Courageous Faith in a Time of Fear
Ministry Forum is grateful to co-host, with the Institute for Christian Studies, an upcoming event that addresses the real challenges church leaders face today.
Courageous Faith in a Time of Fear: Pastoral Leadership, Public Responsibility, and the Risk of Taking a Stand will be held May 13–14, 2026, in Toronto. We look forward to welcoming clergy, lay leaders, and community members for two days of meaningful conversation, learning, and support.
Inspired by the promise of Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” this conference invites everyone to reflect on what it means to lead, speak, and act faithfully during a time of division in both society and the church.
The conference will explore how faith communities can move from fear toward hope. Through roundtables, workshops, and a closing panel, participants will engage in questions like:
How do we sustain “big-tent” communities amid ideological difference?
What does faithful public witness look like in polarized contexts?
How can churches cultivate resilience, courage, and hope over time?
Together, we’ll reflect on leading during times of fear and fatigue, the importance of truth-telling and reconciliation, and how we can grow moral imagination in our shared lives.
We are excited to welcome our keynote and plenary speakers, Kristin Kobes Du Mez and Joash P. Thomas. Dr. Du Mez, a New York Times bestselling author and Professor of History at Calvin University, will open the conference on the evening of May 13. Rev. Thomas, an author and teacher in public theology, peace, and justice, will give the plenary on May 14 and join the conversation throughout the event.
Participants can choose sessions that fit their needs, whether they want to learn when to speak up in tough situations, support clergy during difficult times, or explore how congregations can move from private concern to collective action. (Find all of the schedule details below)
This conference is open to everyone: clergy, lay leaders, and anyone who wants to engage faithfully with the challenges of public life today.
We hope you will join us for this meaningful time of reflection and connection. In a season when many feel uncertain, we pray this gathering will offer space for honest conversation, renewed courage, and a reminder that we do not lead or serve alone.
Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez
New York Times bestselling author and Professor of History at Calvin University. Currently a Senior Democracy Fellow with the Public Religion Research Institute, her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics. Author of Jesus and John Wayne.
Rev. Joash P. Thomas
Author of The Justice of Jesus (Brazos Press) and Instructor in Public Theology, Peace & Justice at St. Stephen's University. Drawing from his St. Thomas Christian roots and a decolonized, Jesus-centered understanding of Scripture, Fr. Joash helps audiences reimagine a faith that unites rather than divides.
Two Days of Learning & Dialogue
Wednesday, May 13 At Knox Presbyterian Church | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Keynote Lecture & Opening Dialogue Kristin Kobes Du Mez & Joash Thomas
Thursday, May 14 At Knox College | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 - 10:00 AM | Plenary Lecture with Joash Thomas
10:15 – 10:30 AM | Coffee Break
10:30 – 12:00 PM | Roundtable Discussions Concurrent pastoral & community tracks
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 - 2:15 PM | Workshops — Session I Concurrent pastoral & community tracks
2:15 – 2:30 PM | Coffee Break
2:30 – 3:45 PM | Workshops — Session II Concurrent pastoral & community tracks
3:45 – 4:00 PM | Coffee Break
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Closing Panel Capacity for Courage: Building Faith Communities for the Long Haul