All Episodes

Quebec has been resistant to the gospel for decades - and for good reason. What might it cost the church to change that? In this episode, we talk with Maxime Cauachon about multiplying church planting movements in Quebec. We also discuss co-vocational ministry and the necessity for innovation when faced with scarcity. Maxime is the Lead Pastor of Le Phere Church in Lavaltrie, QC. For more information about the church visit https://www.lepharelavaltrie.com/. To discover more about his church planting movement, check out https://www.reseauevangeliquequebec.org/. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff talk about road construction and road trips. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

South Asians are the largest visible minority group in Canada. So who is reaching them with the gospel? In this episode, we talk with Joel David about his journey to Canada to pastor a church for South Asian Canadians. We also discuss refugee sponsorship, second-generation Canadians, and the unique challenges of reaching people from South Asia. Joel is the Lead Pastor of Asian Christian Church in Edmonton, AB. For more information about the church visit www.asianchristianchurch.org. To connect with Joel about refugee sponsorship, email him at joel.interact@gmail.com. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff celebrate an epic Youth Quake weekend. They also talk about how churches can welcome and serve New Canadians. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Resiliency is a cultural problem and a church problem. What can we do? In this episode, we talk with Chris McGregor about planting and growing a church in Montreal. We also discuss the challenges of forming resilient disciples. Chris is the Lead Pastor of City Church in Montreal, QC. For more information about Chris or his church visit https://citychurch.ca/ In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff talk about resilient disciples. We also hear a surprise announcement from Dan and Geoff. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Who needs apologetics? Isn't the Bible enough? In this episode, we talk with Tim Barnett about his journey from a high school teacher to a professional apologist. We also discuss the changing face of apologetics and the need for apologetics in Canadian churches. Tim works with Stand to Reason and manages his own YouTube channel, Red Pen Logic. For more information about Stand to Reason, visit www.str.org. To view his videos for Red Pen Logic, visit https://www.youtube.com/@RedPenLogic. Tim's book that he co-authored, "The Deconstruction of Christianity," is available on Amazon. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff discuss the recent solar eclipse and its implications for the Flat Earth Society. They also talk about faith, doubt, and unbelief. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Does theological education belong in the academy or the church? As we consider clergy shortages across the country, will our traditional structures of ministry training be sufficient to fulfill this need? In this episode, we talk with Cody Matchett about how his church is seeking to bring theological education to its members. We also discuss the future of ministry formation, emerging generations, and his recent book, "Revelation for the Rest of Us," which he co-authored with Scot McKnight. Cody works with First Assembly and Tehillah Monday in Calgary. For more information, visit www.tehillahyyc.ca/ministryschool. Cody's book is available on Amazon. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff discuss the failures of Punxsutawney Phil and consider placing wagers on the weather. They also talk about ministry priorities in the post-Easter season. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Some say church buildings don't matter - until they affect their mission. In this episde, we talk with Brad Moffat about the unique design and location of his church building and how it forced them to think creatively about mission and multiplication. Brad is the Lead Pastor of McKenzie Towne Church in Calgary, AB. To connect with Brad or learn more about the church, visit www.mckenzietownechurch.com. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff are back together to reflect theologically about buildings, place, and space. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Should pastors be talking with their congregations about AI? This week on the podcast we have an in-studio conversation with Rob, Geoff, and Dan about AI and Easter planning. The conversation is philosophical, theological, and also practical. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Why should churches care about medical assistance in dying (MAID)? This is the second of a two-part interview with David Guretzki, the President and CEO of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC). We discuss Canadian Evangelicalism, theology, and culture. To learn more about EFC, visit www.evangelicalfellowship.ca. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff have a conversation about MAID and its implications for the church. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Should we stop using the term evangelical? This is the first of a two-part interview with David Guretzki, the President and CEO of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC). We discuss Canadian Evangelicalism, theology, and culture. To learn more about EFC, visit www.evangelicalfellowship.ca. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff are back together to talk about attending conferences and skipping sessions. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

When culture blurs the line between men and women, should churches do the same? In this episode, we talk with Jody Cross about his transition from being a worship pastor for more than thirty years, to becoming a lead pastor. We discover how his church's emphasis on discipling men has benefited everyone. Jody is the Lead Pastor of Southshore Bible Church in Barrie, ON. To learn more about Southshore or to connect with Jody, visit https://southshorebible.org. To check out Jody's podcast, Worship God, visit https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/worship-god. In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff team up with guest host Kaitlin Brennan, Director of Youth Quake at Briercrest. They talk about Lent and Valentine's Day. They also discuss how singleness is on the rise in Canada and what this means for the church. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.

