership, and executive recruitment, Joy brings a rare blend of financial expertise and pastoral heart.

Whether you’re a church planter, pastor, investor, or Christian thinking deeply about money and mission, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

👉 Learn more about Stewards Canada: https://stewardscanada.org

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on church planting, mission, and disciple‑making.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joy Gomersall and Her Journey

00:40 Career in Finance and Its Intersection with Faith

00:48 Understanding Stewards Canada and Its Mission

03:37 Challenges in Church Financing and Lending

06:12 Success Stories of Stewards Canada

11:35 Guidance for Church Planters and Future Growth

16:43 Future of Church Financing and Stewardship

22:26 Closing Thoughts and Future Generosity

29:45 NEWCHAPTER

In this powerful and practical conversation, Registered Social Worker Erin Walsh unpacks how mental, emotional, and spiritual health are deeply interconnected — and why healing must involve all three.Erin shares her story of coming to faith at 16, her journey through her own mental health struggles, and how God led her into counseling and psychotherapy. She explains the autonomic nervous system in simple language, the importance of grounding, why community is essential for healing, and the role churches can play in supporting people well.In this episode:🔹 Erin’s journey to faith + her call to therapy🔹 Why healing is possible and God-designed🔹 Trauma, the body, and the nervous system🔹 How to support a struggling friend🔹 What pastors should (and shouldn’t) do🔹 A vision for better mental health care in Canada🎧 Subscribe to The Sowers Podcast for more conversations on gospel-centered living, mission, leadership, and human flourishing.

Learn more about the Emmaus App here: https://emmaus-app.com/

Join The Sowers weekly e-newsletter: https://join.thesowerspod.ca/Chapters00:00 Journey to Faith and Mental Health04:41 Understanding Mental Health09:20 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Spirit13:51 The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System18:34 Awareness and Action in Mental Health22:56 Supporting Friends in Mental Health Struggles27:29 The Role of Community and Pastoral Care32:04 The Future of Mental Health Care in Canada

In this episode, Matt sits down with Ivhan Rusli, Ontario Director for Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), to explore why reaching kids with the gospel is one of the most strategic ways to impact the world.

Ivhan didn’t grow up in a Christian home but became a believer at 16. Since then, he’s dedicated over 30 years to children’s ministry and has served with CEF Ontario for more than 20 years. When he’s not doing ministry, you’ll find him playing board games with his wife, two teenage boys, and his ten-year-old daughter who’s going on thirty!

In this conversation, Ivhan shares:

✔ His personal story of coming to faith at 16

✔ Why children’s ministry matters more than ever

✔ The mission and global vision of Child Evangelism Fellowship

✔ How STEM clubs are transforming outreach in Canada

📌 Connect with CEF Ontario: www.cefontario.org

🎙 Subscribe to The Sowers Podcast for more conversations on gospel-centered mission and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 Ivan's Journey to Faith

03:07 The Importance of Children's Ministry

05:54 Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Overview

09:01 The Significance of Reaching Kids

12:08 Current CEF Initiatives in Canada

15:01 Innovative STEM Programs

17:59 Practical Steps to Start a STEM Program

20:49 Training and Equipping Volunteers

24:04 Stories of Transformation through CEF

27:12 The Heart of a Child in Ministry

30:09 Opportunities for Church Planters

33:05 The Future of the Church in Canada

In this episode, Isaiah Bennett and Liam Wilson join Matt to share the origin story of Pony Church and the 10:2 Network. From praying in a mini mart to launching a disciple-making movement, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone passionate about gospel sharing and church planting.

What you’ll learn:

+How Pony Church started in a convenience store

+Why weekly “in the harvest” evangelism is central to their DNA

+The vision behind the 10:2 Network and how you can get involved

📌 Connect with 10:2 Network: https://10-2network.com

📌 Connect with Pony Church: https://www.ponychurch.com/

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Pony Church

01:01 The Origin of Pony Church

03:50 Defining Church and Community

06:48 Transitioning to a Church

10:53 Weekly Rhythms of Pony Church

13:01 The Importance of Gospel Sharing

17:03 The Birth of the 10-2 Network

20:56 Engaging Different Demographics

24:53 Training for Evangelism

30:06 Stories of Transformation

34:04 The Future of the Church in Canada

As 2025 comes to a close, Matt reflects on key insights and themes from the conversations held during the fall season. Drawing from 12 conversations with leaders across Canada, this episode unpacks six key insights for following Jesus in a post-secular culture:

+Unity and collaboration for kingdom impact

+Deep formation as the engine of mission

+Faithful presence and adaptive leadership

+The power of story and worship to shape imagination

+Courage and creativity in discipleship

+Calling, gifts, and perseverance for the long haul

Whether you’ve listened to every episode or are just joining us, this conversation will inspire you to live out and share your faith in the places you live, work, learn, and play.

