#83 Sep 14, 26

A God-Sized Vision for the Prison Ministry Through the Local Church with Emerson Mendoza of Village Church in Surrey

What does prison ministry look like from the other side of the bars? In this episode of CITN, Emerson Mendoza shares his journey from inmate to pastor and leader of a prison ministry. Emerson also shares with Rob about his upbringing in Nicaragua during the civil war and his church ministry in the Lower Mainland today. Emerson Mendoza is the Associate Pastor at Village Church in Surrey, BC.

Contact Emerson Mendoza at thisisvillagechurch.com/contact/contact-staff

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about the implications of recent AI developments and the church transition from summer to fall.

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Creators and Guests

Host

Chris Drinnan

Chris Drinnan has served as an Associate Pastor at Hillcrest Apostolic Church in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, for the past ten years. He oversees the NextGen Team and acts as the point leader for Student Ministries, investing in the lives of children, youth, and young adults. Chris grew up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan, where summer camp, youth group, and a faithful mentor helped shape his call to vocational ministry. He earned a degree in Biblical Studies from Eston College, a diploma in Architectural Technology from SAIT, and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Ministry from Ambrose University. Chris is passionate about equipping the next generation to follow Jesus with courage and conviction. He and his wife, Jenna, are raising four children. Outside of ministry, Chris enjoys campfires, good books, tinkering with woodworking projects, and sharing good meals with great company.

Host

Geoff Dresser

Geoff Dresser is the Associate Professor of Worship Arts at Briercrest College and Seminary. For a side hustle, he’s the part-time Worship Pastor at Victory Church in Moose Jaw. Geoff took a circuitous route to full time ministry, beginning his career as an electrical engineer (get it?). God called him into ministry after 10 years working in high tech. He has been a worship pastor at churches in Ottawa, Winnipeg, and now Moose Jaw. Geoff is a songwriter, music producer, and recording artist, as well as the author of “Mountaintop,” a satirical novel about travails of a young worship pastor. Geoff has been married to Pearl for 32 years and they have three sons: Pierce, Gideon who is married to Tiana, and Preston.

Editor

Lincoln Funk

Lincoln Funk is the Assistant Producer at Church in the North. He was born and raised in Winnipeg, MB and is in his 3rd year of Biblical Studies at Briercrest. Lincoln loves electric guitar, shooting pool, and the New York Knicks! In the summer, Lincoln serves as Summer Experience Director at Circle Square Ranch summer camp in Manitoba. He also does the graphic design for CITN. He is featured as a guest on Ep. 59!

Producer

Rob Chartrand

Rob is the Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry and Program Coordinator at Briercrest College. He has been in pastoral ministry for thirty years, working in various roles in churches of different sizes across Canada. He recently served as the Lead Pastor and founder of Crosspoint Church in Edmonton. Rob is passionate about equipping and empowering emerging leaders, which fits his role with Briercrest. His doctoral work with Asbury Theological Seminary studied the spiritual formation of Millennials. As a consultant, he has helped churches, non-profits, businesses, and denominations position themselves for continued strategic success. Rob runs, reads, writes, lifts heavy objects in his spare time, and is a gamer. He is a husband, father, and grandfather. Check out Rob's blog: www.robchartrand.com.