Letting Go of the Myth of the “Ideal Pastor”
This week at Ministry Forum, we’re diving into the evolving landscape of bivocational and part-time ministry. It’s a shift more and more congregations are navigating—sometimes out of necessity, but increasingly as a purposeful and Spirit-led choice. In our companion post, "When Ministry Isn’t Full-Time: A Conversation About Bivocational Leadership", we explored how bivocational ministry can offer surprising gifts of connection, spiritual depth, and missional creativity. Today, we continue that conversation by turning our focus to part-time congregational leadership through the lens of Part-Time is Plenty: Thriving Without Full-Time Clergy by G. Jeffrey MacDonald.
A New Imagination for Ministry: Rev. Rebekah Mitchell and the Future of Congregational Life
As we wrap up Season 2 of the Ministry Forum Podcast, we’re closing with a conversation that invites us not just to think differently about bivocational ministry—but to imagine ministry itself in a new way.
In our final episode, Rev. Rebekah Mitchell of St. Peter’s in Madoc joins Ministry Forum intern Sara Traficante to reflect on her unique call—a call that weaves together congregational leadership, community mental health, and the deeply spiritual work of psychotherapy.
When Ministry Isn’t Full-Time: A Conversation About Bivocational Leadership
A growing number of church leaders now serve part-time or alongside other work. Some denominations have embraced this as a way to ground pastors more deeply in the life of their communities. Others are adjusting out of necessity, as congregational resources become more limited. But as Karl Vaters writes, these models are quickly becoming the norm, not the exception.
Renewal and Resources for Ministry - Updated!
Tools and insights for ministry leaders to navigate the complexities of faith transmission and renewal, drawing from recent research, conferences, and collaborative events.
Technology with Heart: Two Ways We Can Lighten the Load & Open New Doors
Ministry has always been personal, relational, and deeply rooted in community. But in today’s world, it’s also becoming increasingly complex. Pastoral leaders are navigating more demands than ever—spiritual care, administrative responsibilities, digital engagement, and the constant need to adapt.
It can feel like too much to carry.
Listening for Hope in a Changing Church: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls
In the latest episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, Rev. John Borthwick sits down with Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls, Moderator of the 149th General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, to explore that very question.
Drawing from her decades of experience as a professor, minister, and theological leader, Pat reflects on the deep joys and challenges of this season in church life and invites us to think critically and faithfully about the moment we are in
Sacred Sounds: 7 Playlists to Refresh Your Spirit
Whether you need something refreshing for your morning routine, reflective for your prayer time, or inspiring for your next sermon prep session, we’ve gathered a mix of playlists and albums that bring together thoughtful lyrics, beautiful melodies, and deep faith. From modern hymns to liturgical folk, from progressive worship to songs that wrestle with faith and justice, there’s a little something for everyone.
I Wanna Be Where My Feet Are
I think we all do this when something comes to an end. We reminisce about the “good ol’ days” or rush to start the next thing. I’m good at both. I can never just be where my feet are.
Reviving Prayer and Bible Study in Our Churches—We Need Your Voice
As ministry leaders we don’t need to convince you that prayer and Bible Study are vitally important in the life of the Church. They’re not just spiritual practices—they’re the foundation of everything we do. But if we’re honest, we also know that keeping these practices alive in our congregations, and even our personal lives isn’t always easy.
This OLD Church: Loving Our Aging Congregations
What if we changed our tune about OLD CHURCHES with OLD CHURCH MEMBERS. Instead of longing for what we don’t have, how might we celebrate what we do have faithfully attending each and every week?
Strengthening Ministry Together
Two of the initiatives we are exploring—the Listening Partner Support Network and Intergenerational Ministry Communities of Support—have the potential to make a deep impact. But before moving forward, we need your insights.
Attempts at Authenticity in Youth Ministry - Guest Post from Sara Traficante
The kiddos in our churches grow into teenagers, and transitioning from children’s programs is not always smooth. What are the teens to do on Sunday mornings? Although we include frequent intergenerational experiences at my church, there is not always an obvious fit as teens move into high school. Some join the choir or the livestream team, others become assistants in the Sunday school, and a few float in just on time for coffee and cookies.
당신과 캐나다 전역의 사역 리더들의 이야기를 듣습니다
Knox College의 Ministry Forum에서는 캐나다장로교회의 사역 리더들과 교회를 더욱 효과적으로 지원하고 강화할 수 있는 특별한 기회를 받았습니다. Pathways for Tomorrow라는 Lilly Endowment의 초기 지원을 통해, 저희는 여러분과 같은 사역 리더들의 목소리를 직접 듣는 경청 프로젝트를 진행하고 있습니다.
À l’écoute de VOUS et des autres leaders en ministère à travers le Canada
Au Ministry Forum du Knox College, nous avons une occasion unique d’explorer comment mieux servir et renforcer les leaders en ministère et les congrégations au sein de l’Église presbytérienne du Canada. Grâce à une subvention initiale du Lilly Endowment, appelée Pathways for Tomorrow, nous menons un projet d’écoute pour entendre directement des leaders en ministère comme vous.
Listening to YOU and other Ministry Leaders across Canada.
At Ministry Forum at Knox College, we’ve been given a unique opportunity to explore how we can better serve and strengthen ministry leaders and congregations across The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Through an initial grant from the Lilly Endowment called Pathways for Tomorrow, we are conducting a listening project to hear directly from ministry leaders just like you
Last Minute Easter Ideas
It’s OKAY, last minute HAPPENS and for that reason, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few resources to help you put together services, activities and events for Holy Week and Easter.
Using Social Media to Engage Your Congregation During Lent
While it’s easy to think of social platforms as spaces for announcements, event reminders, or just posting the weekly livestream link… but what if you reimagined the space as a digital sanctuary? A places where faith can be stirred, questions can be explored, and community can be built even beyond Sunday mornings?
Lenten Resources Round-Up 2025
The Season of Lent will soon be upon us! If you are preparing sermons, planning worship services, or looking for some personal devotional materials, we’ve gathered resources to support you during this season.
Are you feeling STUCK in ministry?
This isn’t just another ministry event—it’s a conversation that could change the way you, your congregation, and your leadership team think about ministry. Whether you’re a leader looking to renew your sense of calling or a congregation member wanting to better support your pastor, this event is for you.
The Antiracism Course with Selam Debs
In our commitment to provide helpful resources and opportunities for personal growth, we are working with Selam Debs to offer her excellent Self-Led Antiracism Course to interested ministry leaders in our Ministry Forum audience and beyond. The more people who sign up - the more generous the subsidy. The course won’t be released until the late Spring, but we wanted to gauge your willingness to start or go deeper on your personal exploration of anti-racism.