Raising the Conversation

Welcome to "Raising the Conversation", a podcast brought to you by The MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture at Acadia Divinity College. In Season 6, host Joel Murphy (Director) facilitates conversations surrounding our upcoming "Future of Innovation" focus. This effort will include a Field Guide (releasing April 27, 2026) and an online Discovery Series Event happening May 4 (https://events.zoom.us/ev/AkHl-Gy00CYV2qXWySZa-uxuv1Yvs1ftsffXBr-7fVPgkImneZSD~AnQy8zkmgCz0pz2CHsZnpNX6AmoNL08aE26NI_8sZQrOmrioLqtkNOKkOQ). This episode's guest is Val Lieske. Val is a Calgary-based playwright who is also the founder and Executive Artistic Director of Fire Exit Theatre. She has a BA in Theatre & Speech from Trinity Guild (UK) and worked for ten years with Alberta Playwrights’ Network. Select plays include; Duty to Warn, Bruised Not Broken, Absence, Sunny Side Up and her solo show, Past Tense. Val is interested in stories that create conversation and explore the idea that there just might be a God.

Welcome to "Raising the Conversation", a podcast brought to you by The MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture at Acadia Divinity College. In Season 6, host Joel Murphy (Director) facilitates conversations surrounding our upcoming "Future of Innovation" focus. This effort will include a Field Guide (releasing April 27, 2026) and an online Discovery Series Event happening May 4 (https://events.zoom.us/ev/AkHl-Gy00CY.... This episode's guest is Andy Smits. Andy got involved with Power to Change - Students while a student first at Algonquin College, and then at Carleton University in Ottawa. Along with his wife Loni, he joined staff with Power to Change in 2003 and was sent to Montreal to be part of the team that launched the campus ministry in that city. After spending 17 focusing on reaching English and French students in Quebec with the gospel, Andy is now the National Director of Power to Change - Students. He is also the Executive Director of Next Generation and Future Trends.

Welcome to "Raising the Conversation", a podcast brought to you by The MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture at Acadia Divinity College. In Season 6, host Joel Murphy (Director) facilitates conversations surrounding our upcoming "Future of Innovation" focus. This effort will include a Field Guide (releasing April 27, 2026) and an online Discovery Series Event happening May 4 (https://events.zoom.us/ev/AkHl-Gy00CY.... This episode's guest is Rev. Dr. Sarah Han. Dr. Han is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Tyndale University and brings practical ministry experience as an ordained minister and theological expertise as an academic. Dr. Han considers herself to be "third culture" Canadian-Korean-Chinese and her formative theology was shaped on the mission field abroad. She has provided leadership in the Canadian immigrant church context for over a decade and has diverse experience in the Canadian public and private sectors. Dr. Han's vocational commitment and theological passion are to critically observe and reflect on how ecclesiology shapes and informs missiology and her research focuses on an intercultural, intergenerational, missional ecclesiology for Canada.

Welcome to "Raising the Conversation", a podcast brought to you by The MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture at Acadia Divinity College. In Season 6, host Joel Murphy (Director) facilitates conversations surrounding our upcoming "Future of Innovation" focus. This effort will include a Field Guide (releasing April 27, 2026) and an online Discovery Series Event happening May 4 (https://events.zoom.us/ev/AkHl-Gy00CYV2qXWySZa-uxuv1Yvs1ftsffXBr-7fVPgkImneZSD~AnQy8zkmgCz0pz2CHsZnpNX6AmoNL08aE26NI_8sZQrOmrioLqtkNOKkOQ). This episode's guest is Alana Walker Carpenter. As Founder & CEO of Intriciti and the Canadian Centre for the Integration of Faith & Business, Alana has redefined what it means to lead, what success looks like, and the gift that love, compassion, and empathy can bring inside and outside the boardroom. Ms. Walker Carpenter holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario (King’s College) and a Post-Graduate Degree in Human Resources Management from Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology.