Mega-churches have gotten a lot of bad press lately, but is it fair to judge every large church for the mistakes of a few? In this episode, we talk with Dustin Funk about his church's growth over multiple decades and how God has used it to reach lost people. We also learn about his calling and the church's unique origin story as an ethnic Italian community. Dustin is the Lead Pastor of Oasis Church in Winnipeg, MB. For more information or to contact Dustin, visit www.oasischurch.ca. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff are back together to talk about National Backward Day, and dream about going back in time. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Why are we planting churches when so many pulpits are vacant and so many churches are closing? In this episode, we talk with Daryl Molyneaux and Johnny Thiessen about planting churches in Canada. We also talk about calling and the uniqueness of the Canadian context. Daryl and Johnny are with SEND Calgary, helping to catalyze church plants. For more information or to reach out to them, visit https://www.namb.net/send-network/send-city/calgary/. In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff are joined by AJ Crocker, Vice President of External Relations at Briercrest. They discuss why the number of people pursuing ministry continues to diminish and what role pastors play in fanning into flame the call to ministry. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.

What's the difference between loving a city and wanting to love a city? In this episode, we talk with Daycee Richardson about mobilizing the church for justice and compassion. We discuss her unique pastoral role of "Community Advocate" and how her church has been welcoming New Canadians, partnering with community agencies, feeding the hungry, and being a gospel witness. Daycee is on the pastoral team at Hillcrest Church in Moose Jaw, SK. For more information or to reach out Daycee, visit www.hillcrestmj.com. In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff team up with guest host Kaitlin Brennan, Director of Youth Quake at Briercrest. They discuss the effects of cold weather on people's moods and church attendance. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.

Sometimes life has a way of blowing up our plans - especially in ministry. In this episode, we talk with Jon Stairs and hear about a devastating disruption his church faced - just thirteen days after he became the lead pastor. We learn a lot about dependency on God, leadership, and doing the right thing, even when it's hard. Jon is the Lead Pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Cambridge, ON. To learn more about the church or to contact Jon, visit www.templebaptistchurch.ca. In the conversation, Jon recommends the book "Ecclesial Repentance" by Jeremy M. Bergen. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff are officially back in the studio for the new year. They discuss the practical and spiritual realities of planning for pastors. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Hearing God's voice is hard - it's even harder when you have the wrong mindset. In this episode, we talk with Kyle Harnett about his transition process from leading a small, nimble multiplying church plant to leading a very large church. We also discuss spiritual renewal and mobilizing the church for mission. Kyle is the Lead Pastor of Foothills Alliance Church in Calgary, Alberta. To learn more about the church or to contact Kyle, visit www.myfoothills.ca. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff pretend it's January (when it's actually December). They discuss New Year's resolutions and book recommendations - and delve into Geoff's unique approach to parenting. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Rural churches are everywhere, but who should lead one? In this episode, we talk with Phil Houston about the learning (and unlearning) that took place when he began pastoring a rural church. We also talk about the challenges of finding rural pastors and ministry strategies in an agrarian environment. Phil is the Lead Pastor of Park Avenue Bible Church in Melfort, Saskatchewan. To learn more about the church or to contact Phil, visit www.pabc.ca. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff talk about service planning for Christmas Eve Sunday and New Year's Eve Sunday. They also give some year end book recommendations. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

When your church and your community both need healing, where do you begin? In this episode, we talk with Milissa Ewing about leadership challenges in a church wrestling with past abuse in a city marked with a bad reputation. We also discuss women in ministry, Indigenous leadership, and gospel contextualization. Milissa is the Lead Pastor of Redwood Park Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario. To learn more about the church or to contact Milissa, visit www.redwoodpark.org. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff talk alot about coffee. They also discuss ways for pastors to share their leadership challenges with others. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Why are we losing our evangelistic pulse in local churches? In this episode, we talk with Bill Hogg about the disappearance of evangelists and the pressing need to fan into flame gospel potency and evangelistic giftings in local churches. Bill is the National Director of Message Canada and Lead for Advance Canada. To connect with Bill or to learn more about his work, visit www.messagecanada.org. Information about Advance Groups can be found at www.advancegroups.org. To register for the Advance Evangelists Summit, go to www.advancesummit.org. In this episode, Rob references two books: Preaching by Tim Keller and How to Preach & Teach the Old Testament for All Its Worth by Christopher J.H. Wright. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff talk about appropriate Christmas decorating and the challenge pastors face in doing personal evangelism. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Is Advent something worth celebrating or is it a dead tradition? In this episode, Rob talks with Rev. Dr. Dean Pinter about Advent, liturgy, Evangelicalism, and church tradition. Father Dean is the Rector of St. Aidan Anglican Church in Moose Jaw, SK. In the podcast, he references two authors: Malcolm Guite and Stephen Cherry (Barefoot Ways). For more information about St. Aidan, or to connect with Dean, visit www.staidan.ca. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff debate American versus Canadian Thanksgiving and discuss Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Advent traditions. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.

Is Eastern Canada hard soil for church planting? In this episode, we talk with Chad MacDonald about his first year planting a church in Halifax, Nova Scotia and how he received a little help from south of the border. We also discuss strategic church planting and his church plant's unique team structure. Chad MacDonald is a pastor from Port City Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. For more information visit www.portcitychurch.ca. In the pre-show, Rob, Dan, and Geoff discuss emergency surgery and days of rest for pastors. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.