Lincoln Funk

Can local churches intentionally grow their own ministry leaders? In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Sam Romijn about nurturing a leadership development culture in the local church. They also discuss his surprising journey into senior pastoral leadership, local outreach, and multisite church. San is the Lead Pastor of Coquitlam Alliance Church in Coquitlam, BC. For more information about his church, visit https://www.cachurch.ca/.  In the pre-show, Rob, Kaitlin, and Geoff talk about Christmas traditions and how pastors can find rest during this busy season. 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. 

What happens when a pastor uproots his life, late in his career, to embrace a new community and culture? In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Terry Sanderson about his ministry journey from St. Louis to Toronto and how his community navigated the challenges of rapid church growth in a few years. They also discuss the church's commitment to intercultural ministry, community outreach, and evangelism with Alpha. Terry is the Lead Pastor of Bayview Glen Church in Thornhill, ON.  For more information about his church, visit https://www.bayviewglen.org/.  In the pre-show, Rob, Kait, and Geoff get back in the studio with some exciting news, after a two-week break.  The CITN crew also discuss the work of the late, Hal Lindsey and the impact his work had on eschatological views in the church - and whether or not we need more sermons about the end times. The conversation shifts to the season of Advent and the hope we have in Christ's return.  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.

How do we confront the Canadian clergy shortage crisis? On November 18-20, over fifty ministry leaders gathered from across Canada at Muskoka Woods Camp for the first-ever Pipeline Symposium. Many invitations were sent out, and some couldn't attend, but there was a strong representation of denominational, academic, parachurch, and local church leaders. Throughout the three-day event, Rob sat down with eleven of its participants for short "speed interviews." The goal was to capture their discoveries, but more importantly, to help turn up the heat around this crucial conversation. On this week's episode, we hear from Connan Kublik (Executive Director, Grace Network Canada), Cliff Cline (Founder, Eyes Up Worship Ministry), Tim Strickland (Health and Vitality Director, FEB Central), Mark Burch (Lead Pastor, Northview Community Church), and Graham Nickel (Chairman, Columbia Bible College).

How do we confront the Canadian clergy shortage crisis? On November 18-20, over fifty ministry leaders gathered from across Canada at Muskoka Woods Camp for the first-ever Pipeline Symposium. Many invitations were sent out, and some couldn't attend, but there was a strong representation of denominational, academic, parachurch, and local church leaders. Throughout the three-day event, Rob sat down with eleven of its participants for short "speed interviews." The goal was to capture their discoveries, but more importantly, to help turn up the heat around this crucial conversation. On this week's episode, we hear from Kesavan Belasingham (Pastor, Fellowship Church Rouge Park), Jeremy MacDonald (Director of Operations, Youth Worker Community), Trevor Peacock (Senior Pastor, Redemption Calgary North), Paul Carter (Lead Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church), Jonathan Griffiths (Lead Pastor, The Metropolitan Bible Church and Chancellor, Heritage Seminary), and Steve Adams (Founder and Consultant, Adams & Co.).  There is no pre-show for this week's episode. 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.

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.

In this episode of CITN, Rob Chartrand interviewed Jason Mills, Dean of Briercrest Seminary. This in-house guest talked about his journey from Church ministry, to chaplaincy and teaching, and how God's calling for his life has led him on a ministry journey across Canada. Rob and Jason discuss chaplaincy and the position's unique opportunity to connect with those who may never enter a church building. They also discuss Co-vocational ministry and how Briercrest Seminary is providing training for potential or current co-vocational ministers! In the pre-show, Kait Brennan, Geoff Dresser, and Rob Chartrand discuss their Haloween plans (or lack thereof), and recent and upcoming elections. The CITN crew digs into what it means to be a Christ-follower first before a follower of a politician and the nuance of the role of ministry leaders during times of political turnover.

Newcomers are arriving to Canada from around the world, including Latin America. What is God up to? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Hernando Munoz about his adventures in church planting in both Toronto and Calgary. We talk about the unique intercultural model of First Alliance Church as well as how God is at work in Latin America - and what that means for Canada. Hernando is the Spanish Congregation Pastor at First Alliance Church in Calgary. For more information, visit https://www.faccalgary.com/campuses/spanish-campus In the pre-show, Rob, Kate and Geoff discuss two articles (which Rob assigned as homework) that explore how people groups are on the move in the world today. They also talk about the shift that has taken place in global Christianity in the last century - away from the western world and toward Asia, Africa, and Latin America resulting in the first ever "truly global faith."  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. You can find the articles discussed in the pre-show here:  https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2024/08/19/the-religious-composition-of-the-worlds-migrants/  https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/

Sometimes, God takes our well-laid plans and turns them upside down for his glory.  In this episode of CITN, we speak with Jake LeFave about church planting during a time of global disruption. We explore the heart-realities that ministry leaders wrestle with, the surprise of God's gracious redirection, and the challenges of planting the gospel in East Vancouver. Jake is the Lead Pastor of Christ City, a neighbourhood church in East Vancouver. For more information, visit https://christcitychurch.ca/eastvan/  In the pre-show, Rob, Kate and Geoff get caught up after the Thanksgiving break. They also talk about pastoral appreciation. 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.

What happens when regular Christians move in among the unreached, urban poor? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Nigel Paul about a missional movement of people who are moving into some of the most challenging neighbourhoods across Canada (and around the world). We also discuss the challenge of leading a movement while staying invested in your own community, as well as the beauty and demands of intercultural ministry. Nigel is the Founder and Director of MoveIn Canada. For more information about MoveIn, visit https://movein.global/ca/.  To check out wedding story, commissioned by the Crazy Love Team, visit https://youtu.be/-00nvyvuvjE?si=5mQGDwMNSXgR9Ejt.  In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff are joined by Daniel Markin who has returned as a co-host. They discuss the National Good Neighbour day and what it means to be a good neighbour. They also talk about the challenges of reaching their neighbours for Christ. 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.

Why should churches be paying attention to National Truth and Reconciliation Day? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Howard Jolly about his journey into pastoral ministry. We also discuss the challenges and dreams he has for Canadian Indigenous churches. Howard is the Executive Director of Indigenous Alliance Churches of Canada. You can support his work at https://thealliancecanada.ca/gift/indigenous-alliance-churches-of-canada/.  In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Kaitlin discuss work/life balance for ministry leaders. They also talk about their hobbies, some which might surprise listeners. 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.

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.

How do you lead through successive seasons of rapid change? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Brandon and Emma Richardsons about church planting, growth, mergers, and multi-site. We also discuss co-pastoring as a couple and navigating family in ministry. Brandon and Emma are the founding planters of SLATE Church and Co-Pastors of BASE Church in Waterloo, ON. For more information about their church visit https://www.base.church/.  In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Kaitlin discuss volunteer recruitment and placement. They also talk about how to involve new believers or people still investigating faith. 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.

Is human trafficking an overseas problem or a Canadian problem? In this episode of CITN, we speak with Jacquie Meyer about the stigma surrounding women trapped in prostitution and addiction. We also discuss the challenges of leading a growing organization and staying healthy in an intense ministry environment. Jacquie is the founder and Executive Director of HER Victory in Calgary, AB. For more information about HER Victory or to contact Jacquite, visit https://hervictory.ca/.  In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Kaitlin kick off the new season with a conversation about Kaitlin's role as a regular co-host on CITN. The also talk about summer ministry and ramping up for fall ministry. 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.