The Healthy Christian Leader

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Harry Gardner sits down with longtime pastor and leader Larry Levy, lead pastor of Halifax Metro Vineyard, for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation on spiritual formation, leadership, and legacy.

With nearly three decades of pastoral leadership, Larry reflects on his current season of transition as he prepares to hand off lead leadership while continuing to invest in leadership development and global missions, particularly in Eastern Africa. Together, Harry and Larry explore the spiritual disciplines that have sustained a...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Dr. Harry Gardner—pastor, former denominational leader, and longtime president of Acadia Divinity College—to explore the spiritual practices that have sustained him over 50 years of ministry.

Harry shares how prayer, reflective journaling, worship, forgiveness, and intentionally noticing God’s activity (“I Spy God”) have shaped his walk with Christ. He unpacks how our personalities influence the spiritual disciplines we’re naturally drawn toward, and why every Christian—no matter how they’re wired—still shares core practices like prayer, Scripture, humility, and forgiveness.

The conversat...

In this rich and heartfelt episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Dr. Harry Gardner—long-time pastor, denominational leader, former president of Acadia Divinity College, and mentor to leaders across Canada. With over 40 years of ministry experience, Harry shares deeply from his journey of remaining spiritually fresh, emotionally grounded, and committed to God’s call through every season.

Harry reflects on the unexpected pathways of his ministry, the importance of prayer, Scripture, and spiritual friendships, and the vital truth that every leader is joined not only to Christ but to His body. He open...

Jay Guptill shares insights on recognizing and recovering from burnout in ministry. He discusses practical steps for restoration, the roles of counseling and coaching, and the importance of physical, emotional, and spiritual self-care. This episode also highlights how church boards can support leaders and foster a culture of rest and renewal.

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In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermel sits down with Jay Guptill, a pastor with over 40 years of experience, to explore the importance of preventative care for leaders. They dive into habits and practices that help leaders flourish emotionally, spiritually, and relationally, emphasizing intentionality, self-care, and the foundation of identity in Christ.

Jay shares insights on common barriers leaders face when seeking support, including pride, financial constraints, and fear of vulnerability, and offers practical guidance on finding trustworthy mentors or coaches. They discuss the significance of daily and weekly habits such as...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Dr. Danny Smith, longtime pastor of Middleton Baptist Church in Nova Scotia. Together, they explore the joys and challenges of raising children while navigating the demands of ministry. Danny shares candid reflections from over two decades of pastoral leadership and parenting—from finding balance, managing expectations, and handling transitions, to creating healthy boundaries and cultivating a home filled with grace.

He opens up about intentional decisions he and his wife, Lisa, made as their children grew, the importance of allowing kids to discover thei...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl continues his conversation with Dr. Laurel Buckingham, longtime pastor of Moncton Wesleyan Church and founder of the Buckingham Leadership Institute. Now in his eighties, Dr. Buckingham shares his passion for mentoring leaders across denominations and generations, emphasizing the unity that comes from centering on the Lordship of Christ. He reflects on lessons learned from decades of mentoring, the importance of community and “mentoring constellations,” and how both older and younger leaders can learn from one another. Filled with wisdom, humility, and hope, this conversation offers a compelling vision for king...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Dr. Laurel Buckingham, longtime pastor of Moncton Wesleyan Church in New Brunswick, to reflect on more than four decades of faithful leadership in one community. Laurel shares how a clear vision of kingdom impact, steady spiritual rhythms, and a lifelong commitment to learning kept him rooted and refreshed through seasons of change and challenge. With warmth and wisdom, he offers practical insights on perseverance, discerning God’s timing, and the enduring significance of the local church.

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Aaron Ministries has the vision to see Healthy Leaders leading Healthy Churches that transform communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Resourcing Pastors and Christian Leaders through the Healthy Christian Leaders Podcast is one way that we strive to do this. 

