Scripture Untangled

Watch or listen to Leanne Friesen, Author and Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, being interviewed by Andrew Stirling. In this episode, Leanne shares her unexpected call to pastoral ministry, the Biblical foundations that have sustained her, and how the profound loss of losing her sister to cancer became a turning point that deepened her ministry and her understanding of grief. 
In this episode, Leanne and Andrew discuss: 
How Leanne’s faith was shaped by growing up in a vibrant church community in rural Newfoundland within The Salvation Army tradition. 
Her journey into pastoral ministry, including her years serving as lead pastor and the Biblical foundations that have sustained her through nearly two decades of leadership. 
How the teachings and stories of Jesus in the Gospels have shaped her understanding of pastoral leadership, discipleship, and guiding others toward Christ. 
Leanne’s personal experience of losing her sister to cancer, that led to her writing the book Grieving Room, which encourages the Church to create compassionate spaces where grief is acknowledged rather than rushed toward resolution. 
The future of the Church, and the importance of listening to younger generations and shifting from a survival mindset toward a genuine desire to share the hope of Christ. 
Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep11 
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Leanne Friesen is the Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, where she serves a family of just under 300 churches. Before this, she was lead pastor of Mount Hamilton Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ontario for 18 years. Leanne is also the author of the book "Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things After Death and Loss' and the upcoming book "After the Terrible" (2027 release).  She also curates the popular instagram page @grieving.room where she offers grief support. Leanne lives in Hamilton with her husband and two teenage children.     
You can hear more from Leanne at a number of podcasts, many of which on her website leannefriesen.com   
Her book is available for purchase on Amazon and Indigo or wherever books are sold.   
Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.ca
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Watch or listen to Richard Bragdon, Member of Parliament and the chair of Canada’s National Prayer Breakfast, being interviewed by Lorna Dueck. In this episode, Richard shares his remarkable journey from pastoral ministry and prison outreach to serving in Canada’s House of Commons. He reflects on how his Christian faith shaped his calling to political life, the challenges he's faced along the way, and the ways prayer continues to influence leadership in Canada. 
In this episode, Richard and Lorna discuss: 
 Faith and politics in Canada, how Richard’s Christian faith informs his work as a Member of Parliament and why believers should engage in every sphere of society. 
Richard’s journey from pastoral ministry and prison outreach to serving in federal politics. 
Why faith-based initiatives are statistically effective in helping former prisoners rebuild their lives. 
A look inside Parliament’s weekly cross-party prayer gathering where MPs and senators pray together. 
Encouragement for believers to serve in professions such as politics, media, education, and law. 
The Bible verses that are engraved throughout Canada’s Parliament buildings and what they represent. 
Hope for Canada's future with a faithful “remnant” praying for the nation. 
Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep10
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Richard Bragdon is a Canadian politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Tobique-Mactaquac in New Brunswick since first being elected in 2019. A member of the Conservative Party of Canada, MP Bragdon brought to federal politics a diverse background that includes both business and ministry work. Prior to entering public office, he served over 20 years as a Pastor and worked as a Realtor, both experiences helped to shape his focus on community, service, and practical problem-solving.  
Now serving his third term, after being re-elected in both 2021 and 2025, Richard Bragdon continues to represent the people of Tobique-Mactaquac with a focus on increased Canadian Self-Reliance , Responsible Resource Development, and the needs of rural Canadians. His combination of local roots, entrepreneurial experience, and pastoral background informs his approach to Parliament, where he works to balance principled policy positions with practical, community-driven solutions. 
Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.ca
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Watch or listen to Dr. David Koop, Author and Founding Pastor of Coastal Church, Vancouver being interviewed by CBS Ambassador, Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling. In this episode, David shares the story of his encounter with the Holy Spirit, and how that led him from working in the lucrative oil industry in Saskatchewan to founding a church in the middle of Vancouver. 
In this episode, David and Andrew discuss: 
How a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit transformed David’s journey from the oil industry to founding Coastal Church, Vancouver. 
Forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and building a thriving church in the heart of Vancouver. 
Discipling young people, strengthening families through Scripture, and standing firm in a secular culture. 
How forgiveness, prayer, and the peace of Christ lead to lasting contentment in today’s restless world. 
Raising children in the faith, guarding your heart from bitterness, and living with Biblical conviction. 
Living a content life and finding peace that surpasses understanding. 

Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep9
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Pastor David Koop grew up on a farm in southwestern Alberta. He left the farm to pursue a career in the oil industry and later transitioned into ministry. In 1994, along with his wife Cheryl, they planted Coastal Church in Vancouver, Canada. Later in 2010, David received his Doctorate in Ministry from Bakke Graduate University. As well as pastoring and speaking at various conferences, David also serves as a director on a number of boards. Dave is the author of The Contented Life and Helping Make The City A Better Place. Dave and Cheryl have been married for 48 years, and are the proud parents of four married children, and six grandchildren.  
davekoop.com  
Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.ca
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The Bible Course: biblecourse.ca

Watch or listen to Derek Schneider, Pastor of History Makers Church being interviewed by Joanna la Fleur. In this episode, Derek talks about hearing God’s voice, discovering your calling, and moving from routine prayer to prayer that produces real results.

In this episode, Derek and Joanna discuss: 
How turning down a record deal led Derek into a life of prayer, purpose, and pastoral leadership.
How hearing God’s voice transformed his life and reshaped his understanding of prayer.
The difference between routine prayer and prayer that produces real spiritual results.
How Scripture and prayer work together to awaken purpose in believers.
Unanswered prayer, eternal perspective, and trusting God beyond visible results.
How believers can discover their calling by aligning their passions with the love of Jesus.
Encouraging listeners to pray in ways they never have before in order to see what they’ve never seen before.

Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep8
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Derek Schneider was once a music recording artist, until his faith lead him to turn down a record deal and answer his true calling in life.
He is a requested speaker, coach, best-selling author, and “transformation specialist.” He is the President and Founder of History Makers Society, through which he has helped several thousand discover their God-given purpose - many having gone on to becoming catalysts of transformation in their communities and nations. 
As an advisor to leaders of various capacities, Derek is impacting people, and society on several continents. Even through his brief teachings and seminars, you are guaranteed to walk away with the keys necessary for effective leadership.   
Derek is also a fourth generation Pastor, and Founder of History Makers Church (Oshawa, Ontario). He Pastors alongside his wife (Sarah) and family.
Learn more about Derek Schneider: derekschneider.ca
Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.ca
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Listen to Rev. Graham Singh, Founder and CEO of Relèven, being interviewed by Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling. In this episode, Graham, who is also an ordained minister in the Anglican Church of Canada, talks about his role in helping to transform underutilized churches into community hubs and affordable housing. He is committed to the revitalization of church buildings, facilitating positive change, and honouring the traditions of the past while giving space to the next generation. 
In this episode, Graham and Andrew discuss: 
Reimagining church spaces as centres of mission and community transformation. 
Exploring Biblical vision and faithful stewardship in seasons of change. 
Learning from Nehemiah about rebuilding people, places, and purpose. 
Holding onto tradition with care while embracing renewal and invitation. 
Considering the future of church properties through a missional lens. 
Trusting God’s work of resurrection when ministries face endings. 
Witnessing hope as younger generations rediscover Scripture. 
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Read the transcript: https://biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep7 
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Rev. Graham Singh is Founder and CEO of Relèven, a global charity and fund manager aimed at transforming community-owned properties into new and impactful vocations.  Relèven’s team from the social innovation, property finance, urbanism and faith sectors help to assemble, fund and operate projects and have released hundreds of millions of dollars in property value back to local communities.  Graham is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (Huron College), The London School of Economics, St Mellitus College & Cambridge University, Asbury Theological Seminary and the Saïd Business School at Oxford University. He is also serves as an ordained minister in the Anglican Church of Canada and is a professional member of Canada's heritage community CAHP | ACECP. 
Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.ca
Help people hear God speak: biblesociety.ca/donate
Connect with us on Instagram: @canadianbiblesociety
The Bible Course: biblecourse.ca