The Sowers Podcast

Matt Naismith
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The Sowers. features stories and best practices from Canadian church planters and leaders who are influencing kingdom movement and impacting their communities. With a whimsical thoughtful approach and format, episodes and conversations are easy to follow with tangible action steps at each episode’s conclusion. Insights gained can be used as teaching and inspiration for ministry whether personal or church specific.  Hosted by Matt Naismith, The Sowers. podcast desires to help and inspire every listener to become a sower in the places where they live, work, learn and play.  Matt was a church planter and local pastor, before transitioning to a catalyst and strategist role for a church planting network. 

  1. #120 - The Student Leadership Collective: Avalon Reimer on the Grade 10 Students Across Canada Sharing Jesus in Their High Schools

    2d ago

    #120 - The Student Leadership Collective: Avalon Reimer on the Grade 10 Students Across Canada Sharing Jesus in Their High Schools

    Is God moving among high school students in Canada?In this powerful conversation, Avalon Reimer shares how Grade 10 students across the country are courageously sharing Jesus in their schools, running Alpha groups, gathering friends to explore faith, and creating spaces for others to encounter the Holy Spirit.Avalon Reimer, otherwise known as “Lonny” by students, serves at Alpha Canada as the SLC Experience and Hospitality Coordinator. Based in Calgary, Alberta, she works closely with Grade 10 students and their local churches to create formative experiences through the Student Leadership Collective, equipping them in evangelism and leadership where God has already placed them. She is passionate about seeing high school students recognize that they play an integral role in the church and society today.In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Avalon shares:+ Her own faith journey during COVID + The importance of discipleship and mentorship + How students are leading Alpha in schools + Stories of youth encountering Jesus across Canada + Why Gen Z may be more spiritually open than we think + How adults can encourage the next generationThis episode is full of hope, courage, and practical encouragement for parents, pastors, youth workers, and anyone passionate about evangelism and discipleship.To learn more about Avalon Reimer and Alpha's Student Leadership Collective, please visit https://alphacanada.org/studentleadershipcollective/. 👇 Let us know in the comments: What encouraged you most from Avalon’s story?

    46 min
  2. #119 - From Georgia to Nanaimo: Cam & Christa Moore on Saying Yes When God Calls l The Sowers Pod

    Jun 9

    #119 - From Georgia to Nanaimo: Cam & Christa Moore on Saying Yes When God Calls l The Sowers Pod

    Cam and Christa Moore didn’t have a launch team, a big budget, or a perfect plan. What they had was a clear call from God—and the courage to say yes. In this episode, they share their journey from the Bible Belt to Nanaimo, British Columbia—one of the most irreligious cities in Canada—and what it looks like to plant a church from scratch through simple faithfulness. From prayer walking neighborhoods to starting conversations with strangers and opening their home to anyone who walks through the door, the Moores are discovering that obedience isn’t glamorous—but it’s powerful. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to follow God into the unknown, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you.

    55 min
  3. #118 - Searching for Identity, Finding Freedom in Christ: Kyla Gillespie on Sexuality, Gender Dysphoria, & the Gospel

    Jun 2

    #118 - Searching for Identity, Finding Freedom in Christ: Kyla Gillespie on Sexuality, Gender Dysphoria, & the Gospel

    Kyla Gillespie shares her powerful journey through same-sex attraction, gender dysphoria, transition, and ultimately encountering the transforming love of Jesus. This is a story of truth, grace, and the life-changing power of the gospel.Kyla Gillespie’s story is one of deep struggle, honest questions, and radical transformation.In this episode, Kyla opens up about:+ Growing up with gender confusion and same-sex attraction+ Living as a trans man for six years+ The emptiness that followed pursuing identity apart from Christ+ The people who loved her with both truth and grace+ The moment God spoke:“Return to Me, Kyla”+ Her journey of detransition and rediscovering her identity in ChristThis is more than a story about gender—it’s a story about the gospel.➡️ If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, shame, or feeling disqualified from God’s love, this conversation is for you.About Kyla:Kyla Gillespie is the founder of Renewed & Transformed Ministries. Kyla is a podcaster and an international speaker inspired to share her own experiences with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria so others might encounter Christ and experience His power and hope in their lives. She lives in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, where she is an active member of Gospel City Church.To learn more about Kyla and Renewed & Transformed Ministries, please visit https://kylagillespie.com/.

