Intentional Leadership Pathways for Youth Ministries with Chris Whitelaw
Why are young people no longer pursuing careers in ministry? This week on the podcast, we have an in-studio conversation with Rob, Geoff, and Kaitlin, PLUS our guest Chris Whitelaw, Youth Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton. Together they explore some of the causes of the shortage of young workers, both culturally and within the church. They also discuss keychain leadership and creating intentional leadership pathways for young people in local congregations. Many resources are discussed in this episode.
Rick Hiemstra's Article: https://digital.faithtoday.ca/faithtoday/library/item/05062024/4188073/.
Kara Powell and Growing Young: https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/growingyoung.
Rob's blog post on Young Canadians: https://robchartrand.com/2024/09/17/why-are-young-canadians-not-considering-ministry/.
YQ Leadership Essentials: https://www.youthquake.ca/leadership/.
For more information about the podcast, visit 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.
Rick Hiemstra's Article: https://digital.faithtoday.ca/faithtoday/library/item/05062024/4188073/.
Kara Powell and Growing Young: https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/growingyoung.
Rob's blog post on Young Canadians: https://robchartrand.com/2024/09/17/why-are-young-canadians-not-considering-ministry/.
YQ Leadership Essentials: https://www.youthquake.ca/leadership/.
For more information about the podcast, visit 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
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
Kaitlin Brennan
Kaitlin Brennan currently lives in Moose Jaw with her husband Matt. She works as the Director of Youth Quake at Briercrest College and Seminary, where her main goal is to guide youth in their relationship with Jesus. During the summer, she visits and speaks at various Bible camps around Saskatchewan. Kait is deeply committed to helping young people grow in their faith and wants to see the next generation dedicated to following Jesus with their whole lives. Kait graduated from Briercrest in 2018 with a degree in Psychology and is currently working towards a Masters in Leadership. In her free time, Kait enjoys a good cup of coffee, playing board games with friends, camping, and spending time with her family at their farm.
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!