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, host Dwight Habermehl talks with John Campbell, Director of Development and Technology for Education at Acadia Divinity College, about the ethical and practical challenges of using AI in ministry. Drawing on his background in both IT and pastoral work, John shares how pastors can use AI wisely while m...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, host Dwight Habermehl talks with John Campbell from Acadia Divinity College about the world of artificial intelligence and its growing impact on pastoral ministry. John shares how his background in technology and ministry has helped him see AI as both a challenge and a powerful tool for the church. Together, they explore how pastors can use AI for sermon preparation, research, translation, and administrative support—especially in smaller churches—while also setting clear ethical boundaries and maintaining authenticity in ministry. From real-time translation that bridges language barriers to AI-assisted devotionals, this conv...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl welcomes back Rev. Dr. Peter Lohnes, Senior Pastor at Grace Memorial Baptist in Fredericton, to talk about leading with grace during change and uncertainty. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Peter reflects on what it means to lead with confidence and compassion when facing disruption—whether in the church, workplace, or personal life. Together, Dwight and Peter discuss lessons from the COVID season, how to foster peace and spiritual confidence amid confusion, and how leaders can shepherd their teams and congregations through times of...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl talks with Rev. Dr. Peter Lohnes, Senior Pastor at Grace Memorial Baptist in Fredericton, about how pastors and ministry leaders can navigate healthy transitions. Drawing from nearly four decades in ministry and his doctoral research titled Leading While Leaving, Peter shares wisdom on discerning when it’s time to move on, processing the emotions of change, and helping congregations grieve and prepare for what’s next. He highlights the importance of honesty, grace, and intentional leadership through seasons of transition, as well as the...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Rob Laidlaw, pastor and author of Demystifying Deliverance, to explore the challenging and often misunderstood topic of discerning evil spirits. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in freedom ministry, Rob shares practical insights for identifying spiritual strongholds, differentiating between psychological issues and spiritual influence, and addressing them through discipleship and the authority of Jesus Christ. Listeners will learn about common warning signs, subtle and overt manifestations, and the importance of guiding individuals toward truth and trust in God rather than focusing solely on deliverance. Rob em...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Rob Laidlaw, author of Demystifying Deliverance, to explore the connection between deliverance and discipleship. Rob explains that deliverance is not just about removing an evil spirit—it’s about addressing the deeper spiritual issues and distrust in God that allow such influences to take hold. They discuss how idols, lies, and unmet desires can distort our faith, leading us to seek “Jesus plus something” instead of trusting God fully. Rob shares practical insights on identifying lies we believe about ourselves and God, breaking free from them, and...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl continues the conversation with Pastor and author Rob Laidlaw on the theme of Demystifying Deliverance. Rob shares how his own ministry journey led him into 20 years of learning and experience in helping people find freedom in Christ. Together, Dwight and Rob explore key questions about spiritual bondage and freedom—such as whether a believer can be affected by evil spirits, how points of access form in a person’s life, and why truth encounters are often more effective than simple power confrontations. Rob emphasizes that deliverance is not about fear...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Pastor and author Rob Laidlaw to talk about his new book Demystifying Deliverance. Rob shares insights from over 20 years of ministry in church planting and helping people find freedom in Christ. Together, they explore what it means to be made in the image of God, how humanity lost its role as God’s representative rulers, and how Jesus restores us to that identity through the cross. The conversation highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, why many churches shy away from the topic, and how leaders can...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Pastor Sweis Ubels from Middleton, Nova Scotia. Sweis shares his experiences leading Emmanuel Church, a diverse and “Messy Church” community, where people from all walks of life—ranging in age, background, and abilities—come together. He discusses the challenges and joys of leading compassionate discipleship in a diverse setting, fostering authentic relationships, and encouraging meaningful engagement across the church. Through practical examples, from small group discipleship to community events like weddings and meal programs, Sweis demonstrates how faithfulness, love, and collaboration with other churches can transform...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with Pastor Sweis Ubels from Middleton, Nova Scotia. Sweis shares his remarkable journey from growing up as a pastor’s kid in the Netherlands, to farming in Alberta, and eventually being called into pastoral ministry. He opens up about his unexpected stage 4 cancer diagnosis, the challenges of leading through suffering, and how vulnerability, community, and prayer have carried him through. Together, Dwight and Sweis reflect on choosing faith over fear, the role of joy and worship in difficult seasons, and the power of unity in the...

Aaron Ministries has the vision to see Healthy Leaders leading Healthy Churches that transform communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Resourcing Pastors and Christian Leaders through the Healthy Christian Leaders Podcast is one way that we strive to do this. 

