Celebrating 1 Year of MinistryForum.ca

Written By Ministry Forum

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.

Featured
Waiting with Hope - Watchnight Service
Dec 24
Waiting with Hope - Watchnight Service

Join us online this Christmas Eve for a special Watchnight service hosted by the Iona Community.

Celebrate the coming of the Christ-child, a symbol of hope for the world, in an online gathering led by staff from Iona Abbey and Ruth Harvey, leader of the Community.

Together, we will welcome the coming of hope. All are warmly invited to join from the comfort of your home by joining online.

Building a Healthy & Sustainable Worshipping Community or Congregation
Jan 8
Building a Healthy & Sustainable Worshipping Community or Congregation

Over four weeks, the Rev. Joel Sherbino will share lessons he’s learned in helping build a thriving worshipping community at Paris Community Church. Discover how they developed their vision for ministry, made decisions about their building, share financial needs, say thank you and report back on gifts, partner with others, and discern what programs/activities to do to further their ministry. Bring your questions and see what might inspire ideas for your congregation!

Boundaries for Church Leaders
Jan 17
Boundaries for Church Leaders

In ministry situations, boundaries clarify who is the congregant and who is the mentor, not in a hierarchical way, but in a manner that prevents the unhealthy merging of individuals. Boundaries create safe spaces and help to build trust over time

Practicing Resurrection
Jan 17
Practicing Resurrection

In the midst of January doldrums, start planning for Easter and join author Laura Alary to celebrate the launch of "Rise: A Child’s Guide to Eastertide" in conversation with Traci Smith and Jennifer Grant, who will share ideas from their own books, "Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, and Resurrection" and "Sing, Wrestle, Spin: Prayers for Active Kids." Together, they will offer suggestions for simple and meaningful practices to help children explore and deepen their faith.

Brighten these dark days with the colors of resurrection!

Here Comes Nicaea 2025
Jan 22
Here Comes Nicaea 2025

Lecturer: Rev. Dr. Sandra Beardsall
Rev. Dr. Beardsall is a respected voice in church history and ecumenism, ordained in the United Church of Canada, and an active member of the World Council of Churches.

Lecture 1: "Are We Ready for Visible Unity?"
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 7:00 PM CST
St. Thomas More College, 1437 College Drive, Saskatoon

This lecture explores the concept of "visible unity" rooted in the Council of Nicaea and its ongoing call for Christians today to embrace ecumenical relationships.

Lecture 2: "Are We Ready to Share the Apostolic Faith Together?"
Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM CST
Campion College, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina

This session reflects on the early Christians' proclamation of the faith and the challenge of sharing apostolic faith across traditions in today's context.

The Bible Course
Jan 23
The Bible Course

Ministry leaders, this series is meant to complement your ministry context's exploration of the Bible.

Participants who have taken the course have grown in confidence in studying the Bible and finish it seeking more opportunities to go deeper. We'd love if you were to offer this opportunity to your congregations and contexts as a way of supporting your ministry. Feel free to join in or not. No pressure. Let Ministry Forum take the planning and leading off your shoulders this Winter. 

We look forward to having a diverse group of participants. This will be an opportunity to meet others across Canada who are passionate about learning more about the Bible and growing in their walk with God in Christ Jesus.

Join The Rev. John Borthwick, Director of the Centre of Lifelong Learning at Knox College as he facilitates this eight-session course online this winter.

Centering Prayer Summit
Jan 26
Centering Prayer Summit

The 4th Annual Online Centering Prayer Summit on January 25-26 offers a sacred space to move beyond personal peace to embrace a shared, universal connection with the Divine and all of creation. Guided by renowned contemplative teachers, including keynote speaker Cynthia Bourgeault, you’ll explore how contemplative prayer not only deepens our relationship with God but also weaves us closer to one another, illuminating our shared journey.

What You'll Experience at the Summit:

Guided Meditations: Cultivate inner stillness and deepen your contemplative presence.

Engaging Talks: Explore the nuances of Centering Prayer and non-dual awareness.

