Ron Baker, Director of the Canadian Small Church Ministry Centre (CSCMC), interviews a variety of people with a deep interest in the Canadian small-church scene.
Highlighted Podcast:
Episode #87 – Marilyn Draper – Mentoring, Storytelling and Women in Ministry
Imagine growing up on a sheep farm in southwestern Ontario. Jump ahead a few decades to your current role – associate professor of Practical Theology at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto, Ontario. Marilyn Draper has been a church planter, ministered in small churches and teaches students looking to enter ministry.
In this episode, Draper touches on trends in the discussion of women in ministry, the place of mentoring in sustaining those in ministry and the direct relational impact of storytelling. She notes that over 60% of her seminary students are female, many seeking non-church leadership roles due to a lack of encouragement. Draper emphasizes the importance of mentorship, focusing on strengths, theological development and building relationships. She also stresses the need for small churches to redefine success beyond growth, advocating for a community-centered approach. Her final words of advice to small church leaders: focus on the people and community, pray for them, and be fully present in the current context