Celebrating 1 Year of MinistryForum.ca
One year ago, MinistryForum.ca launched with a mission to connect, resource, and support ministry leaders across Canada. It has been a year filled with growth, encouragement, and connection as we’ve built up this online community - spaning all aspects of ministry work. As we reflect on this milestone, we’re filled with gratitude for the way Ministry Forum has become a space where ministry leaders can find trusted resources, share insights, and celebrate our diverse faith journeys together! THANK YOU Ministry Forum Community!
Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished in our first year!
150 Web Posts
Since launching, we’ve published 150 blog-style posts on topics that matter deeply to ministry leaders—ranging from pastoral care and preaching to practical ministry tips, trends, and leadership. Every post is created with you in mind, we hope these posts have provided you with inspiration and practical insights for your work. It’s been inspiring to hear from readers who have found guidance, encouragement, and fresh ideas in these articles.
43 Notes of Encouragement from YOU
We’ve received 43 notes of encouragement from the Ministry Forum community sharing how being a part of this community has shaped or impacted their ministry. Whether it’s a simple “thank you” or a story about how a resource, article, or event made a difference, these messages fuel our commitment to serving this community. We’ve kept every note and posted many on our “what people are saying page.”
178 Events Shared
This past year, we’ve promoted 178 events on our events calendar, a place where ministry leaders can find learning opportunities, networking events, and spiritual gatherings across Canada. From webinars and workshops to conferences and retreats, our events page connects leaders with experiences that help foster growth, learning, and community. Got an event other should know about? Send it in and we’ll add it to our calendar.
Redeemer University’s Defending Christ conference (Oct. 3–4, 2025) explores the history and legacy of the Council of Nicaea with lectures, papers, and a panel on its relevance today. Speakers include Stanley Porter, Stefana Laing, and Megan DeVore.
This four-week course will delve into four proven, part-time ministry models that lead to heightened congregational vitality and improved clergy well-being.
Learn to leverage a part-time position for the strategic empowerment of laity, neighbors, colleagues, and themselves.
Consider unsung strengths, self-sabotaging biases, and untested assumptions.
Analyze case studies to see how mental shifts enabled spiritual fruit to emerge.
Discover how a less staff-dependent culture liberates laity and clergy alike.
Practice resetting expectations and laying the groundwork for breakthroughs.
The 2025 Kavanagh Lecture at Yale Institute of Sacred Music features Teresa Berger on the enduring liturgical motif that “all creation sings” and its relevance amid ecological crisis. The October 7 lecture is free, open to the public, and livestreamed.
The Flourishing Congregations Institute hosts Rev. Ross Lockhart for a webinar on Christian witness in secular contexts, drawing on his research into innovative ministries in Vancouver. Includes presentation, Q&A, and networking.
Mental health is a growing concern in many congregations, yet many ministry leaders feel under-equipped to offer meaningful support. The Church Mental Health Summit is a free, one-day online event designed to provide practical tools and faith-rooted resources for churches engaging with mental health care.
Join leaders who are working in intercultural spaces to dialogue about what is going well, what is challenging and what is emerging. At this conference, you will dialogue with other leaders in facilitated conversation spaces for shared wisdom and best practices, and you will hear stories of hope-filled opportunities for cultivating belonging in intercultural spaces.
Join Laura Alary in the gothic setting of Knox College as she celebrates the launch of two new picture books!
Helping your church reach the people who need you most by turning social media into a life-giving reflection of your mission, offering connection, community, and hope before they ever walk through your doors.
Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. Organized by Homebrewed Christianity, this event features a lineup of well-known podcasters, scholars, and theology enthusiasts who come together to "nerd out" on theological topics while enjoying loads of fun activities.
Join in person or via Zoom as attendees think about these challenging topics. Once again this year, the conference will take place over two days in the Ottawa area for those wishing to join in person. Attendees will hear from theme speakers Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean and Rev. Dr. Jesse Zink, with workshops led by Rev. Doug Throop, Rev. Stéphane Vermette, Rev. Jenni Leslie and Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi, and Becca Whitla.
Yale Bible Study’s What Do We Do with a Book Like Revelation? is a six-session online course examining the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of Revelation. Participants will explore diverse interpretations of this challenging biblical text.
This 7-week synchronous class beginning on Thursday, October 9, 2025 will meet for 3 hours each week, plus additional time in a cohort group to share case studies. Cohort group and facilitators will coach through strategies for real, on-the-ground situations. Students will complete the class with a greater understanding of systems, processes of change and with a plan to engage in the next steps of ministry.
In times of uncertainty, we are invited to see with new eyes.
Look to the Christian contemplative tradition for wisdom to help meet this moment with clarity, courage, and compassion. Join us for ReVision: What Do We Do With Christianity?, a three-day gathering—in-person in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and online—hosted by the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC).
An invitation to see with new eyes, ReVision is an opportunity to ask honest questions and engage Christianity as a living tradition still unfolding.
The Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship (Toronto, Oct. 26–28, 2025) brings preachers and leaders together for keynotes, workshops, and worship. Featured speakers include Steve Bell, Anna Carter Florence, and Malcolm Guite. Ministry Forum is a proud sponsor.