    1h 5m
  4. #117 - From Marketplace to Ministry: Chris Dias Trusting God With Every Season l The Sowers Podcast

    May 26

    #117 - From Marketplace to Ministry: Chris Dias Trusting God With Every Season l The Sowers Podcast

    What if your calling isn’t something you figure out—but something God unfolds?In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Chris, Co-Lead Pastor at Hope Bible Church Oakville, shares his incredible story—from a 20+ year marketplace career to stepping into pastoral leadership. You’ll hear:+ The miraculous moment that sparked his family’s faith+ Why every Christian is “called” (and what that really means)+ How God uses marketplace experience to prepare leaders+ The power of mentorship, prayer, and Spirit-led leadership+ Why leader development is critical for the future of the Church🔥 This episode will challenge you to rethink calling and embrace faithfulness in whatever season you’re in.About ChrisChris serves as one of two Lead Pastors at Hope Bible Church in Oakville, a role he transitioned into 3 years ago following a 20+ year career as a marketplace entrepreneurial leader. He has deep roots at Hope, having been part of the church for 18 years and serving as an elder for the past 13 years.Chris combines his love for Jesus, a deep desire to be Spirit-led, and a pastoral heart, with a dynamic and seasoned approach to organizational leadership, strategy, and development. One of his greatest passions is seeing God equip and mobilize a new generation of leaders—men and women who will spend their lives to see God’s kingdom come.Chris and his wife Michelle have three young adult children. Their home is always full—and very loud—as they love hosting and meeting new people.To learn more about Chris and Hope Bible Church Oakville, please visit https://hopeoakville.ca/.

    51 min
  5. #116 - Spiritual Openness in a Post‑Christian World: Andy Smits on Seeing What Others Miss

    May 12

    #116 - Spiritual Openness in a Post‑Christian World: Andy Smits on Seeing What Others Miss

    What if the next generation isn’t closed to Jesus—but open in a different way?In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Smits, National Director of Power to Change–Students, to talk about evangelism, spiritual curiosity, and mission in a post‑Christian world.Andy explains:+ Why spiritual openness today doesn’t look like the past+ How Gen Z mirrors post‑Christian Quebec more than church‑saturated culture+ Why evangelism is increasingly a journey, not a moment+ What it means to “pull up a chair to tables we don’t own”+ How everyday relationships are shaping faith more than programsAndy Smits is a national ministry leader, strategist, and communicator committed to helping the church reach the next generation. Known for his ability to read cultural trends and connect them to mission, Andy works at the intersection of faith, leadership, innovation, and emerging technologies—helping leaders respond with creativity and faithfulness.📍 Watch, reflect, and rethink how we share Jesus today.To learn more about Andy and Power to Change Students, please visit: https://p2cstudents.com/🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, culture, and living missionally where you live, work, learn, and play.

    50 min
  6. #115 - Worship Without Performance: Bobby Lane on Purity, Presence & Starting Backyard Worship

    May 5

    #115 - Worship Without Performance: Bobby Lane on Purity, Presence & Starting Backyard Worship

    What happens when worship stops being a show—and becomes simply about Jesus again? In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Bobby Lane—worship pastor, songwriter, and founder of Backyard Worship—joins us to talk about pure worship, spiritual hunger among the next generation, and why authenticity matters more than excellence when it comes to encountering God. Bobby reflects on: + Growing up as a pastor’s kid + Losing his mom and how that trial deepened his faith + Why students are longing for worship without lights, hype, or performance and how that led to the formation of Backyard Worship. + The tension between growth and purity in ministry + The future of worship music and songwriting in the local church 🎶 About Bobby Lane Bobby Lane is a worship pastor and artist based in Sarnia, Ontario. He pastors at a local church and leads a worship collective called Backyard Worship. He is married to his wife of four years and is the proud dad of his son, Sparrow. Bobby is passionate about leading people into worship that is free from performance and centered fully on honest devotion to the Lord, and he carries a deep desire to see local churches writing and singing their own songs. To learn more about Bobby Lane and Backyard Worship, please visit: https://www.backyardworship.ca/ 📌 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, mission, and the life of the church.

