MEDA Convention 2025: Bold Moves
This event is hosted by Mennonite Economic Development Associates.
Meaningful Connections
Join a vibrant community. You'll leave encouraged, inspired, and supported by others committed to living their faith in daily work.
Practical Ideas
Engage in professional development workshops that will help you apply your God-given gifts in meaningful ways — growing in servant leadership in your business, non-profit or community.
A Mission That Matters
Discover how MEDA is creating business solutions to poverty — and explore how you can be part of this transformative mission.
Thursday, October 30, 2025 – Sunday, November 2, 2025.
Montreal.
For more info visit www.meda.org. Run Alpha
Are you exploring Alpha, currently running a course, or preparing to launch one soon? Join us for this month's Run Alpha and hear from Rachelle Bzdel (Alpha and Events Coordinator) and Nicole Andrews from Hope City Church in Edmonton, a church that has seen powerful stories of transformation through Alpha! Come and be encouraged. 10am PT | 1pm ET | 2pm AT.
Thursday, October 30, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
online from Alpha Canada.
For more info visit us02web.zoom.us. Why Creation is Waiting for the Christians: An Evening with Peter Harris
Free lecture hosted by A Rocha Manitoba, Canadian Scientific & Christian Affiliation, and Faith Covenant Church.
The world is facing what has been called a polycrisis, one which certainly implies damage to both climate and all forms of life on earth. But is the good news that Christians believe in relevant to these times? We will explore how it is, and what it means for some of the most impoverished human communities and the threatened ecosystems that sustain them. Speaker Peter Harris is a cofounder of A Rocha. Eugene Peterson wrote the following about him: “Peter Harris is a persistent and most convincing witness that the Christ who saves and the Christ who creates are one and the same Christ, that the care and celebration of creation is essential to a full evangelical witness of the Gospel of salvation.”.
Thursday, October 30, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Faith Covenant Church, 1229 Windermere Ave. Winnipeg.
For more info visit arocha.ca. Ottawa Civic Prayer Breakfast
Early Bird Pricing in effect until October 9th! Get your tickets today! OUR SPEAKER: Jon Ruby, former addict turned preacher and community organizer, will answer our annual OCPB question "Who is My Neighbour? through the lens of his work with men and women struggling with addiction. He is the founder of Union City Church, Carlington Booch and Ashes to Rubies. Click here to watch a personal invitation from Jon to join him at the Breakfast.
Friday, October 31, 2025, 6:30 AM – 8:45 AM.
Ottawa Conference & Event Centre.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.ca. Adoption and Fostering Awareness Month
EFC Events
Adoption and quality fostering are justice issues for all Canadians and everyday challenges for thousands of Canadian children. Each November, the EFC encourages supporters to download free videos, pray together on key themes and discover great ideas on how your congregation can connect nationally and locally on the plight of Canada’s 30,000 adoptable children and youth.
The EFC provides free resources to pastors, congregations and families at www.AdoptionSunday.com. Encourage your leadership team to pray, preach and connect.
Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Nationwide.
For more info visit www.adoptionsunday.com. Toronto Children's Ministry Conference
The Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference (TCMC) is a one-day gathering for parents, church volunteers, ministry leaders, and anyone passionate about the spiritual growth of children. Held at Bayview Glen Alliance Church, the conference is designed to inspire and equip attendees with fresh ideas and evidence-based practices in children’s and family ministry.
This year’s plenary speaker is Dorothy Pang, from the Tyndale Intercultural Ministries Centre, who will lead a workshop on developing intercultural competency in children’s ministry. Additional workshops, led by over 30 Canadian and international leaders, will cover topics such as Bible engagement, worldview, theology, and practical ministry skills.
The event includes more than 40 workshops, opportunities for networking across denominations, and complimentary childcare for children aged 10 and under.
Saturday, November 1, 2025.
online or in person from Bayview Glen Alliance Church, Thornhill, Ont.
For more info visit torontochildrenministryconference.ca. #HACK Global Celebration Call
#HACK is the largest global hackathon for missions in a digital age. Let's take the gospel to new people, place, and spaces.
