Alpha, Emerging Generations, and Leadership with Shaila Visser
With rising digital distraction and pastoral shortages, is the church prepared to reach emerging generations? In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Shaila Visser about the remarkable growth of the Alpha program and its impact on youth ministry. They explore insights from recent research on emerging generations, highlighting the significant spiritual hunger among young people. They also talk about the launch of the new Alpha Youth series designed for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the shortage of young people entering into ministry, and the challenges of staying grounded in leadership. Shaila is the National Director of Alpha Canada and Global Senior Vice-President for Alpha International.
For more information about Alpha Youth, visit: https://alphacanada.org/youth/.
To learn more about Student Leadership Collective, visit: https://alphacanada.org/studentleadershipcollective/.
In the pre-show, Geoff, Rob and special guest Karly Traub get back in the studio after a long weekend and a week off from the podcast. They talk about Alpha, including their past experiences, and their excitement for the new Youth Alpha video series set to release on November 14. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
For more information about Alpha Youth, visit: https://alphacanada.org/youth/.
To learn more about Student Leadership Collective, visit: https://alphacanada.org/studentleadershipcollective/.
In the pre-show, Geoff, Rob and special guest Karly Traub get back in the studio after a long weekend and a week off from the podcast. They talk about Alpha, including their past experiences, and their excitement for the new Youth Alpha video series set to release on November 14. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
Creators and Guests
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.
Host
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. Check out Rob's blog: www.robchartrand.com.
Producer
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 2nd year of Biblical Studies at Briercrest. Lincoln loves electric guitar, his favourite sports teams (Jets, Knicks, Ravens, and Dodgers) and coffee! In the summer, Lincoln serves as Program 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!