Join The Sowers Community here: https://join.thesowerspod.ca/

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that help you share and follow Jesus in Canada.

📧 Got guest suggestions? Email us at ask@thesowerspod.ca

🌐 Visit: thesowerspod.ca

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Recap Episode

01:39 Insights for the Post-Secular Church

02:52 Unity and Collaboration for Kingdom Impact

07:02 Deep Formation as the Engine of Mission

10:50 Faithful Presence and Adaptive Leadership

13:43 The Power of Story and Worship

16:43 Courage and Creativity in Discipleship

19:59 Calling, Gifts, and Perseverance for the Long Haul

24:39 NEWCHAPTER

In this milestone episode, Jon Thompson—Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church, global speaker, and author of "Convergence," "Deliverance," and "Perseverance"—shares wisdom from nearly three decades in ministry. Jon explores the sobering reality that only 30% of biblical leaders finish well, explains four types of vocational calling, and reveals why clarity on calling and spiritual gifts is essential for endurance. He also shares personal stories of wrestling with discontent, embracing God’s “No,” and fostering unity in a divided age.In this episode:+Clarity of calling is your lifeline on the hardest days.+God calls in four ways—dramatic, family, gifts, and community.+Spiritual gifts fuel endurance; self-reliance leads to burnout.+Embrace God’s “No” to avoid disappointment and jealousy.+Disunity destroys mission—pray for other churches, not fight them.+Stay focused—our cultural moment demands unity and perseverance.Jon Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church, a multi-site church in the Greater Toronto Area where he has been on staff for 27 years. Jon has a Masters of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary, Toronto and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Seminary, California. Jon speaks and teaches globally on spiritual conflict, spiritual gifts, spiritual practices & spiritual experiences in the life of the believer and the local church. He also speaks on pastoral leadership and long-term ministry experiences. Jon is husband to Joanna and father to three teenagers –Hannah, Emma, and Noah.To learn more about Jon Thompson, please visit https://jonthompsonresources.com/.To learn more about Sanctus Church, please visit https://sanctuschurch.com/. Join The Sowers Community: https://join.thesowerspod.ca/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/431rXGzRAAWvNqUtB07pvz?si=7f543222909b48a9&nd=1&dlsi=9f6f716df5014af1🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sowers-podcast/id1700273453

Watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_5ASoNWdoI&list=PLy8IDceDwwFIBJWdwsOmoDkfKp1uKb5MZ#TheSowersPodcast #Episode100 #FaithLeadership #Perseverance #churchplanting Chapters00:00 The Journey of Perseverance03:24 Understanding Calling in Ministry06:10 The Four Types of Calling09:19 The Role of Spiritual Gifts in Perseverance12:17 Navigating Challenges in Long-Term Ministry21:55 Understanding Spiritual Gifts and Anointing24:49 The Importance of Knowing God's 'No'27:13 Wrestling with Discontentment and Trusting God30:25 The Role of Influence and Leadership in the Church33:46 Unity in Diversity: Embracing Different Assignments40:03 Observations on the Church in Canada43:54 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt talks with Dustin Boreland, who currently serves at Springvale Church in Stouffville, Ontario, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College. Dustin shares insights from years of ministry—including church planting in Montreal and fostering 15 teenage boys—on how the church can navigate a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

They discuss:

✅ Why spiritual formation must be stronger than cultural formation

✅ How to live as faithful exiles in a secular age

✅ Practical practices for a “rule of life” in today’s church

Prior to returning to Ontario in 2022, Dustin spent several years in Montreal, where he and his family planted and revitalized churches. Before their time in Montreal, he and his wife Racquel served as foster parents to more than 15 teenage boys while also engaging in church planting. Dustin is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between the Gospel and culture, equipping the local church for mission, and can be found overindulging on hip hop and spicy chicken sandwiches.

To learn more about Dustin, please visit https://springvale.org/.

