Scripture Untangled

Discover spiritual formation for real life in a world that never turns off. In this episode of Scripture Untangled, Rev. Mark Jefferson, Associate Professor at Acadia Divinity College, sits down with CBS Ambassador, Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling to explore how Scripture, worship, and Christian community shape us from the inside out, especially amid digital distraction and AI-driven culture. 

In this episode, Mark and Andrew discuss: 

• Being formed before you lead - why worship and community shape future leaders. 
• Clarity as a spiritual gift and discerning what to carry and what to shed as your calling narrows. 
• The “First Minutes” practice of dedicating the earliest part of the day to God.. 
• From curiosity to passion in Scripture, and moving beyond devotional skimming into “digging in.” 
• Spiritual formation that begins by actually seeing young people and not just demographic data. 
• Starting with the Gospel of Mark, a simple on-ramp to meeting Jesus in Scripture for new readers. 

Read the transcript: https://biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s13-ep4  

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Rev. Mark Andrew Jefferson, Ph.D., is Associate Professor and the John Norris Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship at Acadia Divinity College, where he also serves as Dean of the Chapel. An ordained Baptist minister, he is a homiletician and theologian whose work explores Black worship, preaching, embodiment, and the formation of Christian communities amid surveillance, racial capitalism, and digital mediation.  

His scholarship brings Black theology, sound studies, and ecclesial practice into sustained conversation with contemporary questions of technology and power. He has preached and lectured widely across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East.  

His forthcoming book, Rhythm and Algorithm: Preaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, examines Black preaching as a practice of rhythmic resistance and spiritual formation in an algorithmic age. Dr. Jefferson is a member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College and served as Bicentennial Preacher at Virginia Theological Seminary. 

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Watch or listen to Robin Waller, church planter and Lead Pastor of Lift Church, being interviewed by seasoned journalist, Lorna Dueck. In this episode, Robin shares his journey from starting out as a nuclear engineering student to leading a network of churches across nine university campuses in Canada. He shares how simple, relational evangelism is reaching a new generation, and how today’s students are more spiritually open than we might think. He compels everyday Christians, not just pastors, to play a vital role in disciple-making. 

In this episode, Robin and Lorna discuss: 

• The story behind launching a church in a university bar and growing into a national campus movement. 
• Sustainable church planting and why combining career and ministry is key. 
• Church growth at Canadian universities and why simple conversations, not big events, are driving growth.  
• How daily Bible reading across an entire church builds deep spiritual formation. 
• Why messy, authentic community is sometimes more effective than polished environments. 
• Biblical inspiration from Paul and Timothy for modern disciple-making movements. 

Read the transcript: https://biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s13-ep3

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For the past twenty years, Robin Wallar has devoted himself to making disciples on university campuses in Canada, first as a nuclear engineering student and now as a church planter and software developer.  

Together with his wife, Laura, they lead LIFT Church, a collegiate discipleship and church planting movement on seven campuses across Canada. Robin’s passion is to equip every follower of Christ for disciple-making and church planting in co-vocational settings. He shares the values and theology behind co-vocational ministry in his book Everyone Sent and has written a comprehensive discipleship guide called Living Sent, which are used by students and ministries across North America. He also writes on these topics weekly on Substack.  

In addition to leading LIFT Church, Robin leads Engage Spaces, a software company designed to support disciple-making movements.  

He and Laura live in the beautiful city of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with their two children. 

https://www.liftchurch.ca/  

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Watch or listen to author and ordained minister Rev. Aaron Miller being interviewed by CBS Ambassador, Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling. In this episode, they discuss faith, calling, worship, and Christian witness in a busy and uncertain world. Drawing on Scripture, lived experience, and his books, Aaron explores why repentance and forgiveness sit at the heart of the gospel, and how worship forms us into a different way of being human.

