With questions around the future of the institutional church accelerated by COVID, we can be guaranteed that the offerings for what might save the church–what might remake and transform us into vital and meaningful offerings in the lives of the general population again–are going to be steeply on the rise.  I offer a life-giving and hope-filled response to those questions.  I invite us to reframe our understanding of who the church is, to see, accept and embrace our actual reality.  The Body of Christ is alive. It’s not in decline. We don’t have to fearfully manage it or to try to make it something else or wish it were different. We do need to get better at seeing it and putting our energy and attention and time and love here.

I have built a reputation across Canada for my ability to connect the concerns and experiences of everyday life to the stories and wisdom of our Christian faith. I have used these gifts to help grow small and large congregations by developing meaningful programs and resources for people of all ages.

I currently lead a large urban parish in southern Ontario. My experiences with both the Anglican and Lutheran denominations have positioned me as a leading voice in the ongoing question of how the church finds relevance in an increasingly secular world.

I have spoken across North America about claiming the joy of eating and embracing a healthy body image. I have led workshops on developing new music ministries, connecting to younger demographics, celebrating small church ministry, the influence of the mass media on religious practice and beginning innovative worship opportunities. I welcome invitations to lead retreats and workshops or to speak at conference and other events.

Dessert & Dish is a weekly interview, inviting real people to “dish” on the real challenges and blessings of living faithful lives.

Dessert & Dish features a weekly dessert, hopefully something local or homemade, because in my experience dessert always makes conversations better, and because we all need a little reminder of the sweetness of the Kingdom of God already at work in our midst.