
$99.00 CAD
Uncertain Times: Developing the Theological and Ministry Skills We Need
Annual Theology Conference Oct 20 and 21, 2025

$99.00 CAD
in person at Bells Corners United Church, Ottawa ON
and livestreamed at United in Learning
October 20-21, 2025
How do we lead with faith when the world feels fragile? In a time marked by global instability, political division, economic uncertainty, and post-pandemic fatigue, how can the church be a beacon of hope, courage, and compassion?
This October in Ottawa, you're invited to a transformative gathering of ministers, lay leaders, and seekers. Together, we’ll wrestle with the big questions:
- What wisdom do our theological traditions offer for today’s challenges?
- What practical ministry skills are essential for navigating this moment?
- How can we turn crisis into opportunity—and fatigue into renewed purpose?
Come ready to be inspired, stretched, and equipped. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your ministry journey, this conference will deepen your calling and strengthen your capacity to lead in uncertain times.
Let’s imagine the future of the church—together.
Theme Speakers
The Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean |
The Rev. Dr. Jesse Zink |
Workshop Leaders
Daniel Fobi
Jenni Leslie
Doug Throop
Stéphane Vermette
Register for the in-person event in Ottawa
Student Discount
Theology Students are welcome to join our livestream at half price. Please enter Voucher Code STUDENT25 when you check out!
Conference Schedule
times listed are all EASTERN time zone. Please click the links to see the times in other Canadian time zonesMonday, October 20
8:45 – 9:15 Gathering9:15 – 9:30 Territory, Welcome, Announcements
9:30 – 10:00 Opening Worship
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:45 Keynote Speaker
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 Workshops
2:30 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:30 Workshops
5:00 – 6:30 Dinner
6:30 – 8:00 Keynote Speaker
Tuesday, October 21
9:00 – 9:30 Gathering9:30 – 10:45 Keynote Speaker
10:45 – 11:15 Break
11:15 – 12:30 "Then Let Us Sing"
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
1:30 – 2:45 Keynote Speaker
2:45 – 3:00 Closing Worship
Conference Presenters and Topics |
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The
Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean![]() Lecture
One: Shifting Sands: Preaching Hope In A Tide of Cruelty
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The Rev. Dr. Jesse Zink![]() Apocalyptic Clarity for a Crisis-Shaped World
From climate change to economic inequality, from housing to mental health, and so much more, the word “crisis” is invoked in many areas of our lives. This has led some analysts to use the word “polycrisis” to describe the situation of the modern world. What does Christian witness and gospel proclamation look like in a world like this? These two talks will draw on the Christian apocalyptic tradition, a tradition that is attentive to the powers and structures that shape our existence, to offer ideas for forming and leading Christian communities that witness to the good news of the Christian gospel in a changing and challenging context. Since 2017, Jesse Zink has been principal of Montreal Diocesan Theological College (widely known simply as “Dio”), a college founded in the Anglican tradition that since 2021 has also served The United Church of Canada. He is the author of five books on Christian witness in a global world, most recently Faithful, Creative, Hopeful: Fifteen Theses for Christians in a Crisis-Shaped World |
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Workshop Leaders
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The Rev. Jenni Leslie and The Rev. Daniel Addai Fobi “Love is Louder”
A year after becoming an Affirming Ministry and hearing about a need to welcome Christian LGBTQ+ refugees, Kitchissippi United Church put out a poster in August of 2024. A year later, it is a thriving ministry with simple underpinnings: love your neighbour as yourself. Is it that easy? Yes and no. Come to hear how we did it.
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"Land of Opportunity"For many years we believed that more programs and events would help us thrive. Instead of looking for the next magical solution to save our institution, we are called to transform the way we understand ministry and explore the boundless possibilities to the church today. These uncertain times are the moment to boldly journey in this land of opportunity. Stéphane Vermette is a United Church minister exploring Digital Ministry in French for the last 10 years. |
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