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

    5d ago

    #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
  2. #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
  3. #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
  4. #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
  5. #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
  6. #112 - When Ritual Meets Relationship: Chris Keyes on Evangelization, the Holy Spirit, and The Catholic Church

    Apr 7

    #112 - When Ritual Meets Relationship: Chris Keyes on Evangelization, the Holy Spirit, and The Catholic Church

    In this powerful conversation, Matt Naismith sits down with Chris Keyes, VP of Programming at Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO), to explore the urgent need for evangelization within the Catholic Church. Chris shares his own journey from cultural Catholicism to a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus—and how the Holy Spirit ignited a lifelong passion to see Catholics truly encounter Christ. This episode dives into: + Why many Catholics are sacramentalized but not evangelized + The role of the Holy Spirit in authentic discipleship + The Catholic Charismatic Renewal and its global impact + Why evangelicals and Catholics need each other now more than ever Whether you’re Protestant, Catholic, or simply passionate about seeing people come alive in Christ, this conversation will stretch, encourage, and unify. Chris Keyes has been active in evangelization for over 40 years. He was a regular contributor to the national television ministry Food For Life and holds an MA in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. After a long career in high‑tech leadership, Chris joined Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) in 2016, where he now serves as VP of Programming. His ministry passion is activating young men to support one another in living an evangelistic lifestyle empowered by the Holy Spirit. Chris is the proud father of two married children and the proud “Poppy” of nine grandchildren. To learn more about Chris Keyes, visit: https://cco.ca/ 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on gospel multiplication, discipleship, and mission.

    48 min
  7. #111- Love as the Measure of Leadership: Danielle Strickland on Hope, Justice, and the Way of Jesus

    Mar 31

    #111- Love as the Measure of Leadership: Danielle Strickland on Hope, Justice, and the Way of Jesus

    In this episode, Danielle Strickland joins the podcast for a deeply compelling conversation on discipleship, justice, prayer, and hope in a fearful world. Danielle recounts her first encounter with Jesus in a jail cell, how love—not shame—set her on a new path, and why the Church is at its best when it looks upward and moves outward. Together, they unpack: Why justice and discipleship cannot be separatedHow fear-driven Christianity pulls the Church off mission Danielle’s practice of Infinitum: a rule of life for people who don’t like rulesHow prayer becomes the fuel for sustained hope and resiliencePractical expressions of justice through IMBY, Brave Global, and more Danielle Strickland lets Love lead her to inspire, challenge, provoke, and disrupt the present—and to live the future now. Having lived in different cultures around the world, she celebrates diversity and works tirelessly to see wrong things made right. She has authored seven books, leads Boundless Enterprise, hosts The Right Side Up podcast, and speaks globally on faith, justice, and transformation. Danielle lives in Vancouver, Canada with her three sons and husband Steve. Danielle loves getting outside, doing new things, physical adventures, and she can’t seem to turn down a free lunch. To learn more about Danielle Strickland, please visit: https://www.daniellestrickland.com/ To learn more about IMBY and Brave Global, please visit: https://www.imbyhomes.org/ https://www.braveglobal.ca/ 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on mission, discipleship, and gospel renewal in Canada.

    53 min
  8. #110 - Unity, Youth & A Move of God in Canada — The 306 Network Story with William Dmytrow

    Mar 24

    #110 - Unity, Youth & A Move of God in Canada — The 306 Network Story with William Dmytrow

    In this conversation, Matt sat down with William Dmytrow, pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon and General Director of the 306 Network — one of the most inspiring unity movements we've ever encountered.William didn’t grow up in a Christian home. But through a friend’s invitation to camp, a desperate prayer at age 16, and the simple words “youth group,” God began a journey that led him to pastor the very church he wandered into that night.Today he leads a growing movement uniting 46+ churches, rallying hundreds of youth, and equipping a generation to follow Jesus for life.🔥 What’s happening in Saskatoon?+A student led a Youth Alpha in her school… and within months 30 more were running.+ Students are sharing stories like: “God is quietly working in significant ways in the city right now.”+ Principals are noticing the impact.+ Youth across Canada are showing signs of being the open generation — spiritually curious, eager, and ready.💬 “When God’s people gather together, good things happen.”This is the heartbeat of The 306 Network.And the fruit is undeniable.About WilliamWilliam Dmytrow serves as a pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and serves as the General Director of the 306 Network, a grassroots movement uniting youth ministries across the region. He is the author of “The Leader After His Own Heart.” As a husband, friend, and follower of the way of Jesus, William’s life centers on one simple goal: gathering people around Jesus and helping them follow Him for life. He loves creating with both hands and mind, whether through pastoring, writing, or speaking. William writes bi-weekly at “Follow Jesus for Life with William Dmytrow” on Substack, exploring what faithful discipleship to Jesus looks like in everyday life. He and his wife Emma live in the heart of Canada, where they pursue life with Jesus in the modern world.To learn more about the 306 Network and read some of the things William has made, please visit:https://www.306network.ca/https://linktr.ee/williamdmytrow

    46 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
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt Naismith
  • Show Website
    The Sowers Podcast

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