#84 - Domenic Ruso on Bridging Secular Curiosity and Gospel Clarity in Canada

In this engaging conversation, Domenic Ruso shares his journey from a Catholic upbringing in Montreal to becoming a pastor and church planter. He discusses the challenges and joys of navigating faith in a secular culture, the importance of listening to people's questions, and the need for the church to adapt its message for a modern audience. Ruso also reflects on his upcoming book, which aims to bridge the gap between secular curiosity and biblical truth, emphasizing the complexities of spirituality today. In this conversation, Domenic Ruso shares insights on engaging with non-believers, the importance of sermon preparation with audience awareness, and the reliance on the Holy Spirit in church leadership. He discusses the challenges of parenting in a secular culture while pastoring and reflects on the sweetness of Jesus in his journey. Ruso expresses hope for the future of the church in Canada, emphasizing the need for unity and adaptation in evangelistic efforts.Domenic Ruso, Ph.D., is a pastor, author, and leader who believes that this is the best time to learn and engage new questions emerging from a secular culture. His passion for the church led him to the plant (the180.ca) in the greater Montreal region. Dom is constantly thinking of new ways to reflect on complex questions about faith, spirituality, truth, and how those intersect with faith in Jesus and the Bible. His graduate work in patristics and PhD in Reformation studies fuel his teaching in a way that seeks to stretch people to reimagine new paradigms that involve ongoing biblical engagement and the serious challenges of an emerging post-Christian culture. TAKEAWAYS+Church Planting Reveals God's LoveDominic realized that his calling wasn’t just about serving others—it was God’s way of showing him how deeply he’s loved.+Preaching Must Reach Both Skeptics and SaintsEffective teaching speaks to both long-time believers and spiritually curious seekers. That tension is where Jesus often met people.+We Need New Paradigms for a Secular WorldToday’s culture demands that we engage with real questions and resist recycled answers. Discipleship must be relational, not just informational.+Listening Is Foundational to DiscipleshipWe can't lead people without first hearing their questions, doubts, and stories. Listening is the starting point for spiritual transformation.+The Holy Spirit Is Essential for MinistryLeadership isn’t about charisma—it’s about dependence. Dominic highlights how the Spirit leads through preaching, parenting, and pain.+Creating Safe Spaces for Doubt Grows FaithChurches need to be places where people can wrestle with their beliefs and not feel shamed for questioning.+Unity Across Denominations Fuels RenewalThe future of the Canadian Church will depend on laying down egos and linking arms across traditions for a shared gospel mission.To learn more about Domenic Ruso and his upcoming book, please visit http://www.domruso.com/. His book is also available for preorder at The book is also available for preorder on Amazon and through his publisher, Wipf and Stock.To learn more about the church Domenic planted and now pastors, please visit https://theoneeighty.ca/.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey03:41 The Call to Pastoral Ministry06:00 Transition to Church Planting08:57 The Impact of Secular Culture11:42 Writing the Book: Bridging the Gap14:26 Surprises in Secular Engagement17:25 Discipleship in a Secular Context20:04 Teaching and Communication Strategies22:40 Engaging with Non-Believers24:29 Sermon Preparation and Audience Awareness27:55 Reliance on the Holy Spirit in Leadership30:48 Parenting and Pastoring in a Secular Culture34:26 Experiencing the Sweetness of Jesus36:49 Hope for the Church in Canada41:16 New Chapter