Finding Our Way

In recent years, the importance of church boards has only heightened, where governance, oversight, protection and accountability have arguably never been needed more. So how does someone become that kind of leader? And, more importantly, how does a local church develop and position those kinds of leaders? Hear @shaneritzema describe his journey of becoming an Elder and Board member @southridge_church, and how he's growing into the kind of leader who can serve the church and Kingdom effectively in this new role. #findingourwaytogether

Over the years as a multi-site church, each of our @southridge_church locations has developed its own identity. And with that unique personality comes unique challenges and opportunities. As part of a 3-part mini-series on the state of each of our locations, hear our St. Catharines Location Pastor, @jeffmartens, share about local church life these days - in a way that can both update those of us in our community, and equip those of us leading in other local churches! #findingourwaytogether

Over the years as a multi-site church, each of our Southridge Community Church locations have developed their own identities. And with that unique personality comes unique challenges and opportunities. As part of a 3-part mini-series on the state of each of our locations, hear one of our Vineland Location Pastors, Nate Dirks, share about local church life these days - in a way that can both update those of us in our community, and equip those of us leading in other local churches! #findingourwaytogether

Over the years as a multi-site church, each of our @southridge_church locations has developed its own identity, and with that unique personality comes unique challenges and opportunities. As part of a 3-part mini-series on the state of each of our locations, hear our Welland Location Pastor, Tom Loewen, share about local church life these days - in a way that can both update those of us in our community, and equip those of us leading in other local churches! #findingourwaytogether

In recent weeks, Southridge has received some media attention because of recent changes to how it operates our homeless shelter. Over the years, the scope of our ministry to those experiencing homelessness has grown, and has changed especially during the pandemic. So where are things at these days, and - more importantly - where are things headed for the future? Hear our Executive Director of Homelessness Services, Annie Froese, clarify where we're at and where we're headed!

Every year, in partnership with GLN Canada, Southridge Community Church hosts the Global Leadership Summit. And over the years, the vision and impact of the Summit has grown. Hear our Event Manager, Christine Baggs, describe the impact of the GLS on her life personally, and how we can not only experience that kind of impact ourselves again this year, but - more importantly - how we can each personally leverage the Summit in our workplaces and spheres of influence to grow the leadership culture across our region, FOR our region! #findingourwaytogether

One of the greatest challenges of vision casting for the future is just that - it's for the future. How can you invite people into a reality that you haven't yet delivered or even necessarily experienced fully yourself? Hear Jenn Surtees describe what it's been like in her life and leadership, as well as her ministry team's world, as they've been inviting people into a preferred future that they're still in the process of creating themselves. Discover how to navigate both casting and leading an "aspirational vision". #findingourwaytogether

When someone reaches the "finish line" of leading in a local church, how are they feeling? How does someone look back and reflect on their life and legacy in ministry? And what does someone see God's been doing through the whole arc of their experience in leadership? Hear retiring pastor Rick Zwiers share his reflections on almost two decades of ministry leadership at Southridge, as we prepare to celebrate his retirement from vocational church leadership! #findingourwaytogether

In many cases, when you want to develop in something - or want to develop someone - you sign up for a program to be trained by an "expert". Yes, counter-intuitively, faith formation works differently, where the greatest influences on faith and character development happen in the home. What does that mean for developmental ministries, especially those investing in the next generation? Hear @joneseycarrie describe the heart and vision for a local church's Family Ministry, where faith formation begins at home. #findingourwaytogether

The church is a volunteer-intensive organization, yet, so often, there's a chasm between the "doers" and those who "receive" its ministry. When that happens, what are we missing out on? And how can we reclaim the "Priesthood of All Believers" in a way that optimizes the discipleship of every participant in Jesus' work? Hear Vicky Reimer describe her heart for including and investing every single volunteer, and what Jesus can do in their lives when they're involved, together, in His work!

For many Jesus followers and ministry leaders, the week after Easter is a time to recover from the busyness of the previous season. And yet, the hope is that the realities of Holy Week can be experienced by ourselves and others in an ongoing way, throughout the year. As a local church leader, how can you encourage and nurture that moment-by-moment experience of the reality of Jesus' Risen Life? Hear Justin Brix describe the experiments he and his team tried during Holy Week, that they're hoping to inspire an experience of Holy Week, every single week throughout the year!

