Canadian Small Church Ministry Centre
Resourcing Small Churches
Dana Friesen is a writer based in Guelph, Ontario. She shares her personal experiences with dementia in her family and gives practical advice for small churches based on her research of over 200 Canadian churches. The challenges faced by small churches are explored along with the importance of community and relationships, and the need for …
Continue reading “Episode #82 – Dana Friesen – Out of Sorts in the Small Church”
Laurie Acker is one of the top experts in small church ministry and founder of the Small Church Network. Since beginning her Small Church Ministry organization in 2020, her website, podcast, and conferences have reached over 1 million people in small churches worldwide. In this episode discussion centers around the importance of relationality, emotional health, …
Continue reading “Episode #81 – Laurie Acker – Resourcing the significant small church”
George Guthrie teaches New Testament studies at Regent College. In this episode he talks of the place of the Bible in small churches, hospitality and connection as well as training for leadership. A good piece of advice from George – Don’t overlook the small!
The small church, with its emphasis on relationship, is especially suited to intercultural ministry. NOTE – not multicultural which seems to imply a mixing of all cultures into one, not cross-cultural which seems to imply merely tolerating each other, . . . but intercultural which implies we meet each other where there is messiness and conflict and we work our way through the dissension towards submission to each other – true humility in action.
Canadian Small Church Ministry Centre podcast “This is Us: Canadian Small Churches in Action” April 2021 – October 2024 YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@canadiansmallchurchministrycen/videos Episode #1 – Ron Johnston – Introducing Small Church Connections in Canada Episode #2 – Dave Witt – True City Hamilton gathers churches together to impact a city Episode #3 – Karl Vaters …
Continue reading “Podcast Listings – April 2021 – October 2024”
Dorothy Pang is the director of the Tyndale Intercultural Ministries (TIM) Centre at Tyndale University in Toronto. She has over 25 years of experience in law, business and executive leadership. For 10 years, Dorothy was an executive leader in a large intercultural church in northeast Toronto. She is passionate about helping churches embrace the Rev …
Scott Tolhurst has served in ministry for over 50 years. His insights into seniors as the future inspires the small church to consider how they can best seek out and provide ministry opportunities to seniors. Seniors are also encouraged to step out into ministry in a new way.
Joanna La Fleur serves with Alpha Canada and also has her own ministry called “The Word Made Digital”. Joanna emphasizes the pervasive nature of digital technology in modern life, likening it to the water we swim in, and highlights the need for self-awareness and learning how to navigate these digital waters effectively. She also acknowledged …
Continue reading “Episode #77 – Joanna la Fleur – Digital Age imperatives for the small church”
Ron Baker interviews Brianna Matchett, a counseling therapist in Calgary, about her ministry and experiences with grief. Brianna emphasizes the importance of relationship and community in small churches, particularly during times of grief. She advises keeping track of grieving individuals, acknowledging their needs, and offering practical support. Brianna highlights the significance of time in alleviating grief’s weight and the importance of community and nature in healing. Brianna also stresses the need for small church leaders to teach about grief and involve the community in supporting grieving members.
Lydia Fawcett works with MCC – BC in the area of Abuse and Bullying. She finds that churches are as prone to abuse and bullying as the general society. Her passion to help the vulnerable is evident in this interview.
Addressing abuse in small churches.
Churches must prioritize listening and learning to prevent abuse, regardless of denomination or beliefs. The importance of truth-telling in a church setting is key, with abuse defined as any behavior that causes harm or injury to another person, regardless of their faith background or socio-economic status.
Exploring power dynamics in abusive relationships, with a focus on emotional manipulation and gaslighting.
Women in the church experience emotional abuse through gaslighting and lack of agency in decision-making.
Communication, abuse, and self-awareness.
Fawcett emphasizes self-awareness for effective communication. She reflects on the historical roots of the societal crises related to abuse, tracing back centuries.
The importance of churches being safe spaces for healing and growth
Don’t be afraid to learn and listen deeply – find resources and be willing to grow.