The Sowers.

Cam and Christa Moore didn’t have a launch team, a big budget, or a perfect plan. What they had was a clear call from God—and the courage to say yes.In this episode, they share their journey from the Bible Belt to Nanaimo, British Columbia—one of the most irreligious cities in Canada—and what it looks like to plant a church from scratch through simple faithfulness.From prayer walking neighborhoods to starting conversations with strangers and opening their home to anyone who walks through the door, the Moores are discovering that obedience isn’t glamorous—but it’s powerful.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to follow God into the unknown, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you.

What if your calling isn’t something you figure out—but something God unfolds?In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Chris, Co-Lead Pastor at Hope Bible Church Oakville, shares his incredible story—from a 20+ year marketplace career to stepping into pastoral leadership.You’ll hear:+ The miraculous moment that sparked his family’s faith+ Why every Christian is “called” (and what that really means)+ How God uses marketplace experience to prepare leaders+ The power of mentorship, prayer, and Spirit-led leadership+ Why leader development is critical for the future of the Church🔥 This episode will challenge you to rethink calling and embrace faithfulness in whatever season you’re in.About ChrisChris serves as one of two Lead Pastors at Hope Bible Church in Oakville, a role he transitioned into 3 years ago following a 20+ year career as a marketplace entrepreneurial leader. He has deep roots at Hope, having been part of the church for 18 years and serving as an elder for the past 13 years.Chris combines his love for Jesus, a deep desire to be Spirit-led, and a pastoral heart, with a dynamic and seasoned approach to organizational leadership, strategy, and development. One of his greatest passions is seeing God equip and mobilize a new generation of leaders—men and women who will spend their lives to see God’s kingdom come.Chris and his wife Michelle have three young adult children. Their home is always full—and very loud—as they love hosting and meeting new people.To learn more about Chris and Hope Bible Church Oakville, please visit https://hopeoakville.ca/.

What happens when worship stops being a show—and becomes simply about Jesus again?In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Bobby Lane—worship pastor, songwriter, and founder of Backyard Worship—joins us to talk about pure worship, spiritual hunger among the next generation, and why authenticity matters more than excellence when it comes to encountering God.Bobby reflects on:+ Growing up as a pastor’s kid+ Losing his mom and how that trial deepened his faith+ Why students are longing for worship without lights, hype, or performance and how that led to the formation of Backyard Worship.+ The tension between growth and purity in ministry+ The future of worship music and songwriting in the local church🎶 About Bobby LaneBobby Lane is a worship pastor and artist based in Sarnia, Ontario. He pastors at a local church and leads a worship collective called Backyard Worship. He is married to his wife of four years and is the proud dad of his son, Sparrow. Bobby is passionate about leading people into worship that is free from performance and centered fully on honest devotion to the Lord, and he carries a deep desire to see local churches writing and singing their own songs.To learn more about Bobby Lane and Backyard Worship, please visit: https://www.backyardworship.ca/📌 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, mission, and the life of the church.

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Rich Birch unpacks why most churches are missing people before they ever have a chance to stay. Drawing on decades of experience in multi-site leadership and church growth strategy, Rich breaks down what first-time guests are really asking, why invite culture matters more than marketing, and how churches of any size can make simple changes that lead to lasting growth.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why the average church is far “stickier” than leaders realizeThe two subconscious questions every first-time guest is askingWhy being “friendly” is not enough anymoreHow invite culture fuels discipleship, leadership development, and missionSimple changes churches of 70–100 people can make right nowWhy teaching still matters deeply to unchurched peopleWhether you’re leading a church plant, a small congregation, or a multi-site church, this conversation will challenge and equip you to remove barriers and help more people encounter Jesus.GUEST BIO Rich Birch is a trailblazer in the multi-site church movement across North America. He played a key role in The Meeting House becoming Canada’s largest multi-site church, reaching over 5,000 people across 20+ locations. Rich also served in senior leadership at Connexus Community Church (a North Point Strategic Partner) and as Operations Pastor at Liquid Church in New Jersey.Rich’s mission is to help 100 churches grow by 1,000 people each by transforming their invite cultures. Through unSeminary.com, his podcast, blog, books, and coaching, he equips thousands of church leaders with practical, proven growth strategies.He is the author of "Church Growth Flywheel" and "Unlocking Your Church’s Invite Culture," leads the Church Growth Flywheel Masterclass, and coaches churches through the Church Growth Incubator. Rich lives in Ontario with his wife Christine, their young adult children Haley and Hunter, and their dog Rory—who is constantly being asked (unsuccessfully) to stay off the furniture.To learn more about Rich Birch and unSeminary, please visit: https://unseminary.com/