Join us for the #HACK Global Celebration Call on November 1 at 13:00 UTC.
Together we’ll gather as one global network to hear stories, celebrate wins, and thank God for what He has done through #HACK 2025.
Learn More: https://hack.indigitous.org/about/
Register: https://staffweb.zoom.us/meeting/register/hQkS9Fn6SayUMd1VdBU_pA#/registration.
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM.
online from Lausanne Canada.
For more info visit indigitous.org. International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church
EFC Events
More details and resources will be coming in the months ahead but, for now, we invite you to incorporate this important day of unified prayer, disciple-making, and witness into the life of your congregation and sphere of influence in November.
IDOP Canada is a partnership of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, Intercede International, International Christian Response Canada, Open Doors Canada, Take Heart, and Voice of the Martyrs, in conjunction with the international event supported by the World Evangelical Alliance.
Sunday, November 2, 2025.
For more info visit www.idop.ca. A Clean Heart
Are you longing for a deeper, more intimate connection with God?
Join us for "A Clean Heart," the final session in the transformative 3-part series, Spotlight on Our Heart.
In this Christ-centered, scripture-rich workshop, we will gain biblical insight into what it means to have a clean heart, identify the hidden hindrances and strongholds blocking spiritual growth, and walk step-by-step through creating a powerful, personal repentance prayer rooted in God's Word.
Come experience the beauty of a repentant heart — from your heart to Father God’s heart — and allow Him to cleanse, renew, and restore you for spiritual maturity.
Sunday, November 2, 2025, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
online from Word-Insight Life Counsel.
For more info visit www.thedoor.ca. IDOP 2025 Online Event
EFC Events
Each year, hundreds of millions of Christians are persecuted for their faith in various parts of the world. International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) Canada exists to encourage Canadian Christians to pray for their persecuted sisters and brothers around the world—especially on the first Sunday of November. This year’s theme for IDOP in Canada is Unite in Prayer. IDOP is a day set aside by Christians around the globe to collectively pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer because of their faith. This year’s IDOP Sunday will be November 2. Each year, Intercede International and five other Canadian Christian ministries—Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs Canada, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, International Christian Response and Take Heart—collaborate to produce and share free, helpful resources to encourage the body of Christ in Canada to engage in active prayer for those experiencing persecution. These are available to download from www.IDOP.ca . Please consider watching…
Sunday, November 2, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
by the IDOP Canada coalition.
For more info visit idop.ca. Ottawa Pastors' and Leaders' Prayer Summit
Early-bird pricing is extended to October 6th! This gathering will be for the pastoral community and leaders of Christian ministries in the National Capital Region. Our planning team has been praying and has sensed the Lord highlighting a question which we will explore together. "What does it mean to be the Lord's House of Prayer"? As we consider this question together, experienced facilitators will assist us to draw near to God in both personal and corporate prayer. We invite you to make this a priority in your fall planning. Come away with old and new friends, enjoy breaking bread together, beautiful scenery, and the special presence and direction of our Lord.
Monday, November 3, 2025 – Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Camp Iawah.
For more info visit event.auctria.com. ELO Forum Vancouver
ELO Forums are the single most important annual events for Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders in their respective cities. Our conferences are one-day events where business leaders and executives can network and connect with others, gain more understanding about their calling, and learn from a great roster of presenters.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Paradox Hotel, Vancouver.
For more info visit www.entrepreneurialleaders.com. Flourishing Together Teachers Conference
Join us for a transformative two-day conference designed specifically for Christian schools, educators, teachers, and staff!
In today's fast-paced world, focusing on well-being is crucial for growth in all aspects of our lives. When we prioritize our spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being, we become more effective, resilient, and fruitful in our ministries.
At Flourishing Together, you'll discover practical strategies and best practices for cultivating well-being in your personal and professional life. Our conference features:
• Pre-conference tracks: Personal Growth, Best Practices, Fundraising, and Marketing
• Inspiring keynote speakers, testimonies and workshops
• Networking opportunities with fellow educators and professionals
• An Awards Night celebration with a reception and entertainment by Comedy in Motion's Bob Cates!
Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and grow with fellow Christian educators, take the first step towards flourishing in your well-being!
Thursday, November 6, 2025 – Friday, November 7, 2025.
Peoples Christian Academy, Markham.
For more info visit acsiec.org. Negotiation & Difficult Conversations
Conrad Grebel University College offers a two-day, in-person workshop on Negotiation & Difficult Conversations. Facilitated by Mark Weber, PhD, the course takes place November 6–7, 2025, in Waterloo, Ontario, and runs from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM each day.
The workshop is designed to help participants address high-stakes or anxiety-producing conversations effectively, reduce avoidance tendencies, and build confidence through practical frameworks and tools. Day One focuses on strategies for navigating difficult conversations, while Day Two turns to negotiation as an “art and science” requiring both cooperation and competition. The program is highly experiential, emphasizing practice, feedback, and reflection to strengthen skills.
Additional Details:
Location: In person, Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo
Cost: $695 + HST (discounted rates available; see registration link)
Prerequisite reading: Up to one hour prior to Day Two
Part of: Conflict Management and Mediation Certificate (can also be taken as a stan…
Thursday, November 6, 2025 – Friday, November 7, 2025.
Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo.
For more info visit uwaterloo.ca. Gather: Women True Leaders Forum
TRUE Women Leaders Forum: Reimagining leadership and the Church we long for — together, is a special afternoon gathering designed for women who are in leadership or desiring to lead. We invite you to a collaborative space where we can reimagine leadership together. Our heart is to ensure that no woman walks the leadership journey alone. We’ve created this space just for you—a place where you can be intentionally poured into, refreshed, and deeply encouraged. We know women are not walking away from Jesus — but many are walking away from church spaces that don’t make room for their voice, gifts, or flourishing. What if we had the courage to imagine a different future?
Facilitated by: Cathie Ostapchuk, with guest leaders, Dr. Pamela MacRae, Ps. Alex Groeneweg, Kaitlyn Cey and other stunning female leaders.
Friday, November 7, 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM.
Heartland, A Church Connected, Mississauga, Ontario, 1100 Canadian Pl, Mississauga, ON L4W 0C5.
For more info visit www.gatherwomen.com. Why Religion Went Obsolete: Christian Smith and Galen Watts
This webinar features Christian Smith from the University of Notre Dame, in conversation with Galen Watts from the University of Waterloo. Its title echoes the title of Smith's March 2025 book from Oxford University Press: "Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith."
This free event on Zoom will take place from 2-3pm EST on Friday November 7, 2025, brought to you by the Institute of Religion, Culture and Societal Futures (U of Waterloo). Registration for the event is free of charge and open to all, and required to attend the event.
Friday, November 7, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
online from Institute of Religion, Culture and Societal Futures (U of Waterloo).
For more info visit uwaterloo.ca1.qualtrics.com. Chris Renzema in Concert
Redeemer University is hosting Christian singer-songwriter Chris Renzema for a public concert on November 7, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Blending indie rock, contemporary Christian and folk, Renzema reflects on big questions through his music while remaining both personal and accessible. Songs like "Springtime" and "Adonai" have inspired audiences around the world.
Canadian worship leader Brooke Nicholls will open the evening.
Friday, November 7, 2025, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
Redeemer University
777 Garner Road East, Ancaster ON L9K 1J4.
For more info visit www.redeemer.ca. Gather:Women One-Day Summit
Take a break from the busyness of life and come for an incredible one-day gathering rooted in Scripture, identity and calling.
Saturday, November 8, 2025, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Heartland, A Church Connected, 100 Canadian Pl, Mississauga, ON L4W 0C5.
For more info visit www.gatherwomen.com. Together for Canada: An EFC Sunday for Prayer and Partnership in the Gospel
EFC Events
This new annual event, intended for a November Sunday of your choice, is a time to remind each other and celebrate that Jesus is Lord of the harvest and to align ourselves more closely with that reality. We can pray to ask God to increase effective Christian contributions throughout Canadian society, in public sectors such as business, government and non-profit work, as well as in the many dimensions of our personal lives. Church congregations, groups and individuals are invited to make use of the EFC’s new resources designed for this purpose.
