The Shift Every Decade (Bob Gal interview)

December 01, 2024 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Bob Gal, Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Edmonton, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Street Ministry Worker, Urban Ministry

Bob Gal has been an iconic figure in my life for 40 years. From my first recollections of his speaking at youth retreats and leading street ministry outreaches, he has been a man that has followed the cloud by day and fire by night.

He and his lifelong sweetheart Karen live in Edmonton, Alberta where he serves as our oldest Mission Canada urban worker at the age of 74. Today I want to hear Bob’s reflections as we review his relationship with Jesus and the nuanced perspective shifts for each decade.

Links:

Mission Canada Profile

https://paoc.org/donate/bobgal

Lovedmonton Chapel

https://lovedmonton.com/

Creating Space To Belong - Susan McQuinn Wells

February 01, 2022 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, Intentional Community, Kevin Rogers, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Susan McQuinn Wells

My guest today is Susan Wells, author of ‘A Place at My Table: Creating Space to Belong.’ Over the years, we have crossed paths and even shared some group meals at restaurants across the country. She and her husband David Wells currently reside in the Greater Toronto Area city Burlington. David is the General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies Of Canada.

In her book Susan says, ‘In some circles a philosophy evolved that the only reason for making a friend outside the church was to convert them. When I was a teen, we were encouraged to share our faith with our friends but not truly be friends with them… This dichotomy can result in Christians never developing a genuine camaraderie with people who don’t hold the same beliefs. They end up praying for souls without befriending the people that embody the souls.’

Susan is a woman of depth and insight. We cover a lot of ground here on the path to the table.

Links:

A Place At My Table (Book)

https://wordcom.paoc.org/products/a-place-at-my-table-paoc-gift-book-susan-wells

Website:

www.aplaceatmytable.ca

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Sidewalk Pastors - QUEST Conversation (part 2)

June 15, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, First Nations Canada, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry, Bob Gal, Anna Morgante, Ejay Tupe

In the second part of the Sidewalk Pastors interview, we talk about the stereotypes around poverty and the spiritual formation that is grossly neglected in the field of social work. We will hear more amazing stories about real life people and their courageous struggles.

Our guests are great examples of Street Ministry Workers (letter “S” in our QUEST acronym).

If you have not listened, to part 1 please go back and listen to that first to get a proper introduction to our guests Bob Gal, Anna Morgante and Ejay Tupe.

Links:

Mission Canada

https://paoc.org/canada

Bob Gal

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/bobgal

Anna Morgante

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/annamorgante

Ejay Tupe

https://paoc.org/canada/workers/ejaytupe

Sidewalk Pastors - QUEST Conversation (part 1)

June 01, 2021 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Chaplaincy, Christianity, Kevin Rogers, Mission Canada, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry

In the acronym QUEST describing models of engagement for Canadian urban ministry, the letter ‘S’ stands for Street Ministry Workers. Often, the role is pastoral in nature so we have sidewalk pastors.

You will enjoy my conversation with Bob Gal (Edmonton,Alberta), Anna Morgante (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Ejay Tupe (Toronto, Ontario).

What happens if you intentionally hang around with people on the streets looking for ways to befriend, show hospitality and nurture their spiritual formation? Instead of a formal office with a sign on the door, the office is a backpack, a vehicle or a cell phone.

Street ministry workers find themselves visiting in jails, shelters and hospital wards. They go where they see an opportunity to be the sidewalk pastor of the unchurched. And miracles happen there.

Spiritual Mother In The Father's House (Debbie Kunst interview)

October 01, 2020 by Kevin Rogers in At Risk Youth, Canada, Christianity, PAOC, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry

Debbie Kunst pastors an inspiring church in downtown Edmonton. Father’s House is a great example of how urban churches can be missional and parish-focused with a strong sense of being Spirit led.

There is a great need for spiritual mothers and fathers in the urban core. For some the ‘family’ gathering will be the greatest sense of ‘home’ that they will experience on a daily basis.

Missional Priorities In Canada

September 01, 2020 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity, Religion & Spirituality, Urban Ministry

As the national mission agency of the PAOC, Mission Canada seeks to place uniquely skilled workers into gaps in our nation where the gospel message must be taken. It also exists to network leaders across the nation who are passionate about reaching various people groups. Mission Canada prioritizes five challenges for mission, and has Guiding Groups that strategize together, resourcing one another and our local churches. As the Mission Canada Director, Brian is responsible for working with our districts and churches to identify and release workers who will go to the missional gaps in Canada. He is passionate to see individuals released to reach their God-sized dreams, impacting the unreached regions and peoples of the nation.

Viewing Canada From 30,000 Feet (Dr. David Wells)

Sidewalk Skyline Podcast

August 15, 2020 by Kevin Rogers in Canada, Christianity

Our guest on today’s podcast is Dr. David Wells, a Canadian with a global perspective and a view from 30,000 feet. As General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies Of Canada and president of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America, he is an influencer that is shaping generations of believers and churches around the world.

He is a key architect of Mission Canada and the PAOC 2020 Initiative revitalizing churches and disciples across the nation. He is an urban thinker and intercessor with a high view of cities in the plans of God.

Double Bumper Hummer Prayer Station (Bob Gal interview)

Bob Gal

February 15, 2020 by Kevin Rogers in Christianity, Urban Ministry

Hey, how many times have you seen a street preacher downtown in a major city? God bless them for their courage, but sometimes you wonder if they are helping or hindering the proclamation of the gospel.

There are some that a wonderful job of capturing interest and leading people to encounter Jesus in a beautiful way.

Bob Gal is an old friend from Edmonton who gives street ministry legitimacy. There should be a reality TV show called Brother Bob. I guarantee you wouldn’t take your eyes away as you followed him around on his adventures.

This is an interview I recorded in the spring of 2019 when he was visiting us in Windsor.

LInks:

brotherbobg@gmail.com

https://www.brotherbob.com/

https://www.paoc.org/canada/workers/bobgal

https://weca.com/weca-chapel/