The Sowers.

What does it really look like to follow Jesus when life feels ordinary, slow, or even fruitless? In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, we sit down with Mike Blackaby—church planter, author, and pastor—to talk about:+ Growing up in a multi-generational ministry family+ Overcoming doubt and discovering a personal faith in Christ+ Church planting in secular Victoria, BC+ Why faithfulness matters mor...

Is God moving among high school students in Canada? In this powerful conversation, Avalon Reimer shares how Grade 10 students across the country are courageously sharing Jesus in their schools, running Alpha groups, gathering friends to explore faith, and creating spaces for others to encounter the Holy Spirit. Avalon Reimer, otherwise known as “Lonny” by students, serves at Alpha Canada as the SL...

Cam and Christa Moore didn’t have a launch team, a big budget, or a perfect plan. What they had was a clear call from God—and the courage to say yes. In this episode, they share their journey from the Bible Belt to Nanaimo, British Columbia—one of the most irreligious cities in Canada—and what it looks like to plant a church from scratch through simple faithfulness. From prayer walking neighborhoo...

Kyla Gillespie shares her powerful journey through same-sex attraction, gender dysphoria, transition, and ultimately encountering the transforming love of Jesus. This is a story of truth, grace, and the life-changing power of the gospel. Kyla Gillespie’s story is one of deep struggle, honest questions, and radical transformation. In this episode, Kyla opens up about:+ Growing up with gender confus...

What if your calling isn’t something you figure out—but something God unfolds? In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Chris, Co-Lead Pastor at Hope Bible Church Oakville, shares his incredible story—from a 20+ year marketplace career to stepping into pastoral leadership. You’ll hear:+ The miraculous moment that sparked his family’s faith+ Why every Christian is “called” (and what that really means...

What if the next generation isn’t closed to Jesus—but open in a different way? In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Smits, National Director of Power to Change–Students, to talk about evangelism, spiritual curiosity, and mission in a post‑Christian world. Andy explains:+ Why spiritual openness today doesn’t look like the past+ How Gen Z mirrors post‑Christian Quebec more tha...

What happens when worship stops being a show—and becomes simply about Jesus again? In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Bobby Lane—worship pastor, songwriter, and founder of Backyard Worship—joins us to talk about pure worship, spiritual hunger among the next generation, and why authenticity matters more than excellence when it comes to encountering God. Bobby reflects on: + Growing up as a past...

What happens when two pastors share the “first chair”? Derik Fuller and Kirk Giles are the Co‑Lead Pastors of Forward Church, a growing multi‑site church across Southwestern Ontario. Before stepping into co‑leadership, Kirk famously Googled whether the model works—and discovered the overwhelming verdict: don’t do it. Five years later, they’re still leading together. In this episode of The Sowers P...

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast , Rich Birch unpacks why most churches are missing people before they ever have a chance to stay. Drawing on decades of experience in multi-site leadership and church growth strategy, Rich breaks down what first-time guests are really asking, why invite culture matters more than marketing, and how churches of any size can make simple changes that lead to lasti...

In this powerful conversation, Matt Naismith sits down with Chris Keyes, VP of Programming at Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO), to explore the urgent need for evangelization within the Catholic Church. Chris shares his own journey from cultural Catholicism to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus—and how the Holy Spirit ignited a lifelong passion to see Catholics truly encounter Christ. Thi...

In this episode, Danielle Strickland joins the podcast for a deeply compelling conversation on discipleship, justice, prayer, and hope in a fearful world. Danielle recounts her first encounter with Jesus in a jail cell, how love—not shame—set her on a new path, and why the Church is at its best when it looks upward and moves outward. Together, they unpack: Why justice and discipleship cannot be se...

In this conversation, Matt sat down with William Dmytrow, pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon and General Director of the 306 Network — one of the most inspiring unity movements we've ever encountered. William didn’t grow up in a Christian home. But through a friend’s invitation to camp, a desperate prayer at age 16, and the simple words “youth group,” God began a journey that led h...