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec and author of Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things After Death and Loss. Together, they explore pastoral care strategies for grief and loss, focusing on how...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with Leanne Friesen, Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec. Leanne shares her journey from Newfoundland to ministry leadership, the impact of losing her sister to cancer, and how grief has shaped both her life and her new book Grieving Room. Together, they explore what it means for pastors to stay spiritually healthy while grieving, how to set limits in ministry, and how God meets us in silence and sorrow. This conversation is full of honesty, wisdom, and encouragement for leaders na...

In this inspiring episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl welcomes Jesiel Falcao — civil engineer, minister of the gospel, and missionary from Brazil to Canada. Jesiel shares his remarkable journey from working alongside his father as a boy in Brazil’s construction industry, to leading large-scale infrastructure projects, and to building congregations in Canada.

Drawing from decades in both marketplace and ministry leadership, Jesiel offers practical wisdom on bringing integrity and “kingdom culture” into professional settings, navigating challenges when workplace values clash with biblical convictions, and creating a culture of respect, excellence, and care without...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with Jesiel Falcao, a civil engineer from Brazil who followed God’s call to Canada for cross-cultural ministry. Jesiel shares how a vision from his wife sparked years of prayer, ultimately leading their family to Halifax with no connections, little English, and a willingness to serve wherever God opened the door. The conversation explores the challenges and blessings of adapting to a new culture, integrating into a Canadian church, and navigating the “honeymoon” and “pressure” stages of immigration. Jesiel recounts how a small Brazilian Bible study...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl welcomes returning guest Reid Stairs for an honest conversation about rediscovering the joy of serving God’s people. A self-described “deeply committed introvert,” Reid shares how he moved from struggling to enjoy people to delighting in them after decades of ministry. Together, they explore why leaders can lose their joy, the importance of seeing others through God’s eyes, letting the Word and Spirit do the work, guarding against cynicism and burnout, and the value of rest and encouragement. Through Scripture, real-life stories, and prac...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Reid Stairs, a seasoned pastor with over 45 years of ministry experience. Together, they explore the importance of cultivating joy in leadership, how to avoid becoming bitter with age, and practical ways to “waste time with Jesus” to stay refreshed. Reid shares insights on leading from delight rather than duty, finding God’s presence in creation, and the ripple effect joy has on teams and congregations. This conversation is an encouraging reminder that the joy of the Lord truly is our strength.

In today's episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Dwight Habermehl sits down with Chris Ivany, lead pastor at The Rock Church, about leading with vision, values, and a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. Chris shares how The Rock has become a presence-centered church, committed to prayer, generosity, and serving the community.

They talk about honouring the past while stepping into new opportunities across Halifax and beyond—trusting that as they reach the province, God will continue to bless the city. Chris also offers practical wisdom for pastors entering new communities: start with prayer and partner with ot...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Pastor Chris Ivany, lead pastor of Rock Church in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, shares his journey from growing up in the church to stepping into leadership just before the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflects on the church’s rich history, beginning in Beaver Bank, and the early days marked by a powerful move of God. Pastor Chris opens up about the challenges of leading through difficult, “slogging” seasons, the generational impact of long-term faithfulness, and how the pandemic became a catalyst for renewed vision and growth. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the import...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Rachel Habermehl welcomes Dr. Terry Branscombe from Long Island to explore the vital role of clear communication in effective leadership. Drawing from personal experiences in ministry and leadership, Branscombe shares insights on the importance of emotional security, vulnerability, and integrity for leaders. Together, they reflect on biblical examples such as Moses and Aaron, highlighting how great leaders recognize their weaknesses, delegate wisely, and invite others into shaping the vision.

Branscombe emphasizes that leadership requires courage — the willingness to step into the unknown, be honest about limitations, and em...

Rachel Habermehl sits down with Dr. Terry Branscombe, CEO of Inspire FM, to discuss the power of communication in leadership. Terry shares personal stories and insights from his ministry journey, highlighting the importance of clear, intentional communication and aligning actions with words. Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ example as a leader and communicator, they explore how leaders can effectively inspire trust, hope, and vision in their communities.

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with long-time friend and ministry leader Larry Levy for a powerful conversation on the importance of fellowship and camaraderie among Christian leaders. 

