Listening to YOU and other Ministry Leaders across Canada.
Ministry is always evolving. The challenges and opportunities we face today are different from those of even a few years ago. As leaders, we are constantly reimagining how to support and encourage one another in this sacred calling.
At Ministry Forum at Knox College, we’ve been given a unique opportunity to explore how we can better serve and strengthen ministry leaders and congregations across The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Through an initial grant from the Lilly Endowment called Pathways for Tomorrow, we are conducting a listening project to hear directly from ministry leaders just like you
We’ve offering this project in English, French and Korean:
Your insights will directly shape a future grant proposal that could allow us to launch new initiatives designed to equip and encourage leaders in five key areas of ministry life. But before we move forward with these initiatives, we need to hear from you—because the best solutions come from those actively engaged in ministry.
The Five Areas We Are Exploring
Based on conversations with Presbyterian ministry leaders across Canada, we’ve identified five critical areas where additional ministry support could make a significant impact:
Prayer & Bible Study Accompaniment
Many leaders tell us they long for deeper personal spiritual practices but struggle to find the time or the right resources. How can we provide meaningful, accessible Bible study and prayer resources for both clergy and lay leaders?
Listening Partner Support Network
Ministry can be isolating. Leaders often lack safe, confidential spaces to process challenges, share insights, and find encouragement. What would it look like to create a structured peer-support network for ministry leaders?
Coach on the Field Integration
Ministry requires adaptive leadership, but real-time coaching and professional guidance are often financially out of reach. Could we develop a model that makes coaching accessible when leaders need it most?
Intergenerational Ministry Communities of Practice
Children, youth, and young adult ministry leaders often work in silos, missing opportunities to collaborate and share wisdom across generations. How can we create networks that strengthen intergenerational faith formation?
Congregational Virtual Front Door Enhancement
In an increasingly digital world, a congregation’s online presence is often the first point of contact for newcomers. Many churches struggle to manage this well. How can we make digital engagement more sustainable and effective for ministry?
How You Can Help
This is where you come in! We want to ensure that whatever comes next genuinely serves ministry leaders and congregations across Canada. You can be a part of this with us by:
Joining a Virtual Learning Session
In this one-hour session you will receive practical insights for ministry today while sharing your feedback on these five initiatives. These are designed to be meaningful, engaging, and worth your time.
Sharing Your Feedback in a Quick Survey
Each initiative has a short, two-minute video explaining the vision, followed by a brief survey. This is an easy way to make sure your voice is part of shaping these ideas. These conversations will directly inform the next stage of our grant proposal and determine how we move forward in applying for major funding to implement these initiatives.
These conversations will directly inform the next stage of our grant proposal and determine how we move forward in applying for major funding to implement these initiatives.
Sessions are happening throughout March & April, and we’d love for you to be part of this!
Why This Matters
We don’t have to do ministry alone. The Church is strongest when we work together, sharing insights, encouragement, and practical tools to help one another thrive. Your voice will help shape the future of ministry support in Canada.
Have a question about anything we’re presenting? Leave us a comment below.