The difference between a "bounded set" approach to the Bible and faith is starkly different from what's known as a "centred set". Yet so many followers of Jesus, and even many churches, still often mix up and confuse the two value systems. Hear Adam Dyer describe how Jesus Collective is working to support churches in a greater understanding, and ultimately, a more effective implementation, of a more Jesus-centred approach to faith and local church life!

If you were a local church leader, who now spent the majority of your time around young adults, what would you hear about the church these days? Check out this conversation with Mark Buchanan about the insights and perspectives he gains from students at Ambrose University, and discover what the emerging generation thinks about the future of the church!

If you've been familiar with Southridge Church at all, you've probably heard our leaders refer to the posture of "Love Beyond Belief." From a theological perspective, what exactly do we mean by this? And why do we believe this approach to navigating doctrinal disagreements is so critical to the health and future of local church life? Join us for a conversation with Board of Elders member Joan Hyatt, as we celebrate Southridge's step towards a fuller experience of "Love Beyond Belief" among us!

In every long-term ministry leader's life, there are inevitably tough calls you need to make. This is certainly true of Ed Willms, who recently had a defining moment in his own life and leadership. Hear his story of discerning which "hills to die on", as he shares his heart and perspective on the church for the future. #findingourwaytogether

Coming out of the pandemic, it feels like a lot is changing - about faith, the church, and the future. How do you make sense of it all? Join us as Keri La Douceur shares the leading edge of her own faith journey, and what she's encountering on the front lines of local church and para-church ministry work these days. And discover how to adapt to the leading of God's Spirit in your own life and leadership!

Sometimes, as the scriptures teach, parts of the body that are less prominent are actually more significant. Such is the case with church finances, and the operations and finance directors who manage them. Hear from Kathy Van Driel as to why infrastructural support ministries like finance matter so much. And learn how at least one local church approaches stewarding them, as they work through the process of approving their annual operating budget. In this podcast, money talks!

What's the state of the union when it comes to the church empowering women? What's working, and what's not? And what are we learning about men and women leading well together? Hear Cathie Ostapchuk from Gather Women share what she and her ministry are learning these days, so you and your church can continue to grow in your female empowerment!

In previous conversations, we've learned about the spiritual power of retreats - making undivided space for God, that allows God to show up in amazing ways. Can those same values apply to students - to teenagers and developing young adults? Hear Karley Fecik describe what's been happening in our local church's student ministry lately, as she's led through a "retreat season" for students this winter - and had a blast doing it!

In your local church, how do your emerging gen feel about life and leadership these days? Hear the perspective of Owen Jeffries when it comes to faith and church, and discover how to more effectively activate, engage and develop emerging leaders!

Is there any difference between how leaders develop locally, and how they develop around the world? Hear Scott Cochrane of GLN Summit describe what he's experienced all around the world. And discover what he's learning about the most effective ways to develop leaders!

As the local church evolves, what role do denominations play? And, from your personal perspective as a follower of Jesus, what actually is a Christian denomination these days? Join in this engaging conversation with Brad Sumner, to hear how one local church leader (from our church's denomination) views the role, benefit, and challenges of belonging and relating to a denomination these days.

The new year is now rolling, but the question many of us are wondering is: can 2023 be any different than 2022? How do you "turn the page" after a really difficult or challenging season? Hear Southridge's Lead Pastor, Jeff Lockyer, describe how our local community is seeking to shift gears this year. And get a window into his head and heart as to how a follower of Jesus and Kingdom leader can make that shift personally as well.

As our local church launches into a new year of ministry, one of our top priorities is to foster close friendship relationships. Why are friendships so critical to a life of faith? Why are they essential to knowing Jesus, and perhaps even more critical to becoming more like Jesus? Hear Jeff Martens describe why fostering deep-spirited friendships matters so much to a local church and to following Jesus, and discover how a church like ours seeks to foster them. #findingourwaytogether

The New Year is a time of reflection. Where has God brought you? How have you grown? And where is God leading you? What's it going to take from you in order to get there? In addition to reflecting personally, it's also helpful to ask these questions as a local church. So join in as Board Chair Teresa de Feyter not only shares her reflections on where Southridge is at, but also shares how our Board of Elders engages in this process of both personal and church reflection every year in this season.

