In this powerful and practical conversation, Registered Social Worker Erin Walsh unpacks how mental, emotional, and spiritual health are deeply interconnected — and why healing must involve all three.Erin shares her story of coming to faith at 16, her journey through her own mental health struggles, and how God led her into counseling and psychotherapy. She explains the autonomic nervous system in simple language, the importance of grounding, why community is essential for healing, and the role churches can play in supporting people well.In this episode:🔹 Erin’s journey to faith + her call to therapy🔹 Why healing is possible and God-designed🔹 Trauma, the body, and the nervous system🔹 How to support a struggling friend🔹 What pastors should (and shouldn’t) do🔹 A vision for better mental health care in Canada🎧 Subscribe to The Sowers Podcast for more conversations on gospel-centered living, mission, leadership, and human flourishing.

Learn more about the Emmaus App here: https://emmaus-app.com/

Join The Sowers weekly e-newsletter: https://join.thesowerspod.ca/Chapters00:00 Journey to Faith and Mental Health04:41 Understanding Mental Health09:20 The Interconnectedness of Mind, Body, and Spirit13:51 The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System18:34 Awareness and Action in Mental Health22:56 Supporting Friends in Mental Health Struggles27:29 The Role of Community and Pastoral Care32:04 The Future of Mental Health Care in Canada

In this episode, Matt sits down with Ivhan Rusli, Ontario Director for Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), to explore why reaching kids with the gospel is one of the most strategic ways to impact the world.

Ivhan didn’t grow up in a Christian home but became a believer at 16. Since then, he’s dedicated over 30 years to children’s ministry and has served with CEF Ontario for more than 20 years. When he’s not doing ministry, you’ll find him playing board games with his wife, two teenage boys, and his ten-year-old daughter who’s going on thirty!

In this conversation, Ivhan shares:

✔ His personal story of coming to faith at 16

✔ Why children’s ministry matters more than ever

✔ The mission and global vision of Child Evangelism Fellowship

✔ How STEM clubs are transforming outreach in Canada

📌 Connect with CEF Ontario: www.cefontario.org

🎙 Subscribe to The Sowers Podcast for more conversations on gospel-centered mission and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 Ivan's Journey to Faith

03:07 The Importance of Children's Ministry

05:54 Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Overview

09:01 The Significance of Reaching Kids

12:08 Current CEF Initiatives in Canada

15:01 Innovative STEM Programs

17:59 Practical Steps to Start a STEM Program

20:49 Training and Equipping Volunteers

24:04 Stories of Transformation through CEF

27:12 The Heart of a Child in Ministry

30:09 Opportunities for Church Planters

33:05 The Future of the Church in Canada

In this episode, Isaiah Bennett and Liam Wilson join Matt to share the origin story of Pony Church and the 10:2 Network. From praying in a mini mart to launching a disciple-making movement, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone passionate about gospel sharing and church planting.

What you’ll learn:

+How Pony Church started in a convenience store

+Why weekly “in the harvest” evangelism is central to their DNA

+The vision behind the 10:2 Network and how you can get involved

📌 Connect with 10:2 Network: https://10-2network.com

📌 Connect with Pony Church: https://www.ponychurch.com/

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Pony Church

01:01 The Origin of Pony Church

03:50 Defining Church and Community

06:48 Transitioning to a Church

10:53 Weekly Rhythms of Pony Church

13:01 The Importance of Gospel Sharing

17:03 The Birth of the 10-2 Network

20:56 Engaging Different Demographics

24:53 Training for Evangelism

30:06 Stories of Transformation

34:04 The Future of the Church in Canada

As 2025 comes to a close, Matt reflects on key insights and themes from the conversations held during the fall season. Drawing from 12 conversations with leaders across Canada, this episode unpacks six key insights for following Jesus in a post-secular culture:

+Unity and collaboration for kingdom impact

+Deep formation as the engine of mission

+Faithful presence and adaptive leadership

+The power of story and worship to shape imagination

+Courage and creativity in discipleship

+Calling, gifts, and perseverance for the long haul

Whether you’ve listened to every episode or are just joining us, this conversation will inspire you to live out and share your faith in the places you live, work, learn, and play.

Join The Sowers Community here: https://join.thesowerspod.ca/

👉 Subscribe for more conversations that help you share and follow Jesus in Canada.

