The Alberta Reformer Podcast

In this episode, we revisit a critical analysis of the iGaming Alberta Act. First published in June 2025, this piece offers a timely look at the moral and social costs of the province’s decision to turn online gambling into a primary revenue stream.In this episode:The "Safe Supply" Paradox: Challenging the government’s double standard on the regulation of vice.The Ontario Lesson: Analyzing the data on rising addiction rates in liberalized markets.Biblical Stewardship: Contrasting the "get-rich-quick" allure with the Protestant work ethic (Proverbs 13:11).The State’s Mandate: Examining the government’s duty to protect the vulnerable rather than profiting from their losses.Fuel the Reform:Support our mission to cultivate Christian thought and action by becoming an AR+ Subscriber at albertareformer.ca/subscribe.For the glory of Christ and the good of Alberta.

Is the freedom of the pulpit under threat in Canada?Sign the Statement: https://forms.ottawastatement.ca/In this episode, Jay Hildebrand sits down with Josh Senneker, Director of Public Policy for Alberta Reformer, to discuss the alarming implications of Bill C-9 and the urgent necessity of The Ottawa Statement on Christian Speech.As the federal government introduces legislation that could permit the prosecution of biblical preaching as "hate speech," Alberta Reformer is joining a national coalition of pastors and leaders to draw a line in the sand. We discuss the removal of religious protections, the rise of "activist judges," and why the Lordship of Christ demands a bold, principled response from the church today.In this interview, we cover:* The Bill C-9 Trap: How the removal of the "religious defense" from the Criminal Code puts every faithful pastor at risk.* Sin is Not Hate: Why the declaration of the Gospel—including the reality of sin—is an act of love, not a crime.* Strength in Numbers: The significance of the growing list of signatories standing for the Ottawa Statement.* The Call to Boldness: Why Christians must "obey God rather than man" while remaining above reproach.----------------------------------------🖋️ TAKE ACTION: SIGN THE STATEMENTStand with us and hundreds of other Canadian leaders. Read and sign The Ottawa Statement on Christian Speech here: 👉 https://forms.ottawastatement.ca/Want to hear the rest of the discussion? Get your Alberta Reformer+ subscription today: https://www.albertareformer.ca/subscribeThe extended Q&A covers:* The Barry Neufeld Case: What a $750,000 fine in BC tells us about the future of free speech in Canada.* How do Christians discern between "The Sky Is Falling!" political rhetoric and issues of actual concern?* Is hate speech even a real thing, and should the government be trying to legislate it at all?* And more!

If we were created to work (Part 1), why is it so frustrating (Part 2)? And more importantly—is there any hope?In the finale of our series on work, we move from the Garden and the Fall to the Redemption. We explore how the Gospel doesn’t just offer a ticket to heaven, but empowers us to renew our minds and transform our daily labor right here in Alberta.Whether you are in the trades, the office, or the home, this episode is about seeing your daily tasks through the lens of a new creation.Read the full article: https://www.albertareformer.ca/work_restored_how_the_gospel_transforms_our_daily_grindSupport Alberta Reformer: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/alberta-reformerCultivating Christian thought and action for the good of Alberta and the glory of Christ’s name.

Ever feel like your work is just a battle against "weeds"—whether they are literal weeds in a field or the metaphorical weeds of office politics and red tape? You aren't alone. This week, we discuss why work feels like a "struggle and a toil." We look at the very real frustrations of the daily grind through the lens of Scripture, identifying how Adam’s rebellion continues to affect everything from our productivity to our politics. It’s a sobering look at the "vanity" of work under the sun, setting the stage for the hope found only in the Gospel.

What are we supposed to do with our 9-to-5? For many Albertans, the workplace is becoming an increasingly complex environment to navigate. In this episode, we take it back to the beginning. We dive into the Scriptures to see how our vocations—from parenting to law—are meant to make life thrive in the communities God has placed us in. Tune in to discover how to work "heartily unto the Lord" and guard your sphere of responsibility for the glory of Christ and the good of our province.

In the wake of the Bondi Beach attack, the world debates gun laws while ignoring the root of the issue. Pastor Tim Stephens examines the theological reality of Islam, the true nature of "radical" Christianity, and how the Gospel offers the only real hope for a violent world.Read the full article at albertareformer.caNotesQur’an translations from https://quran.com/at-tawbah?translations=131%2C22 (A. Yusuf Ali translation).See also Surah 2:191–193; 4:89;  8:12; 8:39; 47:4; 66:9. Of course, there are other texts in the Hadith beyond these passages in the Qur’an that speak of violence towards others.The Qur’an describes paradise with rewards including beautiful, pure virgins described as untouched beings with features like large eyes and full breasts (Surahs 44:54, 55:56–74, 56:22–37, 78:33). Groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS promised 72 of these virgins for those who died in holy war based on texts in the Hadith (traditional sayings of Muhammad).On equipping Christians to reach their Muslim neighbours for Christ: On December 14th, 2025, preaching on Isaiah 9:6 where Jesus is said to be the “Mighty God,” Tim preached at length, defending the deity of Christ and helping believers to reach their Muslim neighbours for Christ.Support our mission to cultivate Christian thought and action in Alberta at albertareformer.ca.

