Ministry Forum Podcast

In this special cross-posted episode, John joins the podcast Strays, Orphans, and Exiles from Two Rivers Church in Guelph. The conversation explores new and creative approaches to church in the 21st century, focusing on the use of online spaces, social media, and alternative models like home churches and virtual communities. John shares his experience starting The Abbey, a virtual ministry born du...

In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, John talks with the Reverend Bill Lord, a seasoned ministry leader with decades of experience in Christian education and pastoral care. Bill shares his journey from being a local pastor to becoming a leader in lifelong learning and continuing education for ministry. The conversation focuses on the importance of listening, creating safe spaces for grow...

John Borthwick chats with theologian, storyteller, and children’s book author Laura Alary about her creative journey and unique approach to ministry. From her early days as a student at Knox College to her current role as Library Assistant and Coordinator of the Mackay Educational Resource Center, Laura shares how she combined her love of theology, storytelling, and childlike wonder to become a ce...

Hey, Ministry Forum audience, it's John popping into the studio for a quick update on our next season of the Ministry Forum Podcast.

In this crosscast episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, host Rev. John Borthwick welcomes Rev. W. Scott McAndless, minister and creator of the podcast Retelling the Bible. McAndless shares his unique approach to biblical storytelling, how his passion for narratives inspired the podcast, and the creative process behind his episodes. Scott shares insights into the power of storytelling to transform...

In this episode, Ministry Forum Intern Sara Traficante shares her journey from a career in music to studying psychospiritual therapy at Knox College. Drawn to ministry through experiences in her church and a contemplative search for deeper meaning, Sara describes how the Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) program allows her to integrate faith with therapeutic practices. She discusses her lead...

In this episode, Pastor Kevin Coghill shares the story of Royal City Mission in Guelph, Ontario, a church reimagined as a mission to prioritize community service over conventional Sunday worship. Coghill explains how the mission operates seven days a week, providing meals and support for the city’s most vulnerable, guided by values of relationship, justice, and shared beauty. Leadership at Royal C...

In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, host Rev. John Borthwick chats with Rachel Kennedy, a Ministry Forum Intern and M.Div. student at Knox College. Rachel shares her journey into ministry, from her start as a French teacher to answering an unexpected yet compelling call to seminary. The conversation digs into Rachel’s passion for creating safe spaces for young people to explore faith au...

In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, Rev. John Borthwick explains the concept of "intermission" in the Presbyterian Church in Canada, a 10-week paid leave for ministers designed to provide rest, renewal, and spiritual reflection. Surprisingly, many ministers are unaware of this opportunity, which has existed since 1992 and was revised in 2022 to be more flexible. John shares insights fro...

Rev. John Borthwick chats with Rev. Dr. Kristine O'Brien, the Executive Director of Crieff Hills Retreat Centre. Kristine reflects on her shift from congregational ministry to leading Crieff Hills, stressing how vital Sabbath rest and breaks (or "intermissions") are for avoiding burnout and sparking creativity in ministry. She talks about how taking intentional time for rest can refresh ministry l...

In this episode, we rebroadcast parts of a book launch for the Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis’ book, Unsettling Worship, Reforming Liturgy for Right Relations with Indigenous Communities. The conversation centers on how Christian worship can address the historical and ongoing colonial injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Dr. Travis highlights how worship can both comfort and challenge congregants, foste...

John Borthwick chats with Knox College alumna Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim. Grace shares her journey from studying theology to becoming an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate. She reflects on what it’s like to navigate academia as an Asian-American woman and why she’s passionate about amplifying marginalized voices. Grace discusses topics in her books Invisible and When God Became White, expla...

John Borthwick sits down with Knox College's Principal, Rev. Dr. Ernest van Eck, for a fascinating conversation about his journey from a small mining town in South Africa to becoming the principal of Knox College. Ernest shares stories from his days as an aspiring CPA (yes, you read that right!), his athletic accomplishments, and how a last-minute calling to ministry led him down a completely diff...

In this very first episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, Rev. John Borthwick, Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning at Knox College, takes us on a personal journey through his somewhat unexpected path into ministry. You’ll hear how a curious kid obsessed with history (and Dungeons & Dragons!) found himself navigating university, working in surprising places like a bingo hall, and ultim...

Welcome, welcome to a promise fulfilled! In this teaser, John introduces listeners to the Ministry Forum Podcast and talks about what to expect when it launches October 1st 2024.