Church in the North

In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Cal Fong about the importance of next-gen ministries to church growth. They also discuss intercultural ministry, outreach to immigrant families, and Cal's unique ministry journey. Cal Fong is the teaching and equipping pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon, SK.  For more information about Ebenezer Baptist, visit www.ebenezerbaptist.ca In the Pre-Sho...

In this episode of CITN, Rob talks with Dallas and Leah Beutler about inner-city outreach. They also discuss church co-leadership, pastoral burnout, and keeping Christ central in ministry. Dallas and Leah Beutler are the Lead Pastors at The Rock Church in Saskatoon, SK.   For more information about The Rock Church, visit https://trcyxe.ca/ In the Pre-Show, Rob, Geoff, and Kaitlin discuss travel pl...

In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Phil Kniesel about the power of support from other leaders in ministry. They also discuss financial stewardship for missions, personal devotionals, and creating a culture of prayer. Phil Kniesel is the Lead Pastor of Hope City Church in Edmonton, AB.  For more about Hope City, visit https://hopecity.ca/ In the pre-show, Geoff, Rob, and Kaitlin share Valenti...

In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Andy Steiger about Apologetics Canada's gospel-centred approach to reaching lost people. They also discuss AI's role in ministry (or lack thereof), the unique opportunity of reaching next-gen through apologetics, and the recent virality of Apologetics Canada's podcast (with a nod to Wes Huff). Andy Steiger is the founder and president of Apologetics Canada....

Why would a church plant multisite campuses in the same neighbourhood and within walking distance? In this episode of CITN, Rob speaks with Todd Petkau about his church's unique multi-site model. They also discuss his journey to vocational ministry, church governance, missional philosophy, and catechism programs. Todd is the Lead Pastor of Riverwood Church in Winnipeg, MB. For more information abo...

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...

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 evange...

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...

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 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 abo...

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 buildi...

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 Co...

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 C...

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 o...

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/ind...

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 i...

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 c...

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 in...

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part seven of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Roger Reid, Youth Specialist with Hillside Church in Moncton, NB.  There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of co-hosts to return in the fall. For more information about t...

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part six of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Chet Kennedy, the Student Ministries Team Lead at First Alliance Church in Calgary, AB.  There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of co-hosts to return in the fall. For more...

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part five of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Grover Bradford, Discipleship Pastor with Heritage Christian Academy in Calgary, AB.  There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of co-hosts to return in the fall. For more i...

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part four of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Sid Koop, the Executive Director with Youth Worker Community.  There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of co-hosts to return in the fall. For more information about the po...

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part three of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Cecil Rast, the Metro Vancouver East Regional Director with Youth Unlimited.  There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of co-hosts to return in the fall. For more informat...

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For part two of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Mark Mowbray, the Senior High & Young Adult Pastor at Bramalea Baptist Church in Brampton, ON.  There is no -pre-show for our summer series, but you can expect our team of co-hosts to return in the fal...

What can we learn from veteran youth workers who have served in youth ministry for over thirty years? For Part One of this week's summer series, "Learning from the OLD Youth Guys," we speak with Terry Friesen, the Youth Minister at West Portal Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff bid farewell to Dan at his final pre-show. They also talk about leaving well when leaving...