As "Medical Assistance in Dying" (MAiD) becomes a clinical default in Alberta, how should Christians respond? This episode explores the subtle pressures facing elderly believers to "step aside" and offers a biblically faithful vision for life, frailty, and the sanctity of the human person. Join us as we discuss how to protect and value our elderly saints in a "bloated and broken" system.Support our mission to cultivate Christian thought and action in Alberta at albertareformer.ca.

We often talk about the big cultural issues, but what about the culture of our own hearts during an Alberta winter? It is easy to complain about the next six months as a burden, but Scripture calls us to a higher standard.Listen to our latest article by Sean McCausland, and be reminded that reform starts in our own hearts.

A Federal Court strikes down Alberta law. The Premier plans to use the Notwithstanding Clause. This political clash is a real-time test of the "Lesser Magistrate" doctrine.Join us for an audio reading of Brad Donovan's article, "On the Lesser Magistrate," which explores the biblical and historical duty of a lesser authority—like a Premier—to resist a greater authority when righteousness is on the line.

Join us for a reading of Clint Humfrey's article that tells the story of Rundle's eight years of challenging itinerant ministry to the Cree and Blackfoot peoples in Western Canada (1840-1848). Though viewed as poorly suited for frontier life, his earnest desire to see sinners saved led to mid-19th century conversions among Indigenous communities, an enduring testimony to a simple Gospel preacher.All quotations are taken from The Rundle journals, 1840–1848, intro. G. M. Hutchinson, ed. H. A. Dempsey (Calgary, 1977).

Is faithful citizenship optional for the Christian? Not a chance.This podcast argues that our earthly citizenship is a gift given to us by God, and He commands a return on that investment. Calen Warkentin explains that God does not want us to bury this gift. Instead, he lays out the mandate for Christians to faithfully apply God's Word in their everyday lives, stewarding our earthly citizenship for His glory and the spread of the gospel.

To understand Alberta, you need to understand its Christian roots. Jay Hildebrand is joined by Dr. Michael Wagner to discuss the powerful intersection of faith and politics in our province. They explore how the evangelical movement shaped Alberta's conservative landscape and what that means for Christians seeking to faithfully engage in civic life today. This is a crucial conversation for anyone committed to cultivating Christian thought and action for the good of Alberta.---For the Full Video and Exclusive Q&A subscribe to Alberta Reformer+https://www.albertareformer.ca/subscribeMentioned On the Show/Additional Resources:God's Province: Evangelical Christianity, Political Thought, and Conservatism in AlbertaStanding On Guard For Thee by Michael WagnerPrairie Lion: The Life and Times of Ted ByfieldBest Place To Find Michael's Books

Explore how evangelical Christianity has shaped Alberta's political landscape, influencing its conservative roots through key figures like Henry Wisewood and William Abrehart.

About the EpisodeThis article explores the longing for a perfect society, how non-Christians idolize government, and the necessity of Christian voices in politics. Senneker argues that while civil government is a good gift from God, it must be oriented towards true righteousness.Explore MoreRead the ArticleNewsletter SignupAlberta Reformer+

In a culture that seems to be changing at an alarming rate, many are asking how we got here, and what should we do now. This episode provides a biblical diagnosis for our society's moral decline, arguing that the root cause is spiritual: a rejection of God Himself. We introduce the mission of Alberta Reformer, an initiative designed to equip the church and mobilize Christians for a ripple effect of cultural renewal.

In this conversation from last fall, Jay Hildebrand, Executive Director, and Clint Humfrey, Director of Christian Thought, discussed the founding vision and mission of Alberta Reformer and the upcoming launch of our journal, which launched last January. Learn about: The need for Christian thought and action in Alberta How Alberta Reformer will equip Christians to engage in the public square The launch of the Alberta Reformer Journal The importance of a Christian worldview in all areas of life Alberta Reformer seeks to equip Christians to navigate and address cultural and political issues in Alberta through thoughtful articles, resources, and community.

Dr. Michael Wagner joins us to discuss his latest book and its practical relevance for Christians in Alberta today.In this interview, author of "Canada: Standing on Guard for Thee," Dr. Wagner shares what led to the writing of the book and this newest edition. We also explore:The historical role of Christianity in shaping Canada's values.A turning point in Canadian history and its impact on morality.Why a Christian worldview matters in public life.How past generations of Christians can inspire us today.