7 Surprising Findings about Co-Vocational Ministry in Quebec, Canada

What’s unique about co-vocational ministry in Quebec?

Co-Vocational Canada is physically located on the campus of Briercrest Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan. Nevertheless, our vision and influence spans the whole country. This past year we have been privileged to work alongside and learn from co-vocational leaders in Quebec. In November, 2025 a team from Co-Vocational Canada, participated in a retreat in Villa de Brome, Quebec and spent time listening to those from the French Baptiste Union and the Free Methodist Church in Canada (Quebec).

Our researcher, Dr. Rebeca Heringer, conducted a survey and followed up with interview questions for those who gathered. Here are 7 helpful findings:

1. One focus group theme was the importance of delegation. Pastors cannot sustain every responsibility alone without harming their spiritual life, work, or family. Many observed that churches often place pastors on a pedestal, expecting them to handle all ministry tasks. This is a heavy expectation for full-time ministers and an impossible one for those working outside the church. Healthy co-vocational churches, however, depend on shared leadership and the active participation of all believers. Participants stressed that empowering others to take responsibility is essential for both congregational growth and pastoral health.
   
2. Rest and Sabbath practices were also discussed. Participants described intentional rhythms of weekly rest, prayer, retreats, and sabbaticals as vital. Some leaders shared practical strategies such as protecting days off, planning retreats, and intentionally scheduling spiritual renewal. However, several participants admitted struggling to disconnect from ministry responsibilities, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining healthy boundaries and balancing ministry, work, and family life.
   
3. Time management and clear priorities were repeatedly emphasized within focus groups. Co-vocational ministry requires the ability to say “no,” maintain focus, and preserve time for spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Scripture study. Retreats and times away from home were considered especially valuable.
   
4. In Quebec, co-vocational ministry is seen as the norm not a deficiency. Many churches cannot support full-time pastors, and participants celebrated the flexibility and missional opportunities created by co-vocational ministry. Calling and motivation were seen as more important than financial compensation, with ministry understood as a response to God’s love and vocation regardless of whether it is paid or voluntary.
   
5. Leadership development emerged as another key theme. Participants stressed the importance of recognizing spiritual gifts within congregations and creating opportunities for lay leaders to serve. Theological education that allows leaders to remain in their ministry contexts while studying are essential. However, participants noted that lay leaders need greater support and are often unaware of learning supports. Discipleship was considered essential for church growth, with participants calling for intentional investment in mentoring and multiplying leaders rather than concentrating ministry around one pastor.
   
6. Denominational support was generally viewed positively, particularly regarding leadership training, retreats, and financial assistance for pastors attending ministry events. Opportunities to gather with other co-vocational ministers for encouragement and shared learning were also valued.
   
7. Finally, participants called for a broader cultural shift within the church. Churches must move beyond traditional expectations of ministry, better recognize co-vocational leaders, and provide contextualized French-language resources for Quebec churches. Participants also emphasized the need to care for the families and children of co-vocational ministers, whose unique struggles are often overlooked. Overall, the study highlighted both the challenges and strengths of co-vocational ministry and called for greater support, awareness, and collaboration to help these congregations thrive.

These seven findings are simply a summary of Dr. Heringer’s findings. If you are interested in digging into the full report, you can find it here.