Ministry Forum Podcast

S3E2: Interview with Peter Coutts re Self-Leadership and Ministry in Canada

Rev. Dr. Peter Coutts brings decades of ministry, academic insight, and coaching experience to a deep and practical conversation about leadership in the church today. The episode explores the concept of “self-leadership”—the intentional practice of self-awareness, reflection, and personal growth—as a vital skill for clergy navigating the complexities of ministry. Drawing from personal stories and professional coaching practices, Peter examines how pastors can grow their leadership capacity in both character and skill. The conversation also addresses broader systemic challenges such as the legacy of Christendom, strategic stagnation, and what it means to steward the church for future generations. This is a thoughtful, hopeful, and grounded look at what leadership could look like in times of transition and uncertainty.

S3E1: Interview with Sandra Beardsall about Ecumenical Shared Ministry

In this episode, Rev. Dr. Sandra Beardsall reflects on her lifelong journey with ecumenism, from early personal curiosity to decades of practical engagement. She discusses her role with the World Council of Churches’ Nicaea 2025 initiative, the rich history and evolving role of the Nicene Creed, and the broader movement for church unity. A significant portion of the conversation explores ecumenical shared ministries in Canada—what they are, how they function, and how they offer faithful, creative responses to challenges in ministry. She shares historical insights, practical examples, and thoughtful reflections on what unity and diversity mean for the Church today. The episode offers a deep and hopeful look at ecumenism from someone with lived experience and academic insight.

Season Three is Here!

Season Three of the Ministry Forum Podcast launches May 20! After wrapping Season Two before Holy Week to give listeners time to catch up, we’re excited to share what’s ahead. We hope your Easter season was both meaningful and renewing. This new, shorter season begins with an inspiring conversation with Rev. Dr. Sandra Beardsall on ecumenical shared ministries—models that offer hope for smaller congregations working together to serve their communities. We’ll also feature a four-part series from the Lois Klemper Memorial Lectureship, Tending Tomorrow, where Canadian women homileticians reflect on the future of preaching in Canada. We’re encouraged by our growing audience—over 750 downloads since last fall—and deeply grateful for your support. Please rate and review the podcast, and send us your ideas or guest suggestions. As always, remember: you are not alone in ministry. We’re with you on this journey. Tune in May 20!

S2E14: Interview with The Rev. Rebekah Mitchell

In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, Ministry Forum Intern Sara Traficante joins Rev. John Borthwick to host a conversation with Rev. Rebekah Mitchell, minister at St. Peter’s in Madoc and a two-time Knox College alum,. Rebekah shares her journey from pandemic burnout to rediscovering her call to ministry through psycho-spiritual therapy. Rebekah reflects on her studies in the MPS program, her practicum experiences in psychotherapy, and how those skills are now shaping her creative, community-oriented ministry. Together, they explore the intersection of spiritual care and mental health, how the church can meaningfully engage its surrounding community, and the importance of adapting ministry in a changing world. Plus, a delightful bonus for baseball fans: Rebekah’s passion for the Toronto Blue Jays!

S2E13: Interview with the Moderator, The Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls

In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls, Moderator of the 149th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, joins us for a rich conversation about vocation, change, and hope in the church today. With wisdom drawn from decades of teaching and ministry, Dr. Dutcher-Walls reflects on her calling, the evolving role of the church, and what it means to serve faithfully in a time of transformation. From seminary classrooms to cross-country workshops, she shares insights into how the Spirit is moving—and how we can listen. A thoughtful and timely conversation for all who care about the future of ministry in Canada.

S2E12: Inter-Mission Experiences Panel Discussion

Rev. John Borthwick is joined by ministry leaders Gale Macdonald, Meg Patterson, Matthew Brough, and Matthew Sams to discuss their personal experiences with the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s Intermission policy—a 10-week paid leave available every five years for rest and renewal.
Each guest shares how they discovered the policy, what motivated them to take it, how they prepared, and what they experienced during their time away. They reflect on challenges such as feeling guilty, setting boundaries with their congregations, and overcoming the initial difficulty of truly resting. Despite diverse ministry contexts, all found the intermission deeply rejuvenating and ultimately beneficial not just for themselves, but also for their congregations.

S2E11:Interview with Intercultural Liaison Rev. Dr. Pablo Kim Sun

This episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast features a special recast of a sermon by Rev. Dr. Pablo Kim Sun, the Intercultural Liaison for the Presbyterian Church in Canada. His message, originally delivered during an ecumenical service at Knox College, explores mutual engagement and epistemological humility in an ecumenical context.
Pablo shares his personal journey across various denominations—including Presbyterian, Baptist, Mennonite, Catholic, and Christian Reformed traditions—which shaped his perspective on Christian unity. He emphasizes the importance of approaching different theological traditions with openness and curiosity rather than defensiveness. Using the biblical story of Peter and Cornelius from Acts 10, he illustrates how God calls believers to humility, mutual transformation, and deeper relationships beyond denominational boundaries.

S2E10 Interview with Canadian Council of Churches President, and Former PCC moderator The Rev. Amanda Currie

In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, Rev. John Borthwick sits down with Rev. Amanda Currie, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and current President of the Canadian Council of Churches. They explore the significance of ecumenism, the role of the CCC in fostering unity among diverse Christian traditions, and how churches can work together despite theological and historical differences. Amanda shares her personal journey of living out ecumenism daily, reflections on church unity, and insights into what the future of the Christian church might look like. Whether you're passionate about interchurch collaboration or just curious about how denominations navigate their differences, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

S2E9: Interview with recently retired ministers (The Sumac Crew)

In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, Rev. John Borthwick sits down with three retired Presbyterian ministers—Rev. Scott Sinclair, Rev. Duncan Jeffrey, and Rev. Mark Gaskin—for a candid conversation about life in ministry and the transition into retirement. Recorded live at the Sumac Centre, they reflect on the joys and challenges of pastoral work, how ministry has evolved over the years, and what they’ve learned along the way. From worship planning to pastoral care (and even the art of a good church sandwich), this discussion is full of wisdom, humor, and honest insights. Whether you’re just starting out in ministry, nearing retirement, or somewhere in between, this episode offers encouragement and practical advice for the road ahead.

S2E8: Interview with Theologian, Writer and Influencer, Brian Recker

In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, guest host Rachel Kennedy-Proctor sits down with Brian Recker and Rev. John Borthwick to discuss faith, deconstruction, and what it means to follow Jesus outside of traditional evangelical spaces. Brian shares his journey from being a pastor to rethinking his beliefs, navigating shifts in theology, and building a platform that fosters inclusive conversations about faith. Together, they explore the challenges of evolving spiritually, the future of the church, and the importance of authenticity in ministry. Whether you're questioning, reconstructing, or simply curious, this conversation offers thought-provoking insights and encouragement for your own faith journey.