The Thinking Teams Podcast
Conversations about leadership, formation, and the future of Christian institutions
Hosted by Jason E. Mills, PhD, The Thinking Teams Podcast brings together leaders and thinkers to explore the challenges shaping Christian higher education, theological education, ministry, and organizational life.
Season One
The Future of Christian Higher Education in Canada
In the first season, Jason speaks with presidents and senior leaders from Christian colleges, universities, and theological schools across Canada.
These conversations explore institutional mission, leadership formation, enrolment pressures, changing ministry models, and what Christian higher education may need to become in the years ahead.
Questions explored this season
Where are leaders finding reasons for hope?
What pressures are reshaping Christian higher education?
How can institutions remain faithful to their mission while adapting to change?
What forms of leadership and ministry formation are needed now?
How should institutions prepare for an uncertain future?
Episode 7
Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson, Wycliffe College, Toronto, ON
Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson joins Jason Mills on the Thinking Teams Podcast to talk about leading through change, Christian formation, and the importance of collaboration in an increasingly divided world.
As Principal of Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto, Kristen brings a thoughtful perspective on how theological schools can remain faithful to their distinct traditions while finding creative ways to work together. Our conversation explores the purpose of theological education, what conflict can reveal about the people and institutions we lead, and how Christian formation shapes the way we engage with culture and public life.
We also dig into a deeper question about discipleship: Where does it begin, and how should it shape the whole of our lives? Kristen challenges us to think beyond credentials and programs toward the deeper work of forming people for faithful service, thoughtful engagement, and lives of Christian discipleship.
If you’re leading a team, navigating institutional change, or thinking about the future of Christian higher education, this conversation offers plenty to reflect on.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
Episode 6
Dr. Anna Robbins, Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, NS
Jason Mills speaks with Anna Robbins, president of Acadia Divinity College, about leading theological education through rapid cultural and technological change.
Anna shares how Acadia is building a “futuring” culture—experimenting with AI while keeping human formation, community, and ethical discernment at the center—and argues that schools must be guided by a clear mission rather than enrollment alone.
She also reflects on women’s leadership in the church, the pressures of institutional leadership, the importance of collaboration among Canadian theological schools, and the church’s future calling to pursue reconciliation, humility, and deeper human connection in an increasingly polarized, technology-driven world.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
Episode 5
Dr. Kenton Anderson, Providence University College and Theological Seminary, Otterburne, MB
Jason Mills speaks with Kenton Anderson, president of Providence University College and Theological Seminary, about Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE).
Kent and Jason discuss the school’s history, its distinct role in Christian higher education, and the pressures reshaping faith-based institutions across Canada. He traces Providence’s development from a Winnipeg Bible institute into a university and seminary serving southeastern Manitoba, with strengths in counselling, ministry formation, athletics, and international student education.
Kent also explains Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) as a contextual, mentor-driven model designed to form leaders who can serve effectively in real ministry settings. He contrasts it with conventional classroom-based education, shares stories of pastors formed through mentoring teams, and reflects on leadership, institutional change, patience, and his hopes for the future of Christian higher education.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
Episode 4
Dr. Bryce Ashlin-Mayo, Ambrose University, Calgary, AB
Jason Mills speaks with Bryce Ashlin-Mayo, president of Ambrose University, about the institution’s history and identity.
Bryce traces Ambrose’s roots in two denominational traditions and explains how it has grown into a university that combines professional programs, liberal arts, and seminary education with a Christ-centered, mission-focused approach.
The conversation explores the impact of changing international-student policy, the need for diversified enrolment, and Ambrose’s efforts to grow sustainably without losing its institutional character. They also discuss how AI and other digital technologies are reshaping education and university leadership.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
Episode 3
Dr. Todd Martin, Trinity Western University, Langley, B.C.
Jason Mills speaks with Dr. Todd Martin, president of Trinity Western University, about the institution’s history, identity, and future.
Todd traces the university’s growth from a small junior college to Canada’s largest Christian university, explaining how its mission has shaped its approach to academics, theological education, and national presence. The conversation explores Trinity Western’s expansion through its Richmond and Ottawa programs, the launch of its standalone divinity school, and the pressures facing Christian higher education—particularly international-student policy changes, financial sustainability, and shifting public attitudes.
The interview closes with Todd’s hopes for a visibly and culturally distinct Christian university, his view of the university as a partner to the church, and a candid outlook on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Christian higher education in Canada.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
Episode 2
Dr. Bruce Fawcett, Crandall University, Moncton, N.B.
Dr. Bruce Fawcett joins Jason Mills to reflect on 14 years leading Crandall University, a season that saw major enrolment growth, debt reduction, new programs, and a broader international reach.
The conversation centres on how strong teams, clear mission, entrepreneurial thinking, and long-term stewardship can help a faith-based university grow in a challenging higher education landscape. Bruce shares practical leadership lessons on hiring, board leadership, fundraising, succession, self-care, and what the next phase of Christian higher education may require.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
Episode 1
Dr. Paul Spilsbury, Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.
Jason Mills talks with Dr. Paul Spilsbury, president of Regent College in Vancouver, about the college’s origins, its distinct approach to theological education, and the kind of leadership it takes to guide a transdenominational graduate school today. They also discuss Paul’s own journey from South Africa to academic leadership, plus what he hopes Regent will look and feel like in the years ahead.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
Latest Conversations
Watch or listen to recent conversations with leaders shaping Christian higher education, theological education, and ministry in Canada.
Leading Through Change: Kristen Deede Johnson on Community, Conflict, and Christian Formation
How can Christian institutions navigate change without losing sight of their calling? Jason Mills speaks with Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson, Principal of Wycliffe College, about community, conflict, collaboration, and the importance of deep Christian formation in unsettled times.
AI in Theological Education: Anna Robbins on Leadership, Formation, and the Future
How should theological school faculty respond to a world shaped by artificial intelligence? Dr. Anna Robbins, president of Acadia Divinity College, joins host Jason Mills to talk about it.
A Conversation about Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) with Dr. Kenton Anderson, President of Providence University College and Theological Seminary in Otterburne, MB
Dr. Kenton Anderson joined Jason Mills on The Thinking Teams Podcast to talk about Competency-Based Theological Education and his role as President of Providence University College and Theological Seminary
