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![Co-Vocational Ministry in Canada: Lessons from the 2025 Symposium Unity not Competition]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774897202/briercrestca/rpb2uejjksqaw8me6o8q/0K6A9962.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774897202/briercrestca/rpb2uejjksqaw8me6o8q/0K6A9962.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774897202/briercrestca/rpb2uejjksqaw8me6o8q/0K6A9962.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1774897202/briercrestca/rpb2uejjksqaw8me6o8q/0K6A9962.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1774897202/briercrestca/rpb2uejjksqaw8me6o8q/0K6A9962.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1774897202/briercrestca/rpb2uejjksqaw8me6o8q/0K6A9962.jpg","width":2200}])
Written by Rebecca Heringer
This article reflects on the 2025 Co-Vocational Canada Symposium, where church and academic leaders discussed the growing role of co-vocational ministry in Canada. It highlights key opportunities and challenges for pastors serving both in the church and in outside employment, and explores how denominations and seminaries can better support this emerging model of ministry.
![Why Aren’t They Coming Anymore? Unity not Competition]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1769547191/briercrestca/rzzuksqtmmagr0a1pkrg/Untitleddesign47.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1769547191/briercrestca/rzzuksqtmmagr0a1pkrg/Untitleddesign47.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1769547191/briercrestca/rzzuksqtmmagr0a1pkrg/Untitleddesign47.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1769547191/briercrestca/rzzuksqtmmagr0a1pkrg/Untitleddesign47.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1769547191/briercrestca/rzzuksqtmmagr0a1pkrg/Untitleddesign47.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1769547191/briercrestca/rzzuksqtmmagr0a1pkrg/Untitleddesign47.png","width":1650}])
Written by Brittany Koleba
This reflection invites pastors to shift from pressure, comparison, and competition toward trust in Jesus and unity within the wider church. It reframes ministry away from growth metrics and self-focus, calling leaders to partnership, humility, and a Christ-centred vision of success.
![With Everyone Watching: Parenting as a Pastor's Wife]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750103575/briercrestca/hezotmmowzehuq7xu3du/Seminary2024-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750103575/briercrestca/hezotmmowzehuq7xu3du/Seminary2024-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750103575/briercrestca/hezotmmowzehuq7xu3du/Seminary2024-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750103575/briercrestca/hezotmmowzehuq7xu3du/Seminary2024-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750103575/briercrestca/hezotmmowzehuq7xu3du/Seminary2024-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750103575/briercrestca/hezotmmowzehuq7xu3du/Seminary2024-4.jpg","width":2200}])
Written by Brittany Koleba
In a personal reflection from a Sunday service, this blog explores the pressure pastors’ families feel to appear perfect. Through honest self-awareness, it invites readers to reject shame and comparison, and to embrace grace, vulnerability, and authentic life before God and others.
![Jesus Calling]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770225431/briercrestca/ysxude53rkjvujcttf59/Untitleddesign50.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770225431/briercrestca/ysxude53rkjvujcttf59/Untitleddesign50.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770225431/briercrestca/ysxude53rkjvujcttf59/Untitleddesign50.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770225431/briercrestca/ysxude53rkjvujcttf59/Untitleddesign50.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1770225431/briercrestca/ysxude53rkjvujcttf59/Untitleddesign50.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770225431/briercrestca/ysxude53rkjvujcttf59/Untitleddesign50.png","width":1650}])
Written by Blayne Banting, DMin, PhD
Blayne Banting challenges the stigma around co-vocational ministry and the idea of “part-time” calling. He centers vocation in God’s call to all believers, affirming that ministry is defined by faithfulness to Christ, not by job structure or pay, and presents co-vocational ministry as a unified, Christ-centred calling.
![A Motto for Co-vocational Ministry]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762364446/briercrestca/wccpjxujj8qmtuu6jjzp/BF4A8605-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762364446/briercrestca/wccpjxujj8qmtuu6jjzp/BF4A8605-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762364446/briercrestca/wccpjxujj8qmtuu6jjzp/BF4A8605-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762364446/briercrestca/wccpjxujj8qmtuu6jjzp/BF4A8605-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762364446/briercrestca/wccpjxujj8qmtuu6jjzp/BF4A8605-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762364446/briercrestca/wccpjxujj8qmtuu6jjzp/BF4A8605-Enhanced-NR.jpg","width":2200}])
Written by Blayne Banting, DMin, PhD
Dr. Blayne Banting reflects on how simple phrases can shape identity and purpose in ministry. He offers the motto “My world is my parish” as a guiding vision for co-vocational leaders, inviting them to see everyday life, work, and relationships as spaces of sacred calling and faithful service within God’s mission.
![Strategies for Resilience in Co-Vocational Ministry]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768401933/briercrestca/e1ogrye83qt9a2vdq9te/Untitleddesign33.png","width":1650}])
Written by Dr. Margaret Clarke, PhD
Drawing on Canadian research, Dr. Margaret Clarke examines the challenges faced by co-vocational pastors and the resources that support pastoral resilience. She highlights key pressures alongside the spiritual, relational, personal, and organizational supports that help sustain ministry amid complex demands.