📧 Got guest suggestions? Email us at [email protected]

🌐 Visit: thesowerspod.ca

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Recap Episode

01:39 Insights for the Post-Secular Church

02:52 Unity and Collaboration for Kingdom Impact

07:02 Deep Formation as the Engine of Mission

10:50 Faithful Presence and Adaptive Leadership

13:43 The Power of Story and Worship

16:43 Courage and Creativity in Discipleship

19:59 Calling, Gifts, and Perseverance for the Long Haul

24:39 NEWCHAPTER

Watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_5ASoNWdoI&list=PLy8IDceDwwFIBJWdwsOmoDkfKp1uKb5MZ#TheSowersPodcast #Episode100 #FaithLeadership #Perseverance #churchplanting Chapters00:00 The Journey of Perseverance03:24 Understanding Calling in Ministry06:10 The Four Types of Calling09:19 The Role of Spiritual Gifts in Perseverance12:17 Navigating Challenges in Long-Term Ministry21:55 Understanding Spiritual Gifts and Anointing24:49 The Importance of Knowing God's 'No'27:13 Wrestling with Discontentment and Trusting God30:25 The Role of Influence and Leadership in the Church33:46 Unity in Diversity: Embracing Different Assignments40:03 Observations on the Church in Canada43:54 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt talks with Dustin Boreland, who currently serves at Springvale Church in Stouffville, Ontario, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College. Dustin shares insights from years of ministry—including church planting in Montreal and fostering 15 teenage boys—on how the church can navigate a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

They discuss:

✅ Why spiritual formation must be stronger than cultural formation

✅ How to live as faithful exiles in a secular age

✅ Practical practices for a “rule of life” in today’s church

Prior to returning to Ontario in 2022, Dustin spent several years in Montreal, where he and his family planted and revitalized churches. Before their time in Montreal, he and his wife Racquel served as foster parents to more than 15 teenage boys while also engaging in church planting. Dustin is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between the Gospel and culture, equipping the local church for mission, and can be found overindulging on hip hop and spicy chicken sandwiches.

To learn more about Dustin, please visit https://springvale.org/.

📌 Subscribe for more conversations on mission and discipleship!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

03:36 Academic Pursuits and Church Planting

06:21 The State of Christian Education

08:57 Navigating Leadership in a Digital Age

11:38 Engaging the Post-Secular Culture

14:18 Reaching Established Church Members

17:17 The Role of Spiritual Practices

20:02 Creating a Monastic Community

22:31 Conclusion and Future Vision

39:52 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode, Matt sits down with Brooke Nicholls—worship leader, songwriter, and author—to explore her journey of faith, the story behind her newest single “Whatever You Say,” and the beauty of encountering Jesus in both extraordinary and everyday moments.Brooke Nicholls is a worship leader, songwriter, and author from Canada. She’s a two-time Juno Award nominee and ten-time Canadian Gospel Music Award winner, Brooke has been named Female Vocalist of the Year four times. She currently serves as a Worship Pastor at Village Church in Surrey, BC, where she lives with her husband and their two daughters. After more than two years away from releasing music—a season of welcoming a new baby, moving across the country, and walking through grief—Brooke returns with her newest single, “Whatever You Say,” a bold declaration of trust in Jesus.Brooke shares:+Her personal encounter with Jesus that changed everything+The shift from pop music to worship ministry+Writing songs from lived experience+The importance of being rooted in a local church+Her hope for revival across CanadaTakeaways+Worship is not just a stage experience; it's a daily act.+Community and a home church are vital for spiritual growth.+The mundane aspects of life can also be acts of worship.+Surrendering to God's will can lead to unexpected blessings.+Music has the power to touch lives beyond the church walls.+Faithfulness in small steps leads to greater things.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that help you share and follow Jesus in everyday life.🔗 Connect with Brooke: https://www.brookenicholls.ca/index🔗 Listen to “Whatever You Say”: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0phq5bIgmJH85OUSjsI8Bg?si=_JdbblO2R16NzNdChVGtKAChapters00:00 The Journey of Faith03:33 Encountering the Divine07:05 The Art of Songwriting10:50 Worship as a Collective Experience14:31 Navigating Spiritual Experiences and Discipleship19:36 Chasing Encounters Over Experiences20:51 The Importance of a Home Base22:15 Rooting Identity in Christ26:02 The Power of Music in Worship29:12 Surrendering to God's Call30:51 Learning to Surrender34:47 Prayers for the Canadian Church

