Resurrecting Leisure: Our Conversation with Rev. Dr. Jeff Crittenden
Reflecting on our May We Need to Listen gathering with Rev. Dr. Jeff Crittenden, who shared insights from his book Leisure Resurrected. Drawing on early Christian practices, Jeff explored how the Church’s understanding of leisure—as sacred, communal, and generative time—can offer a meaningful framework for ministry today. The post highlights key themes from the conversation and invites readers to consider how worship, rest, and community engagement might be reimagined in their own context.
Where Do We Go to Be With People? Reimagining the Church as a Centre of Community
In this time of deep social fragmentation and isolation, with loneliness described as an epidemic and connection harder to find for many, the Church faces a pressing question: where do we go to be with people?
Why you should say “yes” to going to that conference.
“Another event? More time away from the church, more cost, more travel?… is it really worth it?
The short answer is YES! conferences can be vital gatherings for your growth and sustainability in ministry — not just for the sessions and speakers, but for what can happens in between too! So, let’s talk about why attending conferences should be part of your ministry rhythm and why lifelong learning is a gift we sometimes forget to unwrap.
10 Ways to Make Friends in Ministry
Ministry Is Not a Solo Journey! Finding friends in ministry takes effort, but it’s worth it. Having people who understand and support you makes all the difference in sustaining a vibrant, faithful, and joyful ministry.
Loneliness and Isolation as a Ministry Leader
As ministry leaders, sometimes, sadly the Church is the last place that one might look for community.
So where is your community?
Who are your people?
Inspired by these thoughts today, I’d invite you to consider this question of community to curb loneliness and isolation as a ministry leader and in the context of the Church by exploring these suggested resources.
Finding Friends and Community on Facebook
Facebook Groups can offer more than just a distraction; they’re hubs where people from all over the world gather to share, support, and yes, befriend one another. Let’s look at how you can find (or create!) a group that will truly enrich your life and ministry—no sourdough starters required!
10 Books for Taking the Gospel Beyond the Church Walls to the Streets.
A round-up of thought-provoking books that encourage us to step outside the traditional church building and engage more deeply with our communities.
Serving the Community: Spotlight on Royal City Mission
In the face of adversity, some churches rise to the occasion, transforming challenges into opportunities for service and impact. Royal City Mission in Guelph, Ontario, is one such church. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, many churches struggled to find their footing. However, Royal City Mission chose a different path, adopting a bold "season of yes" approach that would deeply impact their community.
Lament: We Need to Listen
Being a leader in the Church today is hard. Join John and a Special Guest Host as they open up the room to listen and learn from one another. Ministry Forum is delighted to host an online space that will strive to be safe as modelled and facilitated by its hosts where ministry leaders will gather with almost no agenda and where everything is on the table and tangents are welcomed. Join us for "We Need To Listen" where participants will find: - support and encouragement - accountability and celebration - ideas and strategies and most of all, a community of people passionate about sharing the Good News of Jesus with the world but sometimes feel alone doing it.