Ministry Forum Podcast

S4E10: Rediscovering the Art of Dynamic Bible Study

Rev. John shares an impromptu but deeply insightful conversation with Dr. Derek Suderman of Conrad Grebel University College. A Hebrew Bible scholar and gifted teacher, Derek reflects on how Bible study can move beyond information to transformation. Drawing from years of teaching across cultural and denominational contexts, he explores what it means to read Scripture carefully, collaboratively, and with curiosity. From the “Catching the Spark” Ruth series to his vision for dynamic Bible study, Derek invites us to slow down, listen to one another, and rediscover the joy of communal interpretation. This conversation is a reminder that the Bible isn’t meant to be mastered alone—but explored together in community.

S4E9: Building Belonging with Rev. Dr. Hyung Jin (Pablo) Kim Sun

Rev. John sits down with Rev. Dr. Hyung Jin (Pablo) Kim Sun, Intercultural Liaison for The Presbyterian Church in Canada, to talk about what it means to build a truly intercultural church. Drawing on insights from his book Building Mennonite Belonging: Toward an Intercultural Church, Pablo reflects on belonging, power, and the tension between love and justice in our faith communities. Together, they explore the difference between multicultural, cross-cultural, and intercultural ministry, and how the Canadian church can move beyond tokenism toward genuine transformation. With characteristic warmth and depth, Pablo invites listeners to see diversity not as a challenge to be managed but as a gift that strengthens the whole ecosystem of the church.

S4E8: Preaching Together: Building a Community of Practice through The Preaching Collective

Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis and participants from Knox College’s Preaching Collective—a retreat and ongoing community designed to equip and encourage preachers across Canada. The group shares honest reflections on the joys and anxieties of preaching, the power of collaboration, and the growing role of lay leaders in worship leadership. Together, they explore what it means to preach faithfully in a changing church and how companionship in ministry can renew courage and creativity in the pulpit. This episode is a reminder that no one preaches alone—and that the Spirit works best in community.

S4E7: The Asian Centre at Knox College - An Interview with the Founders

Rev. John Borthwick is joined by leaders connected to the Center for Asian Canadian Theology and Ministry as they celebrate thirty years of faithful work at Knox College. Together, they trace the Center’s beginnings amid a wave of Asian immigration in the 1990s, its impact on theological education and immigrant churches, and its ongoing role as a bridge between cultures. Through stories of vision, hospitality, research, and resilience, the guests reflect on how the Center has shaped ministry in Canada—and what comes next.

S4E6: Tradition and Tension, an Interview with Dr. Stuart Macdonald

Historian and retired Knox College professor Dr. Stuart Macdonald joins John Borthwick to discuss his book Tradition and Tension: The Presbyterian Church in Canada, 1945–1985. Together they trace the growth, change, and eventual decline of the church through a period of enormous cultural transformation. Dr. Macdonald challenges the myth that this decline is simply cyclical, arguing instead that it reflects a shift unlike anything in history—one that calls for imagination, honesty, and faithfulness beyond institutional survival. The conversation touches on theology, women’s ordination, doctrine, and what it means to live as Christians outside of Christendom.

S4E5: The Future of Psychospiritual Care - Reflections from Current Knox MPS Students

In this special episode for Spiritual Health Awareness Week, Ministry Forum intern Sara Traficante joins John Borthwick as a co-host to speak with students from Knox College’s Master of Psychospiritual Studies program. Together, they explore what drew them to this unique field, how their sense of calling has evolved through study and clinical experience, and why psychospiritual care matters in today’s world. From hospital chaplaincy to community counselling, each story reveals the deeply reflective and relational work at the heart of spiritual care. The conversation also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) and the growing need for compassionate presence in a world that is both hurting and hopeful.

S4E4: Dr. James Robertson on his book Overlooked: The Forgotten Origin Stories of Canadian Christianity

Dr. James Tyler Robertson joins John Borthwick to explore the overlooked origins of Canadian Christianity. Drawing on his book Overlooked: The Forgotten Origin Stories of Canadian Christianity, Robertson uncovers surprising parallels between the 19th-century church and today’s realities—declining attendance, social change, and cultural anxiety.
The two discuss how immigration, economics, and everyday faith—not programs or evangelism—shaped past church growth, and what that means for ministry now.
Along the way, they touch on heresy trials, Pierre Berton, Gen X nostalgia, and the enduring question of how the church can serve rather than survive. It’s history told with humour, depth, and a distinctly Canadian sensibility.

S4E3 - Are You Stuck? Rethinking the Real Pressures of Pastoral Life with Author Todd Ferguson

In this episode, sociologist and former pastor Todd Ferguson shares insights from his book Stuck: Why Clergy are Alienated from Their Calling, Congregation, and Career. Drawing on interviews with over 40 pastors, Todd uncovers why so many clergy feel trapped—not because they’ve lost their faith, but because of the structures of ministry itself. He names the pressures of congregational decline, bureaucracy, and the demand to “produce” faith, alongside the stigma clergy face if they consider leaving ministry. Yet his research is not without hope: Todd points toward practices of honesty, storytelling, and traditioned innovation as ways pastors and churches can reclaim authenticity and joy. This conversation offers language, perspective, and encouragement for anyone wrestling with what faithful ministry looks like today.

S4E2 - Reconciliation in Practice: Stories from the 1% Spiritual Covenant

In this special conversation, we hear from Mennonite congregations who have signed onto the 1% Spiritual Covenant (committing one percent of their annual budgets to Indigenous-led organizations as an act of repair and reconciliation).
Leaders share the long journeys that led their churches to this decision, the questions and challenges they faced, and the surprising ways generosity has deepened community life. The episode explores what it means to release control, re-tell our histories, and take small but Spirit-led steps toward justice. Their stories invite all of us to consider: what does faithful reparation look like in our own context.
Guests From This Episode
Jonathan Neufeld & Elsie Rempel from Charleswood Mennonite Church, Winnipeg
Pat Manske from Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, Kitchener
Esther Epp-Tiessen & Judith Friesen Epp  from Home Street Mennonite Church, Winnipeg
 
 
 
 

S4E1 - The Christmas That Almost Wasn't: A Conversation with Laura Alary

Laura Alary returns to the podcast and shares the stories behind two new children’s books—one inspired by the Toronto ice storm of 2013 and the other exploring why all living things need darkness. Together, these works invite us to see both the physical and spiritual gifts that come when plans unravel, lights go out, or fear creeps in. John and Laura reflect on how darkness can hold lessons of resilience, connection, and wonder, especially for children learning to navigate life’s disruptions. It’s an episode that blends storytelling, theology, and everyday experience into a hopeful reminder that even in the dark, God is near.