The leading online event tailored for Transitional/Interim Leadership professionals. Experience practitioner-led programming similar to an in-person conference—without the travel expenses! Connect with this year’s Keynote Speakers, Rev. Cameron Trimble and Rev. Diane Kenaston, network with fellow attendees, and participate in three concurrent workshop sessions—all from the comfort of your home or office.
The Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference is a one-day event offering workshops, networking, and practical resources for children’s and family ministry. Keynote speaker Dorothy Pang will address intercultural competency in ministry with children.
This special event will bring together spiritual care providers, psychospiritual therapists, supervisors, and students from across Ontario. Together, we will support one another, share laughter and learning, celebrate our collective journey, and nurture the dreams that shape our work.
Conrad Grebel University College’s Negotiation & Difficult Conversations is a two-day, in-person workshop equipping participants with practical tools for handling challenging conversations and conducting effective negotiations. Facilitated by Mark Weber, PhD, the program combines research-based insights with hands-on practice and reflection.
On November 6, we’ll welcome Rosalee from Launch Point Consulting, here to talk about the Charity Finance Course
Yale Divinity School hosts a public conversation with Rev. Matthew Laferty, the Methodist Church’s permanent ecumenical representative to the Holy See, in dialogue with Professor Mark Heim. The event will also be livestreamed.
The Engage Difference! five-day residential program equips ministry leaders and community members with skills for intercultural awareness, dialogue, and leadership. Hosted by the Canadian Council of Churches’ Forum for Intercultural Leadership and Learning at Jackson’s Point, ON.
Diaconal Ministries Canada and Resonate Global Mission present Moving Forward in Faith, a two-day conference with keynote speaker Danielle Strickland, workshops, and networking, equipping participants to live out God’s mission in their communities.
We start with the premise that all ministry is transitional. As pastors, we are called to be a part of bringing about the kingdom of God. As leaders, we are called to guide congregations and ministry systems with intentionality, seeking to be ever more faithful to God’s call to us in this particular time, in this particular place for this particular purpose.
This webinar outlines the fundamentals of intentional transitional ministry and invites participants into exploring more deeply what how the pieces fit together in our current context.
The North American Academy of Ecumenists 2025 Annual Conference (Nov. 20–21, Brookline, MA) gathers ecumenical scholars and church leaders to explore unity in light of the Council of Nicaea’s 1700th anniversary. The program includes papers, panels, worship, and discussions on theology, history, and practical approaches to Christian unity.
The Flourishing Congregations Institute hosts a webinar with Angela Reitsma Bick on “Quiet Deconstruction” and how churches can make space for doubt, reconciliation, and faith renewal. Based on her book Blessed are the Undone.
On December 4, join us for a conversation with Rev. Dr. Tim Reddish, author of Recollections and Reflections: A Missionary Kid’s African Experience.
Wycliffe College’s Canadian Church Research Gathering 2025 offers keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking for those interested in trends and data shaping the Canadian church. Open to researchers, leaders, and practitioners.
Conrad Grebel University College’s Leading the Church Through Transformation, Change and Renewal is a four-afternoon online workshop for congregational leaders exploring practical strategies for embracing change, fostering renewal, and uniting communities in God’s mission. Facilitators are Betty Pries and Malcolm McKinlay.
The APCE Annual Event 2026 (Jan. 21–24, Pittsburgh & online) explores “Bridging the Gap: Love God, Love Self, Love Neighbor” through worship, plenaries, and 75+ workshops. Features Theresa Cho, MaryAnn McKibben Dana, Evan Moffic, and more.
Growing Resource Hub
Our resource hub has grown to 81 resources, and we are excited to reach our goal of 200 resources by Spring 2025. Each resource—whether it’s a course, guide, tech tool or podcast — has been chosen to support the diverse needs of ministry leaders. This collection reflects our commitment to curating helpful and accessible resources across a range of topics relevant to ministry today. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared their recommendations and to all who use this library to strengthen their ministries.
Visitors from Coast to Coast and Beyond!
Since our launch in November 2023, we’ve welcomed 7,100 unique visitors who’ve generated over 12,000 page views. We love knowing that ministryforum.ca has been able to reach people across Canada (and beyond), and we hope to see this number grow exponetially in the coming years as we expand our offerings and grow the community.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this first year, we’re excited to see how MinistryForum.ca will continue to grow and serve you. We’re committed to expanding our resources, sharing stories that encourage, and building stronger connections within this beautiful community of ministry leaders. In the coming year, we’ll continue to focus on creating content that speaks to the heart of ministry, promoting meaningful events, and adding valuable resources to help you thrive in your calling.
Thank you for being part of MinistryForum.ca. Your engagement, feedback, and support have been such a blessing in shaping this community.
Cheers to another year of growth, connection, and encouragement as we journey together in ministry!
The United Church of Canada’s 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism offers live events, videos, reflections, and leader resources for a season of learning and action. Free registration available via CHURCHx.