The Gift of Quiet
If we’re honest, the word "quiet" can feel elusive—or even threatening—in a world that thrives on noise and speed. For ministry leaders, this is doubly true. Our lives are filled with voices clamoring for attention: sermons to prepare, congregants to counsel, programs to run, and a thousand other demands, all layered against the noise of a chaotic, divided world. It’s tempting to believe that in order to keep up, we must always stay busy, always reacting, always doing. But what if the most important thing we could do for our ministry—and for ourselves—is to stop? To embrace quiet not as a void, but as a profound and holy gift?
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.
Shaking Off the February Blues: Summer Dreams and Study Leave Plans
With a plan-ful spirit, let me invite you to think ahead to summer 2025 —not just for rest and relaxation but also for renewal, especially if you’re a minister or professional church worker. Whether you take a formal study leave or find time for a personal retreat, summer offers a golden opportunity to recharge your mind, body, and spirit.
Why Christian Unity Matters in a Divided World
The Church is beautifully diverse. Across the globe, Christians worship in different languages, with different styles, and through different cultural expressions. Even within denominations, there are rich variations in theology, liturgy, and ministry. These differences are not obstacles to overcome; they’re gifts to celebrate! They reflect the creative work of God and the depth of God’s kingdom.
Livestream: Ecumenical Service during Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
As we mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we invite you to join us in reflecting on a special ecumenical worship service hosted at Knox College this past week. This annual gathering is a profound reminder of the beauty and strength found in the diversity of Christ’s body. Representing various traditions, perspectives, and experiences, we came together to worship, pray, and celebrate our shared faith in Christ’s vision of love, peace, and reconciliation.
Celebrating 1700 Years of the Nicene Creed
The year 2025 marks a significant anniversary in the history of the Christian Church—the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. In 325 AD, church leaders gathered in Nicaea, now modern-day İznik in Türkiye, to affirm the faith we still hold today through the Nicene Creed. This creed remains one of the most unifying statements of belief across Christian traditions, declaring our shared faith in the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Unity in Division: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025
This isn’t about planning another event or ticking a box. It’s about listening to Jesus’ question: “Do you believe this?” Let that question guide you in the weeks ahead, and take this time to pray for the Church—not just your church, but the Church.
If you decide to participate in this year’s Week of Prayer, know you’re joining with believers across Canada and around the world who are praying for the same thing: unity in Christ. And maybe, just maybe, we’ll catch a glimpse of what that unity could look like.
The Preaching Collective Launching 2025
Whether you’re a first-time preacher or have years of experience under your belt, sermon preparation can feel isolating. It’s often just you, your Bible, and a blank page, with no one around to bounce ideas off or share the weight of the task. But imagine having a group of people who truly understand the highs and lows of preaching, ready to collaborate, encourage, and grow with you. How would that change your confidence, your message and your ministry?
If you can relate so far, we would love for you to consider applying to our Preaching Cohort launching in early 2025. Our Cohort begins with a focused weekend retreat that sets the stage for ongoing of collaboration, mentorship, and skill development. Keep reading to learn how you can get involved.
Online Church: Navigating the Challenges & Opportunities
While many ministry leaders initially embraced livestreaming as a necessity during the pandemic, questions linger about its role in a post-pandemic church. Does online worship weaken in-person attendance? Who benefits most from online church? And how does it align with the theological vision of “church”? Drawing from the latest research and cultural reflections, this post explores the complexities of online church and offers guidance for ministry leaders.
Leadership Fundamentals for Ministry
Every ministry leader, whether you’re a seasoned pastor or a volunteer leading a small group, has encountered moments where they felt stretched thin. Perhaps you’ve wrestled with how to navigate a conflict with a staff member or volunteer. Maybe you’ve struggled to make decisions with clarity and confidence, or you’ve wondered how to rebuild trust in a congregation that has experienced division.
These aren’t just practical problems; they’re spiritual ones too. As leaders in the church, we’re called to model Christ’s example—to lead with humility, grace, and truth. But without intentional development, these qualities can be hard to sustain in the face of daily pressures.
And because at Ministry Forum we believe no ministry leader should have to navigate these challenges alone - we’ve partnered with experts in leadership development to host a 5 week series on the Fundamentals of Leadership for Ministry Leaders. Through this series you’ll gain practical tools and encouragement to lead with authenticity and clarity.
A Fresh Start: How to Get the Most Out of Ministry Forum in 2025
As we step into a brand-new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect, refresh, and refocus on the work we’re called to do in ministry. Whether you’ve been connected with Ministry Forum for years or you’re just discovering us, we want to (re)introduce ourselves and share how we can support you in 2025 and beyond.
Our mission is simple: to equip, inspire, and provide what you need, when you need it. Ministry can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone—we’re here to walk alongside you.
Let Ministry Forum Lead Your Next Bible Study
Imagine offering your church a rich, interactive Bible study experience — without having to plan, prepare, or lead it yourself.
This winter, Ministry Forum is excited to offer The Bible Course from the Canadian Bible Society — an 8-session online Bible study that traces the grand narrative of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. And here’s the best part: we do all the heavy lifting.
The Preaching Collective Launching 2025
Whether you’re a first-time preacher or have years of experience under your belt, sermon preparation can feel isolating. It’s often just you, your Bible, and a blank page, with no one around to bounce ideas off or share the weight of the task. But imagine having a group of people who truly understand the highs and lows of preaching, ready to collaborate, encourage, and grow with you. How would that change your confidence, your message and your ministry?
If you can relate so far, we would love for you to consider applying to our Preaching Cohort launching in early 2025. Our Cohort begins with a focused weekend retreat that sets the stage for ongoing of collaboration, mentorship, and skill development. Keep reading to learn how you can get involved.
8 News Year’s Resolutions for Ministry Leaders
As ministry leaders, we often find ourselves pulled in multiple directions — pouring out our time, energy, and love for the sake of others. But as we enter a new year, it's a chance to pause, reflect, and ask: How is God inviting me to lead differently this year? Perhaps through that reflection one of these resolutions will resonate with 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.
Merry Christmas!
From all of us at Ministry Forum John, Rachel, Sara, Lauren and Mike, may you have a Merry Christmas when it comes and a very happy and healthy New Year!
Social Media for New Years
Preschedule a few social media graphics for the new year, or use them in an upcoming worship service. Here are some idea and images you can use for inspiration or download and use them as is.
Graphics for Christmas 2024
Some simple Christmas graphics you can use on social media, in your paper bulletins or on your worship screens.
A Case for Collaboration
If you're a minister, you know the phrase "Sunday's always coming." It's one of those fun phrases that remind us that no matter how great last Sunday was, you're always six days away from planning the next one. And even though music choice, scripture readings and prayer all require your attention, the piece that takes the most amount of time and energy every week is planning your sermon.
Christmas Eve Resources
Last year, we hosted the Easy Bake Christmas Eve Exchange where ministry leaders shared their little to no prep Christmas Eve service resources. We’ve opened access to that folder again this year, and shared all of the resources below just in case you are looking for something either for Christmas Eve or the Sunday after Christmas. If you have some favourites that you are willing to share freely with the community, let us know and we’ll add it to this post for others (maybe for this year, or for those who need ideas in years to come).