Today’s conversation takes us into the world of small churches, where our guests describe the distinctive rhythms and responsibilities of leading a smaller congregation. They talk about what church studies and conferences that usually focus on bigger churches often miss about small church life, as well as the multi-hat roles pastors often play and the hands-on tasks unique to small congregations. The discussion highlights the beauty of small church ministry, the depth of relationships, and the lessons new ministers need to embrace in order to thrive.

Notes:

Contact ⁠Tanya Yuen⁠

Learn more about Small Church Connections

On Naming "Small Churches": A few days after recording this episode, a number of our female clergy gathered for a Female Clergy Retreat. While introducing themselves, one of our pastors of a church of 20 or so congregants described her church as a "Boutique Church."

Here is a description of a "boutique" store: "Boutiques are specialty shops that sell limited types of products. A large retail chain may offer clothing, makeup, hair products, and possibly even food all in one place. Boutiques operate in small spaces, so they must be more selective when ordering inventory." A boutique hotel is described as: "Small-capacity hotels that provide more personalized service than typical hotels." The women at our retreat loved this way to describe our small churches - focussing on the unique benefits and blessings of a small church. Ruth was eager to share this new term as part of our podcast!

Connect with us:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@cboq⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@cboqcommunity⁠⁠⁠

Website: baptist.ca

Credits:

Host: Leanne Friesen

Guests: Ruth Bartlett, Ron Johnston, Michel Belzile

Recorded by: Josh Del Rosario & Kristina Gummatova

Edited by: Josh Del Rosario

Earlier this season, we started by exploring the topic of pastoral shortages in CBOQ. We named that we have seen more churches struggling to find pastors in a season of great pastoral transition. In this particular podcast, we also discussed one of the exciting ways that we are seeing God move among us in the midst of this. We are seeing more and more pastors join our family who have come to us from other countries, and are now eager to serve in their new home in Canada.

Connect with us:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@cboq⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠@cboqcommunity⁠⁠

Website: ⁠baptist.ca⁠

Credits:

Host: Leanne Friesen

Guests: Kwasi Boakye, Dennis Johnson, Gabriel Araba

Recorded & Edited by: Josh Del Rosario

In today's episode, Leanne Friesen, Elden Faulkner, and Leaslie Makins explore how the pandemic has reshaped both the Church and their personal roles. They discuss the adjustments they’ve had to make and emphasize the significance of adapting to these new realities. The conversation also sheds light on the diverse experiences of churches and their ability to evolve and thrive despite challenges.

Connect with us:

Instagram: ⁠@cboq⁠

Facebook: ⁠@cboqcommunity⁠

Website: ⁠baptist.ca⁠

Credits:

Host: Leanne Friesen

Guests: Elden Faulkner, Leaslie Makins

Recorded by: Josh Del Rosario

Edited by: Kristina Gummatova

Today's podcast discusses the challenges of finding pastors for churches in the CBOQ and across Canada, including a shortage of pastors, pastors looking at different ministry avenues, and churches struggling to afford full-time pastors. Leanne Friesen, Cid Latty and David Williams, provide insights into the changing landscape of pastoral ministry, such as the need to rethink traditional expectations and models of pastoral leadership, and the importance of empowering the broader church community to engage in ministry. The conversation highlights the complex factors contributing to the "pastoral crisis," including stress, isolation, low salaries, and toxic church cultures.

Notes:

Barna Group Article

Connect with us:

Instagram: @cboq

Facebook: @cboqcommunity

Website: ⁠baptist.ca⁠

Credits:

Host: Leanne Friesen

Guests: Cid Latty, David Williams

Edited by: Josh Del Rosario