Father Matthew Francis on the Beauty in Church History, What It Means to Be Sent Ones, and the Joy of Pastoral Home Visits

Podcast

Mar 7

Subscribe on: spotify | apple | google

Father Matthew Francis, the Parish Priest at Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission in Chilliwack, BC, joined Jason in person for this week’s conversation. In it, Father Matthew shares about his journey into ministry, a 20-year circle that brought him back to his hometown to plant the first Orthodox Mission in Chilliwack.

He shares with Jason how before planting in 2015, his journey had started many years prior while attending seminary. It was there that he first came across the Orthodox tradition, not having grown up in an orthodox church himself, and began to explore both the theology and what it might mean to lead in that kind of church. This wrestle continued as he went to HTB in the early 2000s and was able to meet and pray with other leaders who listened and shared wisdom as he discerned. Eventually, he landed in Edmonton, attending an Orthodox church, where he was eventually invited to begin leading a bible study. Fast forward a few years and some time ministering in Whitehorse, and Father Matthew felt led to start a new mission in Chilliwack.

Jason and Father Matthew go on to talk about the idea of mission, being sent, and the call of the Church in the world. They explore some of the unique rhythms in the Orthodox church calendar, including seasons where you bless and visit homes of congregants.

The episode ends off with Father Matthew sharing about his work with the Canadian Bible Society (CBS) and the importance of rediscovering a love for scripture in discipleship. Far too few people who identify as Christians are regularly reading their Bibles and Father Matthew hopes the CBS can help be a part of changing that.

We hope you enjoy this interview!

Father Matthew Francis

Father Matthew is the Parish Priest at Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission, Chilliwack, B.C. He helps people to unite themselves to God through life in the Body of Christ, participation in the Holy Mysteries, and through encountering Jesus Christ in the Scriptures and in all of life. Father Matthew is also the Regional Director, BC & Yukon, Canadian Bible Society, an organization that helps people in B.C. in Yukon to hear God speak through the Bible.