📌 Subscribe for more conversations on mission and discipleship!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

03:36 Academic Pursuits and Church Planting

06:21 The State of Christian Education

08:57 Navigating Leadership in a Digital Age

11:38 Engaging the Post-Secular Culture

14:18 Reaching Established Church Members

17:17 The Role of Spiritual Practices

20:02 Creating a Monastic Community

22:31 Conclusion and Future Vision

39:52 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode, Matt sits down with Brooke Nicholls—worship leader, songwriter, and author—to explore her journey of faith, the story behind her newest single “Whatever You Say,” and the beauty of encountering Jesus in both extraordinary and everyday moments.Brooke Nicholls is a worship leader, songwriter, and author from Canada. She’s a two-time Juno Award nominee and ten-time Canadian Gospel Music Award winner, Brooke has been named Female Vocalist of the Year four times. She currently serves as a Worship Pastor at Village Church in Surrey, BC, where she lives with her husband and their two daughters. After more than two years away from releasing music—a season of welcoming a new baby, moving across the country, and walking through grief—Brooke returns with her newest single, “Whatever You Say,” a bold declaration of trust in Jesus.Brooke shares:+Her personal encounter with Jesus that changed everything+The shift from pop music to worship ministry+Writing songs from lived experience+The importance of being rooted in a local church+Her hope for revival across CanadaTakeaways+Worship is not just a stage experience; it's a daily act.+Community and a home church are vital for spiritual growth.+The mundane aspects of life can also be acts of worship.+Surrendering to God's will can lead to unexpected blessings.+Music has the power to touch lives beyond the church walls.+Faithfulness in small steps leads to greater things.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that help you share and follow Jesus in everyday life.🔗 Connect with Brooke: https://www.brookenicholls.ca/index🔗 Listen to “Whatever You Say”: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0phq5bIgmJH85OUSjsI8Bg?si=_JdbblO2R16NzNdChVGtKAChapters00:00 The Journey of Faith03:33 Encountering the Divine07:05 The Art of Songwriting10:50 Worship as a Collective Experience14:31 Navigating Spiritual Experiences and Discipleship19:36 Chasing Encounters Over Experiences20:51 The Importance of a Home Base22:15 Rooting Identity in Christ26:02 The Power of Music in Worship29:12 Surrendering to God's Call30:51 Learning to Surrender34:47 Prayers for the Canadian Church

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

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

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, host Matt Naismith sits down with Bishop Jenny Anderson, Rector of St. Paul’s Bloor Street and St. George’s Grange Park in Toronto. Formerly an Area Bishop in the Diocese of Toronto, Bishop Jenny shares her remarkable journey—from growing up in a family of medical missionaries and living across Asia, to transitioning from journalism to ordained ministry in the Anglican Church in Canada.

She reflects on her formative experiences in India, Japan, and London, and how they shaped her gospel vision and missional leadership. The conversation explores the Anglican tradition’s church planting legacy, the spiritual hunger of Gen Z, and the urgent need for gospel-centered collaboration across denominations in Canada.

💡 Key Takeaways:

+Bishop Jenny had faith roots in a missionary family and cross-cultural upbringing

+Wrestling with truth while living in India

+A calling from journalism to ministry

+Global experiences shaping local mission

+Church planting within Anglican tradition

+Gen Z’s spiritual openness and longing for community

+The gospel’s enduring relevance

+The importance of unity and truth in the Canadian church

To learn more about Bishop Jenny Andison and St. Paul's Bloor Street, please visit https://www.stpaulsbloor.org/.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire missional living and gospel-centered leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bishop Jenny Andison

