October 27, 2023

Groundswell Church | Truro, NS

You’re invited to a kitchen party
like no other!

Some of life’s greatest memories are made around a table over a meal shared amongst friends, family, and neighbours. It reminds us of the invitation that Jesus extends to each of us to join him at the table, to taste and see the goodness of God. This year’s gathering will be held in Truro, Nova Scotia.

The Life Shared Summit gathers Christian leaders across denominational lines who have a heart for evangelism and seeking God’s kingdom together. Join us as we explore what it means to be leaders who help set the table for a nation hungry for more connection, hope, and meaning.

Come. Invite. Bring. Receive.

Join leaders from across Atlantic Canada as we gather to be refreshed, renewed, and nourished in preparation for a new season.

Life Shared Summit

Join us as we explore what it means to be leaders who help set the table for a nation hungry for more connection, hope, and meaning. Come together to worship, pray and celebrate as we hear stories of all that God is doing in Atlantic Canada.

You will have the opportunity to join different breakout rooms to hear more about specific topics relevant to you and your ministry.

Connect, share, and enjoy a meal together.

Where: Groundswell Church, 759 Prince St, Truro, NS

When: October 27th, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm (doors open at 9:15 am)

Cost: $69 per person

Dinner included.

Run Alpha Team Training

This is an opportunity for you and your team to learn the essentials of running Alpha in your context, how to take your Alpha to the next level and how to employ the tools of hospitality we discovered together during the Life Shared Summit.

Where: Groundswell Church, 759 Prince St, Truro, NS

When: October 28th, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Cost: $30 per person

Lunch included.

Life Shared Summit Speakers

Shaila Visser

National Director of Alpha Canada and the Global Senior Vice-President for Alpha International

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Shaila is the National Director of Alpha Canada and the Global Senior Vice-President for Alpha International. She is the Executive Producer of The Alpha Youth Film Series and The Alpha Film Series.

Fr. Simon Lobo

Head Pastor, Saint Benedict Parish

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Fr. Simon Lobo was ordained a Catholic priest in 2009. He spent three years as the campus minister at Wayne State University in Detroit, where he witnessed many students being evangelized and coming to faith. He joined Saint Benedict Parish, Halifax, in July 2015 as the associate pastor, ministering alongside Fr. James Mallon. Fr. Simon was appointed pastor of Saint Benedict Parish in 2017. His first book, Divine Renovation Apprentice, was his reflection on the essential role of leadership in parish renewal. He is also a co-author of the book Preaching on Purpose, published in 2022.

Brent Ingersoll

Senior Pastor, Kings Church

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Brent Ingersoll is the Senior Pastor at Kings Church, a church with congregations throughout Atlantic Canada. He and his wife Melanie live in the Saint John, New Brunswick area, along with their three kids. Serving in the Atlantic region since 2006, Brent has a deep passion for revival in Canada and is committed to seeing the local church bring a transforming, life-giving presence across the country.

Tammy Giffen

Lead Pastor, Groundswell Church

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Tammy Giffen is the lead pastor of Groundswell Church in Truro, Nova Scotia. Groundswell is a church plant launched in September of 2018 with a vision to be a church unchurched people love to attend. She came to know Jesus as an adult when she was invited to attend Alpha. Since then, she has been passionate about breaking down barriers to church and helping people meet Jesus.

Darrell Johnson

Writer and Pastor, The Way Church

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Darrell Johnson has been preaching Jesus Christ and His Gospel for over 50 years. He has served a number of congregations in California, the Philippines, and Vancouver. He has taught preaching for Fuller Theological Seminary, Carey Theological College, and Regent College. He has authored eight books, including The Glory of Preaching and Discipleship on the Edge: An Expository Journey Through Revelation. He serves as Scholar-in-Residence for The Way Church and Canadian Church Leaders Network.

Breakout Session Lineup

Explore Alpha: Developing a Culture of Evangelism and Hospitality

Hosted by Jason Persaud, Senior Advisor, Alpha Canada

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Alpha is more than a program or resource. It fosters a culture of evangelism, invitation, hospitality, and prayer that can radically transform the missional vision of a church through the work of the Holy Spirit. This breakout is designed for those exploring an evangelism and discipleship strategy for their church and how to get their congregation engaged in reaching their friends, family and neighbours with the hope of the gospel.