Sunday, November 9, 2025.
nationwide.
For more info visit theefc.ca. Engage Difference! Explore the Art of Intercultural Ministry
Five Days to Build Bridges with Faith, Heart, and SkillA 5-day intensive for ministry leaders and community members to explore how culture shapes us and how we can build respectful, intercultural relationships through learning, reflection, and dialogue. Engage Difference! It’s not just a workshop; it’s an interactive journey designed to equip ministry leaders and community members with practical tools for fostering cultural relevance, understanding, and awareness.
A program of the Forum for Intercultural Leadership and Learning.
Monday, November 10, 2025 – Friday, November 14, 2025.
Jackson’s Point Retreat & Conference Centre, 1890 Metro Rd N, Georgina, ON L0E 1L0.
For more info visit www.interculturalleadership.ca. Ministry Leaders Renewal Retreat (7 days)
Pausing from the busyness of ministry life has helped hundreds of ministry couples and individuals examine and overcome the distractions that have hindered their personal lives and relationships.
Held at our three luxury retreat centres, this seven-day retreat is designed specifically for pastors, missionaries and parachurch leaders.
Monday, November 10, 2025.
Kerith Pines, East Braintree, Man.
For more info visit kerithretreats.ca. Cross-cultural Training and Mosque Tour
Understanding and reaching our Muslim neighbours with the gospel of Christ. Sponsored by CCCOWE and Loving Muslims Together.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Friday, November 14, 2025.
Vancouver (training) and Burnaby (visit).
For more info visit lovingmuslimstogether.outreach.ca. Ottawa Ready to Respond Information Event
Respond Ottawa works to prepare, connect and deploy the church of Ottawa to ensure that urgent and critical needs are met during times of crisis in our region. Natural disasters have hit our region several times in recent years and experts say it will continue. We want to make sure that we are prepared and ready to respond for the next crisis in our city. We believe God has placed your church in your neighbourhood to be a light, especially in a time of crisis. Respond Ottawa is inviting you to a free meal and a time of fellowship with local ministry leaders to consider how your church can be ready to care for your neighbours in a time of crisis. Hear about how other churches in our city have responded and learn from the Ottawa Emergency Management Office and Samaritan’s Purse (Canadian Disaster Relief team) about how your church can be equipped to effectively respond. Click here to watch an informative VIDEO.
Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Barrhaven Fellowship Church.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Where Are You, God? TGC Conf for Women
Where are you, God? It’s the question we ask when crisis hits home. But what does it really mean to find God in a world that feels so broken? At The Gospel Coalition Canada 2025 conference for women, you’ll find deep answers to your restless search. You will hear God speak through the Book of Habakkuk and find wisdom from experienced breakout speakers who will equip you to know and follow God practically.
There will be a pre-conference worship night on Thursday before the full conference begins on Friday and ends on Saturday.
Make sure to navigate to our conference website for all the details by clicking here.
Consider using this conference as a women's retreat, or come as a group from your church. We offer group rates. Email events@ca.thegospelcoalition.org to learn more!
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Hope Bible Church, 500 Great Lakes Boulevard Oakville, ON L6L 6X9.
For more info visit ca.thegospelcoalition.org. Carters Annual Charity & Not-for-Profit Law Webinar
We invite you to join us for 10 fast moving sessions on key topics that you need to know to keep abreast of changes in the law affecting charities and not-for-profits. The guest speakers this year are Bruce MacDonald, president. Imagine Canada, on the topic of Key Insights into the Charitable Sector: Developing Trends in the Making; and Kenneth Hall, president, Robertson Hall Insurance, on the topic of Challenges in Securing and Keeping Insurance by Charities and Not-for-Profits. On demand replay will be made available after the webinar for registered attendees. This webinar is eligible for 4.00 hours of substantive CPD credits towards the annual Law Society of Ontario and CPA Professional Development requirements. Registration fee is $40.00 per person (plus HST).For more information, contact us at 1-877-942-0001 x239 or seminars@carters.ca.
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 9:00 AM – 1:15 PM.
online from Carters.