03:05 Journey of Faith: Sowing the Gospel

06:01 From Journalism to Ministry: A Calling Emerges

09:04 The Anglican Tradition: A Family Legacy

11:54 Experiences in Japan and London: Shaping Ministry

14:39 Church Planting: A Movement in the Anglican Church

17:35 The Future of Anglicanism: Opportunities and Challenges

20:32 Engaging Gen Z: The Gospel's Relevance Today

23:24 Staying Rooted in a Busy City

25:54 The Power of the Gospel: Transforming Lives

28:56 Collaborative Efforts: Unity in the Church

31:49 Concerns for the Future: Managing Decline vs. Revival

40:29 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Dr. Keith Taylor shares lessons from more than 40 years of ministry leadership. From his early years in Vernon, BC, to 30 years at Beulah Alliance in Edmonton, Keith reflects on the importance of authentic faith, resilience through hardship, and the centrality of character in leadership.He also opens up about life beyond the pulpit—his journey as a caregiver, his passion for mentoring the next generation, and what it truly means to live missionally and finish well.Takeaways:🌿 Leadership is sustained by character, not just skill.💬 Resilience grows through community and self-awareness.🕊 The gospel continues to deepen as we follow Jesus.💛 Serving and caregiving can be sacred acts of love.Keith Taylor served with the Alliance Canada for more than 4 decades in two churches. For 11 year at the Alliance church in Vernon BC, and for 30 years at Beulah Alliance in Edmonton; a multi-congregational, multi-ethnic, multi-site and multi-generational church.As Beulah celebrated it’s 100th year in 2021, Keith passed the leadership baton of Beulah to a younger leader. Following leaving Beulah, Keith served an interim role as President of the Canadian Alliance Denomination. Keith continues to serve though leadership coaching, church consulting, and speaking. He is a caregiver for his wife Jacquie; they have 3 married adult children, and 7 wonderful grandchildren. Hosted by Matt Naismith, The Sowers Podcast helps you share and follow Jesus in the places you live, work, learn, and play—through stories from Canadian church planters and leaders who are sowing the gospel across the country.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Chapters00:00 Journey to Faith: A Personal Story03:29 The Call to Discipleship and Authenticity06:16 Navigating Ministry Challenges and Growth09:23 The Importance of Character in Leadership12:07 Longevity in Ministry: Keys to Endurance14:44 Maintaining Resilience in Leadership17:37 The Missional Church: A Legacy of Outreach20:38 Keeping the Evangelistic Fire Alive23:14 The Transformative Power of the Gospel25:57 Personal Trials and the Depth of God's Love28:47 Encouragement for the Next Generation of Leaders31:31 Final Thoughts: Living Out the Gospel Daily38:50 NEWCHAPTER

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of The Sowers Podcast, we sit down with Sunder Krishnan—a man whose journey from nuclear engineering to pastoral ministry is a testament to God’s calling and grace.

Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Sunder completed high school in 1961 and graduated from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in 1967. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT in Boston in 1969. That same year, he joined Atomic Energy of Canada, where he spent over a decade working in safety analysis for nuclear generating stations.

But in 1980, Sunder made a life-altering decision: he left his engineering career to join the pastoral staff at Rexdale Alliance Church, where he served faithfully until his retirement in 2016. His passion for teaching the Scriptures and mentoring the next generation has continued ever since.

In this episode, Sundar shares:

+How Youth for Christ played a pivotal role in his journey to faith

+His search for logical answers to spiritual questions

+The transition from a technical career to full-time ministry

+Why prayer, scripture, and holiness are inseparable in the Christian life

+How mentoring requires sensitivity to individual backgrounds

+The challenges of sharing faith in today’s secular culture

+Practical ways everyday Christians can live missionally and authentically

+The power of hospitality, blessing, and presence in discipleship

+Encouragement for the younger generation rising up in faith

Sundar and his wife Shyamala were married in 1971 and have two married children, Vijay and Sheila, along with six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Today, they worship at The Well, where Vijay his son serves as lead pastor.

This episode is a call to live intentionally, to sow seeds of hope, and to be the presence of Jesus in the lives of others.

🔗 Subscribe to The Sowers Podcast for more stories of everyday mission, discipleship, and kingdom impact.

📌 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen.

#TheSowersPodcast #SundarKrishnan #FaithJourney #PrayerAndScripture #Discipleship #MentoringMatters #AuthenticFaith #KingdomLiving #YouthForChrist #EverydayMission #IIT #MIT #RexdaleAllianceChurch #thewellchurch

Chapters

00:00 Sunder's Journey to Faith

04:52 The Impact of Youth for Christ

08:31 Transitioning to Ministry Leadership

15:02 The Connection Between Prayer, Scripture, and Holiness

20:10 Understanding Holiness and Its Dimensions

26:03 Mentoring and Discipleship in Practice

31:50 Navigating Secular Culture and Its Challenges

38:51 Encouragement for Everyday Followers of Jesus

43:47 NEWCHAPTER

In this conversation, Darrell Johnson—renowned preacher, teacher, and author—shares his journey of faith, the power of preaching, and the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit in everyday witnessing. He reflects on his early encounters with Jesus, his call to ministry influenced by Martin Luther King Jr., and the life-changing nature of the preached word. Darrell also discusses his upcoming book, Awaken Wonder, which invites believers to rediscover the beauty of the Christmas story, and he offers hope for the church’s future in the midst of cultural shifts.

Darrell W. Johnson has been preaching Jesus Christ and His Gospel for over 50 years. He has pastored churches in California, the Philippines, and Canada, including Vancouver’s historic First Baptist Church. He has taught preaching at Fuller Theological Seminary, Carey Theological College, and Regent College, and is the author of multiple books including The Glory of Preaching and Discipleship on the Edge.