Together, they reflect on the loneliness that often accompanies leadership, particularly in pastoral roles, and the deep need for authentic connection. Larry shares how investing in relationships with other leaders—what he calls “fellow soldiers in arms”—has been vital to his spiritual health, longevity in ministry, and personal growth. They discuss the shift from surface-level ministerial gatherings to meaningful, heart-level friendships that sustai...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl sits down with long-time friend and ministry leader Larry Levy for a powerful conversation about the role of prayer, obedience, and prophetic ministry in a leader’s life.

Larry shares his journey from the small coastal communities of Nova Scotia to becoming a leader who has helped shape a culture of intercession and spiritual discernment across the province. With humility and conviction, he reflects on the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit, obeying God’s leading even when it’s costly, and creating space for the prop...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Rachel sits down with Dr. Richard MacGillivray to continue their conversation on leadership—this time focusing on team dynamics. They unpack what it means for a team to grow in maturity, how to navigate disagreement in healthy ways, and how conflict, when handled well, can actually strengthen your team. Whether you're leading in ministry, business, or your community, this episode offers practical insights to help you lead more effectively.

In today’s episode, Rachel sits down with Dr. Richard MacGillivray, a retired psychologist with over 40 years of experience in leadership development and mental health. Together, they dive deep into what it truly means to be a healthy and effective leader in today’s complex world. Dr. MacGillivray shares insights on balancing agentic leadership—being decisive and goal-oriented—with communal leadership, which emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and building strong relationships. They discuss practical strategies leaders can use to build trust within their teams, foster open communication, and navigate conflicts with grace and wisdom. Throughout the conversation, Rachel and Dr. MacGillivray highligh...

In this episode, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Tim Dickau, a well-known pastor and author with a rich history of pioneering church movements and fostering community engagement. Tim shares insights from his decades of ministry experience, focusing on how churches can shift from traditional models to becoming living communities deeply connected to their neighborhoods.

Tim discusses the power of incarnational ministry—being present with people in everyday life—and how this shapes authentic faith communities. He highlights innovative approaches like community meals, social enterprises, and creative arts programs that break down barriers and invite meaningful participation.

A...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with Vancouver-based pastor, educator, and urban ministry leader Tim Dickau for a deep dive into how local churches can become agents of transformation in their neighborhoods.

Tim shares his 30-year journey revitalizing Grandview Church by reconnecting it with the surrounding community. What started as a short-term neighborhood engagement project grew into a vibrant movement of mission, justice, and economic development. He recounts practical stories—from forming parent groups and supporting refugee families, to launching social enterprises like Just Work, a...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, we’re joined by Spencer Conway from The Rock Church in Halifax. Spencer shares insight into the real challenges young leaders face in ministry today—and how developing resilience is key to navigating them. We unpack what resilience truly means, how it connects with spiritual growth and the fruit of the Spirit, and why both grit and emotional awareness are essential for leadership in this generation. It’s a timely conversation about embracing trials, staying faithful through hardship, and learning from each other across generati...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, we’re diving into a crucial conversation about why so many young people feel disconnected from the church. We talk openly about the cultural shifts of the past decade, the hunger for authenticity, and how the church can respond with grace instead of judgment.

This generation isn’t drawn to hype or perfection—they’re looking for something real. In this candid discussion, we explore what it looks like to build a faith community where doubt is welcomed, questions are encouraged, and the gospel s...

In today’s episode of The Healthy Christian Leader show, today’s host, Rachel, welcomes Dr. Richard MacGillivray to discuss the pivotal role of leaders in conflict resolution within organizations.

Dr. MacGillivray emphasizes that effective leadership requires thinking systemically and prioritizing the collective goals of the organization over personal agendas. He highlights the importance of leaders setting the tone for conflict management by fostering open communication, understanding the interdependence of team members, and utilizing the unique talents within the organization.

The conversation also explores the balance leaders must maintain between adhering to policies and engaging pers...

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable—but how we handle it can determine the health of an organization. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard MacGillivray, a retired psychologist with over 40 years of experience, to explore the deeper dynamics of workplace conflict. Drawing from his background in clinical and community psychology, Dr. MacGillivray shares key insights on the root causes of conflict, common communication breakdowns, and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of resolution rather than division.

