Episode #63 – Blayne Banting – Spiritual Formation for the Small Church
Blayne Banting currently works at Briercrest College and Seminary. Over the years he has explored spiritual formation from the perspective of a small church pastor.
Episode #62 – Wendy Kittlitz – Why Clergy Care and Kerith Retreats?
Wendy Kittlitz oversees both the Clergy Care efforts of Focus on the Family Canada as well as the Kerith Retreat Centres run by Focus on the Family. In this episode she touches on some of the following (with some help from Zoom AI companion): Pandemic Challenges and Self-Care for Frontline Leaders: Ron and Wendy discussed …
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Episode #61 – Matt and Sue Craig – Welcoming newcomers – stupid things we do and wise things we can do
Matt and Sue Craig minister in a small church in the Toronto area. What once was a predominantly white caucasian area has become a multiplicity of cultures. Hospitality is vital, respect of others and listening carefully are a vital part of ministry to a world culture.
Episode #60 – Kyle Boone – Small churches are affected by Domestic Abuse
Kyle Boone is a pastor in the town of Hamden, Ohio. He has done extensive research into the effect of domestic abuse pertaining to small church ministry. Statistically one in four church attendees will have been in a domestic abuse situation. Do you know how to recognize this and effectively minister in this situation. Hear what Kyle has to say.
Episode #59 – Taylor Croissant – Can Canadian Denominations Survive?
Taylor Croissant serves as United Church minister in Lethbridge, Alberta. He has been concerned that denominations in Canada need to take a hard look at how they work – and if they work!
• Introducing Taylor Croissant. (0:00)
• In the final year of my studies, we had an exchange program with our sister college in South Korea. (3:17)
• Two Hills was the best place for him to work. (5:06)
• The impact of the pandemic on the United Church of Christ’s governance structure. (9:26)
• What would a full organic union look like? (11:57)
• How much authority does the church give to governing bodies? (15:33)
• How do you see a federation and groups that are outside the federation but nevertheless contributing to the federation? How would you see that working? (17:49)
• The issue that separates people within Canada is LGBTQ. (22:24)
• Worship style is going to be another thing that separates people out in Korea. (24:08)
Episode #58 – Ron Johnston – Small Church Network Launches
Ron Johnston, director of Small Church Connections, outlines the new Small Church Network that launches on June 2, 2023
Episode #57 Cheryl Walsh, Tanya Yuen, Eric Provost – Parenting Faith – In The Field
The most recent study on parenting faith has been released by a partnership of agencies. Three representatives of those agencies sit down to talk with Ron Baker about the future of parenting faith.
Episode #56 – Rick Heimstra and Lindsay Callaway – Parenting Faith
Rick and Lindsay discuss the latest research done regarding evangelical Canadians approach to parenting faith. The research supports parental involvement – with some interesting twists. The place of the church? Again, a rethinking for many is needed!
Episode #55 – Wayne Neumiller – Second Time Around
Wayne Neumiller has served a small church in Irma, Alberta – two times! Returning to the same church has meant assessing the viability of a return and preparing for a succession. Practical and principled advice is given by Wayne.
Episode #54 – Calvin Andringa – Fresh and ready to go!
Calvin Andringa is the pastor of Tofield Alliance Church, a small church just outside of Edmonton, Alberta. He has served the church for the last 30 years and has learned some valuable lessons. Calvin shares these thoughts with humility, vision and passion.