#67 Nov 03, 25

Changing Churches, Multi-Ethnic Leadership, and Developing Pastors with Dan Godard

Does the location of your church drive mission? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Dan Godard about his transition to a new church and his first year in leadership. They also discuss multi-ethnic ministry, the clergy shortage, and what leadership development looks like in his movement. Dan is the Lead Pastor of Royal Oak Victory Church in Calgary. To learn more about his church, visit: https://www.rovc.ca/.

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about the significance of a Blue Jays win for Canada. Rob also tests Geoff and Chris' knowledge of Canadian trivia. Finally, they discuss Canada's national identity and the role, if any, the church plays in shaping it. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

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

Dan Godard

Dan Godard is the Lead Pastor of Royal Oak Victory Church in Calgary, serving alongside his wife Marianna as one of the primary leaders of the congregation. Known for his commitment to building a welcoming, Christ-centered church, Pastor Dan has an extensive pastoral background that includes more than a decade of leadership at Royal Oak and previous service in other Victory Churches across Canada, such as Moose Jaw.

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.

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.