In this episode, Aaron and Andrew discuss:

• Growing up in a clergy household and his early faith formation.
• Aaron's call to ministry and how it relates to the calling of Moses.
• Aaron’s new book, Weird in the World: Living Towards the World God Wants, which addresses the distinctiveness of Christian life in a secular world.
• How Aaron stays spiritually grounded
• When ministry starts to feel like too much, what role does Scripture play

Read the transcript: https://biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s13-ep2 

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Rev. Aaron Miller is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. He serves University Hill United Church, in Vancouver BC, and is the denominational Campus Minister at the University of British Columbia. He is the author of two books, Witnesses of These Things: Faithfulness Here and Now, and Weird in the World: Living Towards the World God Wants. He is currently pursuing a PhD in New Testament Studies, at the Vancouver School of Theology, in partnership with the University of Pretoria. Aaron lives in Vancouver with his wife Kate, and their teenaged sons.

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Watch or listen to Amy Orr-Ewing, International Author, Speaker and Theologian, being interviewed by Lorna Dueck. In this episode, Amy shares about her new book, Forgiveness, and why it is one of the most misunderstood teachings of Christianity. She explains how the Bible calls us to forgive without minimizing harm, ignoring abuse, or abandoning justice. They explore how Christian forgiveness speaks into today's cultural moment, from cancel culture and political division to our struggles with anger, resentment, and injustice. 

In this episode, Amy and Lorna discuss:

• The weaponizing of forgiveness against victims, and what healing actually looks like.
• The distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation in Scripture.
• Where science and the Bible intersect regarding trauma recovery.
• How trauma impacts the nervous system and how healing involves emotional, spiritual, and physical restoration.
• The suffering of Jesus reveals how seriously God takes human pain and wrongdoing while making forgiveness possible.
• How repentance and God’s grace offer forgiveness even when reconciliation with others is seemingly impossible.
• Amy’s hope that the church can rediscover forgiveness as a transformative and life-giving practice rooted in the Gospel.

Read the transcript: https://biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s13-ep1

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Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is an international author, speaker and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. She is the author of multiple books including bestsellers ‘Where is God in All the Suffering?’, ‘Why Trust the Bible?’, ‘Mary’s Voice’, and her latest ‘Forgiveness Reclaiming its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear’ releases in 2026.

Over the last twenty five years, Amy has spoken in more than 40 countries as a public advocate for the Christian faith including public lectures and open forums on university campuses, and addressing Politicians and Parliamentarians in the UK Parliament and staffers on Capitol Hill, the Senate and the West Wing of The White House. Amy speaks at conferences, businesses, banks, and churches about how theology connects with the deepest questions of life.

In 2023, Amy was awarded the Alphege Medal for Evangelism and Witness by the Archbishop of Canterbury. She holds a DPhil (doctorate) from the University of Oxford and is Honorary Lecturer at the School of Divinity, University of Aberdeen, Distinguished Scholar at Wheaton College Illinois and Founder of Advocate Collective. Amy is married to Frog and they have three wonderful sons.

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Watch or listen to this hope-filled conversation with Jason Ballard, Lead Pastor, Director and Founder of the Pastorate, being interviewed by Joanna la Fleur. In this episode, they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in Canada today. They explore why healthy pastors matter, how churches can raise up new leaders, and why there is still real hope for renewal and spiritual growth across Canada. 

In this episode, Jason and Joanna discuss: 

• Jason’s faith journey and how a childhood surrounded by Christian influences eventually led him to personally follow Jesus. 
• How people today are discovering Christianity without any Biblical background and why churches must rethink how they disciple new believers. 
• The urgent need for healthy pastors and why pastoral leadership is essential for the flourishing of communities across Canada. 
• Practical ways pastors can cultivate healthy rhythms, spiritual practices, and supportive friendships in ministry. 
• How churches can raise up the next generation of pastors and encourage people discerning a call to ministry. 
• Why Jason believes this is actually a hopeful moment for the church in Canada, and why many people are newly open to faith conversations. 

Read the transcript: https://biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep12 

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Jason is a lead pastor at The Way Church in Vancouver, BC and the director and founder of the Pastorate, a Canadian ministry dedicated to strengthening Canadian pastors. Previously, Jason served with Alpha International and pioneered the Alpha Youth Film Series, which has been used by churches around the world to engage over a million teenagers worldwide in conversations about faith and Jesus. To find out more about Jason and discover more of the work he is part of, you can listen to The Pastorate Podcast or The Way Church Podcast, and access more pastoral formation resources through The Way College (Everyday Seminary). Jason and Rachael have three children – Hudson(12), Mary(10) and Millie(8).  

• Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.ca
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• Connect with us on Instagram: @canadianbiblesociety
• The Bible Course: biblecourse.ca

Watch or listen to Leanne Friesen, Author and Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, being interviewed by Andrew Stirling. In this episode, Leanne shares her unexpected call to pastoral ministry, the Biblical foundations that have sustained her, and how the profound loss of losing her sister to cancer became a turning point that deepened her ministry and her understanding of grief. 

In this episode, Leanne and Andrew discuss: 

• How Leanne’s faith was shaped by growing up in a vibrant church community in rural Newfoundland within The Salvation Army tradition. 
• Her journey into pastoral ministry, including her years serving as lead pastor and the Biblical foundations that have sustained her through nearly two decades of leadership. 
• How the teachings and stories of Jesus in the Gospels have shaped her understanding of pastoral leadership, discipleship, and guiding others toward Christ. 
• Leanne’s personal experience of losing her sister to cancer, that led to her writing the book Grieving Room, which encourages the Church to create compassionate spaces where grief is acknowledged rather than rushed toward resolution. 
• The future of the Church, and the importance of listening to younger generations and shifting from a survival mindset toward a genuine desire to share the hope of Christ. 

Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep11 

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Leanne Friesen is the Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, where she serves a family of just under 300 churches. Before this, she was lead pastor of Mount Hamilton Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ontario for 18 years. Leanne is also the author of the book "Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things After Death and Loss' and the upcoming book "After the Terrible" (2027 release).  She also curates the popular instagram page @grieving.room where she offers grief support. Leanne lives in Hamilton with her husband and two teenage children.     

You can hear more from Leanne at a number of podcasts, many of which on her website leannefriesen.com   

Her book is available for purchase on Amazon and Indigo or wherever books are sold.   

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Watch or listen to Richard Bragdon, Member of Parliament and the chair of Canada’s National Prayer Breakfast, being interviewed by Lorna Dueck. In this episode, Richard shares his remarkable journey from pastoral ministry and prison outreach to serving in Canada’s House of Commons. He reflects on how his Christian faith shaped his calling to political life, the challenges he's faced along the way, and the ways prayer continues to influence leadership in Canada. 

In this episode, Richard and Lorna discuss: 

•  Faith and politics in Canada, how Richard’s Christian faith informs his work as a Member of Parliament and why believers should engage in every sphere of society. 
• Richard’s journey from pastoral ministry and prison outreach to serving in federal politics. 
• Why faith-based initiatives are statistically effective in helping former prisoners rebuild their lives. 
• A look inside Parliament’s weekly cross-party prayer gathering where MPs and senators pray together. 
• Encouragement for believers to serve in professions such as politics, media, education, and law. 
• The Bible verses that are engraved throughout Canada’s Parliament buildings and what they represent. 
• Hope for Canada's future with a faithful “remnant” praying for the nation. 

Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep10

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Richard Bragdon is a Canadian politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Tobique-Mactaquac in New Brunswick since first being elected in 2019. A member of the Conservative Party of Canada, MP Bragdon brought to federal politics a diverse background that includes both business and ministry work. Prior to entering public office, he served over 20 years as a Pastor and worked as a Realtor, both experiences helped to shape his focus on community, service, and practical problem-solving.  

Now serving his third term, after being re-elected in both 2021 and 2025, Richard Bragdon continues to represent the people of Tobique-Mactaquac with a focus on increased Canadian Self-Reliance , Responsible Resource Development, and the needs of rural Canadians. His combination of local roots, entrepreneurial experience, and pastoral background informs his approach to Parliament, where he works to balance principled policy positions with practical, community-driven solutions. 

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Watch or listen to Dr. David Koop, Author and Founding Pastor of Coastal Church, Vancouver being interviewed by CBS Ambassador, Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling. In this episode, David shares the story of his encounter with the Holy Spirit, and how that led him from working in the lucrative oil industry in Saskatchewan to founding a church in the middle of Vancouver. 