We also discuss the impact of decision fatigue on leaders, the importance of emotional intelligence in ma...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, we’re joined by Reid Stairs, a seasoned pastor with over forty years of ministry experience. Coming from a legacy of pastors, Reid has been a close friend of the Aaron Ministry Network since its inception. Together, we discuss the vital topic of leadership and identity—emphasizing the importance of grounding our identity in Christ rather than external circumstances. Reid shares insights on how leaders can stay secure in their identity in Christ, even amid the challenges they face. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership and faith.

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with seasoned pastor Reid Stairs to unpack the true meaning of a fruitful ministry. With over 45 years in ministry and six generations of pastors in his family, Reid shares powerful insights on leading from a place of rest, abiding in Christ, and the difference between success and fruitfulness. They dive deep into the role of the Holy Spirit, the unseen impact of faithfulness, and why true kingdom growth often takes root long before it's visible. If you're a leader feeling the weight of ministry, this conversation...

In this episode, host Dwight Habermehl speaks with Seth Fancy, a pastor at King’s Church in Halifax, about truly understanding and experiencing God’s love. Seth shares his personal journey, including how he encountered God’s love in a profound way after losing his mother at a young age.

The conversation explores how Christian leaders must not only know about God’s love but experience it deeply. Seth explains that leaders who are rooted in God’s love serve with humility, rather than striving for approval or achievement. He highlights Jesus’ baptism as an exampl...

In this episode, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with Pastor Seth Fancy of King’s Church in Halifax to discuss the journey of discovering and stewarding one's calling. They explore the difference between the general calling of all believers and the unique vocational callings God places on individuals. Seth shares insights from his personal experience growing up in a pastor’s home, entering ministry, and learning to follow God’s voice in every aspect of life. This conversation encourages leaders to embrace their calling, whether in ministry, business, or everyday roles, and to see their identity rooted in Christ rather...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, Dwight Habermehl welcomes Willy Reimer, a leader with deep experience in church planting, denominational leadership, and marketplace ministry. Willy shares his journey from business aspirations to full-time ministry, emphasizing how generosity is not just about finances but a mindset rooted in obedience to God. The discussion explores the importance of stewardship, how generosity reflects God's heart, and the impact of putting God's agenda before our own. Willy shares personal stories of faith, provision, and the transformational power of giving beyond ourselves. This episode will challenge and inspire leaders to embrace generosity...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl welcomes Willy Reimer, an experienced leader who has served in various pastoral, denominational, and catalytic leadership roles across Canada. With a deep passion for fostering unity among church leaders, Willie shares his thoughts on the power of collaboration in the Christian community, particularly in the wake of the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Throughout the conversation, Willy emphasizes the importance of collective impact—coming together to address complex and pressing issues facing churches today. He explores how church leaders can work together across denominations and networks to...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with long-time Halifax community leader Bruce Havill to explore the powerful role of vulnerability in Christian leadership. Bruce, drawing from decades of personal and ministry experience, shares how embracing his true self before God has enabled him to build authentic, trusting relationships in both the marketplace and ministry. He illustrates that genuine vulnerability isn’t about oversharing, but about being honest, transparent, and approachable—qualities that allow others to feel safe in opening up about their own struggles.

Throughout the conversation, Bruce and Dwig...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with longtime friend and business leader Bruce Havill. Bruce, a seasoned entrepreneur and encourager in the body of Christ, shares his journey of faith, leadership, and resilience in the marketplace and ministry.

Bruce reflects on his 50 years in business, his time as an elder at Grace Chapel, and his experience running a commercial cleaning company. He discusses how he navigated seasons of uncertainty, including stepping out in faith to start his own business in the midst of a recession. Bruce opens up about...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl speaks with Jake Chitouras, a young leader who has navigated significant personal and professional transitions in ministry and life. Jake shares his journey, beginning as an associate pastor at Colby Community Church in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, before stepping into the lead pastor role in 2013.

Jake reflects on the challenges of balancing ministry responsibilities and personal growth, particularly the pressure to prove himself and the impact it had on his well-being. He acknowledges his early struggles with fear, people-pleasing, and overwork, and emphasizes the importance of...

