Why We Love Ministry Forum
Ministry is not a solo calling - it’s my we’re always reminding you “You’re not alone in ministry” - even if it feels that way sometimes. Ministry is a shared journey of learning, listening, adapting, and reflecting and Ministry Forum exists to hold space for that journey.
Since August 2023 Ministry Forum has grown from a hopeful idea into a vibrant community and a recognized part of Knox College’s mission to nurture leaders who think deeply, lead courageously, and live authentically. What began as a pilot project now stands as a permanent part of the Centre for Lifelong Learning—a hub for encouragement, curiosity, and collegiality with leaders across Canada.
As we mark this season of growth and look ahead with gratitude and anticipation, we wanted to pause and reflect on what this work has meant to us. The reflections that follow come from members of the Ministry Forum team - each offering a glimpse into why this work continues to matter and what they have seen take root through it.
I love Ministry Forum because they bridge the gap between what's really going on in church and in the world and having tough conversations about it. They aren't afraid to say the hard thing out loud in loving and constructive ways. Over the last year working with Ministry Forum, I have had opportunities to creatively think about how to be the church as we move into this new era of "church." They have taught me how to speak honestly about ways the church needs to change without the fear of being rejected. In my current work in ministry, they have also provided countless resources that I didn't know existed, in order to enhance the work that I'm already part of. As I head into full time ministry post-graduation, I truly do not feel alone. Ministry Forum helps connect ministry leaders across the denomination, whether that be clergy or other leaders. They have helped me be part of conversations and in rooms with others that I might not have had the privilege to if this platform didn't exist. Through podcasts, resource hub, Creative Ways Conference, and weekly email subscriptions, I feel included into conversations with a community who are asking hard questions and collaborating together to see plausible solutions. What I appreciate most about Ministry Forum is that they do everything rooted in love. There is no fine print that is trying to "get" something out of their subscribers, they are truly a platform that is here FOR you and wants to see all types of ministry flourish. Thanks be to God for all the people on this team!
- Rachel Proctor-Kennedy
My experience as an intern this year has been another important step on the path of learning and growing as an MPS student at Knox College. What I have appreciated most is learning from the diversity of ministry leaders - especially behind the scenes on the podcast, the Creative Ways event, the amazing resources on the website, and the weekly email - deeply diving into each conversation around the unique work happening across the country.
As a student of spiritual care and psychotherapy, the path to ministry is at times nebulous. However, between my practicum experience and courageous conversations through Ministry Forum, I have gained new perspective to ground future practice as an expression of my faith through meaningful work. By immersing myself in a wide range of ministry experiences, I can imagine creative opportunities to approach mental health through a spiritually integrated perspective. Curiosity and my love of collaboration are drivers in this. Ministry Forum has sparked desire to partner with the church today to create opportunities to serve the mental health needs in the community in fresh ways!
The team at Ministry Forum is encouraging, and they leave ample room for interns to explore our passions and try new things - like preaching! Thank you, John, for taking me for my first preaching opportunity out in the world.
- Sara Traficante
What I love most about Ministry Forum is its refusal to retreat into a single camp of what church needs to be or look like. In the church world, polarization often defines our conversations—platforms and resources can feel like they’re speaking only to one slice of the Christian community. Ministry Forum is striving to offer something different: a space where all are welcome.
Ministry Forum takes seriously the complexity of the church in this moment.
Yes, there is decline.
Yes, there is deconstruction.
There is heartbreak and loss and honest questioning.
There is grief and pain and fear.
But Ministry Forum isn’t shying away from any of it—instead, we are naming those realities and inviting everyone to come sit together—to talk, to listen, to grieve and lament, and to learn from one another. Ministry Forum is committed to highlighting and celebrating the diversity of ministry contexts across Canada, rather than pretending we are all the same or that we can do this alone.
What inspires me is that Ministry Forum doesn’t ask us to pretend we agree on everything. Instead, it asks us to show up and engage with openness and grace, trusting that the Holy Spirit moves in the midst of difference. It’s a place where you can bring what ever your questions or particular ministry context is and know that you are welcome, there is something here for you.
- Lauren Wasyluk
This space is continually enriched by YOU - those of you who show up and engage every day—ministers, students, elders, chaplains, educators, and ministry dreamers of all kinds. Your insights, questions, and experiences breathe life into our gatherings , you guide and shape what we work on every week. We’ve gathered some of the amazing feedback we’ve received: words of encouragement, stories of impact, and notes of gratitude. These reflections offer a window into what happens when people come together in a spirit of mutual care and shared learning.