In this episode, Danielle Strickland joins the podcast for a deeply compelling conversation on discipleship, justice, prayer, and hope in a fearful world. Danielle recounts her first encounter with Jesus in a jail cell, how love—not shame—set her on a new path, and why the Church is at its best when it looks upward and moves outward.Together, they unpack:Why justice and discipleship cannot be separatedHow fear-driven Christianity pulls the Church off mission Danielle’s practice of Infinitum: a rule of life for people who don’t like rulesHow prayer becomes the fuel for sustained hope and resiliencePractical expressions of justice through IMBY, Brave Global, and moreDanielle Strickland lets Love lead her to inspire, challenge, provoke, and disrupt the present—and to live the future now. Having lived in different cultures around the world, she celebrates diversity and works tirelessly to see wrong things made right. She has authored seven books, leads Boundless Enterprise, hosts The Right Side Up podcast, and speaks globally on faith, justice, and transformation.Danielle lives in Vancouver, Canada with her three sons and husband Steve. Danielle loves getting outside, doing new things, physical adventures, and she can’t seem to turn down a free lunch.To learn more about Danielle Strickland, please visit:https://www.daniellestrickland.com/To learn more about IMBY and Brave Global, please visit:https://www.imbyhomes.org/https://www.braveglobal.ca/🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on mission, discipleship, and gospel renewal in Canada.

What does it mean to follow Jesus when obedience costs you everything?In this powerful episode of The Sowers Podcast, Persian-speaking pastor and church planter Nathanael Fallahi shares his incredible journey from Islamic seminary in Iran, to encountering Jesus in a deeply personal way, to planting underground house churches under intense persecution, and finally to rebuilding life and ministry in Canada.Nathanael opens up about:+ His search for the true God and the moment he met Christ+ Traveling seven hours each way to attend worship in Tehran+ Serving believers in Iran under government pressure and fear+ The cost of discipleship for Iranians, refugees, and newcomers+ The long and painful journey of family separation+ The birth of a new Persian-speaking church in Toronto+ How Canadian churches can love and walk with immigrant plantersThis episode is an honest, hope-filled look at resilience, persecution, and the faithfulness of Jesus—no matter the cost.About Nathanael Fallahi:Nathanael is a Persian-speaking pastor and church planter based in Toronto. He came to faith in Christ after years of spiritual searching and theological study in Iran—where following Jesus came at great cost. Today he serves among Persian-speaking newcomers and refugees, walking alongside individuals and families in discipleship, community, and biblically grounded care. His heart is to see people encounter the true God, find healing in Christ, and become faithful disciples one step at a time.To learn more about Nathanael Fallahi, please visit: https://www.gbchurches.com/To learn more about Send Network Canada, please visit: https://www.sendnetwork.ca/Chapters00:00 Journey of Faith: From Iran to Canada05:36 Understanding Iran: A Historical Perspective08:44 Church Planting Under Persecution12:15 The Gospel's Transformation Through Suffering15:19 Reaching Iranian Communities in Canada20:19 The Role of Community in Church Planting22:35 Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience24:56 Supporting Immigrant Church Planters27:36 Celebrating New Life: Baptism Stories29:55 NEWCHAPTER

In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt sits down with Jono & Nicole Zantingh, co-lead pastors of Evolve Church in Edmonton. Their journey began in Winnipeg, where they spent over 20 years serving and leading in the local church. But in 2017, God began stirring their hearts toward an unexpected calling.What follows is an incredible story of discernment, obedience, sacrifice, and God’s miraculous provision — from interest parties, open mic nights, and shoe-store conversations… to now seeing students, families, and newcomers encounter Jesus every single week.In this episode, they share:+How God used a season of uncertainty in 2017 to redirect their lives+The miraculous story behind the launch of Evolve Church+What it’s like to co-lead as husband and wife with wildly different giftings+Their heart for Gen Z and why they’ve committed so deeply to reaching the University of Alberta+Why they believe Canada is in a ripe harvest seasonAbout Jono & Nicole:Jono and Nicole met in 1997, married in 2000, and have chased after God’s calling together ever since. After decades of fruitful ministry in Winnipeg, they moved with their three children — Julia, Riley, and Kaleb — to Edmonton in 2018 to launch Evolve Church. Their home and lives continue to be open spaces where people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and discover their identity and calling in the Kingdom.To learn more about Jono, Nicole, and Evolve Church, please visit: https://www.evolvechurch.com/To learn more about ARC Canada, please visit: https://arcchurches.ca/👉 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire kingdom movement across Canada.#TheSowersPodcast #ChurchPlanting #EvolveChurch #CampusMinistry #GenZRevivalChapters00:00 The Call to Change: A New Journey Begins08:12 Planting Evolve Church: The Early Days18:12 Marriage and Ministry: A Unique Partnership25:10 Evolve on Campus: Reaching Students38:43 Empowering the Next Generation: A Vision for the Future42:20 NEWCHAPTER