Raising the Conversation Podcast continues with Season 5, brought to you by The MacRae Centre and The Futuring Hub at Acadia Divinity College. In this episode, host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) has a conversation with Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner. Dr. Gardner serves as National Convenor for Canadian Baptist Partners, also as President Emeritus at Acadia Divinity College. Harry has a rich history of leadership as a pastor, Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, and Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance.

Raising the Conversation Podcast continues with Season 5, brought to you by The MacRae Centre and The Futuring Hub at Acadia Divinity College. In this episode, host Joel Murphy has a conversation with Scott Shelton, lead pastor at Heritage Baptist Church in Annapolis, MD.

Raising the Conversation Podcast continues with Season 5, brought to you by The MacRae Centre and The Futuring Hub at Acadia Divinity College. In this episode, host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) has a conversation with Ryan Marthinsen, lead pastor at Priory Park Baptist Church in Guelph, ON. Ryan began his ministry with Priory in May 2023. His pastoral calling is to build intergenerational churches where children, youth, adults, and seniors together are spiritually formed and empowered to serve the Kingdom of God. Ryan lives in Guelph with his wife, Diana, and his two amazing kids. Ryan takes a rational and scientific approach to many things, which led him to originally pursue a career in computer science. This has helped him be a good dialogue partner with people who struggle with the reality of Jesus. However, his pursuit of his own authentic faith has helped him connect with God beyond the rational, and he has spent the last several years exploring contemplative approaches to faith, especially from Ignatian spirituality.

Raising the Conversation Podcast continues with Season 5, brought to you by The MacRae Centre and The Futuring Hub at Acadia Divinity College. In this episode, host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) has a conversation with Dr. Jesse Zink. Jesse is principal of Montreal Diocesan Theological College and canon theologian in the Diocese of Montreal. In those roles, he teaches at McGill University and in the Montreal School of Theology consortium, while also relating broadly to churches in Canada and the United States. His latest book, Faithful, Hopeful, Creative: 15 Theses for Christian Witness in a Crisis-Shaped World was published in fall 2024. Learn more about this and his other books by visiting www.jessezink.com

Season 5 of "Raising the Conversation" is here - a podcast brought to you by The MacRae Centre and The Futuring Hub at Acadia Divinity College. IIn this episode, host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) has a conversation with Jennifer Lau. Jennifer began her tenure as Executive Director of Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) in 2020. She has served with CBM since 2002 in various capacities, primarily providing strategic direction for all of CBM’s partnerships and initiatives in North America. Prior to becoming the Executive Director, she served as the Associate Executive Director where she was responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations. She also created CBM’s Mosaic Magazine and served as its Managing Editor for over a decade. In addition to her work with CBM, Jennifer served as a Vice-President of the Baptist World Alliance from 2020-2025. macraecentre.ca futuringhub.ca

Season 5 of "Raising the Conversation" is here - a podcast brought to you by The MacRae Centre and The Futuring Hub at Acadia Divinity College. In this episode, host Joel Murphy welcomes Dean Brenton. Dean has served as President of Impactus since 2021. With over 26 years of pastoral and denominational leadership, he has contributed to national, provincial, and parachurch organizations, as well as global and local missional initiatives. He holds a Master of Theological Studies and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Acadia Divinity College. https://macraecentre.ca https://futuringhub.ca

