Clergy Reflecting on the Sanctuary Mental Health Course
In this final episode of our three-part mental health series, we hear from Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock and Rev. Paul Kang, two ministry leaders who brought the course into their own communities. They share honest reflections on what surprised them, what stretched them, and how the course helped create spaces of safety, belonging, and deeper compassion. Their stories highlight the real work of integrating mental health, faith, and community life — and how learning together can quietly reshape a congregation’s posture toward care.
Conversation with Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries CEO, Daniel Whitehead
What does it look like for the church to become a genuinely safe place for people struggling with their mental health? In our conversation with Daniel Whitehead, CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, we explore how burnout, vulnerability, theology, and ordinary life all intersect. Daniel shares openly about his own journey through pastoral exhaustion, the messy realities of leadership, and why the church’s role is more than crisis response — it’s belonging, community, and hope. He offers a grounded, thoughtful vision for how congregations can walk with people in ways that are faithful, practical, and deeply human.
The Importance of Mental Health In The Church with Hope Made Strong Creator Laura Howe
Why do so many leaders feel stretched thin even when they love the work? Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong, helps untangle that question with a blend of honesty and practical insight. She shares her own story of compassion fatigue, the gap she noticed between community care and church culture, and how that tension sparked a global movement toward healthier ministry. Laura offers a grounded vision for sustainable care—one rooted in belonging, clarity, and the simple practices that help people stay well while they serve.
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!
Inter-Mission Experiences: A 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.
Conversation with Recently Retired Ministers
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.
Inter-mission with Rev. John Borthwick
Rev. John Borthwick chats with Rev. Dr. Kristine O'Brien, the Executive Director of Crieff Hills Retreat Centre. Kristine reflects on her shift from congregational ministry to leading Crieff Hills, stressing how vital Sabbath rest and breaks (or "intermissions") are for avoiding burnout and sparking creativity in ministry. She talks about how taking intentional time for rest can refresh ministry leaders, helping them serve more effectively. Kristine also shares how Crieff Hills has evolved, now welcoming a variety of groups—from nonprofits to different faith traditions. The centre focuses on hospitality, spiritual renewal, and even innovative projects like ecological farming. This discussion highlights the importance of rest, creativity, and adaptability for healthy and thriving ministry.
Retreating with Rev. Dr. Kristine O’Brien
Rev. John Borthwick chats with Rev. Dr. Kristine O'Brien, the Executive Director of Crieff Hills Retreat Centre. Kristine reflects on her shift from congregational ministry to leading Crieff Hills, stressing how vital Sabbath rest and breaks (or "intermissions") are for avoiding burnout and sparking creativity in ministry. She talks about how taking intentional time for rest can refresh ministry leaders, helping them serve more effectively. Kristine also shares how Crieff Hills has evolved, now welcoming a variety of groups—from nonprofits to different faith traditions. The centre focuses on hospitality, spiritual renewal, and even innovative projects like ecological farming. This discussion highlights the importance of rest, creativity, and adaptability for healthy and thriving ministry.