"The Ministry Forum has been a welcome dialogue partner and space for resources. I have found the weekly emails helpful in keeping new and interesting topics with a Canadian Presbyterian focus on my radar. It has highlighted a number of resources and opportunities for engagement that were previously unknown to me. For example, I have been exploring transitional/interim ministry training and was keen to see the weekly Ministry Forum email highlight an opportunity for training in this area that I was not familiar with. In a season of ministry that continues to feel lonely and isolating, it is helpful to have a space for engagement and Rev. John as a dialogue partner. I am grateful for this new endeavour and look forward to additional learning and support opportunities.”
“I want to begin the year by affirming what a positive addition MF has been to us in ministry. I have found the program's direction and attitude of (joyous) openness to new ideas stimulates creativity, the sense of concern for our well-being is welcome, and the possibilities for continued learning is exciting…”
"Thank you for a wonderful beginning with Ministry Forum and the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Knox College. It is great to have a connection with Knox that is focused full time on ministry. It is very helpful to have someone/somewhere to ask questions and receive answers whose actual role is to do that and at the same time who has the connections necessary to find out what one wants to know. I have enjoyed advance notice of what is happening at Knox and elsewhere in Canada etc regarding topics of interest to ministers. Thank you. Continued information on what is happening at Knox and elsewhere especially regarding opportunities for practical learning much appreciated.”
"I have appreciated the exploratory and collaborative approach you've taken during these inaugural months. I'm assuming that you have been testing the waters and learning the best ways of matching the passions and resources of the college to the needs of those you seek to serve."
"The work that John is doing at building relationships between Knox College and the Church is both unique for theological colleges and invaluable. As a skilled listener, it is obvious that John is in dialogue with Church leaders and seeking to respond to the expressed interests and needs of the Church by providing the content and resources that people are actually asking for. His spirit of openness and hospitality lays the foundation for everything else. He says often that we are not alone - both his engagement and that of the Principal makes one feel that the College is in the mix with us."
"I am glad to know that the Ministry Forum is working on resources for lay leaders who feel called to lead worship. I was sure nervous the first time I did that, but now I welcome the challenge and the wonderful learning that comes with researching and writing a sermon. I endorse and encourage this timely and important work, and will certainly share it with others"
"I am appreciating the information you are sending and I'm excited to see how the next phase unfolds."
"I just got around to digesting this email now and I wanted to say “thank you.” As I work my way back from burn out, I’ve been finding sermon writing the hardest piece (at times). I took a quick look at the Zateo website and felt, hopeful. I’d never heard of them but they look like a really useful resource. I’m really appreciative once again of what ministry forum is doing for us as clergy. Not sure how much feedback you’re getting, but please know it’s making a difference."
“Thank you for all these resources. Again, thank you for your support and leading the church forward. I am sure I will reach out to you again for help or ideas.”
"It was my great pleasure and joy to meet you at General Assembly. Although we did not share much of our life stories, just knowing that you are real and who you are was great. :) And I am very grateful for what you are doing. Just wanted to express my gratitude. Thank you so much and I will try to see you more on Ministry Forum meetings."
"Again, many thanks. Glad to have a mentor I can reach out to!"
"Just knowing you're there is a support, my brother!"
"You are posting great stuff! Keep it up"
"Just a note of thanks for your time the other week with our Presbytery. Your tone saved the day and was welcome information for several who were not
yet aware of your work. Blessings as you continue this important ministry to assist preachers and lay leadership."
“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your weekly emails, which are always filled with useful information and written in such an inspiring way. Thank you for all that you do!"
“Thanks for the good work and the support you offer. I’ve passed on resources to folks in my congregation, and appreciate your highlighting things that are available!”
… thank you for your helpful and encouraging emails… Thank you so much for helping me to continue to learn and be supported by the College this way. The content of each email is so thought-provoking, practical, relevant, and supportive. I cannot thank you enough for using your gifts to serve God's church. May God continue to bless you, your family, and ministry.
Thank you John. As always, what you have shared is exceedingly helpful, informative, faithful, inspiring! - especially this particular issue (Community Based ministry email) for a guy like me!
Thank you for your email. It was very inspiring and insightful. It is good to know how a "community-based" ministry could be in True North. May God continue enlightening your life and ministry. Thank you also for the Ministry Forum. It is a blessed hub to improve our pastoral tasks, especially in helping me understand more about North American culture and worldview.
