Futuring Hub Discovery Series

Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM EST
Format: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free (Registration required)

The Future of Innovation: A National Sensemaking Gathering

Over the past several months, the Future of Innovation initiative has explored how innovation is being reshaped across the Canadian Christian landscape, and what it may look like as we move toward 2040. Through theo-futures research, theological reflection, and contributions from leaders across Canada, key drivers of change have surfaced that are influencing how Christian institutions and ministries adapt, collaborate, and imagine what is next.

This May 4th online gathering marks the culminating public event of the initiative.

Rather than presenting conclusions, this session invites leaders into a structured space of shared interpretation and futures-oriented sensemaking. Together, we will engage the deeper cultural, institutional, and theological forces shaping innovation — and explore what faithful, adaptive responses may require in our own contexts.

Facilitated by Dr. Joel Murphy (Futuring Hub, Acadia Divinity College), the evening will include guided interpretive futuring activities designed to help participants:

• Surface patterns and tensions emerging across the innovation ecosystem

• Reflect on how key drivers of change may interact by 2040

• Engage in collaborative scenario exploration

• Discern implications for their own ministries and institutions

• Identify faithful experiments and next steps

This is not a webinar about techniques or the “next big idea.” It is a participatory space for leaders who recognize that innovation is no longer simply about creativity or strategy, but about navigating complex systems, cultural ambivalence, and shifting authority structures with theological depth and futures awareness.

Church leaders, denominational staff, Christian non-profit leaders, theological educators, and institutional decision-makers are warmly invited to participate in this national conversation.

Registration details: Click below

Offered in partnership with the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) as part of their Masterclass series.

Facilitated by Joel Murphy (Trend Research and Analysis Lead, Futuring Hub at Acadia Divinity College), this session introduced Theo-Futures Thinking—a theological and futures-informed approach that equips leaders to explore, anticipate, and respond to emerging trends with wisdom and integrity.

Missed the Discussion? Find the masterclass here.

Is the church moving out for a season of deconstruction? What does  this new point in time hold for the church? 

This discussion took place on May 13, and was led by Rev. Dr. Seán McGuire, who drawing on his work in Biblical Hermeneutics in the Metamodern Mood (2024), unpacked how the cultural mood of metamodernism, an oscillation between modern and postmodern sensibilities is shaping our current landscape.  

During this discussion, participants:

• Engaged with a theologically rich exploration of metamodernism and its implications for ministry.

• Had space to reflect and discuss how their community is navigating spiritual complexity.

• Develop insights into how Christian leaders can meaningfully engage a culture shaped by self-spirituality.

Missed the Discussion? Watch the recording here and join the conversation on how AI is shaping the future of the church. 

As more individuals move away from institutional religion to shape their own spiritual paths, the church faces a critical question: What does this mean for the future of Christian community, discipleship, and leadership?

This event took place on May 1st, 2025 and offered an accessible and inviting first step into this crucial conversation. Designed for pastors, church leaders, and engaged congregants across Canada, this gathering provided insight into how self-curated spirituality is shaping the trajectory of faith, belief, and belonging—and how the church can thoughtfully engage with this shift.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Sam Reimer, who with clarity and honestly outlined the research from his most recent book Caught in the Current: British and Canadian Evangelicals in an Age of Self-Spirituality and helped bring greater clarity to the importance of self-spirituality for the Canadian church. 

Attendees then participated in small group discussions, fostering meaningful conversations and connections as they reflected on what lies ahead for the church. This was followed by a bonus Theo-futuring activity led by Joel Murphy.

During the event, participants:

• Anticipated how self-curated spirituality is shaping the church’s future.
• Engaged with leading research on shifting religious identity in Canada.
• Discussed how faith communities can adapt and respond in meaningful ways.

Missed the event? Watch the full recording here and join the conversation on how AI is shaping the future of the church. 

How is AI changing discipleship? What is digital discipleship? How can pastoral leaders respond?

This discussion session was led by Sanjana Daniel and explored the opportunities and challenges of digital discipleship in an AI-driven world. From online spiritual communities to AI-generated content, we considered how church leaders can faithfully engage emerging technologies while fostering authentic, Christ-centered formation.

