Episode #75 – Lydia Fawcett – The Reality of Abuse and Bullying

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.

Episode #74 – Jane Peck – Beyond survival – serving the community as a small church

Jane Peck serves as senior pastor at the Hope Chapel in Collingwood, Ontario. A church that has been present in the community for over a century, the current church congregation was eager to reach their community. An opportunity to ,partner with other local churches and organizations has provided a noon lunch hour program for the local high school.
Jane and Ron’s Christian Community Journeys

Jane and Ron discussed their backgrounds in the Christian community, with a focus on their experiences in small churches. Jane shared her lifelong involvement in ministry, starting in her rural childhood church and continuing through various roles such as youth leader and camp worker. She also spoke about her journey towards ordination within her church, which she pursued after 28 years of marriage with her equally involved husband. The couple, who have moved frequently, currently reside in Collingwood, Ontario, where Jane is working toward becoming a senior pastor under Hope Chapel.

Disparity in Rural Retirement Communities

Ron and Jane discussed the area surrounding Collingwood, Stainer, and Dunchroon, with a focus on its current state and future prospects. Jane explained that the region, though rural, has become a retirement hub due to its scenic beauty and access to tourism. However, she pointed out a growing disparity between the wealthy and less affluent populations, particularly in the retail sector. Ron agreed, noting the shift from a blue-collar to a more resort-oriented economy, highlighting the potential for continued

Challenges and Community Outreach of Jane’s Church

Jane and Ron discussed the challenges faced by Jane’s church, which was celebrating its 127th year of existence. The church, having aged and shrunk in size, had fallen into a ‘survival mode’ but a group of members, including Jane, decided to continue. With the help of retired pastor Tim Harden, Jane took over as the church’s leader during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite a decline in congregation numbers, the church was able to attract new members due to its community outreach initiatives. To fund these initiatives, the church sold its parsonage and used the proceeds to support its community outreach. The church aims to raise $60,000 to continue its current programs for another year, with $52,000 already raised. Ron acknowledged the church’s efforts and the importance of its community outreach.

Church Community Engagement and Support

Jane discussed their church community’s approach to engaging with young people. They emphasized that their aim was not to create a youth group, but to provide a welcoming space for students to build relationships and serve. This strategy has led to deeper engagement and even introduced some young people to other churches. They also talked about their community coverage efforts and the positive impact it has had, including collaboration with other churches and community members. Jane highlighted the need for continued community support due to the organization’s limited resources and the potential of building sponsorships to support their ministries, especially the high school lunch program.

Leadership Advice for Small Churches

Jane emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind and following God’s will, which can lead to changes or endings of past endeavors. She also highlighted the value of looking back at the church’s history, appreciating the manual and the experiences that have shaped it. Ron agreed with Jane’s advice and mentioned that he would provide a link of their discussion in the future. They also shared their relocation stories and briefly discussed their current living situations.

Episode #72 – Cheryl Ann Beals – Soul Care is mandatory for Small Church Pastors

Cheryl Ann Beals serves as Director of Zozo Center for Soul Care located in the Maritimes of Canada. In her work she is dedicated to helping leaders experience the fulness of Jesus through their own soul care. With this depth of experience the leader is than able to lead others into a great encounter with Jesus. The witness of this abundant life expands into relationships around the leaders – bringing Jesus into the community and the world.

Episode #71 – Alison Witt – Refugees and the Small Church

Alison Witt works with refugees, particularly in the Hamilton area. She also serves with a Canadian refugee assistance institution called IAFR. Her insight into the compassion ministry of small churches reaching out to refugees is well worth the listen.

Refugee ministry with a focus on ESL support and personal stories.
0:15
Refugee housing and support in Hamilton, Ontario.
5:23
How churches can help refugees in Canada through home hosting and affordable rentals.
12:18
Refugee ministry challenges and opportunities for small churches.
18:49
Embracing newcomers and refugees in small churches.
25:15

Episode #70 – Brian Siewert – Thou shalt love the rural church

Brian Siewert is the pastor of a small rural church in Onoway, Alberta. He works with a rural church hub collective in Western Canada. His own experiences gives a personal touch to the love of the rural church.

Rural church ministry and family faith development.0:00

Small church significance and rural ministry.4:39

The strengths and challenges of rural churches in Canada.8:59

Resource challenges in rural churches.14:00

Challenges facing rural churches and pastors.19:04

The challenges and solutions for rural church leaders.24:45

Episode #69 – Darryl Dash – Coming Back to Small

• The tendency to overlook the gospel’s impact on daily life. 0:15

• The relevance of the gospel in a secular society. 5:32

• The role of the church in a changing society. 10:28

• Small churches, relationships, and proclaiming the gospel. 14:35

• Church growth and ministry challenges in Canada. 18:16

• Small church ministry and humility. 22:43

Episode #68 – Andy Bannister – Rethinking church – a UK Perspective

Small churches, Jesus, and community outreach in the UK. (0:08)

Small churches in the UK and Canada, with a focus on spiritual openness and hunger. (2:28)

Rethinking church structures and meeting in non-traditional spaces. (7:48)

Non-traditional church spaces and evangelism strategies. (13:30)

Revitalizing small churches with aging congregations. (16:13)

The importance of prayer and discipleship in Christian movements. (20:51)

Encouraging risk-taking in small church ministry. (25:58)

Episode #67 – Sam Reimer – Small Churches Caught in the Current

Sam Reimer has just completed a research book called – Caught in the Current: British and Canadian evangelicals in an age of self-spirituality. Reimer speaks to self-discovery and identity in a changing society – with the locus of authority changing from external to internal (religion of the heart). Included is a discussion on the place of denominations in Canada, the turn towards Holy Spirit direction, and the inner voice of the heart taking the place of the external voice of God.