In this conversation, Mark Buchanan shares his transformative journey to faith, the significance of storytelling in communication, and the role of scripture in personal transformation. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in sharing faith and engaging the next generation in meaningful ways. Mark also discusses the richness of diversity in church leadership and the potential for new voices to shape the future of the church.Mark is Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Ambrose Seminary in Calgary, Alberta. He is the author of twelve books, including most recently the David Trilogy (David: Rise, David: Reign, David: Descend), a fictional account of the life of King David, and "God Walk: Moving at the Speed of Your Soul." His novel "Shelter Me," based on the true story of a French village that rescued Jews during WWII, is due for release in 2025. He and his wife Cheryl lead New Story Community, a ministry that promotes the flourishing of Indigenous women in Canada.Takeaways+Mark's journey to faith began with a radical encounter with Jesus.+The power of storytelling is crucial in effective communication.+Scripture can transform lives when approached with a fresh perspective.+Engaging the next generation requires authenticity and openness.+Diversity in church leadership enriches the community and its mission.+Good storytelling evokes emotions and connects with listeners.+Jesus often taught through parables, highlighting the importance of narrative.+Reading Scripture with a first naivety can lead to profound insights.+Personal testimonies are powerful tools for sharing faith.+The church is in good hands with the next generation of leaders.To learn more about Mark Buchanan, please visit https://www.markbuchanan.net/home.

Chapters00:00 Mark Buchanan's Journey to Faith05:47 The Power of Storytelling in Communication11:27 The Role of Scripture in Personal Transformation16:51 Engaging the Next Generation in Faith24:12 The Importance of Authenticity in Sharing Faith31:14 Embracing Diversity in Church Leadership

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt Naismith sits down with Sid Koop, Executive Director of Youth Worker Community, to explore the heart and vision behind youth ministry in Canada. With over 25 years of experience—from camp speaker to youth pastor to professor—Sid shares how the gospel has shaped his journey and why equipping youth workers is more vital than ever.

Discover how YWC is inspiring and supporting thousands of youth leaders through digital resources, training events, and coaching. Sid also opens up about the challenges youth workers face today, including mental health, social media, and the need for relational presence in discipleship.

🎧 Listen in for practical wisdom, encouragement, and a renewed vision for reaching the next generation.

Key Takeaways:+The gospel transforms lives—and youth ministry.+Discipleship is relational, not just programmatic.+Volunteers are essential and need equipping.+Mental health and social media are real challenges.+The local church is central to lasting transformation.To learn more about Sid Koop and Youth Worker Community, check out https://www.youthworker.community/. Chapters00:00 The Power of the Gospel in Personal Transformation02:55 Journey into Youth Ministry and Leadership06:02 The Evolution of Truth Matters and Youth Worker Community08:37 Challenges Faced by Youth Workers Today11:27 Building Community and Equipping Leaders14:34 The Role of Youth Ministry in Discipleship21:38 Equipping Youth Workers for Intentional Ministry23:02 Understanding Identity in Christ24:49 The Role of Discipleship in Youth Ministry25:54 Building Community Among Youth Workers27:38 Addressing Common Challenges in Youth Ministry29:26 Navigating Complex Issues: Gender and Mental Health31:57 Supporting Small Churches and Youth Ministries36:20 The Importance of Relational Ministry38:46 Collaboration Among Churches for Youth Ministry40:33 Hope for the Future of Youth Ministry

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, host Matt Naismith sits down with Bishop Jenny Anderson, Rector of St. Paul’s Bloor Street and St. George’s Grange Park in Toronto. Formerly an Area Bishop in the Diocese of Toronto, Bishop Jenny shares her remarkable journey—from growing up in a family of medical missionaries and living across Asia, to transitioning from journalism to ordained ministry in the Anglican Church in Canada.

She reflects on her formative experiences in India, Japan, and London, and how they shaped her gospel vision and missional leadership. The conversation explores the Anglican tradition’s church planting legacy, the spiritual hunger of Gen Z, and the urgent need for gospel-centered collaboration across denominations in Canada.

💡 Key Takeaways:

+Bishop Jenny had faith roots in a missionary family and cross-cultural upbringing

+Wrestling with truth while living in India

+A calling from journalism to ministry

+Global experiences shaping local mission

+Church planting within Anglican tradition

+Gen Z’s spiritual openness and longing for community

+The gospel’s enduring relevance

+The importance of unity and truth in the Canadian church

To learn more about Bishop Jenny Andison and St. Paul's Bloor Street, please visit https://www.stpaulsbloor.org/.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire missional living and gospel-centered leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bishop Jenny Andison

03:05 Journey of Faith: Sowing the Gospel

06:01 From Journalism to Ministry: A Calling Emerges

09:04 The Anglican Tradition: A Family Legacy

11:54 Experiences in Japan and London: Shaping Ministry

14:39 Church Planting: A Movement in the Anglican Church

17:35 The Future of Anglicanism: Opportunities and Challenges

20:32 Engaging Gen Z: The Gospel's Relevance Today

23:24 Staying Rooted in a Busy City

25:54 The Power of the Gospel: Transforming Lives

28:56 Collaborative Efforts: Unity in the Church

31:49 Concerns for the Future: Managing Decline vs. Revival

40:29 NEWCHAPTER