Church in the North

In an age of disruption, should we reconsider our ministry models or missional frameworks?  In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Dr. Raphael Anzenberger about his work in Quebec with denominational revitalization, church planting, and missional enterprise. They also discuss the significance of innovation, the inevitability of disruption, and lessons gleaned from mission in Europe. Raphael is th...

How might ministry leaders anticipate the future to shape today's church?  In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Joel Murphy about his work with the Futuring Hub and how we might faithfully imagine the future. They also discuss AI, cultural shifts, and the future of ministry formation.  Joel is the Director of Futures Research and Director of the Andrew D. McRae Centre for Christian Faith and Cu...

What do Canadians really think about evangelism?  In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Bill Hogg about a recent study conducted by Message Canada and Alpha Canada in partnership with Angus Reid. They discuss several early findings from the research and take a deep dive into their implications.  They also discuss the upcoming "Renewing Evangelism Conference" in Kelowna on June 2-4. Bill is the P...

Leadership is hard, but it's even harder in hard times.  In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Tim Coles about how he has led from a place of suffering while leading an historic, national youth organization. They also discuss Youth For Christ's legacy and its impact on Canada's youth. Tim is the National Director of Youth for Christ Canada.  To contact Tim or learn more about YFC, visit https://...

What can't we ignore when designing a church discipleship pathway? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Daniel Im about discipleship frameworks and how leaders can be more intentional in their discipleship practices. They also discuss multi-site church, personal development, continuing education, and the discipline of writing. Daniel is the Lead Pastor at Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, AB....

What can we learn from bible college students ready to launch into ministry?  In this episode, Rob has an in-studio conversation with Briercrest ministry students Dawson, Edo, Paige, and Kaytee. They talk about their hopes and fears for ministry, what influenced their callings, and how older ministry leaders can invest in younger leaders.  For more information about the podcast, visit https://www....

In this episode, Pastor Michael Voll walks us through his journey from sensing a call to ministry to leading a mega church and developing innovative models for multiplication. Michael shares candid insights about leadership, evangelism, church revitalization, and the importance of community in faith-based work. Learn from his experiences navigating grief, mentoring future leaders, and building sus...

Why do some pastors remain in ministry for decades while others struggle with burnout? In this episode of CITN, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about longevity in pastoral ministry and the realities of burnout. They discuss recent research from Barna on pastoral wellbeing, the reasons some pastors consider leaving ministry, and the role that vocational calling plays in helping leaders persevere over th...

In this episode, Jeremy MacDonald and CITN host, Rob Chartrand, talk about a growing spiritual hunger with Gen Z. Drawing on recent research, cultural trends, and his experience forming future ministry leaders, they reflect on why young people are searching for meaning in a culture shaped by anxiety, nihilism, and fragmentation. He’ll talk about how youth workers might need to shift from trying to...

Can the church speak faithfully about sexuality while remaining deeply compassionate? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Bryan Pue as he shares a gospel-centered approach to sexuality, identity, and relationships. They also discuss vulnerability in leadership and Bryan's personal ministry journey. Bryan Pue is a founder of the Union Movement.  For more information, go to theunionmovement.com...

What does it look like to build a simple, multiplying church on a university campus? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Robin Wallar about planting churches on university campuses. They also discuss the church's growth strategy through reproducing evangelism and growing families in a missional context. Robin Wallar is a lead pastor at LIFT church, with locations on 9 university campuses acros...

Every leader is a reader, but how do they choose what belongs on the shelf? In this episode of CITN, Rob, Geoff, & Chris talk about their top reads from the past year. They also discuss the place of humour in leadership roles, the unique role of stories, and their own personal study habits.  For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/.  For questions or inqui...

Planting a church is hard, but revitalizing a church is even harder. In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Danny Arevalo about his journey from planting a house church to revitalizing a declining church to multiplying churches in different cities. We learn how even a small church can make a big impact. Danny is the Lead Pastor of Freedom Church in New Westminster, BC.  To learn more about his ch...

Is there hope for the rural church in Canada? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Guy Shields about the challenges the rural church faces and the advantages of rural church leadership. They also explore Village Mission's role in developing and supporting leaders in small churches, as well as the approaches other movements are using to address the shortage of rural clergy. Guy is the Executive...

Sociological data show that Gen Z, as well as young men, is rushing back to church. Is this a spiritual revival? In this week's podcast, Rob, Geoff, and Chris have a lengthy in-studio conversation about a recent article published by CTV News. They examine the issues from sociological, philosophical, and theological vantage points.   To read the CTV article, check out: https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada...

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:...

Why do we gather as churches and what is good gathering?  In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Jonathan Griffiths about his new book, "Gathered for Good," and the importance of the coming together of God's people. They also discuss his church's unique mission in Ottawa, leadership pathways, and gospel preaching. Jonathan is the Lead Pastor of The Met in Ottawa. To learn more about his church vi...

How can you participate in God's global mission in the most ethnically diverse city in the world?  In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Brett McBride about how God called him, an unlikely candidate, to become the Lead Pastor of The Peoples Church in Toronto. They discuss his church's distinctive approach to local and global mission, leadership transition, ministry calling, and change management...

What is the relationship between spiritual formation and resiliency, and why does it matter for future leaders? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Phil Collins about the new course that he is teaching with Briercrest College. They also discuss the key factors that contribute to building resiliency and the power of mentorship. Phil is the lead pastor of Willow Park Church in Kelowna, BC. To le...

Are young men returning to the church, and is there a growing interest in the Bible? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Paul Carter about young men in the church, geeking out on the Bible, and the future of ministry leaders. They also discuss gospel contextualization and making the best of the fourth quarter in ministry. Paul is the lead pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Orillia, Ontari...

People from around the globe are on the move, so how do we reach them with the love of Jesus when they arrive in Canada? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Rick Love about his work with New Canadians in Calgary and across Canada. They discuss the motivation for his work and strategies for bridging the cultural gaps that prevent New Canadians from discovering Christ. Rick is the Founder and Di...

What are your biggest challenges in worship design? In this episode of CITN, Rob and Geoff have an in-studio conversation about worship song selection and the problem with relying on the Spotify algorithm. They also address the pros and cons of multi-tracks and have a brief sparring match about the song Reckless Love. The podcast ends with an exploration of the missing component in most worship se...

We've heard about the Lausanne Congress, but why should we care? In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Joel Zantingh about the recent Lausanne Congress in Seoul, Korea. They also discuss the relevance of creation care and the impact of diaspora people groups on the Canadian Church. Joel is the Director of Engagement for the Lausanne Movement Canada. For more information about his organization, v...

In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Emily Welty, Karly Traub, and Lincoln Funk about the future of church leadership. They also discuss ministry pathways, the effects of our current cultural moment on Christian youth, and the impacts of Briercrest on their futures in ministry. @karly.traub is from Port Coquitlam, BC and in her fourth year of a Christian Ministry BA. @emilywelty is from Winnipe...

In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Kesevan Balasingham about building a disciple-making culture. They also discuss the importance of mentorship and unique ministry opportunities in greater Toronto. Kesevan Balasingham is a Pastor at Fellowship Rouge Park Church, in Scarborough, ON. For more information about Fellowship Church Rouge Park visit fcrougepark.ca.  To hear Kesavan’s full story, lis...