Preparing this report has given me the opportunity to reflect on the story of our ministry.  The origins are simple – a few pastors sitting together dreaming about what it would look like to encourage and support other pastors and churches across Canada. It was shaped by a love for the local church and a love for Canada. It was also fueled by an awareness of real need in our time. 

On a national level, we saw what the research has been showing: many churches experiencing attrition, a shortage of pastors, and younger generations disengaging with the local church. On a more personal level, we saw friends we loved in pastoral ministry feeling exhausted, fearful, and lonely. 

We were inspired to do something about all of it; we dreamed of seeing less pastors quit and more pastors serving joyfully over the long haul. Our desire was to see less pastors lonely and unseen, and more pastors experience life-giving communities and friendships. And, through it all, we longed to raise a flag of hope that God is still on the move, building His Church in Canada. 

We also knew that there were many others who had a similar dream. So we launched the Canadian Church Leaders Network — an inter-generational, inter-denominational community of pastors scattered across Canada. 

Now a couple of years later, so many conversations, emails and pastors gatherings have testified to the fact that pastors truly need people committed to being in their corner, championing the work they are doing. 

In this past year… Read the full report