The Sowers Podcast

Matt Naismith
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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. #107 - When God Calls You Into the Unknown: The Story of Evolve Church with Jono & Nicole Zantingh

    1D AGO

    #107 - When God Calls You Into the Unknown: The Story of Evolve Church with Jono & Nicole Zantingh

    In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Matt sits down with Jono & Nicole Zantingh, co-lead pastors of Evolve Church in Edmonton. Their journey began in Winnipeg, where they spent over 20 years serving and leading in the local church. But in 2017, God began stirring their hearts toward an unexpected calling.What follows is an incredible story of discernment, obedience, sacrifice, and God’s miraculous provision — from interest parties, open mic nights, and shoe-store conversations… to now seeing students, families, and newcomers encounter Jesus every single week.In this episode, they share:+How God used a season of uncertainty in 2017 to redirect their lives+The miraculous story behind the launch of Evolve Church+What it’s like to co-lead as husband and wife with wildly different giftings+Their heart for Gen Z and why they’ve committed so deeply to reaching the University of Alberta+Why they believe Canada is in a ripe harvest seasonAbout Jono & Nicole:Jono and Nicole met in 1997, married in 2000, and have chased after God’s calling together ever since. After decades of fruitful ministry in Winnipeg, they moved with their three children — Julia, Riley, and Kaleb — to Edmonton in 2018 to launch Evolve Church. Their home and lives continue to be open spaces where people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and discover their identity and calling in the Kingdom.To learn more about Jono, Nicole, and Evolve Church, please visit: https://www.evolvechurch.com/ To learn more about ARC Canada, please visit: https://arcchurches.ca/👉 Subscribe for more conversations that inspire kingdom movement across Canada.#TheSowersPodcast #ChurchPlanting #EvolveChurch #CampusMinistry #GenZRevivalChapters00:00 The Call to Change: A New Journey Begins08:12 Planting Evolve Church: The Early Days18:12 Marriage and Ministry: A Unique Partnership25:10 Evolve on Campus: Reaching Students38:43 Empowering the Next Generation: A Vision for the Future42:20 NEWCHAPTER

    49 min
  2. #106 - Why LGBTQ+ Christians Fear Lifelong Loneliness: Pieter Valk on Historic Christian Sexual Ethics & LGBTQ+ Discipleship

    FEB 10

    #106 - Why LGBTQ+ Christians Fear Lifelong Loneliness: Pieter Valk on Historic Christian Sexual Ethics & LGBTQ+ Discipleship

    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 McLaughlin https://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

    53 min
  3. #105 - From Banking to Kingdom Building: Joy Gomersall on Stewardship & the Future of the Church

    FEB 3

    #105 - From Banking to Kingdom Building: Joy Gomersall on Stewardship & the Future of the Church

    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 investors Joy 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joy Gomersall and Her Journey 00:40 Career in Finance and Its Intersection with Faith 00:48 Understanding Stewards Canada and Its Mission 03:37 Challenges in Church Financing and Lending 06:12 Success Stories of Stewards Canada 11:35 Guidance for Church Planters and Future Growth 16:43 Future of Church Financing and Stewardship 22:26 Closing Thoughts and Future Generosity 29:45 NEWCHAPTER

    40 min
  4. #104 - A Holistic Path to Mental Health: Erin Walsh on the Mind, Body, & Soul

    JAN 27

    #104 - A Holistic Path to Mental Health: Erin Walsh on the Mind, Body, & Soul

    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

    43 min
  5. #103 - Reaching Kids with the Gospel: Ivhan Rusli on Innovation in Children’s Ministry

    JAN 20

    #103 - Reaching Kids with the Gospel: Ivhan Rusli on Innovation in Children’s Ministry

    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. Chapters 00:00 Ivan's Journey to Faith 03:07 The Importance of Children's Ministry 05:54 Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Overview 09:01 The Significance of Reaching Kids 12:08 Current CEF Initiatives in Canada 15:01 Innovative STEM Programs 17:59 Practical Steps to Start a STEM Program 20:49 Training and Equipping Volunteers 24:04 Stories of Transformation through CEF 27:12 The Heart of a Child in Ministry 30:09 Opportunities for Church Planters 33:05 The Future of the Church in Canada

