The Sowers Podcast

In this honest and theologically rich conversation, Matt welcomes Pieter Valk to The Sowers Podcast to talk about his journey as a same-sex attracted Christian who has committed to following Jesus through vocational singleness.Pieter shares candidly about:• Growing up in the church, shame, and loneliness• Thousands of prayers for orientation change• Harmful and helpful experiences in Christian community• Why he still holds to a historic Christian sexual ethic• How to think theologically about Scripture, authority, and interpretation• The top 10 arguments for a revisionist sexual ethic — and his responses• Why the church needs deeper discipleship, not just clearer doctrine• What thriving, chosen family, and intentional Christian community can look like• The three “missing discipleship levers” for today’s churches• Hopeful stories from churches in Canada moving toward better pastoral careWhether you’re a pastor, parent, LGBTQ+ Christian, or someone sorting through these questions yourself, this episode is packed with wisdom, compassion, and clarity.Pieter Valk is a speaker and author, the Director of Equip, a diaconate explorer in the ACNA, and a licensed professional counselor. He writes at https://pieterlvalk.substack.com and is on social media at @pieterLvalk.📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED• Equip: https://equipyourcommunity.org• Pieter’s Substack: https://pieterlvalk.substack.com• Follow Pieter: @pieterLvalk"The Secular Creed" by Rebecca McLaughlinhttps://www.amazon.ca/Secular-Creed-Rebecca-McLaughlin/dp/0999284304/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1FU7Q0XZOJYLW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fp6WFbF76brSxYM-W3K40_C4VXN1Lybw6lDy6lJbJX-Je0sTAbzds0OWaduXJt2SSSSxtgES-gxRJ9kayBBkAPkZKIoNQmhUEJ8NjNRxtanCW7iwOlRENgw51986gw5VQ_YOI0PD0m-UaZ5NreZEOt2qzwVbJVq56ecTDFH4GDSzoNE32X15mSFWi9Cjzir2Odvy0Dan6jVkBE8nWQUuqortWL8Mx2kgvFnaWiT_4UVenKAWzn7KXcHUFnlYivSbeVs4P1OYEY1W4_Tn-33GdvbabOTLnPzxMRGcmeZtXgI.Tj3Af06ruW2DhSuTEoKNsHgPu6SOKt3RxaunfQoUepk&dib_tag=se&keywords=rebecca+mclaughlin+books&qid=1770223508&sprefix=rebecca+mc%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-14

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 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.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

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/Chapters00:00 Welcome to Pony Church01:01 The Origin of Pony Church03:50 Defining Church and Community06:48 Transitioning to a Church10:53 Weekly Rhythms of Pony Church13:01 The Importance of Gospel Sharing17:03 The Birth of the 10-2 Network20:56 Engaging Different Demographics24:53 Training for Evangelism30:06 Stories of Transformation34:04 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 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

Jon Thompson, Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church and author, brings nearly 30 years of ministry wisdom. He discusses why clarity of calling sustains leaders. He outlines four types of vocational calling, contrasts spiritual gifts with natural talent, and urges accepting God’s “No.” He calls for unity across churches and practical steps to persevere in long-term ministry.

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 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