Currently serving as a Teaching Pastor at The Way Church and with The Pastorate to strengthen pastors across Canada, Darrell continues to encourage leaders and churches to faithfully preach Christ. He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 50 years, have four children adopted from four countries, and delight in their 11 grandchildren.

Key Takeaways

+Darrell has been aware of Jesus since childhood.

+His call to ministry was shaped by Martin Luther King Jr.’s preaching.

+Preaching transforms lives through the power of God’s word.

+The Holy Spirit is already at work before we share the gospel.

+Witnessing means paying attention to the Spirit’s invitations.

+Every believer has a unique wiring for sharing faith.

+The church must place confidence in the transforming power of Scripture.

+God’s love for the world compels us to approach others with love.

+Awaken Wonder deepens appreciation for the Christmas story.

+There is hope for the church as younger generations seek truth.

To learn more about Darrell, The Pastorate, or The Way Church, please visit:

https://www.darrelljohnson.ca/

https://www.thepastorate.ca/

https://www.thewaychurch.ca/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Darrell Johnson

02:39 Darrell's Early Faith Journey

06:20 The Call to Ministry

08:10 The Power of Preaching

12:22 The Role of Context in Preaching

19:35 Witnessing and Evangelism

27:02 Attentiveness to the Holy Spirit

34:25 Upcoming Book: Awaken Wonder

37:26 Hope and Concerns for the Church

44:12 NEWCHAPTER

In this engaging conversation, Brian Carney, Founder and CEO of Blue Sea Foundation, shares his journey from stockbroker to philanthropy leader. He reflects on the transformative role of faith in his life, the birth of Blue Sea Philanthropy, and the power of peer-to-peer fundraising to help charities grow and thrive. Brian also explores the challenges charities face—like donor engagement and funding sustainability—and highlights how churches can play a vital role in supporting local communities. Looking ahead, he offers hope for the future of philanthropy in Canada, shaped by collaboration, innovation, and faith-filled leadership.

Brian Carney is the Founder and CEO of Blue Sea Foundation, which helps charities across North America thrive through peer-to-peer fundraising. Since 2011, Blue Sea’s national events—Coldest Night of the Year, Ride for Refuge, and The Grand Parade—have equipped over 300 charity partners to raise more than $120 million for their local communities.

Brian is passionate about supporting charity leaders who boldly grow and sustain their organizations. Outside of work, he remains a loyal (and long-suffering) Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He and his wife Sylvia, his childhood sweetheart, are proud parents of three adult children and new grandparents to their first granddaughter.

🌱 Key Takeaways

+How peer-to-peer fundraising diversifies donors and strengthens engagement.

+The church’s vital role in supporting local charities.

+Key challenges charities face today, from funding to community impact.

+The power of collaboration among charities for greater reach.

+Why humility and learning from failure are crucial in leadership.

+Signs of hope for the future of Canadian philanthropy.

+How faith continues to shape Brian’s vision and leadership style.

To learn more about Brian and the work of Blue Sea Foundation, please visit https://bluesea.org/.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brian Carney and His Journey

03:40 The Transformation of Faith and Family

06:17 From Business to Philanthropy: A Personal Journey

09:01 The Birth of Blue Sea Philanthropy

11:52 Challenges Faced by Charities

14:41 The Role of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

17:34 Expanding Blue Sea's Impact

20:37 The Heart of Philanthropy: A Generous World

23:24 The Church's Role in Charity

In this conversation, Kaitlyn Cey shares her journey and the vision behind Inspire Our Nation, a ministry focused on empowering youth through community engagement and spiritual growth. She unpacks the challenges young people face today, from identity crises to mental health struggles, and emphasizes the church’s calling to walk alongside them with hope, reconciliation, and the transformative power of the gospel. Kaitlyn also reflects on her own story as a teacher, pastor, and coach, and offers practical wisdom on building genuine relationships, collaborating across ministries, and rooting ourselves in God to faithfully serve the next generation.

Kaitlyn Cey is an Author, Speaker, Certified Leadership Coach, and the Founding Executive Director of the youth ministry, Inspire Our Nation. Kaitlyn’s experience teaching, pastoring and coaching has grown her passion for empowering and inspiring leaders of all ages toward their full potential.

✨ Takeaways

+Community engagement is vital for empowering youth.

+Inspire Our Nation fosters reconciliation by connecting diverse groups, especially Indigenous youth.

+The church has a unique role in addressing questions of identity and purpose.

+Genuine relationships—not just programs—unlock meaningful ministry.

+Mental health struggles are often tied to identity and belonging.

