What People Are Saying.
We’re so grateful to those who have written, commented or replied to Ministry Forum emails.
Your support and encouragement is invaluable to us!
In the Press
Presbyterian
Connection
Presbyterian Church in Canada, Winter 2024
Reforming Preaching Initiative p. 10
Photos from Thinking in Jazz Event p. 27
Read the Full Article
Vocations
Knox College Toronto, Fall 2024
article in collaboration with Matthew Ruttan on digital ministry
Presbyterian
Connection
Presbyterian Church in Canada, Fall 2024
Donation from Oak Ridges p. 20
Creative Ways & Western Road Trip p. 23
CHURCHx Offerings p. 27
Presbyterian
Connection
Presbyterian Church in Canada, Summer 2024
The New Ministers Forum p. 14
Crieff Retreat Partnership p. 22
Presbyterian
Connection
Presbyterian Church In Canada, Spring 2024
Virtual Book Conversations p. 20
Vocations
A ‘curiosity enthusiast’ Introducing the director of Lifelong Learning. p. 10 & 11
Knox College Toronto, Fall 2023
From Our Community
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"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.”
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“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. Weekly info bursts would probably be sufficient for most of us in ministry to take time (make time) to read the posts and thoughtfully respond. More often than that tends to make me less likely to read and just pass over, if I am hard pressed, and when are most of us not hard-pressed? If the content is fresh and focused, we'll read it I believe.”
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"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. Looking forward to 2024 with Ministry Forum and the Centre."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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"
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"I am appreciating the information you are sending and I'm excited to see how the next phase unfolds."
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"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."
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“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.”
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"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."
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"Again, many thanks. Glad to have a mentor I can reach out to!"
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"Just knowing you're there is a support, my brother!"
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"You’re doing a good job John. I like your many opportunities for learning that go beyond the traditional PCC."
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"Wow John!!! so much more than I could have imagined. Thank you, thank you!"
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"Great issue, John. So much good and useful stuff here."
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"You are clearly working very hard to help church leaders thrive and I commend Knox College for this important ministry."
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"This was a pleasure to read, John. Thank you for the encouragement and resources"
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"Thanks for raising an important issue."
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"Thank you for all you're doing! Just knowing you're there is a support, my brother!"
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"You are posting great stuff! Keep it up"
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"…you deserve a standing ovation for this e-mail!"
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"John- btw the ministry forum site is fantastic! It is the Amazon of the continuing education world. Well done!"
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"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."
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"John Borthwick, Director of Ministry Forum, leads with empathy and wisdom. He's not just knowledgeable; he's approachable and sincerely invested in the growth of those around him. John's approach to guiding pastors, lay leaders, and church staff is genuine, he excels in nurturing a sense of fulfillment and joy for ministry, always conscious of a leader's mental and spiritual well-being. With 25 years of hands-on ministry experience, John knows the day-to-day grind of pastoral leadership and brings valuable resources, support, and compassion to those serving congregations across Canada. John has a knack for creating connections across his community, leading to collaboration, support and friendships for those who come to him for advice. Rather than propping himself up, John is quick to connect with others and elevate someone else's skill set for mutual success. There's a humility in John's leadership style that resonates deeply. He leads with competency and takes his commitments seriously while always willing to lend a hand, teach, and give grace to those he works alongside. This has made him a trusted mentor and source of constant support for his team members. Under his leadership, Ministry Forum is growing as a dynamic and inclusive online platform, serving a diverse Christian community. John's ability to offer practical resources, support, and a compassionate ear makes him an integral part of Ministry Forum's success. Under John's leadership, growth is not just about managing a platform; it's about nurturing a thriving community that makes a real difference in the lives of those it serves."
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“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!"
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“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!”
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Thanks for preparing and sharing these courses; I plan to invite ministry personnel and communications people from communities of faith in our regional council to explore these courses and resources to help grow their ministries through social media as effectively as possible.
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… 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.
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That’s an incredible list of activities John, especially from such a small team. Thanks for what you're doing, but please ensure you establish a healthy work/life balance.
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Well done good and faithful servant… KEEP GOING!
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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!
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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.
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Referencing the Catching the Spark: Dynamic Bible Study Pilot Project. "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."
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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.
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Appreciate the work that is being done to support Ministers, Sessions and Congregations. Peace.
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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.
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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
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This👏🏻is👏🏻so👏🏻important👏🏻 Thank you, Ministry Forum for promoting this event ❤️
Related to promotion of Bullying in the Church webinar hosted on CHURCHx
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"Your newsletters are great. I really enjoy your thoughts. I hope lots of others do as well. Keep up the great work."
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“Thank you for all you're doing, John -- you consistently bring up the meaty, thought-provoking topics!”
In response to loneliness in church leadership
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Your stuff you send is Outstanding! Thanks for your incredible work!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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