Conversations in the Canadian Church book series

The church in Canada has its own story, shaped by this land, by the people who call it home, and by questions that don't always have easy answers. For too long, many of those questions have gone unasked or have been explored through voices outside of our context. In the publishing and resource market for the Canadian church, there has often been a gap where distinctly Canadian stories, voices and resources should be. Our bookshelves, conferences and curriculum are predominantly filled with American and UK stories and voices. And though we're grateful for them, the Canadian experience of church and faith is distinct and often very different. Following in the way of Jesus here, with our unique culture and identity, looks different than it does anywhere else. We are navigating post-Christian culture in ways that are particular to this place. Our denominations carry particular histories. Our geography, our cultural diversity, our relationship to Indigenous peoples, our small towns and sprawling cities all shape what it means to follow Jesus in this country and the stories that are born on this soil.

Conversations in the Canadian Church is a book series from New Leaf Network Press that makes room for those stories and voices. Each volume brings together Canadian pastors, scholars, lay leaders, and practitioners who are willing to wrestle honestly with real questions in real Canadian contexts. These are on-the-ground people doing the work and sharing their particularities and personal reflections with honesty.

Some of these topics carry many perspectives. Some are only just beginning to surface. What they have in common is that they are better explored together, in conversation. We believe the good and beautiful news of Jesus is universal in scope, but it is always lived out in a particular place. These books and this series honour that conviction in the Canadian context.

At New Leaf, we've had the privilege of doing this kind of work for years, through the Conferences, Research Projects, Learning Centre, Writing Collective and the Podcast Network. We've seen the benefit of leaning into our Canadian roots and contexts rather than pulling away from them. The Conversations in the Canadian Church series is an extension of that same commitment: to do the hard work of being rooted in Canadian soil, and to share what we're learning with one another with open hands and open hearts.

Whether you're a pastor navigating a season of change, a leader sitting with hard questions, or someone who cares deeply about the future of the church in Canada, you're welcome here. Pull up a chair and join the conversation, and maybe consider if God is gently nudging you to share your story and wrestling with the broader church in Canada.

About the editors of the series