For more info visit www.carters.ca. Practical Pathways to Community Integration for Every Church
CV Learning Lab: Beyond the Four Walls: Practical Pathways to Community Integration for Every Church
What if your church was known in your community not just for what happens on Sunday morning—but for the difference you make every other day of the week?
In this free 1-hour webinar, church planter and entrepreneur Connie Jakab will share practical, adaptable strategies—drawn from the real-life ministry of Ogden Community Church—that any church can use to become a trusted, engaged presence in their city or town.
Whether your worship services remain fully traditional or you’re open to fresh expressions, you’ll learn how to: Identify your community’s real needs and opportunities , Build partnerships that foster trust and mutual benefit , Engage in consistent, visible acts of service , Shift from a “come to us” mindset to a “we’re with you” presence, You’ll leave with actionable steps, inspiring examples, and fresh vision to help your congregation move from being a building in the neighbourhood to becoming the…
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
online from Church Vitalization Canada.
For more info visit us02web.zoom.us. After Alpha - What's Next?
You’ve finished Alpha. Now what? Come and learn some practical ways churches are helping guests continue their faith journey through deeper discipleship, stronger community, and local leadership pathways. 4pm PT | 7pm ET | 8pm AT.
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
online from Alpha Canada.
For more info visit us02web.zoom.us. Climate Change - COP30 - Collective Action
COP30 - Collective Action: November 10-21
From November 10-21, the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, COP30, will be held in Belém, Brazil. The motto is Global Mutirão meaning collective efforts.
During COP30, a coalition of religious groups in Canada called For the Love of Creation invites groups across Canada to host candlelight vigils and/or Jubilee Walks for Climate and Debt Justice in their own communities on the weekend of November 14-16, 2025. This will be a time to reflect and share our love for our planet, our concern for ourselves, humanity, and all our non-human relations at risk from climate change.
You can read more about this invitation and register or find an event at Candles for COP30 and Jubilee Walks webpage.
Friday, November 14, 2025 – Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Nationwide.
For more info visit fortheloveofcreation.ca. Moving Forward in Faith
The conference will begin Friday night with a keynote session, worship, and social time. Danielle Strickland will be our featured speaker. Danielle will share her story, shaped by her experience of different cultures and contexts around the world. She aims to inspire, challenge, provoke, and disrupt - giving equal attention and investment to the proclamation and demonstration of God’s Love. Saturday will feature worship, a selection of workshops and an optional bus tour, each carefully designed to equip and empower attendees of all ages as they consider God’s mission in their lives and communities. Workshops will focus on sharing practical resources, skill-building, storytelling, and networking. The conference theme and verse identifies our calling as churches and Christians to step out into the world carrying the message of salvation. Designed to equip and empower attendees of all ages as they consider God’s mission in their communities and the world at large, this event is co-hosted by Resonate Global…
Friday, November 14, 2025 – Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Kings Christian Collegiate
528 Burnhamthorpe Rd W
Oakville ON L6M 4K6.
For more info visit www.resonateglobalmission.org. Ministry Leaders Renewal Retreat (7 days)
Pausing from the busyness of ministry life has helped hundreds of ministry couples and individuals examine and overcome the distractions that have hindered their personal lives and relationships.
Held at our three luxury retreat centres, this seven-day retreat is designed specifically for pastors, missionaries and parachurch leaders.
Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Kerith Waters, Nestleton, Ontario.
For more info visit kerithretreats.ca. Ottawa Ready to Respond Information Event
Respond Ottawa works to prepare, connect and deploy the church of Ottawa to ensure that urgent and critical needs are met during times of crisis in our region. Natural disasters have hit our region several times in recent years and experts say it will continue. We want to make sure that we are prepared and ready to respond for the next crisis in our city. We believe God has placed your church in your neighbourhood to be a light, especially in a time of crisis. Respond Ottawa is inviting you to a free meal and a time of fellowship with local ministry leaders to consider how your church can be ready to care for your neighbours in a time of crisis. Hear about how other churches in our city have responded and learn from the Ottawa Emergency Management Office and Samaritan’s Purse (Canadian Disaster Relief team) about how your church can be equipped to effectively respond. Click here to watch an informative VIDEO.
Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Barrhaven Fellowship Church.
For more info visit www.eventbrite.com. Together for Canada: An EFC Sunday for Prayer and Partnership in the Gospel
EFC Events
This new annual event, intended for a November Sunday of your choice, is a time to remind each other and celebrate that Jesus is Lord of the harvest and to align ourselves more closely with that reality. We can pray to ask God to increase effective Christian contributions throughout Canadian society, in public sectors such as business, government and non-profit work, as well as in the many dimensions of our personal lives. Church congregations, groups and individuals are invited to make use of the EFC’s new resources designed for this purpose.
Sunday, November 16, 2025.
nationwide.
For more info visit theefc.ca. Ministry Leaders Renewal Retreat (7 days)
Pausing from the busyness of ministry life has helped hundreds of ministry couples and individuals examine and overcome the distractions that have hindered their personal lives and relationships.
Held at our three luxury retreat centres, this seven-day retreat is designed specifically for pastors, missionaries and parachurch leaders.
Monday, November 17, 2025.
Kerith Waters, Nestleton, Ontario.
For more info visit kerithretreats.ca. Ministry Leaders Renewal Retreat (7 days)
Pausing from the busyness of ministry life has helped hundreds of ministry couples and individuals examine and overcome the distractions that have hindered their personal lives and relationships.
Held at our three luxury retreat centres, this seven-day retreat is designed specifically for pastors, missionaries and parachurch leaders.
Monday, November 17, 2025.
Kerith Creek, Priddis, Alta.
For more info visit kerithretreats.ca. ELO Forum Toronto
ELO Forums are the single most important annual events for Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders in their respective cities. Our conferences are one-day events where business leaders and executives can network and connect with others, gain more understanding about their calling, and learn from a great roster of presenters.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel.
For more info visit www.entrepreneurialleaders.com. Pastors & Leaders Prayer Forum
BGEA Canada, in cooperation with Ignite Prayer Canada (igniteprayer.ca), invites you to join us for a free, online quarterly prayer event. For each event, we invite a guest speaker(s) to share on the topic of prayer. We also break into small groups to pray for one another as leaders and the church in Canada.
We believe prayer for spiritual transformation is critical at this point in Canada’s history—perhaps more than ever.
Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Videos of past guest speakers are also posted on our webpage.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
For more info visit www.billygraham.ca. Presentation and Prayer for the Harvest
EFC Events
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada board recently adopted a new strategic plan. We are asking God to use the EFC and its affiliates to encourage the calling and sending of God’s people with the gospel of Jesus into the rich harvest field of Canada and the world. You are invited to join us online as EFC affiliates from across Canada on November 20. Our goal is to foster greater visible unity in gospel witness through united prayer together. David Guretzki, EFC president and CEO, will present an overview of our strategic plan’s first priority: “to practise and promote prayer among staff and affiliates for gospel mission and workers” (Matthew 9:38). Roger Helland, EFC prayer ambassador, will then present some practices on how we might engage in united prayer for gospel witness and the harvest. Then, a leader from each of the EFC’s four affiliate groups will lead us in corporate prayer, followed by guided small-group prayer in breakout rooms of eight each. (8 a.m. Pacific / 9 a.m. Mountain / 10 a.m.…
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
online for members of EFC affiliate organizations.
Ross Douthat on Why everyone should be religious
The Ian Shugart lecture is a new annual series. Our inaugural speaker, New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, consistently advocates for a society that is open toward religious faith and its public expression. He is known for showing how commitments rooted in faith often persist, sometimes making surprising appearances in modern life.
Even as religion seems to be on the decline across the Western world, and the landscape of faith shifts, Douthat generously, respectfully, and clearly counters the various arguments against faith. Not content merely to name the positive social contributions of faith and faith communities, Douthat boldly explores the deeper source of those contributions and the reality to which they point.
In his Shugart Lecture, Douthat will draw on his recently published book, “Believe: Why Everyone Should be Religious” to make a provocative claim: that there is a clear and rational link between the reasonableness of faith and its public effects. His fearless charge will challenge both religi…
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
National Arts Centre – Canada Room (1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1).
