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.
It is late in the day that the Christian churches have become concerned about the state of the earth. Reparation is one thing, but befriending it is vital, as the earth is a friend of God and a forum of worship older than the Bible. This retreat explores how we respect and sustain our habitat.
Panelists Paul Okoye, Dr. Kim Penner, Rev. Dr. Hyung Jin (Pablo) Kim Sun, and Leah Reesor-Keller will guide us through a rich conversation from the vantage points of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Organizational Change; and Theology. Each will speak from their own disciplinary and lived experience, naming the disorienting realities we face and lifting up where they see hope emerging.
This course offers practical skills and theoretical insights tailored to the unique challenges of this environment. New students are welcome to join for Module Three without first completing Module One or Two. Sessions will cover topics including strategies for working with residents, engaging family members, collaborating with healthcare teams, and navigating sensitive end-of-life issues.
Our first in a series of webinars made possible by funds from the Lilly Grant Foundation.
Trauma-Informed Practice from TEND Academy
Supporting people with complex needs can be challenging. Providing responsive and compassionate service is only possible when we recognize the pervasive impact that trauma can have on a person’s life and the way they engage with the world. When we reframe our perspective from “what is wrong with you” to “what happened to you,” we help to create an atmosphere of safety, trust, and collaboration.
In this setting, we empower the people we serve, those we work alongside, and ourselves to fully engage with the services we provide.
Rev. Dr. Joni Sancken and celebrated textile artist Thomas Roach for an evening of exploration into how rips and tears—physical and metaphorical—can be opportunities for newness and beauty born of the Holy Spirit.
In a time of polarization and fear, conflict transformation is an essential tool for any leader’s toolbox. It offers a way to take differences, even deep splits, and turn them into constructive solutions that reduce trauma. As in preaching, conflict transformation gives us the chance to turn towards God while grappling with difficult topics.
A prism separates light into its constituent colors, making it possible to analyze and reflect the light. PRISM events, held annually, perform the same function for topics in church leadership, Christian Education, and faith formation. Each PRISM event focuses on one topic, dividing it into constituent parts with innovative and informative workshops, enriching keynotes, thinking theologically about ministry, and the gift of learning from one another participants will analyze the topic and then synthesize new ideas, models, and approaches. PRISM equips and empowers leaders to serve the church faithfully. PRISM is designed for everyone involved within congregations
Join us for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation about AI: what it is changing, what still matters, and how we can faithfully show up in this moment. This session is not a tech tutorial. It is an invitation to pause and reflect on our relationship with a technology that is already shaping our lives, work, and faith communities.
The event includes time on the farm, time with one another, and time with some of the brightest minds continuing to shape conversations related to ecology and theology, food justice, sabbath, and more, including Willie Jennings, Barbara Brown Taylor, Jeff Chu, Michael Twitty, Tiya Myles, and Heber Brown, among others.
Some call this is a ‘liminal season’ — a time when individuals and institutions are struggling with surprising forces inside and out, often experiencing disorientation, disengagement, and disenchantment. Leadership in ministry today requires dexterity in navigating the ‘known and the unknown’ of this time.
Participants will explore how ageism, both personal and systemic, impacts the way we understand and support older adults. Together, the group will examine how congregations, senior-care organizations, families, and caregivers can challenge ageist assumptions and adapt to the diverse needs of aging populations with dignity, equity, and creativity.
Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), the Lutheran Church (ELCA), and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!