In the last couple of years I have been deeply inspired by a group of people who have chosen to see themselves as part of the same story. Through MCC’s Indigenous Neighbours work I came to know of a reconciliation effort now known as Reserve 107.
Read MoreThe ability to interact online is a marvelous gift and one that, as someone who has been blogging for nearly a decade, I am immensely appreciative of. But to the surprise of precisely no one who has spent more than five minutes online, the shared spaces of our online discourse can also be profoundly uninspiring
Read MoreStories have a great power to inspire and help us see outside ourselves. History is filled with stories, many of which come from a context different enough from our own, that we can see the aspects of another life in a
Read MoreLike many church kids I grew-up listening to Bible stories. From the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, to Samson ripping off the city gates with his bare hands, from David
Read MoreWhen was the last time a church coach or lead pastor was fired for not hitting a discipleship quota? Never. What we measure describes what we deem the most important in the community. By this metric
Read MoreThere are currently two different stories playing out in North America. One is a story of a nation that seeks to reconcile with its oldest relatives, the First Nations and the land itself. The nation-to-nation relationship
Read MoreThe CPR saved my people’s life. Okay, maybe that sounds a bit dramatic. Anyway, the story is: A century ago, as World War I was grinding on and the Russian revolution flared up
Read MoreSo I’m a bit of a jerk. A surprise to some. Not so much to others. In May, New Leaf hosted In the Company of Women, a conference for men and women who long to see the mission of God advanced in Canada through shared leadership. Last year, when my almost friend Jared Siebert mentioned this idea of reclaiming
Read MoreThe New Leaf Network is a dream I have been dreaming for quite some. It was born out of what I was seeing in Canada: the Holy Spirit up to something brand new in our towns and cities. For years, I have been watching my friends get caught up in that “brand new” only
Read MoreWhat difference does your place make? As of this June, I completed my first year of work toward starting a new church in Oshawa, Ontario, which we've named Ecclesia. In this season, I find myself thinking and praying and speaking often
Read MoreWe launched the New Leaf Blog in April of this year, and so far we have had nine regular contributors write for us, while eight guest writers have shared their thoughts. If you have been following the blog, then you might be wondering why there have been so many different authors featured.
Read MoreI am still basking in the glow of an event in which I recently participated: In the Company of Women, a conference about women and men sharing in leadership in the Church. The idea behind this gathering must have struck a chord,
Read MoreHi, I’m Rohadi. What an exciting opportunity to be a part of the New Leaf blogging initiative seeking to expand the conversation of faith and the church from a Canadian perspective. To be a part of this idea at its infancy is a privilege. My interest in this unfolding dialogue
Read MoreInjustice is something I’ve become convinced that Jesus cares deeply about. His heart is with those who have no power or privilege and have been given a raw deal. And, I think He expects the same from me. Two years ago, as I continued to sift
Read MoreI have a confession to make: I’m not a Church Planter. So, what am I doing editing a blog for a network that supports church planters? Well, that’s a long story (but I like stories).
Read MoreIn this day and age, when we’re endlessly chattering about the “nones” and “dones,” what is it that brings people to, or keeps people coming to church? Over the past decade, I’ve had this conversation with more congregational leaders than I can count.
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