What does biblical stewardship look like in a housing crisis, high interest rates, and a growing Church?In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt Naismith is joined by Joy Gomersall, Executive Director of Stewards Canada, for a powerful conversation on money, mission, and the future of church buildings in Canada.Joy shares:+Why banks often refuse to lend to churches+How Stewards Canada connects Christian investors with growing congregations+Real stories of churches expanding their impact through fair mortgage financing+Why stewardship is about ownership vs. caretaking (Psalm 24:1)+What excites her most about the next generation of kingdom‑minded investorsJoy grew up attending a Stewards‑funded church in the GTA and now leads the organization that helps churches acquire and expand spaces for ministry. With a background in banking, nonprofit leadership, and executive recruitment, Joy brings a rare blend of financial expertise and pastoral heart.Whether you’re a church planter, pastor, investor, or Christian thinking deeply about money and mission, this episode will challenge and encourage you.👉 Learn more about Stewards Canada: https://stewardscanada.org👉 Subscribe for more conversations on church planting, mission, and disciple‑making.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Joy Gomersall and Her Journey00:40 Career in Finance and Its Intersection with Faith00:48 Understanding Stewards Canada and Its Mission03:37 Challenges in Church Financing and Lending06:12 Success Stories of Stewards Canada11:35 Guidance for Church Planters and Future Growth16:43 Future of Church Financing and Stewardship22:26 Closing Thoughts and Future Generosity29:45 NEWCHAPTER

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.Chapters00:00 Ivan's Journey to Faith03:07 The Importance of Children's Ministry05:54 Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Overview09:01 The Significance of Reaching Kids12:08 Current CEF Initiatives in Canada15:01 Innovative STEM Programs17:59 Practical Steps to Start a STEM Program20:49 Training and Equipping Volunteers24:04 Stories of Transformation through CEF27:12 The Heart of a Child in Ministry30:09 Opportunities for Church Planters33:05 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 haulWhether 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 ask@thesowerspod.ca🌐 Visit: thesowerspod.caChapters00:00 Introduction to the Recap Episode01:39 Insights for the Post-Secular Church02:52 Unity and Collaboration for Kingdom Impact07:02 Deep Formation as the Engine of Mission10:50 Faithful Presence and Adaptive Leadership13:43 The Power of Story and Worship16:43 Courage and Creativity in Discipleship19:59 Calling, Gifts, and Perseverance for the Long Haul24:39 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 churchPrior 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!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey03:36 Academic Pursuits and Church Planting06:21 The State of Christian Education08:57 Navigating Leadership in a Digital Age11:38 Engaging the Post-Secular Culture14:18 Reaching Established Church Members17:17 The Role of Spiritual Practices20:02 Creating a Monastic Community22:31 Conclusion and Future Vision39:52 NEWCHAPTER

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, 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 churchTo 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bishop Jenny Andison03:05 Journey of Faith: Sowing the Gospel06:01 From Journalism to Ministry: A Calling Emerges09:04 The Anglican Tradition: A Family Legacy11:54 Experiences in Japan and London: Shaping Ministry14:39 Church Planting: A Movement in the Anglican Church17:35 The Future of Anglicanism: Opportunities and Challenges20:32 Engaging Gen Z: The Gospel's Relevance Today23:24 Staying Rooted in a Busy City25:54 The Power of the Gospel: Transforming Lives28:56 Collaborative Efforts: Unity in the Church31:49 Concerns for the Future: Managing Decline vs. Revival40:29 NEWCHAPTER