And just like that, after all the hustle and bustle, Christmas is over... so, now what? We've entered the strange week between Christmas and New Years, where everything feels like it's a bit in limbo. How do we take advantage of this week and keep the practice of Christmas alive even as the season winds down? Join us this week as we sit down with our Spiritual Practices Pastor, Mandy Kasper, and she encourages us to rest, recover, and experience the presence of Jesus that we've been celebrating this season.

Merry week-of-Christmas! It's the most wonderful time of the year! .... or is it? While it's a season of joy and celebration and festivities, for many, this time of year is also really really difficult. So amidst all the mixed emotions of the season, how do we find ways to refocus our minds and hearts on the true meaning of Christmas?Join our Inspiration Pastor, Tom Loewen, as he talks about how he and our Southridge team are getting ready for the upcoming weekend. We hope to see you there - Saturday, December 24th, 4pm, at all three of our locations.

The idea of retreats - taking time to get away from your normal life, refocus, relax - can sometimes seem like a dream: something that would be nice, but challenging to make it a practical priority. Join in with this week's episode with our Shelter Director, Annie Froese, as she talks about the power of retreats and why it's vital to make them a spiritual priority in various seasons of our lives.

Last week's episode featured a replay of Shane Claiborne's talk at a recent event hosted at Southridge, and this week we're happy to have Shane join us again. Today he sits down with one of our St. Catharines location pastors, Chris Fowler, to dig deeper into his own story, to chat about living in community, and to share encouragement for our Southridge family as we continue to grow in the ways of Jesus.

Last week we were thrilled to have author, speaker, and activist, Shane Claiborne join us for an evening of "building longer tables, not higher fences". If you weren't able to make it, check out this special edition of our podcast, featuring Shane's talk from that night. You're sure to be inspired by his heart and passion for the beauty of unlikely friendships. Looking to get involved in relationships like this? We'd love to help get you connected. Drop us a line at action@southridgechurch.ca.

Life is full of interruptions - ranging from minor inconveniences to life-altering circumstances. No one is exempt, but how do we process those interruptions and see them as invitations to draw closer to God? Take a listen to this week's podcast with our Family Pastor, Carrie Jones, as she talks about the life-threatening interruption of her year, and the beautiful things she's learned from it.

Every year, we embark on a series that we call Hope Lives..... but, why? Why do we come back to this idea year after year, giving it priority and emphasis in our annual church rhythm? What's so compelling about this hope, and why does it drive so much of what we do? Join in this conversation with our Action Pastor, Nate Dirks, as he shares about our heart for hope at Southridge.

In this week's episode, we invite you to get to know Leanne Friesen. She is the lead pastor of Mount Hamilton Baptist Church, and will be speaking to us this coming Sunday as part of our Bullseye series. Tune into this podcast to hear her heart for the local church, and what it means to her to live a Jesus-centred life.

On Sunday, Mandy mentioned the importance of having a spirit of curiosity and willingness to learn. Jerry Reddy, pastor of Hillside Baptist Church in Moncton NB, has taken that outlook to the next level when it comes to church; he has made it a habit to regularly visit churches around North America, learning about what God is doing in their midst, and how that can inspire his own congregation. Check out this podcast episode to hear more about these church vision tours - and to hear what his team learned when they visited Southridge this month!

Around Southridge, we value clear and compelling communication when it comes to our proclamation of the gospel and who Jesus is, so we were excited for the opportunity to sit down with communications and marketing expert Ellen Graf-Martin. If you're interested in pulling back the curtain on the types of questions we ask when it comes to our own communications strategy as a church, you won't want to miss this conversation.

When Southridge started having deliberate conversations about what it means to become good relatives and do better as a church seeking to build relationships with Indigenous peoples, one of the voices who was so instrumental and insightful has been Patty Krawec. Patty brings a unique perspective to the relationship between Indigenous people and settlers/immigrants, with a special insight into the church's role in truth and reconcilliation. In this week's don't-miss episode, Patty sits down with Jeff to talk about all these things, and to introduce her new book, Becoming Kin (available wherever you buy books).

