Interview with Rev. Dr. Michael Brooks
In this conversation, John sits down with the Rev. Dr. Michael Brooks, recipient of the 2026 Paul Scott Wilson Preacher Award, to talk about what sustains a lifetime of preaching. Together they explore the importance of relationships, why sermon structure still matters, how lament creates space for honesty in the life of the church, and why preaching remains one of the most deeply human acts of ministry. Our conversation is an encouraging reminder that faithfulness often happens far from the spotlight… and that the ordinary work of proclaiming the gospel still matters!
Quotables
"I've always thought that faithful preaching should never seek recognition. It should always be pointing not to the preacher but to the triune God."
"People were hungry to have grief and loss actually named and acknowledged in a sermon."
"Nothing, including TED Talks and AI, can replace the authenticity of the local preacher."
About Rev. Dr. Michael Brooks
Since 2009, the Rev. Dr. Michael Brooks has served as Lead Minister of Port Nelson United Church in Burlington, Ontario where over 1,000 meals are prepared each week for community outreach, and 250 children participate in summer day camps. A graduate of Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto where he studied with Paul Scott Wilson, Michael also holds a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. His thesis Lament: From Preaching to Permitting garnered the top prize in his 2014 graduating class. Michael teaches in the United Church of Canada’s Licensed Lay Worship Leaders program. He is an Associate of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and music, summer sailing and winter curling occupy his leisure time.
About The Paul Scott Wilson Preaching Award
The Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship established the Paul Scott Wilson Preacher in 2024 to honour the impact the Rev. Dr. Paul Wilson has had on a generation of preachers in Canada and beyond through his teaching, writing, mentoring as well as the wisdom and guidance he has given to the LRPF. Each year the LRPF names a Canadian preacher to serve as the Paul Scott Wilson Preacher at the upcoming LRPF where they will preach the opening sermon on the Monday morning as well as being involved in other aspects of the conference. The appointee shall be chosen as one who reflects Paul Wilson’s passion for preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, and one whose weekly pulpit offerings though unknown to many, reap great benefits for the Kingdom of God. It is a small way of offering the same encouragement that Paul Scott Wilson has offered so many. The Paul Scott Wilson preachers to date are: 2025, The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, Wall St. United Church, Brockville, ON and 45th Moderator of the United Church of Canada 2026, The Rev. Michael Brooks, Port Nelson United Church, Burlington, ON
Show Notes
Learn More About The Lester Randal Preaching Fellowship: lesterrandall.com
Learn More About Port Nelson United Church: portnelson.ca/
Follow us on Social:
Transcript
…