    51 min
  7. #114 - A Leadership Model That Kills Ego: Derik Fuller & Kirk Giles on Pride, Co-Leadership, & Prioritizing Mission

    Apr 28

    #114 - A Leadership Model That Kills Ego: Derik Fuller & Kirk Giles on Pride, Co-Leadership, & Prioritizing Mission

    What happens when two pastors share the “first chair”? Derik Fuller and Kirk Giles are the Co‑Lead Pastors of Forward Church, a growing multi‑site church across Southwestern Ontario. Before stepping into co‑leadership, Kirk famously Googled whether the model works—and discovered the overwhelming verdict: don’t do it. Five years later, they’re still leading together. In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Derik and Kirk pull back the curtain on: + Why co‑leadership almost didn’t happen + The seven objections they had to overcome + How ego, pride, and power can quietly sabotage leadership + The weekly rhythms that keep them unified + How co‑leadership strengthens elder teams and staff culture + Why the Canadian church must prioritize discipleship in unstable times This is an honest, pastoral, and deeply hopeful conversation about leadership, trust, and planting seeds while trusting God for the growth. About the Guests: Derik Fuller is one of the Lead Pastors of Forward Church, a multi‑site church with locations in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Paris, Ontario. He’s a husband, a father, a sports nut, and an ordinary guy rescued by an extraordinary Saviour. Kirk Giles is the Co‑Lead Pastor of Forward Church and former President of Promise Keepers Canada (now Impactus). He and his wife Shannon have been married for over 30 years, have four children, and are brand‑new grandparents. Kirk loves the Blue Jays, discipleship, and developing leaders. To learn more about Derik, Kirk, and Forward Church, please visit: https://forwardchurch.ca/ 👇 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.

    48 min
  8. #113 - The Power of Invitation: Rich Birch on Relational Evangelism, Invite Culture, and Sustainable Growth

    Apr 14

    #113 - The Power of Invitation: Rich Birch on Relational Evangelism, Invite Culture, and Sustainable Growth

    In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Rich Birch unpacks why most churches are missing people before they ever have a chance to stay. Drawing on decades of experience in multi-site leadership and church growth strategy, Rich breaks down what first-time guests are really asking, why invite culture matters more than marketing, and how churches of any size can make simple changes that lead to lasting growth. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why the average church is far “stickier” than leaders realize The two subconscious questions every first-time guest is asking Why being “friendly” is not enough anymore How invite culture fuels discipleship, leadership development, and mission Simple changes churches of 70–100 people can make right now Why teaching still matters deeply to unchurched people Whether you’re leading a church plant, a small congregation, or a multi-site church, this conversation will challenge and equip you to remove barriers and help more people encounter Jesus. GUEST BIO Rich Birch is a trailblazer in the multi-site church movement across North America. He played a key role in The Meeting House becoming Canada’s largest multi-site church, reaching over 5,000 people across 20+ locations. Rich also served in senior leadership at Connexus Community Church (a North Point Strategic Partner) and as Operations Pastor at Liquid Church in New Jersey.Rich’s mission is to help 100 churches grow by 1,000 people each by transforming their invite cultures. Through unSeminary.com, his podcast, blog, books, and coaching, he equips thousands of church leaders with practical, proven growth strategies.He is the author of "Church Growth Flywheel" and "Unlocking Your Church’s Invite Culture," leads the Church Growth Flywheel Masterclass, and coaches churches through the Church Growth Incubator. Rich lives in Ontario with his wife Christine, their young adult children Haley and Hunter, and their dog Rory—who is constantly being asked (unsuccessfully) to stay off the furniture.To learn more about Rich Birch and unSeminary, please visit: https://unseminary.com/

    51 min
See All (120)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Sowers. features stories and best practices from Canadian church planters and leaders who are influencing kingdom movement and impacting their communities. With a whimsical thoughtful approach and format, episodes and conversations are easy to follow with tangible action steps at each episode’s conclusion. Insights gained can be used as teaching and inspiration for ministry whether personal or church specific.  Hosted by Matt Naismith, The Sowers. podcast desires to help and inspire every listener to become a sower in the places where they live, work, learn and play.  Matt was a church planter and local pastor, before transitioning to a catalyst and strategist role for a church planting network. 

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Naismith
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt Naismith
  • Show Website
    The Sowers Podcast

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