In this episode, host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) has a conversation with Kathleen Murphy. Kathleen is a clinical social worker specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate trauma, attachment challenges, and relationship struggles, using somatic approaches and evidence-based methods to foster deep healing and meaningful connection. She is trained in multiple attachment modalities, as well as the Developmental Model through the Couples Institute, and the Gottman Method for couples, all of which promote enhancing relational dynamics and promoting emotional growth within partnerships. To read the our full report, visit https://futuringhub.ca/resources/repo... -------- The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Season 4 of "Raising the Conversation" is a mini-season focused on the most recent edition of The Futuring Hub's "Navigation the Future" report and the topic of "Strained Presence". In this episode, host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) has a conversation with Rev. Dr. Seán McGuire. Seán moved from Sudbury, ON to Hamilton in 2011 to pursue post-secondary education and quickly fell in love with the city. After completing his Master of Divinity, Seán was called into ministry at Wentworth in 2014. In 2023, he graduated from MDC with a Doctorate in Practical Theology (DPT), and in 2025 returned to MDC to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree specializing in Theological Ethics. He is the author of Biblical Hermeneutics in the Metamodern Mood, and is an adjunct professor at Prairie College (AB) and Carey Theological College (BC) . Seán and his wife, Jessica, live with their children in the Crown Point neighbourhood, where you can often find Seán reading a book in a café or setting out on his bike to explore the Niagara peninsula. To read the our full report, visit https://futuringhub.ca/resources/repo... -------- The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Season 4 of "Raising the Conversation" is a mini-season focused on the most recent edition of The Futuring Hub's "Navigation the Future" report and the topic of "Strained Presence". In this episode, host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) has a conversation with Dr. Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme. In January 2015, Sarah completed a DPhil (PhD equivalent) in sociology at Nuffield College, University of Oxford in the UK, with a dissertation entitled “Towards Religious Polarisation in Post-Industrialised Societies? Mutations and Effects of Religious Commitment in North America, Europe and Oceania.” From November 2014 to July 2015, she held a SSHRC postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre d’études ethniques des universités montréalaises (CEETUM: the Montreal Universities’ Centre for Ethnic Studies), University of Montreal, and at the Department of Sociology at the Université du Québec à Montréal. Sarah is currently an associate professor of sociology at the University of Waterloo. Her research interests are: quantitative methods for the social sciences, sociology of religion/religious studies, Canadian studies, secularization, polarization, race, ethnicity and immigration, political sociology, linguistic and cultural minorities, social change and post-industrial societies. To read the our full report, visit https://futuringhub.ca/resources/repo... -------- The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Season 4 of "Raising the Conversation" is a mini-season focused on the most recent edition of The Futuring Hub's "Navigation the Future" report and the topic of "Strained Presence". In this episode, host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) has a conversation with Jeff Somers and Carley Lee, both of whom work in communications at Acadia Divinity College. To read the full report, visit https://futuringhub.ca/resources/reports/ -------- The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) in conversation with Rev. Dr.Stephen McMullin. Season 3 of Raising the Conversation is called Tomorrow's Church. Join us as we engage in thoughtful dialogue with a diverse panel of guests and explore the future of the church together. -------- The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) in conversation with Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins (President - Acadia Divinity College, Dean of Theology - Acadia University, Dr. Millard R. Cherry Professor of Theology, Ethics and Culture and Director of Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture) Season 3 of Raising the Conversation is called Tomorrow's Church. Join us as we engage in thoughtful dialogue with a diverse panel of guests and explore the future of the church together. -------- The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) in conversation with John Campbell (Acadia Divinity College). Join us as Joel and John discuss one of the most pertinent topics in ministry and the world, at the moment - Artificial Intelligence (AI). Season 3 of Raising the Conversation is called Tomorrow's Church. Join us as we engage in thoughtful dialogue with a diverse panel of guests and explore the future of the church together. Audio version available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts -------- The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) in conversation with Rev. Dr. Ken Foo (Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec). Season 3 of Raising the Conversation is called Tomorrow's Church. Join us as we engage in thoughtful dialogue with a diverse panel of guests and explore the future of the church together. ----- The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) in conversation with Oliver Locke (Sunny Brae Baptist Church, Moncton, NB). Season 3's conversations took place over the course of the last year. Please note that Oliver has transitioned to a role as Campus Pastor with Sunny Brae Baptist Church in the time since this conversation took place. Season 3 of Raising the Conversation is called Tomorrow's Church. Join us as we engage in thoughtful dialogue with a diverse panel of guests and explore the future of the church together. ----- The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Host Joel Murphy (The Futuring Hub) in conversation with Laura Bennett (Coordinator of Justice and Advocacy, CBAC). Season 3's conversations took place over the course of the last year. Please note that Laura's role with CBAC has since evolved and she is currently focusing primarily in the Justice and Advocacy space. (Take note for context: The reference to OneCon was a reference to the 2024 event.) Season 3 of Raising the Conversation is called Tomorrow's Church. Join us as we engage in thoughtful dialogue with a diverse panel of guests and explore the future of the church together. ------ The Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith & Culture is integral to the work of Acadia Divinity College in preparing Christian leaders to think more deeply on matters of faith and witness. www.macraecentre.ca www.acadiadiv.ca

