Ministry Forum Podcast

S3E6: Tending Tomorrow with Rev. Dr. Joni Sancken and Rev. Aaron Miller

In this closing episode of the Tending Tomorrow lecture series, Rev. Dr. Joni Sancken addresses the complex task of preaching in a secular age. Drawing on the insights of philosopher Charles Taylor and her own pastoral and academic experience, Sancken explores how secularism, trauma, and the “buffered self” have reshaped how sermons are heard and what people expect from the pulpit. She challenges preachers to engage the imagination, acknowledge human need, and name God's presence as a spiritual discipline. Sancken reflects on the tension between immanence and transcendence in contemporary preaching, offering practical examples and theological insights rooted in trauma theory, narrative preaching, and her Mennonite background. Rev. Aaron Miller’s thoughtful response pushes the conversation further, urging mainline preachers to risk vulnerability, normalize the “weirdness of God,” and reclaim the sermon as a thin space where divine encounter is still possible—even in a disenchanted world.

S3E5: Tending Tomorrow with Rev. Dr. Sarah Han and Laura Bevan Alexander

Rev. Dr. Sarah Han offers a compelling lecture on preaching in Canada today, casting a vision for an “epic” homiletic that is eschatological, proclamational, incarnational, and Christological. Speaking from her own experience as a Korean-Chinese-Canadian preacher, Han weaves personal narrative with sharp cultural analysis to ask what gospel meta-narrative can hold Canada’s growing diversity together. She argues for a preaching practice rooted in the margins—responsive to pluralism, digital culture, and post-Christendom realities—and passionately calls for Christ-centred proclamation that is lived out in community. Respondent Laura Bevan reflects on Han’s insights through her own lenses of Irish-Canadian identity and theological formation, exploring the implications of marginality, power, and reconciliation in the Canadian church. Together, the episode probes how preaching can be both rooted in particular identity and radically open to God's work among the diverse peoples of Canada.

S3E4: Tending Tomorrow with Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg and Ruth Kause

In this episode of the Tending Tomorrow lecture series, Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg explores the past, present, and future of feminist and womanist preaching within the Canadian context. Drawing from history, she outlines three key insights for future homiletics: the power of testimony, the need to move beyond solo preaching, and the importance of inclusive and expansive language about God. Kim-Cragg advocates for a preaching practice that is communal, rooted in real-world testimony, and attentive to ecological and interreligious perspectives. Respondent Ruth Kause affirms and deepens this vision with reflections on the global south's influence on Christianity in Canada, the necessity of contextualized communal preaching, and historical examples of courageous women preachers like Anne Hutchinson. Together, they offer a compelling vision of preaching that is embodied, justice-oriented, and responsive to the changing church and world.

S3E3: Tending Tomorrow with Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis and Sinyoung Kim

This episode launches a special series from the 2025 Lois Klempa Memorial Lectureship, focusing on the future of preaching in Canada through the voices of Canadian women homileticians. Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis opens the series with a powerful lecture titled “Preaching Wild Hope in a Foreign Land.” Travis challenges the myth of Canadian tolerance and explores how preaching must respond to the realities of colonialism, displacement, and multiculturalism. She argues that all Canadians—settlers and newcomers alike—are in some sense foreigners in this land, and calls for a “wild gospel” that is rooted in Spirit-led preaching, sensitive to diverse audiences, and committed to justice and reconciliation. Respondent SinYoung Kim reflects on the emotional and theological implications of foreignness in preaching, raising critical questions about empathy, homiletical strategies, and the role of the Holy Spirit. This rich dialog offers deep insight into what it means to preach truthfully and courageously in a divided and diverse Canada.

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.