In today’s episode, we discuss the journey of faith, likening it to weight training and David’s progression from facing a lion to defeating Goliath. Faith grows as we take small steps of obedience, trusting God to lead us into bigger challenges. AJ shares how God speaks uniquely to each of us and how the Word helps us recognize His voice and character. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trusting God’s timing and direction, turning fear into excitement for the adventure He calls us to.

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl sits down with Dr. Alistair Petrie, an international speaker and academic, to discuss mentorship in leadership and ministry. Dr. Petrie shares his wealth of experience in leading transformation in communities globally, including through Zoom and live streaming, especially in challenging areas like Eastern Europe. He reflects on the evolution of his ministry and the deep shifts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how it allowed him to reach more people in new ways.

The conversation dives into the significance of mentorship, with Dr. Petrie sharing...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl is joined by Father James Mallon, a leader with vast experience in church renewal and leadership. With over 20 years of ministry experience, Father Mallon brings valuable insights on leadership, transformation, and facing opposition in ministry.

The conversation dives deep into the spiritual challenges of church renewal—particularly transitioning from maintenance to mission-focused ministry. Father Mallon emphasizes the inevitable spiritual battle leaders face, as the enemy sows confusion and opposition in the same field where the church seeks to grow and serve. He discusses the importance of sp...

In today’s episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with Father James Mallon to discuss the challenges and strategies of leadership in the church. Building on their previous conversation about handling criticism, they focus on proactive steps church leaders can take to lead effectively and minimize unhealthy criticism.

Father Mallon emphasizes the importance of vision and how it must be deeply ingrained in both the leader and the congregation. He shares insights on how to communicate vision clearly, not just through preaching but by creating experiences that allow people to engage wi...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl sits down with Rob Laidlaw, a pastor, to discuss a vital but often overlooked topic in leadership health: pride. They explore how pride distorts our understanding of who we are, both in our relationship with God and in how we interact with others. Rob emphasizes that pride manifests not only as overconfidence but also in low self-worth, both stemming from deep insecurity and fear. They discuss how pride can damage relationships, both in the form of people-pleasing and aggressive behavior, and how it hinders authentic love and...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl engages in a profound conversation with Pastor Rob about the spiritual dysfunction caused by pride. The discussion explores how pride distorts our view of God by encouraging self-reliance and rejecting God's authority. Rob explains that pride, at its core, is a desire to define oneself apart from God, which leads to an inflated sense of self-worth and autonomy, often manifesting as arrogance.

The conversation highlights how pride's ultimate goal is not merely to be like God, but to take His place. Rob traces this back to...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl speaks with Dr. John Roddam, an Anglican priest and leader passionate about renewal and revival. Dr. Rodham shares his journey of discovering a deeper relationship with God and the Holy Spirit, beginning in his first parish in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Through challenges, failures, and mentorship, he learned to embrace God’s presence in church leadership, moving beyond structured worship to create space for the Holy Spirit.

He reflects on how encountering God’s presence transformed both his leadership and his personal health, and emphasizes the impo...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leaders Show, host Dwight interviews Reid Stairs, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of ministry experience. Reid shares his journey of embracing God's grace, reflecting on how it has shaped his leadership and personal walk with Christ. He discusses the profound, multifaceted nature of grace, comparing it to a kaleidoscope and highlighting how it transforms lives. Reid emphasizes that grace is not about performance or earning God's favor but about accepting His unconditional love and forgiveness. Drawing from biblical stories like the Prodigal Son and the Parable of the Vineyard Workers, Reid...

In this episode, Dwight welcomes AJ Thomas, a seasoned leader with deep roots in ministry, to share his journey of faith, leadership, and personal transformation. AJ, who grew up as a pastor's kid, has experienced a remarkable evolution from his childhood in Sussex, New Brunswick, to leading churches in Halifax and Bangor, Maine. With a strong foundation in ministry, AJ discusses the importance of forging a relationship with Christ and how God has worked through his life to shape his leadership.