During the event, participants:

• Explore digital discipleship in an AI-driven world
• Navigate opportunities and challenges of AI in faith formation
• Discover practical ways to engage emerging technologies faithfully

Discovery Series discussions are intentionally designed to for pastors, church leaders, and engaged congregants across Canada, to have more focused discussions on topics related to the larger theme. This month the focus of the discussions are AI.

Missed the event? Check out a short video of content from the presenter.

With the ongoing and rapid develop of AI technology how can church leaders leverage Ai for ministry? Is there ‘line’ which they should not go over in the use of AI?

This discussion session was be lead by Nate Bartlett (Youth and Preaching Pastor, at The Point Church) and explored how church leaders can thoughtfully integrate AI into their ministry practices. Through practical examples and real-world applications, participants learned how AI can enhance administrative tasks, sermon preparation, and community engagement. 

During the event, participants:

• Explored ethical considerations and human dignity in AI use
• Engaged with practical AI tools for Pastors
• Connected with Christian leaders and congregants to anticipate what lies ahead for ministry and mission.

Discovery Series discussions are intentionally designed to for pastors, church leaders, and engaged congregants across Canada, to have more focused discussions on topics related to the larger theme. This month the focus of the discussions are AI.

Missed the event? Check out a short video of content from the presenter.

With the ongoing and rapid develop of AI technology how can church leaders consider the ethics of using AI or not? What type of policy question should we be asking?

This event took place on March 11, 2025, and was a discussion session led by Catherine Cole and focused on how church leaders can ensure AI serves people, not the other way around. Catherine asked important questions about how to integrate AI while prioritizing ethical considerations, human dignity, and responsible policy development.  

During the event, participants:

• Explore ethical considerations and human dignity in AI use
• Discuss responsible AI integration in ministry and policy
• Connected with Christian leaders and congregants to anticipate what lies ahead for ministry and mission.

Discovery Series discussions are intentionally designed to for pastors, church leaders, and engaged congregants across Canada, to have more focused discussions on topics related to the larger theme. This month the focus of the discussions are AI.

Missed the event? Check out a short video of content from the presenter.

Engaging in futures thinking and trend analysis can help church leaders be proactive about the changes and trends related to AI and the church.

Discovery Series discussions are intentionally designed to for pastors, church leaders, and engaged congregants across Canada, to have more focused discussions on topics related to the larger theme. This month the focus of the discussions are AI.

This event took place on March 4, 2025 and was initiative engaging discussion looking at the Futuring Hub’s Navigating the Future Report: AI and the Church. Facilitated by Joel Murphy, participants engaged in critically reflecting on the trends and signals of change highlighted in the report.

During the event, participants:

• Built awareness of AI’s growing influence and its implications for the church.
• Explored the topic in a supportive and approachable setting.
• Connected with Christian leaders and congregants to anticipate what lies ahead for ministry and mission.

Missed the event? Check out a short video of content from the presenter.

The rise of artificial intelligence is transforming the world around us, and the church is no exception. How can we approach these changes thoughtfully, faithfully, and practically?

This event took place on February 13, 2025 and offered an accessible and inviting first step into this crucial conversation. Designed for pastors, church leaders, and engaged congregants across Canada, the gathering introduced AI as a vital topic for ministry, discipleship, and community engagement—whether attendees were well-versed in AI or exploring it for the first time.

The event featured a keynote address by Rev. John Campbell, who delivered a marvellous exploration of the many ways AI is influencing and shaping the church. His thoughtful insights set the stage for a dynamic panel discussion with denominational leaders, who shared diverse perspectives on AI’s implications for ministry. Attendees then participated in small group discussions, fostering meaningful conversations and connections as they reflected on what lies ahead for the church.

During the event, participants:

• Built awareness of AI’s growing influence and its implications for the church.
• Explored the topic in a supportive and approachable setting.
• Connected with Christian leaders and congregants to anticipate what lies ahead for ministry and mission.

Missed the event? Watch the full recording here and join the conversation on how AI is shaping the future of the church.