+Collaboration between churches and para-church ministries multiplies impact.

+Today’s youth are spiritually curious and open to discovering their identity in Christ.

+Kaitlyn’s journey underscores the importance of rest and staying rooted in God.

+A new generation is rising with boldness to proclaim Jesus.

+Simple acts—like showing up in community spaces and making friends—can spark lasting change.

To learn more about Kaitlyn and Inspire Our Nation, please visit https://www.inspireournation.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/inspireournationofficial/.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Sowers Podcast

02:14 Inspire Our Nation: A Vision for Youth

05:33 Challenges Facing Indigenous Youth

09:23 Expanding Inspire Our Nation

10:49 Building Partnerships with Local Churches

11:10 The Importance of Collaboration

14:21 Empowering the Next Generation

15:59 The Role of the Church in Youth Identity

18:29 Understanding Indigenous Youth Experiences

20:02 Effective Communication with Youth

22:19 Staying Rooted in Faith

24:27 Future Vision for Inspire Our Nation

25:33 Personal Journey of Faith

28:05 The Beauty of Jesus

29:32 Excitement for the Next Generation

31:10 First Steps for Engaging the Spiritually Curious

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Joel Auge and Matthew Grieve share the heart behind Royal Anthems, a national worship movement uniting Canadian songwriters to create fresh expressions of faith. Joel and Matthew open up about their personal journeys in music and ministry, the challenges faced by Canadian worship artists, and the power of collaborative songwriting to shape worship and strengthen church unity. This conversation explores how authentic art, rooted in community, can help elevate the voice of a generation across Canada.Joel Augé is a serial entrepreneur, artist, and songwriter who loves creating media that makes both social and spiritual impact. With years of experience founding and leading companies in the tech and creative industries, Joel also carries a deep passion for worship and innovation in the Canadian church.Matthew Grieve is a 5-time Canadian Gospel Male Vocalist of the Year who has sung in more than 1,500 churches across Canada. With over two decades of ministry and leadership experience, he has helped raise millions for charitable causes and now leads Royal Anthems, a movement uniting Canadian worship songwriters to strengthen the voice of the church.Takeaways+Joel and Matthew bring unique experiences from Christian music and ministry into the conversation.+Music has the power to transcend denominational lines and unify believers in worship.+Songs are more than melodies—they are declarations of faith that shape hearts and communities.+Worship is participatory, drawing congregations together in a shared experience.+Royal Anthems was formed to support and elevate Canadian worship artists.+Collaborative songwriting fosters connection, creativity, and community among worship leaders.+While Canada has a rich history of worship music, challenges remain in gaining global recognition.+Royal Anthems seeks to amplify Canadian voices and build a platform for their songs.+The future of worship in Canada is bright, rooted in collaboration and shared vision.To learn more about Royal Anthems, please visit https://www.royalanthems.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/royalanthems/.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Royal Anthems and Personal Backgrounds03:21 The Power of Music in Worship06:13 The Role of Lyrics and Songwriting08:52 The Importance of Community in Worship11:43 Challenges in Canadian Worship Music14:27 The Future of Worship Music in Canada20:13 The Shift in Worship Music Dynamics27:05 Royal Anthems: A Canadian Worship Movement34:20 Unity Through Songwriting Across Denominations39:35 Accessing Royal Anthems Music41:19 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Charles Karugu shares his journey of faith and the deep “holy discontent” that drew him from a business path into vocational ministry. From his early church involvement and life-changing junior high conference experience, to his leadership in youth ministry today, Charles reflects on the critical role of relational connections in reaching this generation. He discusses the updated Alpha Youth Film Series, the “Made For This” prayer initiative for local schools, and why youth are more spiritually open than we often think. Throughout the conversation, Charles highlights the need for prayer, community engagement, and eyes to see what God is already doing among the next generation.Charles Karugu serves as the Alpha Youth Associate at Alpha Canada, where he’s passionate about helping young people encounter the life-changing love of Jesus. Married to his better half, Ashley, and expecting their first child this December, Charles is more committed than ever to seeing a generation of youth lead with courage, compassion, and unshakable faith.Key Takeaways+Early church experiences and a pivotal junior high conference shaped Charles’s faith.+A sense of holy discontent led him to ministry instead of business.+Relational leadership is essential for effectively engaging youth.+Gen Z is spiritually curious and ready for meaningful conversations about faith.+The revamped Alpha Youth Film Series connects powerfully with today’s culture.+Youth are taking ownership of their faith and stepping into leadership.+Prayer is the foundation for youth ministry and school engagement.+The “Made For This” initiative mobilizes churches to pray for local schools.+God is at work in the next generation, and the church must pay attention.To learn more about Youth Alpha and the Youth Film Series, please visit https://alphacanada.org/youth/. To learn more about the 'Made For This' Initiative and sign-up, please visit https://wearemadeforthis.com/.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:26 Journey to Faith and Personal Transformation06:38 Navigating Post-High School Decisions09:37 Holy Discontent and Leadership Development12:26 Creating Relational Spaces for Youth15:26 Youth Culture and Spiritual Curiosity18:37 Empowering Youth as Change Agents22:59 Empowering Youth Ownership in Ministry25:30 The Alpha Youth Film Series: A New Approach31:29 Engaging the Next Generation with Alpha34:15 Made For This: A Call to Prayer and Action41:24 NEWCHAPTER