AJ opens up about his formative years, the lessons learned from his parents' role as cycle...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader, we chat with Julia, the new director of East Coast Bible College, about her unexpected journey into ministry. Starting out in education, she was redirected to children’s ministry, where she served for over 30 years. Julia discusses how her passion for teaching and her calling in ministry evolved, as well as the importance of trusting God’s plan, even when it’s unclear. She also reflects on balancing family life with ministry and the support of her loved ones in her leadership journey. Julia’s story is a powerful reminder to trust in...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl speaks with Jay Guptill, a pastor with 40 years of experience in ministry. Jay shares insights into the emotional challenges church leaders face, especially the toll that emotional investment in others can have on a leader’s well-being.

Jay discusses the importance of self-awareness, recognizing how different personalities (introverts vs. extroverts) recharge, and the need for leaders to understand their own emotional needs. He emphasizes that pastors often overextend themselves due to a tendency to please others or take on too much responsibility, which can lead to bu...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, host Dwight Habermehl engages in a powerful conversation with Dr. Alistair Petrie, an international speaker and academic specializing in community transformation and land stewardship. Dr. Petrie shares his 35-40 years of experience, including his involvement in the Sentinel Group’s groundbreaking research on global community transformation through prayer.

The discussion delves into the personal journey of faith for both Dwight and Alistair, touching on the transition from church-based understanding of God to a personal, intimate relationship with Christ. Dr. Petrie recounts his own powerful encounter with God that sh...

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight Habermehl welcomes Jack Betteridge, a former IBM leader who transitioned into ministry and now works with Habermehl Contracting. Jack shares his journey from a thriving corporate career, including roles in programming, management, and Lean Six Sigma consultation, to becoming a devoted disciple of Christ later in life.

The conversation explores Jack’s personal transformation, the challenges of living out discipleship in a modern, corporate world, and how his faith shaped priorities like family, work, and service. He reflects on the misconceptions about discipleship, emphasizing the importance of at...

Dr. Brian Knappett discusses Naturopathic medicine and how it can help compliment traditional medicine in maintaining our bodies health & wellness.

Alistair discusses how we can be better aware of our own spiritual pitfalls, staying connected to God, & navigating the times we find ourselves in.

Ben discusses his background in journalism and how that shaped his academic journey in theology. He also talks about the importance of learning to communicate Biblical principles in a language that is understandable to this generation.

John shares from his journey through  ministry, and some of the keys to understanding God and our relation to Him.

Tim talks about how interconnected the body is, and how we can find ways to boost our mental & physical health, sometimes in small ways that fit our busy schedule.

Dr. Harry talks spiritual formation, being grounded in Jesus and how to grow as a leader.

Danny talks about his experience leading a church in a small town in Middleton, Nova Scotia. The importance of staying connected in community and not doing leadership alone.

Find a Well Group to connect into: https://aaronministries.com/thewell/

Tim shares on the importance of not just prioritizing caring for our spirit but also our bodies and how everything is interconnected.

Tim is a part of Care Impact and you can check out their podcast "Journey with Care"
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/journey-with-care/id1620772767

Check out Allan's book, The Beautiful Strokes of God:
https://www.amazon.ca/Beautiful-Strokes-God-Illness-Healing/dp/1947153161

Allan shares his journey through trauma, burnout, and suffering a stroke, and the healing journey he went on in recovering.

Dr. Harry Gardner discusses the importance of learning who you are as an individual, as well as bringing a community of others around you to grow and strengthen as a leader.

Dr. Danny Smith discussing the conflict we inevitably face in leadership within the church and Christian circles, he breaks down practical lessons he's learned in dealing with and healing from hurt and conflict in leadership.

Rob Laidlaw talks about misconceptions we often have with what it means to forgive and hold judgment. He talks practical steps we can take and also challenges our perspective of how we view forgiveness.

Find Rob's book, ReThinking Forgiveness on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.ca/ReThinking-Forgiveness-different-perspective-relationships/dp/B0942DW3DR

Visit Rob's Website for more resources:
https://strategicdiscipleship.com/

Dr. Cheryl Ann Beals discusses how life has difficulties whether we like it or not, and it's not a question of if we struggles, but how do we struggle well?

Carolyn Watts shares her experience with working in an intense environments as a doctor in Afghanistan and how the effects of that experience, changed what her plan for life looked like. She discusses learning to find peace, amidst life not turning out how she expected.

Kristen discusses her spiritual journey and faith in God while journeying through life.

