How To: Share The Stories Of Your Congregation
What if you could show people the life behind the numbers? What if, instead of just stating that “85 people attended the Easter sunrise service,” you also shared the story of one woman who found deep comfort in that gathering after a hard season of grief? Now that’s a testimony. That’s a window into the Spirit at work.
That’s why we want to encourage (and resource) you to share the stories behind your church’s ministry. Whether you use a video interview, a print out, a live testimony or a slide show, storytelling brings your ministry to life in a way data can’t.
Tell Stories that Bear Witness To Your Numbers
It’s the start of Annual Meeting season both in the non-profit and church world. It is where, despite how many words may appear in an annual report, the numbers reign supreme - in most contexts!
But if you’d like to change that dynamic… I’d encourage you to fight the powers and principalities by crafting a narrative budget or a pictorial slide show of the life of your ministry or tell stories and share testimonies, or why not just do all of it?! Celebrate.
Ministry Forum Wrapped 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re celebrating a year of growth, connection, and faithful engagement across the Ministry Forum community. From a 200% increase in site traffic to deep conversations around spiritual care, creativity, and land stewardship, the data affirms what we’ve sensed all along—ministry is diverse, dynamic, and deeply needed. This year-end reflection offers a snapshot of what resonated, what surprised us (hello, Bible Study Printables!), and why we believe the strength of Ministry Forum lies in the web of connection we’re building together. Join us in looking back with gratitude—and ahead with hope.
Canadian Church Research Gathering 2025 at Wycliffe College
If you’re someone who loves graphs, spreadsheets, and data that tells a story—you’ll want to go deeper into what the data is saying about the Christian Church in Canada… so mark your calendar for the upcoming Canadian Church Research Gathering at Wycliffe College.
Understanding the Canadian Church - A Reading List
If you’re the kind of leader who likes to dig deeper—who finds clarity through books, research, and reflection—this list is for you. We’ve gathered a few recent and insightful titles that speak directly to the Canadian church: where we’ve been, where we are, and where we might be heading.
Losing Our Religion? Digging into Canada’s Spiritual Landscape
Exploring insights from Statistics Canada’s podcast episode “Losing Our Religion? It’s Not That Simple.” Despite rising religious disaffiliation, Canadians are still engaging with spirituality in diverse and personal ways. We reflect on how ministry leaders can respond to these shifting patterns—not with fear, but with imagination, compassion, and renewed hope in the gospel. The Church may be changing, but God is still at work.
What the Data Is Telling Us About Ministry in 2025
We’re reflecting on the growing sense of fatigue, isolation, and spiritual disconnection among pastoral leaders—confirmed by research from Barna, Pew, ATS, and others. We explore how shifting congregational motivation, declining spiritual practices, and gaps in theological education are shaping today’s ministry landscape. But we also offer a word of hope rooted in the gospel: God is still at work. With prayer, honest connection, and renewed practices, there is a path toward resilience. You are not alone.
Thank You Stuart! A tribute to a career of service and insights.
We, at Ministry Forum, are paying tribute to the upcoming retirement of The Rev. Dr. Stuart Macdonald, Professor of Church and Society, with a few tidbits we expect would be right up his alley—no, not about witches—DATA about faith and religion in North America.
10 Things to Consider When Choosing Church Management Software
Choosing the right Church Management Software (ChMS) can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your church’s operations. Here are 10 factors your church leadership team should consider when selecting a ChMS.
Measuring Success in Ministry
How do you measure success? What is success in ministry? What does that even look like? And by what metrics do we measure such things?
In the congregational setting, it is so often Sunday attendance and offerings. Is that the best way to measure the present reality we are facing.