    43 min
  6. #102 - From Mini Mart to Movement: Why Evangelism Is Missing in Most Churches with Pony Church

    JAN 13

    #102 - From Mini Mart to Movement: Why Evangelism Is Missing in Most Churches with Pony Church

    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/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Pony Church 01:01 The Origin of Pony Church 03:50 Defining Church and Community 06:48 Transitioning to a Church 10:53 Weekly Rhythms of Pony Church 13:01 The Importance of Gospel Sharing 17:03 The Birth of the 10-2 Network 20:56 Engaging Different Demographics 24:53 Training for Evangelism 30:06 Stories of Transformation 34:04 The Future of the Church in Canada

    44 min
  7. #101 – What's Next for the Church in Canada: Six Insights for Following Jesus in Today’s Cultural Moment

    12/23/2025

    #101 – What's Next for the Church in Canada: Six Insights for Following Jesus in Today’s Cultural Moment

    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 haul Whether 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.ca Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Recap Episode 01:39 Insights for the Post-Secular Church 02:52 Unity and Collaboration for Kingdom Impact 07:02 Deep Formation as the Engine of Mission 10:50 Faithful Presence and Adaptive Leadership 13:43 The Power of Story and Worship 16:43 Courage and Creativity in Discipleship 19:59 Calling, Gifts, and Perseverance for the Long Haul 24:39 NEWCHAPTER

    26 min
  8. #100 - Why Clarity on Calling Changes Everything: Jon Thompson on Leadership, Gifts, and Enduring Faithfully

    12/16/2025

    #100 - Why Clarity on Calling Changes Everything: Jon Thompson on Leadership, Gifts, and Enduring Faithfully

    In this milestone episode, Jon Thompson—Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church, global speaker, and author of "Convergence," "Deliverance," and "Perseverance"—shares wisdom from nearly three decades in ministry. Jon explores the sobering reality that only 30% of biblical leaders finish well, explains four types of vocational calling, and reveals why clarity on calling and spiritual gifts is essential for endurance. He also shares personal stories of wrestling with discontent, embracing God’s “No,” and fostering unity in a divided age.In this episode:+Clarity of calling is your lifeline on the hardest days.+God calls in four ways—dramatic, family, gifts, and community.+Spiritual gifts fuel endurance; self-reliance leads to burnout.+Embrace God’s “No” to avoid disappointment and jealousy.+Disunity destroys mission—pray for other churches, not fight them.+Stay focused—our cultural moment demands unity and perseverance.Jon Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church, a multi-site church in the Greater Toronto Area where he has been on staff for 27 years. Jon has a Masters of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary, Toronto and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Seminary, California. Jon speaks and teaches globally on spiritual conflict, spiritual gifts, spiritual practices & spiritual experiences in the life of the believer and the local church. He also speaks on pastoral leadership and long-term ministry experiences. Jon is husband to Joanna and father to three teenagers –Hannah, Emma, and Noah.To learn more about Jon Thompson, please visit https://jonthompsonresources.com/.To learn more about Sanctus Church, please visit https://sanctuschurch.com/. Join The Sowers Community: https://join.thesowerspod.ca/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/431rXGzRAAWvNqUtB07pvz?si=7f543222909b48a9&nd=1&dlsi=9f6f716df5014af1🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sowers-podcast/id1700273453 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_5ASoNWdoI&list=PLy8IDceDwwFIBJWdwsOmoDkfKp1uKb5MZ#TheSowersPodcast #Episode100 #FaithLeadership #Perseverance #churchplanting Chapters00:00 The Journey of Perseverance03:24 Understanding Calling in Ministry06:10 The Four Types of Calling09:19 The Role of Spiritual Gifts in Perseverance12:17 Navigating Challenges in Long-Term Ministry21:55 Understanding Spiritual Gifts and Anointing24:49 The Importance of Knowing God's 'No'27:13 Wrestling with Discontentment and Trusting God30:25 The Role of Influence and Leadership in the Church33:46 Unity in Diversity: Embracing Different Assignments40:03 Observations on the Church in Canada43:54 NEWCHAPTER

    51 min
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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
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt Naismith
  • Show Website
    The Sowers Podcast