What does it mean to follow Jesus when obedience costs you everything? In this powerful episode of The Sowers Podcast, Persian-speaking pastor and church planter Nathanael Fallahi shares his incredible journey from Islamic seminary in Iran, to encountering Jesus in a deeply personal way, to planting underground house churches under intense persecution, and finally to rebuilding life and ministry i...

Leadership isn’t first about strategy — it’s about the inner life of the leader. In this episode, Jason Ballard (Lead Pastor at The Way Church, Founder of The Pastorate) takes us deep into the work God does within a leader: emotional awareness, spiritual rhythms, honest self-audit, and learning to lead from presence rather than pressure. Jason shares vulnerable lessons from his own formation — mom...

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt sits down with Jono & Nicole Zantingh, co-lead pastors of Evolve Church in Edmonton. Their journey began in Winnipeg, where they spent over 20 years serving and leading in the local church. But in 2017, God began stirring their hearts toward an unexpected calling. What follows is an incredible story of discernment, obedience, sacrifice, and God’s mir...

In this honest and theologically rich conversation, Matt welcomes Pieter Valk to The Sowers Podcast to talk about his journey as a same-sex attracted Christian who has committed to following Jesus through vocational singleness. Pieter shares candidly about:• Growing up in the church, shame, and loneliness• Thousands of prayers for orientation change• Harmful and helpful experiences in Christian co...

What does biblical stewardship look like in a housing crisis, high interest rates, and a growing Church? In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt Naismith is joined by Joy Gomersall, Executive Director of Stewards Canada, for a powerful conversation on money, mission, and the future of church buildings in Canada. Joy shares: +Why banks often refuse to lend to churches +How Stewards Canada conne...

In this powerful and practical conversation, Registered Social Worker Erin Walsh unpacks how mental, emotional, and spiritual health are deeply interconnected — and why healing must involve all three. Erin shares her story of coming to faith at 16, her journey through her own mental health struggles, and how God led her into counseling and psychotherapy. She explains the autonomic nervous system i...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Ivhan Rusli, Ontario Director for Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), to explore why reaching kids with the gospel is one of the most strategic ways to impact the world. Ivhan didn’t grow up in a Christian home but became a believer at 16. Since then, he’s dedicated over 30 years to children’s ministry and has served with CEF Ontario for more than 20 years. When...

In this episode, Isaiah Bennett and Liam Wilson join Matt to share the origin story of Pony Church and the 10:2 Network. From praying in a mini mart to launching a disciple-making movement, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone passionate about gospel sharing and church planting. What you’ll learn: +How Pony Church started in a convenience store +Why weekly “in the harvest” evang...

As 2025 comes to a close, Matt reflects on key insights and themes from the conversations held during the fall season. Drawing from 12 conversations with leaders across Canada, this episode unpacks six key insights for following Jesus in a post-secular culture: +Unity and collaboration for kingdom impact +Deep formation as the engine of mission +Faithful presence and adaptive leadership +The power...

In this milestone episode, Jon Thompson—Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church, global speaker, and author of "Convergence," "Deliverance," and "Perseverance"—shares wisdom from nearly three decades in ministry. Jon explores the sobering reality that only 30% of biblical leaders finish well, explains four types of vocational calling, and reveals why clarity on calling and spiritual gifts is essential for...

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt talks with Dustin Boreland, who currently serves at Springvale Church in Stouffville, Ontario, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College. Dustin shares insights from years of ministry—including church planting in Montreal and fostering 15 teenage boys—on how the church can navigate a rapidly changing cultural landscap...

In this episode, Matt sits down with Brooke Nicholls—worship leader, songwriter, and author—to explore her journey of faith, the story behind her newest single “Whatever You Say,” and the beauty of encountering Jesus in both extraordinary and everyday moments. Brooke Nicholls is a worship leader, songwriter, and author from Canada. She’s a two-time Juno Award nominee and ten-time Canadian Gospel M...

In this conversation, Mark Buchanan shares his transformative journey to faith, the significance of storytelling in communication, and the role of scripture in personal transformation. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in sharing faith and engaging the next generation in meaningful ways. Mark also discusses the richness of diversity in church leadership and the potential for new voices...