The Preaching Collective Launching February 2025
Whether you’re a first-time preacher or have years of experience under your belt, sermon preparation can feel isolating. It’s often just you, your Bible, and a blank page, with no one around to bounce ideas off or share the weight of the task. But imagine having a group of people who truly understand the highs and lows of preaching, ready to collaborate, encourage, and grow with you. How would that change your confidence, your message and your ministry?
If you can relate so far, we would love for you to consider applying to our Preaching Cohort launching in early 2025. Our Cohort begins with a focused weekend retreat that sets the stage for ongoing of collaboration, mentorship, and skill development. Keep reading to learn how you can get involved.
Leadership Fundamentals for Ministry
Every ministry leader, whether you’re a seasoned pastor or a volunteer leading a small group, has encountered moments where they felt stretched thin. Perhaps you’ve wrestled with how to navigate a conflict with a staff member or volunteer. Maybe you’ve struggled to make decisions with clarity and confidence, or you’ve wondered how to rebuild trust in a congregation that has experienced division.
These aren’t just practical problems; they’re spiritual ones too. As leaders in the church, we’re called to model Christ’s example—to lead with humility, grace, and truth. But without intentional development, these qualities can be hard to sustain in the face of daily pressures.
And because at Ministry Forum we believe no ministry leader should have to navigate these challenges alone - we’ve partnered with experts in leadership development to host a 5 week series on the Fundamentals of Leadership for Ministry Leaders. Through this series you’ll gain practical tools and encouragement to lead with authenticity and clarity.
Preaching Refresher - Session 2
The biblical text lies at the heart of preaching. How do we enter into the text in creative ways that will allow us to speak a fresh word to our communities? We will explore playful approaches to exegesis and preaching that will inspire and revitalize your relationship with the biblical text.
Flourishing In Ministry
One of my favourite books, that I’ve mentioned before, is Flourishing in Ministry by Matt Bloom. I think everyone who serves as a minister should read it - and I think it should be required reading for congregational leaders too. I think many of the concepts also translate to other areas of ministry leadership.
The Reality of Clergy Burnout in 2024
Inspired by the webinar “Preventing Burnout and Promoting Flourishing Among Clergy” from Common Table Conversations, let’s have a conversation about Burnout as we approach the fall—a time when work new expectations, meetings, and initiatives begin to pile up, and your next season of rest seems to be a million miles away.
Elevating Lay Leadership
When I was in Saskatchewan recently, I had some insightful conversations about lay leadership in today’s Church. It’s fascinating how the Church passionately aims to empower the laity in congregational roles, yet over the decades, we’ve marginalized these roles through ordered ministries like the Diaconate or lay missionaries. This has resulted in an over-reliance on ordained clergy, who are now stretched beyond capacity and dwindling in numbers…
Bible in a Minute - Riverside Church NYC
1,189 daily videos, all 1 minute in length detailing each chapter of the Bible… one day at a time!
Featured Resource: STUCK
Could it be that the congregational model as it has evolved over the decades is contributing to ordained ministers (and I’d also wonder about paid staff, volunteers, and lay leaders too) feeling constrained or hindered, even fed up with the structure of Church while at the same time not losing their love for the Gospel?
Well, you’ll need to read the book to draw your own conclusions.
Understanding Inter-Mission in the PCC.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) offers a unique opportunity for its ministers known as "Inter-Mission." Established in 1992 and updated in recent years, Inter-Mission is designed to support church leaders by providing them with a dedicated period for spiritual renewal and personal growth. This policy, while primarily aimed at ministers, extends its spirit to all church workers, encouraging a holistic approach to well-being and ministry effectiveness.
Preaching Refresher
From Guest Writer: Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis “A novice preacher recently remarked to me that they would benefit from more preaching courses. I responded, “So would I!” As a professor of preaching, I am aware that there is more to learn about preaching sermons than one can learn in a lifetime. “
Pastors Retreat March 2024 - We Will Continue Walking Together with Jesus
My reflections on our weary pastor’s retreat at Crieff Hills in March 2024.
Lament: We Need to Listen
Being a leader in the Church today is hard. Join John and a Special Guest Host as they open up the room to listen and learn from one another. 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. 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.
What is Inter-mission?
A passionate proponent of regular sabbaticals, our Director, John shares his experience around the benefits of taking intentional breaks as a way of sustaining one for the life of ministry. If you’ve never heard of Inter-mission, then this webinar is definitely for you. The session will not be recorded since we want to ensure the safety and confidentiality of our attendees.
Bible in a Minute - Riverside Church NYC
1,189 daily videos, all 1 minute in length detailing each chapter of the Bible… one day at a time!
Easy Bake Christmas Eve - 2023
Join the conversation and bring your favourite, simple, either solo act or highly congregational participatory service to share with the community. We will compile the offerings and share them with anyone who registers. Leave with a few ideas not only for this Christmas Eve but for future ones as well.