Interactive Q&A Sessions: Address your personal questions & challenges directly with our speakers.

Sacred Silence: Experience moments of silence woven throughout the schedule, creating space for deep listening and presence.

Facilitation Skills
Jan 27
Facilitation Skills

How many times have you sat through a poorly run meeting, knowing that if the session were being better facilitated, you would be accomplishing twice as much in half the time?  

Discover the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to help you effectively facilitate in a wide range of situations. This 2-day, 14-hour workshop will introduce you to the core competencies of facilitation, modelled through the use of multiple engaging facilitation techniques grounded in adult learning.

Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry
Jan 28
Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry

Are you a ministry leader looking to deepen your leadership skills and amplify your impact within your church or organization? Join us for five weeks of practical learning and engagement with peers in ministry, guided by seasoned leadership coaches. This series is designed specifically for ministry leaders—pastors, elders, lay leaders, and volunteers—providing tools and strategies to help you navigate the unique challenges of ministry leadership with authenticity, grace, and effectiveness.

A $399 value exclusively for the Ministry Forum audience generously subsized by Ministry Forum.

APCE 2025
Jan 29
APCE 2025

The 2025 APCE Annual Event invites participants to explore profound questions of faith and community. Inspired by Genesis 32:28, the event will delve into:

Wrestling with Fallibilities: Acknowledging individual shortcomings and the struggles within the Church's historical narrative.

Wrestling with Disenchantment: Navigating the tension between personal faith and the Church’s imperfections.

Wrestling with Reimagination: Calling for innovation, new perspectives, and envisioning a church centered on love, justice, and equality.

The Bible Course
Jan 30
The Bible Course

Ministry leaders, this series is meant to complement your ministry context's exploration of the Bible.

Participants who have taken the course have grown in confidence in studying the Bible and finish it seeking more opportunities to go deeper. We'd love if you were to offer this opportunity to your congregations and contexts as a way of supporting your ministry. Feel free to join in or not. No pressure. Let Ministry Forum take the planning and leading off your shoulders this Winter. 

We look forward to having a diverse group of participants. This will be an opportunity to meet others across Canada who are passionate about learning more about the Bible and growing in their walk with God in Christ Jesus.

Join The Rev. John Borthwick, Director of the Centre of Lifelong Learning at Knox College as he facilitates this eight-session course online this winter.

Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry
Feb 4
Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry

Are you a ministry leader looking to deepen your leadership skills and amplify your impact within your church or organization? Join us for five weeks of practical learning and engagement with peers in ministry, guided by seasoned leadership coaches. This series is designed specifically for ministry leaders—pastors, elders, lay leaders, and volunteers—providing tools and strategies to help you navigate the unique challenges of ministry leadership with authenticity, grace, and effectiveness.

A $399 value exclusively for the Ministry Forum audience generously subsized by Ministry Forum.

From Creation: Land-Based Healing and Wellness - Film Screening
Feb 5
From Creation: Land-Based Healing and Wellness - Film Screening

From Creation: Land-Based Healing and Wellness is a compelling documentary featuring the journey of Lauren Aldred, a spiritual health practitioner (hospital chaplain) of Indigenous heritage. This film offers an intimate exploration of trauma, resilience, and the profound healing that arises from connection with the land. Through painting, photography, poetry, and personal narrative, she recounts her ongoing recovery from severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). As she moves through pain toward healing, Lauren reveals how nature and creative expression provided solace, hope, and healing during her darkest times.

We Need To Listen
Feb 6
We Need To Listen

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.

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.

