Hey, Ministry Forum audience, it's John popping into the studio for a quick update on our next season of the Ministry Forum Podcast.

In this crosscast episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, host Rev. John Borthwick welcomes Rev. W. Scott McAndless, minister and creator of the podcast Retelling the Bible. McAndless shares his unique approach to biblical storytelling, how his passion for narratives inspired the podcast, and the creative process behind his episodes. Scott shares insights into the power of storytelling to transform understanding of scripture, recounts meaningful connections he's made through podcasting, and reflects on the ways his ministry intersects with this passion project.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of the Ministry Forum Podcast, Rev. John Borthwick explains the concept of "intermission" in the Presbyterian Church in Canada, a 10-week paid leave for ministers designed to provide rest, renewal, and spiritual reflection. Surprisingly, many ministers are unaware of this opportunity, which has existed since 1992 and was revised in 2022 to be more flexible.

John shares insights from his own experience, having taken three intermissions throughout his ministry. He highlights the importance of stepping away from the demands of ministry to recharge and avoid burnout. The conversation covers practical aspects, like planning with your congregation, securing pulpit supply, and setting boundaries during the break. John also discusses the benefits for both ministers and congregations, as intermission allows for personal rejuvenation and introduces new voices to the church community.

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.

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.