Church in the North

How do we help declining churches turn around? In this episode, Gary and Rob discuss Church Vitalization Canada’s revitalization framework. They also talk about Gary’s experience as a lead pastor and district leader. Gary Taitinger is the Executive Director of Church Vitalization Canada.

In the pre-show, Rob and Chris interview each other and uncover their views about internships, the academy, and the local church. 

For more on Church Vitalization Canada, see their website: churchvitalization.ca

For more information about the podcast, visit churc...

How can pastors and business leaders work together to build the kingdom? Jonathan and Rob discuss the blurry lines between the marketplace and church ministry. They also discuss Lewis’s work spurring businessmen into ministry and his personal life rhythms as a marketplace minister. Jonathan Lewis is the president of Eastport Financial and founder of Fathers for Fathers.

This week on the Pre-show, Geoff, Rob, and Chris kick off the discussion on the intersection between the church and the marketplace.

Check out Spark Conference here: sparkconference.org

Buy Jonathan’s book here...

In the face of suffering and heartbreak, how does a pastor stay true to her calling? In this episode, Niki Williams shares her deeply moving and redemptive story of leading through a tumultuous season for her and her church. Rob and Niki also discuss the success of Bloom’s participation with Life Church’s ‘InStep' program and some big next steps for her church. Niki Williams is the Lead Pastor at Bloom Church in Regina, SK.

To contact Niki, visit bloomchurch.tv

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about staying energized and organized in min...

What does prison ministry look like from the other side of the bars? In this episode of CITN, Emerson Mendoza shares his journey from inmate to pastor and leader of a prison ministry. Emerson also shares with Rob about his upbringing in Nicaragua during the civil war and his church ministry in the Lower Mainland today. Emerson Mendoza is the Associate Pastor at Village Church in Surrey, BC.

Contact Emerson Mendoza at thisisvillagechurch.com/contact/contact-staff

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about the implications of recent AI developments and the church transition...

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 the Executive Minister of the French Baptist Union in Canada, Executive Director of the Quebec Network of Evangelicals, and Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University. 

To learn more about Raphael, visit https://anzenberger.net/. 

In...

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 Culture with Acadia Divinity College. To learn more about his work, visit https://futuringhub.ca/.  

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about events they never could have predicted and...

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 President of Message Canada.

This October, the full results of the landmark Sharing Jesus study will be released. Register for the WEBINAR on October 15 @ from 10 am to 11 am PDT. You can register at...

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://yfc.ca/about/our-team/?filter-department=lead-team.  

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris discuss new findings on the quiet revival in the UK and the rel...

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.

To contact Daniel or learn more about his church, visit https://beulah.ca/.  

To order a copy of his book, visit https://a.co/d/07JrBbUf. 

In the pre-show Rob, Geoff & Chris talk 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.churchinthenorth.ca/. 

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 sustainable church communities in rural Canada. Michael Voll is the pastor of North Pointe Church in Edmonton, AB. 

For more infomation on North Pointe, see, www.np.church

In the pre-show Rob, Geoff & Chris look ahead to the Spring a...

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 the long haul. The conversation also explores the difference between ordinary fatigue and true burnout, along with practical habits that help pastors cultivate resilience in ministry.

For more information about the podcast, visit https://www...

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 convince students that faith matters to helping them discover the depth and beauty of the Christian story. 

This episode was cross-posted from the Volunteer Youth Leader Podcast. 

To listen to more...

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

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff & Chris talk about the Youth Worker Community conference, recent happenings at Victory Church Moosejaw, and YouthQuake's hectic registration launch.

For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.c...

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 across Ontario.

To see more about LIFT church, visit https://www.liftchurch.ca/. Robin Wallar's book, Everyone Sent, is available on Amazon. 

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff & Chris talk all things summer camp. T...

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 inquiries, please email us at [email protected]. 

If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a c...

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 church, visit: https://www.freedomchurchbc.com/.

In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff are joined by guest host Daniel Markin, who has appeared on the show p...

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 Director of Village Missions in Canada. To learn more about his organization, visit: https://villagemissions.ca/.

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris discuss whether or not the decline of...

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/article/return-to-faith-church-attendance-increasing-for-first-time-in-decades/. 

Rob also references an article from Barna: https://www.barna.com/trends/church-attendance-women-men/. 

For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. 

For...

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://www.rovc.ca/. 

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about the significance of a Blue Jays win for Canada. Rob also tests Geoff and Chris' knowledge of C...

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 visit: https://www.metbiblechurch.ca/. 

To get a copy of his book, visit: https://www.metbiblechurch.ca/. 

To learn more about Timothy Trust, visit: https://tim...

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. To learn more about his church, visit: https://thepeopleschurch.ca/. 

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris discuss the ins and outs of ministry calling and how pastors can help young leaders discern th...

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 learn more about his church or connect with Phil, visit: https://www.willowparkchurch.com/staff/. 

In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris discuss how pastors might address the topic of t...

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, Ontario. He is also the host of the "Into the Word" podcast, available on most major streaming platforms. You can also visit www.intotheword.ca. To connect with Paul, visit...

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 Director of Love New Canadians and the Intercultural Ministries Pastor at Foothills Alliance Church in Calgary. For more information about his organization, visit https://www.lovenewcanadians.ca/. 

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 sets: confession. 

For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, please email us: [email protected].  

If you like what you hear, please sh...

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, visit https://lausannecanada.com/.

In the Pre-Show, Rob, Geoff, and Kait share a surprise announcement with the listeners. They also discuss how to cope with the wins and losses...

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 Winnipeg, MB and in her fourth year of a Biblical Studies BA. @funklincoln is from Winnipeg, MB and in his second year of the Biblical Studies BA. 

Find out more about Y...

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, listen to this episode of The Sower’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2daIBP8VZcIAs4v3bbqIvK?si=ec2a127a67de4564.

In the Pre-Show, Rob, Geoff, and Kait Brennan discuss a recent move away from...

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-Show, Rob, Geoff, and guest host, Daniel Markin, discuss hosting basketball playoffs, Rob's jetlag, and how we can be christlike in political discourse. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For q...

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 plans for the mod week, the US tariffs and community outreach. 

For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/.
For questions or inquiries, please email us at...

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 Valentine's day plans, YouthQuake news and how recent political developments could impact Canadian ministries. 

For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or in...

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. 

For more information, visit 
apologeticscanada.com or andysteiger.com. 

Andy's book "Reclaimed" is available on Amazon 
https://a.co/d/9G9fiTw 

To watch the full Wes Huff Huff and Billy...

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 about his church, visit www.riverwood.cc

In the pre-show, Rob, Kaitlin, and Geoff talk about New Year's resolutions and the recent news from Ottawa. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For...

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.c...

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, Ka...

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...

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...

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...

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...