Reflections from the Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship
We invited the Rev. Katherine Burgess to share her thoughts and reflections after attending the Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship in October. We were honoured to be one of the sponsors for the event.
Thank you so much to the Ministry Forum (and John Borthwick) for an amazing few days in Toronto. Not only was I able to attend wonderful sessions with amazing people (more about that later), but making new connections and renewing old ones made that time extra-special.
One highlight for me – and for everyone else, I imagine – was the daily worship. Gifted preachers every day, with pertinent messages, brilliant music, and the ability to sit in a pew – such a privilege for me, as a minister. It is very rare for me to be able to worship from the other side of the pulpit, and I really appreciate it.
The sessions – what can I say? Malcolm Guite’s poetry moved me in ways that I never expected, and Steve Bell’s music was nothing short of amazing. Leanne Friesen’s session on preaching while grieving moved me to tears several times, as it did others in the room.
I met in person several people who were Facebook friends, and we found that we had even more in common than we had thought. It was especially interesting to meet people from different denominational backgrounds, and to discover that we had more similarities than differences. Of course, it was also wonderful to spend time with people I have already met, but who live in different parts of the country. I actually spent a little time with John, but, unfortunately, there is not photographic evidence of that. Many people say that the whole networking aspect is the most important part of this conference. I do not completely agree with them, but I do admit that it is right up there on my list.
I had been considering going to the conference, but it is quite expensive, so I am truly grateful to the Ministry Forum for paying my registration. That was actually what convinced me to go, and I am so glad I did. I hope that the Forum will continue this initiative, as it can make the difference to many of us. Thank you again for your support of this.
-Rev. Katherine Burgess
Mark Your Calendar for Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship ‘26! October 25–27, 2026
The team at the Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship is already building an incredible lineup! Joining in next year’s event are: Craig Barnes, President Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary & John Bell, Scottish hymn-writer and minister of the Church of Scotland.
Don’t miss what’s sure to be another powerful gathering of preaching, learning, and fellowship. Follow LRPF (on Facebook & Instagram) and watch for registration details in 2026