Research shows that “dinner table over media platform” is an effective strategy in reaching people and creating safe places for people to encounter Jesus. We will hear encouraging stories of transformation from leaders who have used Alpha in rural, urban and various church contexts. If you are interested in creating space for people to find connection, meaning and faith, we encourage you to attend and learn about what Alpha can look like in your context!


Reaching the Next Generation: Understanding Gen Alpha

Hosted by Tim Teakle, National Director of Church Experience, Alpha Canada

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Sociology reports say that Gen Alpha is the emerging generation of those born between 2010-2024, who will be highly educated, digital natives with a global perspective. They are known as Upagers, meaning their adolescence begins earlier along with social, psychological, educational, and commercial sophistication. As they enter their teenage years, it is essential that we, the Church, are committed and excited to play a role in raising the next generation of evangelistic leaders—those who are passionate about reaching their friends and their generation with the hope of the gospel.

How do they understand and process the world around them? What do they care about? What’s on their minds?

Join us as we review early research on this generation. Learn and be inspired by leaders who are reaching Gen Alpha with the hope of the gospel in their local contexts.

Becoming a Parish on Mission: Embracing Invitation

Hosted by Ed Zadeiks, National Director of Alpha in a Catholic Context, Alpha Canada

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Leaders across Canada want to see their churches come alive. The challenge is—especially in the Catholic context—congregations are shrinking, and people are leaving. It feels like the Church is stuck in decline.

But what if we could inspire and welcome a new generation? Have you ever imagined what your church could look like if it became fully alive? What would a church and congregation united in mission look like? How could it bring hope to the surrounding community?

Join Fr. James Mallon, Fr. Simon Lobo, and Tanya LeRue as they discuss becoming a church on mission, united in purpose to make Jesus known to all.

With the guidance of Divine Renovation Ministry and Alpha in a Catholic Context, you’ll have the opportunity to dream about what mission could look like in your setting and learn some practical steps to start renewing your church today.

Alpha in a Prison Context: Finding Hope in the Gospel

Hosted by Sean Wilkinson, National Director of Alpha in Prisons, Alpha Canada

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Federal and provincial institutions are at capacity, and the need for support has never been greater. With prisons full and a recidivism rate that is over 50%, opportunities to share the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ are plentiful.

During this breakout, you will hear about what is happening in our institutions today, and what it looks like to serve and run an Alpha in an institution close to you. Craig Murphy (Atlantic Regional Director of Chaplaincy for Bridges of Canada) will join us and share his experiences. We will also be hearing from a couple of site chaplains (John Paul Westin and Mark Dana) who serve in federal institutions in New Brunswick. Our chaplains will share stories of the impact Alpha is having in their institutions and how you can be a part of restoring hope, planting seeds, and walking alongside those who are carrying shame and regret.

Come ready to learn and be inspired, and if you like, ask questions about how you and your team can serve!

“…I was in prison and you came to visit me.” “The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:36, 40

Power of Prayer Ministry on Alpha

Hosted by Kathy McIntosh, National Prayer Coordinator, Alpha Canada

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Prayer is the foundation of all that we do on Alpha. We pray because Jesus prayed and it is the most important activity in a Christian’s life. Prayer involves the Trinity. When we invite the Holy Spirit to come, people can expect an encounter with God and lives to be transformed.

In our time together, you will hear from a panel of leaders who have experienced life-changing prayer. Learn more about the principles of prayer and prayer ministry, how to implement an effective prayer ministry team in your church and on Alpha, how to form and empower a prayer team, and the importance of prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit for us as individuals, and as church communities.

Hotel Information

Life Shared Summit – Hotel Block (October 26 – 29, 2023)

Inn on Prince Hotel & Conference, Truro NS

Attendees can book rooms at the Inn on Prince by calling 902.895.1651 and asking for the Alpha Canada room block.

Deadline for booking is September 25, 2023

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