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.

+Their podcast serves as an evangelistic tool, reaching both Christians and non-Christians.

+The hope is for future generations to engage with sexuality in a healthy and informed way.

To learn more about Kingdom Sexuality, please visit https://www.kingdomsexualityministry.com.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Kingdom Sexuality

00:47 The Origin Story of Kingdom Sexuality

03:57 Personal Journeys and Challenges

13:03 Identifying the Gap in Sexual Education

18:37 Common Misconceptions About Sex

20:55 Facilitating Conversations on Sexuality

24:54 Navigating Feedback: Surprises and Lessons

33:13 Impact Beyond Belief: Stories of Transformation

41:03 The Future of Conversations on Sexuality

43:41 Empowering the Next Generation: Church's Role in Sexuality Discussions

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.

To learn more about Joshua and his music, please visit https://www.joshualeventhal.com/.

🔥 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

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.

+The Lord has been pruning that attitude of contempt and criticism within the church.

+The Lord God is a God of generations and loves unity in the body.

+The time is over for churches to survive alone.

+The greatest challenge of Brent's leadership is to love the Lord with all his heart.

+Open your eyes, the fields are ripe for harvest.

To learn more about Brent and Kings Church, please visit https://kingschurch.cc/.

To learn more about One Conference, please visit https://onecon.ca/.

To learn more and listen to the Back Corner Podcast, please visit https://www.backcornerpodcast.com/.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Brent Ingersoll's Journey to Faith

07:07 The Origins of King's Church

15:26 Navigating Challenges and Renewal

19:13 The Response of Atlantic Canada to Church Growth

20:01 Skepticism and Flourishing in Atlantic Canada

22:38 The Emergence of One Conference

27:15 Unity and Breaking Down Barriers

29:38 Leadership Lessons and the Great Commandment

34:53 A Season of Harvest and Expectation

42:20 New Chapter

#TheSowersPodcast #BrentIngersoll #CanadianChurch #RevivalInCanada #PresenceDriven #ChurchLeadership #GospelMovements

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.

+We Need New Paradigms for a Secular World

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

34:26 Experiencing the Sweetness of Jesus

36:49 Hope for the Church in Canada

41:16 New Chapter

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

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.

#TheSowersPodcast #DiscipleMaking #DanielIm #ChurchLeadership #SpiritualGrowth #christianpodcasts

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction to Discipleship

02:05 The Heart Behind 'The Discipleship Opportunity'

05:08 Challenging Old Assumptions in Discipleship

08:32 Identifying the Discipleship Opportunity

12:28 Practical Examples of Discipleship Approaches

17:35 Teaching Others to 'Cook' in Discipleship

22:06 Reactions to New Discipleship Methods

23:45 The Power of Organic Search and Community Engagement

25:28 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Transformation

27:05 Creating Environments for Spiritual Growth

29:55 Balancing Action and Grace in Faith

35:50 The Importance of Personal Encounter with God

38:49 Embracing Pain for Spiritual Growth

45:01 New Chapter

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

13:38 Jared Brock: Writing Warfare and Cultural Discernment

17:15 Chris Price: Planting the Way Church and Trusting the Gospel

23:05 New Chapter

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.

To learn more about Chris and The Way Church and The Way College, please visit https://www.thewaychurch.ca/ and https://www.thewaychurch.ca/college.

To explore some of Chris' books, please visit https://www.amazon.ca/Books-Chris-Price/s?rh=n%3A916520%2Cp_27%3AChris%2BPrice.