Dr. Cheryl Ann discusses how we lead while still having vulnerabilities, and how we can walk with Jesus as a friend. She also discusses how we as leaders can express vulnerability to others in the appropriate ways.

Father James discusses the importance of a living church and not becoming stagnant. He also talks about how being well rounded as a leader is a myth, and that each leader has unique strengths and weaknesses.

Kristen Habermehl shares from her journey and how God has miraculously provided all that was required throughout her life, and how she's learned to trust God through that.

Dr. Robert Knowles discusses some of the pitfalls of ministry leaders face, and how we can position ourselves to better avoid them. He also talks about finding our identity in the right place, and not to get it confused with our calling.

James discusses unity between catholic & protestant traditions and how we can be unified under the banner of Jesus Christ. 

Mark discusses working together in our communities across denominations, as well as working towards God's vision rather than our own personal vision. 

Chris Ivany discussing how we can have courage to manage conflict in love, as well as how we can approach conflict always with the other person's best interests at heart.

In this episode Jay discusses how pornography can cause difficulty & pain in a leader's life and some practical ways you can deal with the habit. A few resources are linked below that he discusses in the episode, including his counselling ministry Made for More.

Made for More Ministries - http://madeformoreministries.ca/
Deep Clean - https://www.sathiyasam.com/
Barna - https://www.barna.com/the-porn-phenomenon/#
Secret Habit - https://secrethabit.ca/  

Chris Ivany talks about his experiences with the importance of scripture and provides some practical ways we can incorporate it as a core part of our daily lives as leaders.

Jay Guptill talks about dealing with metal wellbeing, getting help, and how we can stay focused and balanced as leaders.

Garth Williams discusses some of the natural pitfalls that exist in modern day ministry and how we can avoid falling into workaholism, as well as the dangers that kind of unbalance presents.

Reid Stairs discusses the difference between a performance-based & grace-based ministry, and how we can learn to lead from a place of grace we have for ourselves and everyone around us.

Shaila Visser discusses her role in Alpha, what evangelism looks like through listening to the voice of God.

Kathy discusses her role with Alpha Canada as the prayer coordinator and shares some valuable insights on how we can create better habits and patterns with prayer.

Brent discusses the challenging situations that brought him into pastoring and learning to lead when it's difficult.

Chad Clements talks about some of the unique challenges facing rural church ministry, as well as how we can process burnout and hardship.

Esther discusses leadership, influence, character, and how to grow in influence without a title or position.

Dwight sits down with a friend of 30+ years, Dr. Rob Foster, as they discuss encouraging leaders and how Rob created a retreat for leaders to disconnect, reflect, and connect with God.

In this episode of The Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight has a conversation with Dr. Anna Robbins, president of Acadia Divinity College on what it looks like to lead in changing time and how we can navigate polarization.

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight sits down with Reid Stairs who has pastored for many decades. Together, they explore topics related to spiritual disciplines, rest, and leading from a healthy place.

Aaron Ministries has the vision to see Healthy Leaders leading Healthy Churches that transform communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Resourcing Pastors and Christian Leaders through the Healthy Christian Leaders Podcast is one way that we strive to do this. 

Check out our website, podcast and more here: 
https://linktr.ee/aaronministriesnetwork

Donate to our mi...

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight sits down to talk with Reid Stairs, who pastored for many decades. Together, they explore topics related to family, ministry, and navigating difficulty and suffering. 

Aaron Ministries has the vision to see Healthy Leaders leading Healthy Churches that transform communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Resourcing Pastors and Christian Leaders through the Healthy Christian Leaders Podcast is one way that we strive to do this. 

Check out our website, podcast and more here: 
https://linktr.ee/aaronministriesnetwork

Donate to our ministry: Duration: 00:24:26

In this episode of the Healthy Christian Leader Show, Dwight sits down to talk with Reid Stairs who has served in Pastoral Ministry for decades. Together, they explore topics related to family and ministry.

Aaron Ministries has the vision to see Healthy Leaders leading Healthy Churches that transform communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Resourcing Pastors and Christian Leaders through the Healthy Christian Leaders Podcast is one way that we strive to do this. 

Check out our website, podcast and more here: 
https://linktr.ee/aaronministriesnetwork

Donate to our ministry:
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