You may remember hearing from Jenn Surtees during our It Takes a Village sermon series in July. Check out this week's podcast as she sits down with Jeff to dive deeper into what it means to give God your "yes", and how that has been playing out in her life over the past few months.

Beginning this coming Sunday, we will be diving into a new series called Bullseye: Living A Jesus-Centred Life. Tune into this week's podcast with our Interim Welland Location Pastor, Jon Hand, as he talks about what it looks like to have a faith that is centred on Jesus (and why something so obvious isn't always easily lived out).

Continuing on with our deeper dives into some themes that we talked about on Vision Night, this week's podcast takes a closer look at the idea of Generational Transfer. Jeff sits down with Annie Froese, our Executive Director of Homelessness Services, who shares her experiences of growing up as a younger leader in the church, and why focusing on this process is so vital going forward.

One of the strategic goals of Southridge this coming year is to expand its capacity for "Love Beyond Belief", especially as it relates to the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. But what, practically speaking, does that mean? Hear our Spiritual Practices Pastor, Mandy Kasper, join in the conversation and talk about next steps.

At last night's Vision Night, we spent some time talking about where we sense God leading us as a community. One of those pieces was a goal of moving to more 'integrated missional gatherings'. What exactly does that mean and how could that change what things look like around here in the future? Check out this conversation with our Action Pastor, Nate Dirks, to catch this vision!

As we kick off a new ministry year, listen in to this conversation with Jeff Lockyer as he looks back over the last 25 years of the Southridge journey, and looks ahead as to where we sense God leading us.

It's been said that "everything communicates", which is why a Communications Ministry touches so many different parts of our community. Check out this week's episode as Jeff sits down with our Communications Director, Kelly Smalldon, to talk about how you could get involved in this vital ministry.

Our August podcast series continues with this episode featuring our Facility Director, Jesse Klassen. Jesse sits down with Jeff to talk about this behind-the-scenes ministry that is so vital to our community, and the many opportunities to get involved.

If you've attended Southridge even one time, you've seen the work of Mike Naundorf and his team - from the online service, to creative video elements, to baptism interviews, or even the recorded messages when a teaching pastor isn't live in your location, it's all the work of the media and production team. Take a listen to this week's podcast episode where Mike talks about this group of behind-the-scenes creative people who do so much for our community - including how YOU could get involved!

Continuing on in our August podcast series highlighting some of our Southridge ministries, we're excited to sit down with Youth Pastor Karley Fecik today. Come listen in to this conversation where Karley shares her heart for the youth of our community, the direction youth ministry will be taking this year, and an invitation to join in the fun.

We can't wait to share our August podcasts with you! They are going to profile a bunch of our Southridge ministry leaders - to hear their hearts, what themes and trends they're noticing in their ministry areas, and discover some of the ways that YOU can get involved. Today, hear what @jade.bowie has to say about the future of partnering with parents to raise the next generation of kids! #findingourwaytogether

In just over one week's time, the Global Leadership Summit will be back at Southridge.  And, after two years of streaming online, we'll finally be able to experience the simulcast of Summit together in person again!  As we prepare, hear @robb_warren share why gathering together for the GLS makes a difference.  And, beyond hosting the GLS, hear his heart for the role Southridge has in encouraging churches all across the country!

As we continue hearing from some fresh perspectives in our church, hear our Shelter Community Life Director Erica Singer's story and insights on life and faith. Another terrific example of an engaged emerging gen!

We are excited to continue in our month of Fresh Perspectives on the podcast, learning from the emerging generation of leaders in our community. If you're a long-time listener of the podcast (or a member of our Vineland location), Kelsey Knechtel is likely a familiar face. You're not going to want to miss her return to the podcast as she shares her heart and fresh perspective for the church.

It takes a village to raise a child, and we also believe it takes a village to raise a church. Which is why every July we set aside some time to learn from voices that we don't usually hear from on Sunday mornings. Historically that has meant pastors or speakers from other churches around the globe, but this year we're excited to hear from some of the emerging generation leaders from our own community. You'll hear from several of them on Sunday mornings, as well as on the podcasts this month. We're kicking things off with Zach Wells from our St. Catharines location. You're not going to want to miss this conversation and the fresh perspectives that he brings to the table.