Calvin Symposium on Worship
Feb 7
Calvin Symposium on Worship

  • brings together people from a variety of roles in worship and leadership, including pastors, worship planners and leaders, musicians, scholars, students, worship bands and teams, organists, visual artists, preachers, chaplains, missionaries, liturgists, council and session leaders, and more; 

  • encourages leaders in churches and worshiping communities of all sizes and settings;

  • offers sessions on themes related to universal design for worship, faithful antiracism in Christian living, building connections and empathy in divided times, cultural intelligence, and the global and historical nature of Christian worship, and more;

Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry
Feb 11
Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry

Are you a ministry leader looking to deepen your leadership skills and amplify your impact within your church or organization? Join us for five weeks of practical learning and engagement with peers in ministry, guided by seasoned leadership coaches. This series is designed specifically for ministry leaders—pastors, elders, lay leaders, and volunteers—providing tools and strategies to help you navigate the unique challenges of ministry leadership with authenticity, grace, and effectiveness.

A $399 value exclusively for the Ministry Forum audience generously subsized by Ministry Forum.

The Art of Transitional Ministry (Part 1)
Feb 13
The Art of Transitional Ministry (Part 1)

The Art of Transitional Ministry Part 1 introduces students to intentional transitional ministry leadership. Once called Interim Ministry, The Art of Transitional Ministry Part 1 introduces students to the Arc of Transitional Ministry - featuring deeper conversations about entering systems, assessing needs, considering history and current context, considering the role of conflict and healthy departing. We start in a place believing all ministry is transitional and that understanding congregational systems theory undergirds the work we do. Our goal is to provide pastors with tools for leading in the midst of transition while providing a supportive and safe learning community for exploration and questioning. 

Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry
Feb 18
Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry

Are you a ministry leader looking to deepen your leadership skills and amplify your impact within your church or organization? Join us for five weeks of practical learning and engagement with peers in ministry, guided by seasoned leadership coaches. This series is designed specifically for ministry leaders—pastors, elders, lay leaders, and volunteers—providing tools and strategies to help you navigate the unique challenges of ministry leadership with authenticity, grace, and effectiveness.

A $399 value exclusively for the Ministry Forum audience generously subsized by Ministry Forum.

The Bible Course
Feb 20
The Bible Course

Ministry leaders, this series is meant to complement your ministry context's exploration of the Bible.

Participants who have taken the course have grown in confidence in studying the Bible and finish it seeking more opportunities to go deeper. We'd love if you were to offer this opportunity to your congregations and contexts as a way of supporting your ministry. Feel free to join in or not. No pressure. Let Ministry Forum take the planning and leading off your shoulders this Winter. 

We look forward to having a diverse group of participants. This will be an opportunity to meet others across Canada who are passionate about learning more about the Bible and growing in their walk with God in Christ Jesus.

Join The Rev. John Borthwick, Director of the Centre of Lifelong Learning at Knox College as he facilitates this eight-session course online this winter.

Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry
Feb 25
Leadership Fundamentals For Ministry

Are you a ministry leader looking to deepen your leadership skills and amplify your impact within your church or organization? Join us for five weeks of practical learning and engagement with peers in ministry, guided by seasoned leadership coaches. This series is designed specifically for ministry leaders—pastors, elders, lay leaders, and volunteers—providing tools and strategies to help you navigate the unique challenges of ministry leadership with authenticity, grace, and effectiveness.

A $399 value exclusively for the Ministry Forum audience generously subsized by Ministry Forum.

Gather 25
Feb 28
Gather 25

Gather25 is an unprecedented 25-hour global broadcast event telling the inspiring stories of the global Church, by the global Church.

This is an unprecedented moment in history where technology can connect to Jesus followers from almost every nation, every denomination, and every generation.

Jesus followers in churches, campuses, arenas, and living rooms–from every continent and denomination–will join together across every time zone to watch the Gather25 broadcast that is free to everyone, everywhere.

For 25 hours, Gather25 is inviting believers across the world to pray, repent, worship, and discover how the love of Jesus is transforming the world through everyday people.

This is what Gather25 is all about.

Register to watch the live broadcast: gather25.com

The Bible Course
Mar 6
The Bible Course

Ministry leaders, this series is meant to complement your ministry context's exploration of the Bible.

Participants who have taken the course have grown in confidence in studying the Bible and finish it seeking more opportunities to go deeper. We'd love if you were to offer this opportunity to your congregations and contexts as a way of supporting your ministry. Feel free to join in or not. No pressure. Let Ministry Forum take the planning and leading off your shoulders this Winter. 

