Sam Picken on Developing Invitational Disciples, Serving Toronto Creatively, and the Foundations for Faithfulness
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Sam Picken joined Jason for this week’s episode to share about planting C3 Church Toronto with his wife, Jess, and to talk about all things ministry and discipleship. Sam is originally from Australia, but moved to Canada in 2008 and joined the team at C3 Calgary, helping with their Saskatoon location as well. After many trips through Toronto Pearson Airport while travelling back to Australia, they sensed God’s leading to the city but wanted to be sure. Sam describes them going to a coffee shop downtown and how if they were going to plant a new church, they would need someone to say yes to an invitation. Sure enough, Sam had a conversation with a man who said he would be willing to try it out, and from there it began.
That culture of inviting isn’t just held by Sam and Jess, but is something they have sought to instill in their whole church. It is what has helped them see so many come to Christ and become known for their strong community.
When COVID-19 put Toronto into lockdown, not only could they not gather as a church, but they noticed that even their city partners like the food bank were having challenges getting groceries. This compelled them to rally their people’s creativity to build an online shopping platform for the food bank that people could use. Alongside this, they prioritized small gatherings to do service projects, which gave them places for leaders and coaches to run rallies, share short teachings, and invite people into prayer. The beautiful part was that these small gatherings often involved people from the organizations they were partnering with, giving space for invitations to follow Jesus.
Sam ended by telling Jason about his reflections on foundational values and practices he wants to grow in to be able to pastor for the long haul. In light of more public downfalls this year, the resolve to be faithful as a Christian leader is deeply needed. Sam’s desire is to keep the main thing the main thing while leading C3 Toronto dreaming about more church plants and ministry.
Enjoy this week’s episode with Sam Picken!
“I think the spirit of invitation is the Spirit of Christ. He invites us, like prodigals, to his table.”
Sam Picken
Sam and his wife Jess are the Lead Pastors of C3 Church Toronto, Canada. They relocated from Australia in 2008 to follow God's call to ministry in Canada, and in 2012 planted C3 Toronto. C3 Toronto's main purpose as a church is to connect people to God. The church is known for its strong community and outward focus on mission through 'Love Toronto'. Sam and Jess reside in the west end of Toronto with their three kids. They lead their church with a strong emphasis on discipleship and developing leaders, and nothing is a higher priority to Sam than seeing souls won for Christ.
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AJ Swoboda
Dr. A.J. Swoboda (PhD, Birmingham) is assistant professor of Bible, theology, and World Christianity at Bushnell University. As well, he leads a Doctor of Ministry program around the Holy Spirit and Leadership at Fuller Seminary. He is the author of a number of books, including the award-winning Subversive Sabbath (Brazos) and the forthcoming After Doubt. He is the co-host of the In Faith and Doubt podcast. He is married to Quinn and is the proud father of Elliot. They live and work in Eugene, Oregon.