For more info visit www.cardus.ca. Together for Canada: An EFC Sunday for Prayer and Partnership in the Gospel
EFC Events
This new annual event, intended for a November Sunday of your choice, is a time to remind each other and celebrate that Jesus is Lord of the harvest and to align ourselves more closely with that reality. We can pray to ask God to increase effective Christian contributions throughout Canadian society, in public sectors such as business, government and non-profit work, as well as in the many dimensions of our personal lives. Church congregations, groups and individuals are invited to make use of the EFC’s new resources designed for this purpose.
Sunday, November 23, 2025.
nationwide.
For more info visit theefc.ca. Canadian Stories of Transforming Culture
Each month we hear from two Canadians and their story of how they are transforming culture through their sphere(s) of influence. Learn more at the link below.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
online from Transform Our World Canada.
For more info visit www.transformourworldcanada.ca. The Spiritual Discipline of Deconstruction
The Flourishing Congregations Institute will host a webinar with Angela Reitsma Bick, Editor-in-Chief of Christian Courier magazine, exploring themes from her book Blessed are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada. The session will examine the phenomenon of “Quiet Deconstruction” in which Canadian Christians are leaving church communities politely and reflectively, often with a desire for healthier expressions of faith.
The interactive 30-minute webinar includes a 20-minute research presentation and a 10-minute Q&A, with an optional 15-minute networking time. Participants will consider ways churches can create space for ongoing, community-based “small deconstructions” alongside faith reconstruction, incorporating openness to doubt, pastoral humility, and liturgical practices that foster reconciliation.
Friday, November 28, 2025, 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM.
online from Flourishing Congregations Institute.
For more info visit flourishingcongregations.org. Together for Canada: An EFC Sunday for Prayer and Partnership in the Gospel
EFC Events
This new annual event, intended for a November Sunday of your choice, is a time to remind each other and celebrate that Jesus is Lord of the harvest and to align ourselves more closely with that reality. We can pray to ask God to increase effective Christian contributions throughout Canadian society, in public sectors such as business, government and non-profit work, as well as in the many dimensions of our personal lives. Church congregations, groups and individuals are invited to make use of the EFC’s new resources designed for this purpose.
Sunday, November 30, 2025.
nationwide.
For more info visit theefc.ca. Canadian Stories of Transforming Culture
Each month we hear from two Canadians and their story of how they are transforming culture through their sphere(s) of influence. Learn more at the link below.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
online from Transform Our World Canada.
For more info visit www.transformourworldcanada.ca. Christmas Day
International Community Events
Thursday, December 25, 2025.
One Church - One Day Launch Night
Join churches across Ottawa in person to officially launch 24/7 strategic prayer over Ottawa. Worship, testimonies, and intercession will mark this powerful gathering.
Friday, January 9, 2026.
Ottawa venue to be confirmed – stay tuned!
For more info visit onechurchoneday.ca. City on our Knees 10th anniversary
Celebrate 10 years of citywide prayer with a week of flexible, self-organized participation—whether you're at church, home, school, work, or walking your neighbourhood.
Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Ottawa.
For more info visit cityonourknees.ca. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
This annual ecumenical celebration joins people around the world to pray for Christian unity – in worship, reflection, study, and fellowship.
You can use the resources on this website not only during the Week of Prayer itself, but throughout the year. Let them help you express the degree of communion already given to the churches, and to pray together that we may be more fully united in the one Christ.
Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Sunday, January 25, 2026.
worldwide.
For more info visit www.weekofprayer.ca. 30th anniversary event for the 1995 Sacred Assembly
Details to come.
Friday, January 23, 2026 – Monday, January 26, 2026.
Winnipeg.
International Holocaust Memorial Day
International Community Events
This memorial day is designated by the United Nations to be observed on January 27th each year. It is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
worldwide.
For more info visit www.un.org. Canadian Stories of Transforming Culture
Each month we hear from two Canadians and their story of how they are transforming culture through their sphere(s) of influence. Learn more at the link below.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
online from Transform Our World Canada.
For more info visit www.transformourworldcanada.ca.