#pastoralministry #pastors #churchplanting #leadership #transitions #faith #journey #community #gospel #team #teamleadership #leadership #personalgrowth #churchdevelopment

Chapters

00:00 Chris Price's Journey to Pastoral Ministry

03:33 Growth and Development in Ministry

09:08 Navigating Transitions in Ministry

15:01 The Challenges of Church Planting

19:31 Leading as a Team in Ministry

26:11 Reflections on Leadership and Growth

34:17 The Power of the Gospel and Church Planting

In this conversation, Jared opens up about his journey of faith and calling as a writer and filmmaker. He shares how his high school struggles shaped his desire to lead people closer to Jesus through storytelling. Jared discusses the process of writing his latest book, "A Devil Named Lucifer," challenging misconceptions about the devil and calling Christians to ground their beliefs in Scripture. He critiques moral relativism, reflects on his personal growth in grace and humility, and emphasizes the need for hospitality and engagement with younger generations as practical ways to sow the gospel.

TAKEAWAYS

+Christian writing has historically influenced the church and society in profound ways.

+There is importance in planting seeds through writing that can impact future generations.

+If you feel called by God to do something, you should pursue it relentlessly.

+Understanding the devil's role is crucial in a materialist society.

+Moral relativism poses a significant danger to society.

+The character of Christ should guide our actions and decisions.

+ Engaging with young people can be vital for spiritual growth and understanding.

Jared Brock is an author, filmmaker, and storyteller with a unique gift for remembering remarkably specific details—thanks to his DNA-confirmed elevated episodic memory. He kissed his future wife in the summer before seventh grade, and today, they live in the UK with their two young sons. Jared, who is Canadian, and his wife—who is of Ethiopian and Finnish descent—are passionate about living simply. They don’t own cell phones, preferring an analog lifestyle marked by generous time margins and meaningful relationships. Through his books and films, Jared invites audiences to think deeply, live intentionally, and draw closer to Jesus.

Jared is the award-winning author of "A Year of Living Prayerfully" and "A God Named Josh" and the director of several films, including PBS's acclaimed Redeeming Uncle Tom with Danny Glover. His writing has appeared in Christianity Today, The Guardian, Smithsonian, USA Today, Huffington Post, Relevant, and TIME.

To learn more about Jared and explore his books and films, please visit https://jaredabrock.com/

#faith #writing #Christian #author #journey #influence #ministry #storytelling #literature, #filmmaking #spirituality #thedevil #moralrelativism #character #sowing #struggles #faith #youthministry

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:15 Journey to Faith and Early Experiences

04:11 High School Challenges and Growth

06:08 Finding a Calling in Writing and Filmmaking

09:04 The Writing Process and Challenges

13:44 Influence of Christian Writing on the Church

17:01 Literary Journey and Recent Works

21:27 The Journey of Writing and Personal Struggles

23:06 Exploring the Devil: Myths and Realities

27:08 The Importance of Understanding the Devil Today

30:00 Moral Relativism and the Materialist Worldview

32:03 Personal Reflections on Accusation and Adversity

36:47 Living Out the Character of Christ

40:16 Sowing the Gospel in Everyday Life

In this episode, Matt Menzel shares his journey of faith, emphasizing intimacy with Jesus, surrender, and the goodness of God. He unpacks the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching, the need for repentance in church life, and the call to create a culture of encounter. Matt also reflects on revival, abiding in Christ, and how deep surrender leads to lasting transformation.

Matt is the lead pastor of Centre Church in downtown Vancouver. He and his wife, Melissa, are completely caught up in a vision for the renewal of Jesus' church in their city. Matt's greatest joy is to experience the manifest presence of Jesus in daily life and to see Jesus do the things that only He can do!

TAKEAWAYS

+Intimacy with Jesus is rooted in deep surrender, and the fear of the Lord is essential for true intimacy.

+ Intimacy impacts all aspects of life and ministry.

+ We want to be the church pursuing revival and intimacy with God.

+Creating a culture of encounter is essential for church growth.

+Repentance is a key aspect of spiritual renewal.

+Jesus invites us to experience His presence daily.

+ It's important to ask Jesus what He loves about us.

+ Ministry can be challenging, but Jesus is always accessible.

To learn more about Matt and Centre Church, please visit https://centrechurch.ca/.

#intimacy #spiritualjourney #surrender #goodness #church #leadership #faith #friendship #spiritualawakening #transformation #eldership #revival #HolySpirit #preaching #culture #encounter #change #abiding #repentance #jesus

Chapters

00:00 Journey of Transformation

09:36 The Path to Surrender

15:41 Revelation of God's Goodness

20:41 Pursuing Revival and Intimacy with God

28:18 Creating a Culture of Encounter

37:51 The Importance of Abiding and Repentance