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee in conversation with Acadia Divinity College President Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner. Season 2 of Raising the Conversation is called Common Ground: Conversations about God. This season is hosted by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, award-winning Canadian musician and Acadia Divinity College student. Measha invites guests from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds with the aim to explore the essence of spirituality and its varied meanings. Her questions delve into the heart of personal beliefs and create a platform for open and respectful dialogue.

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee in conversation with Canadian novelist and poet, Margaret Atwood. Season 2 of Raising the Conversation is called Common Ground: Conversations about God. This season is hosted by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, award-winning Canadian musician and Acadia Divinity College student. Measha invites guests from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds with the aim to explore the essence of spirituality and its varied meanings. Her questions delve into the heart of personal beliefs and create a platform for open and respectful dialogue.

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee in conversation with Canadian actor and singer, and former Chancellor for Trent University, Tom Jackson, and his wife Alison. Season 2 of Raising the Conversation is called Common Ground: Conversations about God. This season is hosted by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, award-winning Canadian musician and Acadia Divinity College student. Measha invites guests from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds with the aim to explore the essence of spirituality and its varied meanings. Her questions delve into the heart of personal beliefs and create a platform for open and respectful dialogue.

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee in conversation with Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Loreena McKennitt. Season 2 of Raising the Conversation is called Common Ground: Conversations about God. This season is hosted by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, award-winning Canadian musician and Acadia Divinity College student. Measha invites guests from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds with the aim to explore the essence of spirituality and its varied meanings. Her questions delve into the heart of personal beliefs and create a platform for open and respectful dialogue.

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee in conversation with her beloved in-laws, Teresa and Joseph Lee. Season 2 of Raising the Conversation is called Common Ground: Conversations about God. This season is hosted by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, award-winning Canadian musician and Acadia Divinity College student. Measha invites guests from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds with the aim to explore the essence of spirituality and its varied meanings. Her questions delve into the heart of personal beliefs and create a platform for open and respectful dialogue.

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee in conversation with Canadian poet, George Elliott Clarke Season 2 of Raising the Conversation is called Common Ground: Conversations about God. This season is hosted by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, award-winning Canadian musician and Acadia Divinity College student. Measha invites guests from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds with the aim to explore the essence of spirituality and its varied meanings. Her questions delve into the heart of personal beliefs and create a platform for open and respectful dialogue.

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee in conversation with Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn. Season 2 of Raising the Conversation is called Common Ground: Conversations about God. This season is hosted by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, award-winning Canadian musician and Acadia Divinity College student. Measha invites guests from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds with the aim to explore the essence of spirituality and its varied meanings. Her questions delve into the heart of personal beliefs and create a platform for open and respectful dialogue.

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee in conversation with Dr. Marion Taylor, Professor of Old Testament at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. Season 2 of Raising the Conversation is called Common Ground: Conversations about God. This season is hosted by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, award-winning Canadian musician and Acadia Divinity College student. Measha invites guests from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds with the aim to explore the essence of spirituality and its varied meanings. Her questions delve into the heart of personal beliefs and create a platform for open and respectful dialogue.

For the final episode of Season 1, we turn the table on Dr. Anna Robbins, and the interviewer gets interviewed.

A conversation with the 2017 Hayward Lecturer, Dr. Oliver O'Donovan.

How do you keep from getting overwhelmed in a time and place of political unrest? We ask Elie Haddad, President of Arab Baptist Seminary in Lebanon.

Who is Nancy Nason-Clark? What drives her? How did she become a leading researcher of domestic violence in religious homes? What has she discovered? Find out all this and more, in Episode 1.

Dr. Anna Robbins interviews The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury to discuss leadership, calling, and hope for the future.