Ep.227 - St. Catharines Location Updates

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!