Interview with Sara Traficante, Ministry Forum Intern and MPS Student
In this episode, Ministry Forum Intern Sara Traficante shares her journey from a career in music to studying psychospiritual therapy at Knox College. Drawn to ministry through experiences in her church and a contemplative search for deeper meaning, Sara describes how the Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) program allows her to integrate faith with therapeutic practices. She discusses her leadership roles in her church’s Indigenous justice and LGBTQ+ inclusion projects, which highlighted her passion for collaborative, inclusive ministry. At Knox, Sara has found a supportive and diverse learning environment that has helped her develop confidence, spiritual maturity, and a strong sense of call. Her story offers insights for those in ministry who seek to blend spiritual care with community and therapeutic support.
Interview with Pastor Kevin Coghill of Royal City Mission
In this episode, Pastor Kevin Coghill shares the story of Royal City Mission in Guelph, Ontario, a church reimagined as a mission to prioritize community service over conventional Sunday worship. Coghill explains how the mission operates seven days a week, providing meals and support for the city’s most vulnerable, guided by values of relationship, justice, and shared beauty. Leadership at Royal City Mission is collaborative and includes voices often overlooked, creating a welcoming space for those who feel marginalized. Despite challenges and occasional community pushback, Coghill emphasizes a posture of openness, where "saying yes" to needs fosters deep connection and understanding.
Interview with Rachel Kennedy, Ministry Forum Intern and MDiv Student
In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, host Rev. John Borthwick chats with Rachel Kennedy, a Ministry Forum Intern and M.Div. student at Knox College. Rachel shares her journey into ministry, from her start as a French teacher to answering an unexpected yet compelling call to seminary. The conversation digs into Rachel’s passion for creating safe spaces for young people to explore faith authentically. She opens up about her experiences with different church cultures and how Knox has helped her find a theological home that values questioning and deep exploration. They also touch on how the church’s current challenges are an opportunity for renewal, inviting leaders to be more intentional and responsive to the real needs of their communities.
Inter-mission with Rev. John Borthwick
Rev. John Borthwick chats with Rev. Dr. Kristine O'Brien, the Executive Director of Crieff Hills Retreat Centre. Kristine reflects on her shift from congregational ministry to leading Crieff Hills, stressing how vital Sabbath rest and breaks (or "intermissions") are for avoiding burnout and sparking creativity in ministry. She talks about how taking intentional time for rest can refresh ministry leaders, helping them serve more effectively. Kristine also shares how Crieff Hills has evolved, now welcoming a variety of groups—from nonprofits to different faith traditions. The centre focuses on hospitality, spiritual renewal, and even innovative projects like ecological farming. This discussion highlights the importance of rest, creativity, and adaptability for healthy and thriving ministry.
Retreating with Rev. Dr. Kristine O’Brien
Rev. John Borthwick chats with Rev. Dr. Kristine O'Brien, the Executive Director of Crieff Hills Retreat Centre. Kristine reflects on her shift from congregational ministry to leading Crieff Hills, stressing how vital Sabbath rest and breaks (or "intermissions") are for avoiding burnout and sparking creativity in ministry. She talks about how taking intentional time for rest can refresh ministry leaders, helping them serve more effectively. Kristine also shares how Crieff Hills has evolved, now welcoming a variety of groups—from nonprofits to different faith traditions. The centre focuses on hospitality, spiritual renewal, and even innovative projects like ecological farming. This discussion highlights the importance of rest, creativity, and adaptability for healthy and thriving ministry.
Unsettling Worship, A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis
In this episode, we rebroadcast parts of a book launch for the Rev. Dr. Sarah Travis’ book, Unsettling Worship, Reforming Liturgy for Right Relations with Indigenous Communities. The conversation centers on how Christian worship can address the historical and ongoing colonial injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Dr. Travis highlights how worship can both comfort and challenge congregants, fostering truth-telling and reconciliation.
She shares the inspiration for her book, emphasizing the importance of addressing uncomfortable truths about settler-Indigenous relations within worship settings. The conversation touches on how liturgy can be a space for healing and prophetic action, engaging with the realities of colonialism, and offering a pathway toward hope and justice.
When God Became White
John Borthwick chats with Knox College alumna Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim. Grace shares her journey from studying theology to becoming an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate. She reflects on what it’s like to navigate academia as an Asian-American woman and why she’s passionate about amplifying marginalized voices. Grace discusses topics in her books Invisible and When God Became White, explaining how they tackle issues of race, gender, and systemic injustices within the church and society. With honesty and humour, Grace also talks about balancing writing and family life, and how she never imagined she’d end up authoring over 20 books! This episode is a look at faith, identity, and the power of storytelling in creating change.
Interview with Knox College Principal Ernest van Eck
John Borthwick sits down with Knox College's Principal, Rev. Dr. Ernest van Eck, for a fascinating conversation about his journey from a small mining town in South Africa to becoming the principal of Knox College. Ernest shares stories from his days as an aspiring CPA (yes, you read that right!), his athletic accomplishments, and how a last-minute calling to ministry led him down a completely different path.
My Lifelong Learning Story - John Borthwick
In this very first episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, Rev. John Borthwick, Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning at Knox College, takes us on a personal journey through his somewhat unexpected path into ministry. You’ll hear how a curious kid obsessed with history (and Dungeons & Dragons!) found himself navigating university, working in surprising places like a bingo hall, and ultimately feeling that unmistakable nudge toward ministry – despite his best efforts to resist it!