We look forward to having a diverse group of participants. This will be an opportunity to meet others across Canada who are passionate about learning more about the Bible and growing in their walk with God in Christ Jesus.

Join The Rev. John Borthwick, Director of the Centre of Lifelong Learning at Knox College as he facilitates this eight-session course online this winter.

We Need To Listen
Mar 13
We Need To Listen

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.

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.

The Bible Course
Mar 20
The Bible Course

Ministry leaders, this series is meant to complement your ministry context's exploration of the Bible.

Participants who have taken the course have grown in confidence in studying the Bible and finish it seeking more opportunities to go deeper. We'd love if you were to offer this opportunity to your congregations and contexts as a way of supporting your ministry. Feel free to join in or not. No pressure. Let Ministry Forum take the planning and leading off your shoulders this Winter. 

We look forward to having a diverse group of participants. This will be an opportunity to meet others across Canada who are passionate about learning more about the Bible and growing in their walk with God in Christ Jesus.

Join The Rev. John Borthwick, Director of the Centre of Lifelong Learning at Knox College as he facilitates this eight-session course online this winter.

Tending Tomorrow: Canadian Women Homileticians Reflect on the Future of Preaching in Canada
Mar 27
Tending Tomorrow: Canadian Women Homileticians Reflect on the Future of Preaching in Canada

Women are stepping into their calling to proclaim the Gospel, find their unique voice and embrace the future of preaching! If you’re a clergy, student, or simply passionate about the art of preaching, hearing from those who are leading the way can inspire and guide your growth.

This spring, join us for Tending Tomorrow, a full-day event that brings together four leading Canadian women homileticians as they reflect on the current state of preaching in Canada and imagine bold, hope-filled directions for the future.

We Need To Listen
Apr 3
We Need To Listen

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.

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.

Orange Conference
Apr 29
Orange Conference

A wildly practical and inspirational three-day event for future thinking family ministry leaders.

Join the annual event that launches teams of kids ministry and youth ministry leaders into brighter future recharged and overflowing with real tools they can use they very next week. In three exciting days, you’ll fill your notebook while a vibrant community fills your soul. Discover one thing every church can do to change everything for the next generation.

We Need To Listen
May 1
We Need To Listen

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.

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.

We Need To Listen
Jun 12
We Need To Listen

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.

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.

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.

The latest resources add:
Sacred Ordinary Days
Sacred Ordinary Days
Think Orange
Think Orange
Leading Ideas Talk
Leading Ideas Talk
Knox Counselling Centre
Knox Counselling Centre
Yale Divinity School (free resources)
Yale Divinity School (free resources)
Faith Forward
Faith Forward
Samuel Thomas Davis - Words into Works
Samuel Thomas Davis - Words into Works
Center for Action and Contemplation
Center for Action and Contemplation
The Work of the People (TWOTP)
The Work of the People (TWOTP)
Partnership for ReNEWal
Partnership for ReNEWal
Learning Forte
Learning Forte
The FaithX Project
The FaithX Project
Next Church
Next Church
The UNSTUCK Group
The UNSTUCK Group
Faith Matters Network
Faith Matters Network
One Day’s Pay
One Day’s Pay
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
A Sermon for Every Sunday
A Sermon for Every Sunday
What's Next? Options for Struggling Churches
What's Next? Options for Struggling Churches
Dandelion Marketplace
Dandelion Marketplace
Feasting on the Word: Children's Sermons
Feasting on the Word: Children's Sermons
Sparkhouse
Sparkhouse
ROOTS Resources
ROOTS Resources
Youthworks Media
Youthworks Media
Worshiphouse Kids
Worshiphouse Kids
We Are KidMin
We Are KidMin
The Week
The Week
The Ministry Collaborative
The Ministry Collaborative
Narrative Lectionary
Narrative Lectionary
Stuck
Stuck

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!

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