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 previously. They discuss an article posted in Faith Today called, "Rethinking Canada's Congregational Leadership Crisis: Who is the Spirit Calling?" by Gordon T. Smith.
To read the article, visit: https://faithtoday.ca/Magazines/2025-Sep-Oct/Rethinking-Canada-s-congregational-leadership-cris.
For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/.
For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
#pastors #ministryleaders #resiliency #clergy #podcast #bible #canada #canadian #multiplication #multisite #calling #quietrevival #religiousresurgence
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 the Canadian church is a myth. The discussion is in response to an article written by the Flourishing Congregations Institute. To read the article, visit: https://flourishingcongregations.org/not-dead-yet-is-the-decline-of-the-canadian-church-a-myth/. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/.
For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.
If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 Canadian trivia. Finally, they discuss Canada's national identity and the role, if any, the church plays in shaping it. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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://timothytrust.ca/. Also, check out Jonathan's broadcast, Encounter the Truth: https://encounterthetruth.org/.
In the pre-show, Rob, Geoff, and Chris talk about Taylor Swift's new album and discover that Geoff has refined musical tastes. They also discuss the importance of relevancy and have an extensive conversation about the "Quiet Revival."
In the discussion, Rob referenced an article by Andy Bannister, which you can access here: https://www.andybannister.net/the-quiet-revival-are-young-adults-leading-a-church-resurgence-in-england-and-wales/.
For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.
If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 their calling.
For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/.
For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 the tragedy of Charlie Kirk with Canadian congregations. They also reflect on a related article written by a recent CITN guest, Paul Carter.
To read Paul's article, visit: https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/should-canadian-pastors-talk-about-charlie-kirk-on-sunday/.
For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 www.cornerstoneorillia.org/leadership.
In the pre-show, we are introduced to our new co-host, Pastor Chris Drinnan from Moose Jaw. Rob and Geoff interrogate him about his church, family, hobbies, and preferences for power tools. They also have a conversation about bible devotions and biblical illiteracy. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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/.
In the pre-show, Rob and Geoff get caught up and share their summer ministry plans. They also discuss the realities of immigration in Canada and what this means for followers of Jesus. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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: podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.
If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 of Election Day in Canada.
For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/.
For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.
If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 YQ leadership essentials here: youthquake.ca/leadership
For more information about the podcast, visit churchinthenorth.ca.
For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.
If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 kitchens in churches and favourite activities for the spring season.
For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/.
For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.
If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 podcast@churchinthenorth.ca.
If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 Carson conversation, visit
https://youtu.be/F7ngjtT43-4?si=0GovVxXP92QZ4Sqx.
In the pre-show, Geoff, Rob, and Kaitlin look backward at the five years since COVID-19 and discuss the problems of replacing pastors with AI. For more information about the podcast, visit https://www.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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 questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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.churchinthenorth.ca/. For questions or inquiries, please email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.
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, Kait, and Geoff get back in the studio with some exciting news, after a two-week break. The CITN crew also discuss the work of the late, Hal Lindsey and the impact his work had on eschatological views in the church - and whether or not we need more sermons about the end times. The conversation shifts to the season of Advent and the hope we have in Christ's return. For more information about the podcast, visit www.churchinthenorth.ca. For questions or inquiries, email us at podcast@churchinthenorth.ca. If you like what you hear, please share this podcast with others, give us a review, or leave a comment.