#72 - Dan Gillis & Ben Hilson on Revitalization, Leading in Community, and Empowering Evangelism episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 1, 2025 · 52 MIN

#72 - Dan Gillis & Ben Hilson on Revitalization, Leading in Community, and Empowering Evangelism

from The Sowers. · host Matt Naismith

In this episode, Dan and Ben share their unique journeys to faith and ministry, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped their calling and their decision to co-lead a church. They dive into the challenges and rewards of church revitalization, emphasizing the power of prayer, community, and collaboration in leadership. Dan and Ben discuss the dynamics of shared leadership, the role of spiritual gifts, and the importance of humility in ministry. The conversation culminates in a call to evangelism, urging churches in Canada to engage more actively in sharing the gospel and equipping their congregations for mission.Dan and Ben serve as Co-Lead Pastors of Port Kells Church in Surrey, British Columbia, bringing years of experience in church leadership, teaching, and discipleship. Ben, originally from Pasadena, California, grew up as a missionary kid in Richmond, BC, and has 15 years of pastoral experience in senior leadership roles. He and his wife, Nicole, have been married for 16 years and have four children—Xavi, Mason, Vesper, and Lennon. Dan, a Prince Edward Island native, developed a deep passion for the Canadian Church after Bible College in the U.S., later moving to BC to pastor and invest in young leaders. He met his wife, Laurelle, while serving on staff at a church, and together they have a one-year-old son, Grayson. With 10 years of ministry experience, Dan is passionate about reaching and discipling the next generation. TAKEAWAYS+There is a huge need for revitalization in historic churches.+Co-leadership allows for shared strengths and accountability.+Listening to the community is crucial for effective leadership.+God prepares the way before new leaders arrive.+Leadership should reflect a plurality, as seen in biblical models.+Tension in leadership can arise from differing spiritual gifts.+Modeling community means working through conflicts together.+Revitalization can be a slow process requiring patience.+Evangelism should be a central focus for churches today.+The songs we sing can significantly impact our faith and outreach.To learn more about Dan, Ben, and Port Kells, please visit https://www.portkellschurch.com/. To learn more about Vision Ministries Canada, please visit https://vision-ministries.org/.CHAPTERS00:00 Journey to Faith and Ministry05:10 The Call to Co-Leadership12:01 Revitalizing a Historic Church18:26 The Dynamics of Co-Leadership24:53 Strengths and Challenges of Partnership25:49 Navigating Leadership and Community Dynamics29:41 The Challenges of Revitalization35:34 Trusting God in Revitalization40:28 A Call to Evangelism in Canada#faith #ministry #co-leadership #churchrevitalization #spiritualgifts #community #prayer #leadership #history #leadership #revitalization #community #trust #evangelism #growth #discipleship #collaboration

In this episode, Dan and Ben share their unique journeys to faith and ministry, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped their calling and their decision to co-lead a church. They dive into the challenges and rewards of church revitalization, emphasizing the power of prayer, community, and collaboration in leadership. Dan and Ben discuss the dynamics of shared leadership, the role of spiritual gifts, and the importance of humility in ministry. The conversation culminates in a call to evangelism, urging churches in Canada to engage more actively in sharing the gospel and equipping their congregations for mission.Dan and Ben serve as Co-Lead Pastors of Port Kells Church in Surrey, British Columbia, bringing years of experience in church leadership, teaching, and discipleship. Ben, originally from Pasadena, California, grew up as a missionary kid in Richmond, BC, and has 15 years of pastoral experience in senior leadership roles. He and his wife, Nicole, have been married for 16 years and have four children—Xavi, Mason, Vesper, and Lennon. Dan, a Prince Edward Island native, developed a deep passion for the Canadian Church after Bible College in the U.S., later moving to BC to pastor and invest in young leaders. He met his wife, Laurelle, while serving on staff at a church, and together they have a one-year-old son, Grayson. With 10 years of ministry experience, Dan is passionate about reaching and discipling the next generation. TAKEAWAYS+There is a huge need for revitalization in historic churches.+Co-leadership allows for shared strengths and accountability.+Listening to the community is crucial for effective leadership.+God prepares the way before new leaders arrive.+Leadership should reflect a plurality, as seen in biblical models.+Tension in leadership can arise from differing spiritual gifts.+Modeling community means working through conflicts together.+Revitalization can be a slow process requiring patience.+Evangelism should be a central focus for churches today.+The songs we sing can significantly impact our faith and outreach.To learn more about Dan, Ben, and Port Kells, please visit https://www.portkellschurch.com/. To learn more about Vision Ministries Canada, please visit https://vision-ministries.org/.CHAPTERS00:00 Journey to Faith and Ministry05:10 The Call to Co-Leadership12:01 Revitalizing a Historic Church18:26 The Dynamics of Co-Leadership24:53 Strengths and Challenges of Partnership25:49 Navigating Leadership and Community Dynamics29:41 The Challenges of Revitalization35:34 Trusting God in Revitalization40:28 A Call to Evangelism in Canada#faith #ministry #co-leadership #churchrevitalization #spiritualgifts #community #prayer #leadership #history #leadership #revitalization #community #trust #evangelism #growth #discipleship #collaboration

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#72 - Dan Gillis & Ben Hilson on Revitalization, Leading in Community, and Empowering Evangelism

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In this episode, Dan and Ben share their unique journeys to faith and ministry, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped their calling and their decision to co-lead a church. They dive into the challenges and rewards of church revitalization,...

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