"The timing couldn't be better for us as we were planning to train some people to lead small groups and Bible Studies for our congregation. We are looking forward to attending. This type of resource is very much needed." - Referencing the Catching the Spark: Dynamic Bible Study Pilot Project.
I want you to know how relevant the resources are that you share. I am always deeply appreciative of your emails and the content. Thank you so very much.
Thanks for the podcast :) The teaser was great. Made me smile. Looking forward to being able to listen on the drive to or from [the congregation I serve]. I really appreciate everything you and the team do for us.
Wow! … amazing. … fantastic session today. This is so incredibly helpful for me in my training... - In Response to Ministry Forum's Spiritual Care in Long Term Care Course
This👏🏻is👏🏻so👏🏻important👏🏻 Thank you, Ministry Forum for promoting this event ❤️ - Related to promotion of Bullying in the Church webinar hosted on CHURCHx
"Your newsletters are great. I really enjoy your thoughts. I hope lots of others do as well. Keep up the great work."
“Thank you for all you're doing, John -- you consistently bring up the meaty, thought-provoking topics!” - In response to loneliness in church leadership
Your stuff you send is Outstanding! Thanks for your incredible work!!
Thank you for coming to preach at our church today and for taking extra time to meet with Session regarding issues and challenges that we face. You reassured us that we are not alone in our struggles and gave us encouraging words about what we are doing to try to make our church a relevant part of our community, not just our own congregation. Your honesty about the reality of churches in Canada today echoed what we’ve heard from our Interim Moderator, but it’s sometimes really good to hear it from another source. That doesn’t mean that it’s welcome news for everyone.
Thank you for steering us in the direction of resources that will hopefully make it easier to supplement our Sunday worship by enlisting the help of congregation members and others. Personally, I enjoyed your frankness and your sense of humour.
How grateful I am to God for having met Ministry Forum! This email filled my heart with good expectation about the future of the church in Canada. I hope that I can join with you all to be a little part of God's movement. Thank you for your life, ministry and availability for God's glory! - From a South American Minister who is seeking to move to Canada and pursue ministry in The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
"I do want to let you know that I appreciate receiving emails from Ministry Forum very much. I find the messages you send compassionate, warm and always timely; and I also appreciate the resources you share in your messages. Thank you for all your thoughtful communication and hard work!" - Knox College MPS alumni
"You are doing incredible work. Thank you so much for your ministry to all of us in the trenches. It is transforming lives."
"Thank you for the great work you are doing. I have benefited immensely from the different innovative approaches to church and ministry."
"You Rock! Thanks so much for making this happen and making it accessible online and in person. I am so impressed and inspired by what you are doing with the Ministry Forum." -Attendee of From Creation Film Screening
"I regularly tune in and sometimes watch afterwards if I can't tune in live [to Ministry Forum’s offerings]. Ministry Forum is a real lifeline to those of us serving in ministry. I serve as a part-time worship leader and I just find the Ministry Forum, for those of us that might be semi isolated, is a incredible resource, and I appreciate it. Thanks so much."
"As I sit here listening to your podcast chat with GPT, I wanted to send a note of thanks for all the resources that Ministry Forum has been providing. I have been adding the Ministry Forum website and resources to our Futures Committee Reports for [our] Presbytery for the last few months in order to connect leaders to the many resources provided through and by the Forum. Interestingly, the Ministry Forum was also mentioned in a second report of our Presbytery Meeting last night. I thank you again for all you and your team are doing!" -Congregational Minister
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and commitment Knox College demonstrates in supporting local churches. Your efforts through the Ministry Forum are a tremendous encouragement, equipping the whole people of God in such diverse and meaningful ways.” - Congregational Minister
“Thank you for these resources. Thank you for taking the time to talk to me today and for the good advice and suggestions. We are all in this together, aren't we!” - Congregational Minister
"I think you're doing a great job. The challenge is communicating the opportunities in such a way that people actually engage. It's really tough breaking through, but has a lot of potential." - Congregational Minister who attended our Stuck Retreat at Crieff Hills
“Thank you so much for this amazing offer to the church! Very much appreciated.” - Congregational Minister who signed up for our Self-Led Antiracism Subsidy offered through Selam Debs
"The Ministry Forum is exactly the kind thing that is needed for the ongoing support of ministry - both ordained and lay (if not especially lay) - at this time in the life of the church."