In this episode, David and Andrew discuss: 

• How a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit transformed David’s journey from the oil industry to founding Coastal Church, Vancouver. 
• Forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and building a thriving church in the heart of Vancouver. 
• Discipling young people, strengthening families through Scripture, and standing firm in a secular culture. 
• How forgiveness, prayer, and the peace of Christ lead to lasting contentment in today’s restless world. 
• Raising children in the faith, guarding your heart from bitterness, and living with Biblical conviction. 
• Living a content life and finding peace that surpasses understanding. 

Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep9

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Pastor David Koop grew up on a farm in southwestern Alberta. He left the farm to pursue a career in the oil industry and later transitioned into ministry. In 1994, along with his wife Cheryl, they planted Coastal Church in Vancouver, Canada. Later in 2010, David received his Doctorate in Ministry from Bakke Graduate University. As well as pastoring and speaking at various conferences, David also serves as a director on a number of boards. Dave is the author of The Contented Life and Helping Make The City A Better Place. Dave and Cheryl have been married for 48 years, and are the proud parents of four married children, and six grandchildren.  

davekoop.com  

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Watch or listen to Derek Schneider, Pastor of History Makers Church being interviewed by Joanna la Fleur. In this episode, Derek talks about hearing God’s voice, discovering your calling, and moving from routine prayer to prayer that produces real results.

In this episode, Derek and Joanna discuss: 

• How turning down a record deal led Derek into a life of prayer, purpose, and pastoral leadership.
• How hearing God’s voice transformed his life and reshaped his understanding of prayer.
• The difference between routine prayer and prayer that produces real spiritual results.
• How Scripture and prayer work together to awaken purpose in believers.
• Unanswered prayer, eternal perspective, and trusting God beyond visible results.
• How believers can discover their calling by aligning their passions with the love of Jesus.
• Encouraging listeners to pray in ways they never have before in order to see what they’ve never seen before.

Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep8

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Derek Schneider was once a music recording artist, until his faith lead him to turn down a record deal and answer his true calling in life.

He is a requested speaker, coach, best-selling author, and “transformation specialist.” He is the President and Founder of History Makers Society, through which he has helped several thousand discover their God-given purpose - many having gone on to becoming catalysts of transformation in their communities and nations. 

As an advisor to leaders of various capacities, Derek is impacting people, and society on several continents. Even through his brief teachings and seminars, you are guaranteed to walk away with the keys necessary for effective leadership.   

Derek is also a fourth generation Pastor, and Founder of History Makers Church (Oshawa, Ontario). He Pastors alongside his wife (Sarah) and family.

Learn more about Derek Schneider: derekschneider.ca

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Listen to Rev. Graham Singh, Founder and CEO of Relèven, being interviewed by Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling. In this episode, Graham, who is also an ordained minister in the Anglican Church of Canada, talks about his role in helping to transform underutilized churches into community hubs and affordable housing. He is committed to the revitalization of church buildings, facilitating positive change, and honouring the traditions of the past while giving space to the next generation. 

In this episode, Graham and Andrew discuss: 

• Reimagining church spaces as centres of mission and community transformation. 
• Exploring Biblical vision and faithful stewardship in seasons of change. 
• Learning from Nehemiah about rebuilding people, places, and purpose. 
• Holding onto tradition with care while embracing renewal and invitation. 
• Considering the future of church properties through a missional lens. 
• Trusting God’s work of resurrection when ministries face endings. 
• Witnessing hope as younger generations rediscover Scripture. 

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Read the transcript: https://biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep7 

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Rev. Graham Singh is Founder and CEO of Relèven, a global charity and fund manager aimed at transforming community-owned properties into new and impactful vocations.  Relèven’s team from the social innovation, property finance, urbanism and faith sectors help to assemble, fund and operate projects and have released hundreds of millions of dollars in property value back to local communities.  Graham is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (Huron College), The London School of Economics, St Mellitus College & Cambridge University, Asbury Theological Seminary and the Saïd Business School at Oxford University. He is also serves as an ordained minister in the Anglican Church of Canada and is a professional member of Canada's heritage community CAHP | ACECP. 

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