The Call To Raise Up Catalytic Leaders
Canada has shifted from a nation shaped by faith to one largely disconnected from it. As the population grows, the Church is no longer gradually losing ground. It is losing ground exponentially
In Alberta alone, there are growing communities with no PAOC church and a needed gospel presence.
Chestermere (19,500)
Cochrane (25,000)
Hinton (9,000)
Brooks (14,500)
Strathmore (14,000)
High River (13,500)
Canmore (11,000)
Morinville (10,000)
Taber (8,000)
Coaldale (8,000)
Ponoka (6,000)
Didsbury (5,000)
Carstairs (3,000)
Crossfield (3,300)
Athabasca (2,000)
High Level (4,000)
Redcliff (5,000)
Langdon (5,000)
Westlock (5,000)
Raymond (4,000)
Cardston (3,500)
Penhold (3,300)
Magrath (2,300)
High Prairie (2,200)
Silver Valley (2,200)
The passion of the ABNWT District is to raise up, develop, and deploy a new generation of catalytic leaders who will carry the Gospel with conviction, creativity, and courage.
What could God do if catalytic leaders were sent to these communities?
How Catalytic Leaders Make a Difference
Catalytic leaders:
act with Spirit-empowered courage.
think strategically and shape culture.
understand they must stretch personally before they can grow organizationally.
know their legacy is not in buildings or budgets but in the lives of leaders who advance the mission.
see leadership multiplication as the highest form of stewardship.
discern the opportunities in their ministry and their community and prepare to lean into them.
develop leaders who develop leaders.
Who Is a Catalytic Leader?
Catalytic does not describe the role of a leader like “apostle,” “teacher,” or “entrepreneur,” or a motivational gift such as those listed in Romans 12, such as “administrator” or “encourager.” Neither is the term meant to elevate a leader above others. Anyone can become catalytic as a leader and grow in their expression of this quality. A catalytic leader is a person acting as a change agent or activator who inspires transformation and reproduction in others. They often possess a vision, drive action, and encourage others to see possibilities, advancing systemic change.
Leaders we see today as shining stars started in obscurity but sustained a focused mission.
Think Wilberforce, Wesley, William, Warren, and Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu.
Mother Teresa (Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu) served the poorest of the poor in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and inspired a global movement of service. Her leadership reshaped how many understood dignity, suffering, and love in action.
William Wilberforce helped reshape public conscience in Great Britain and mentored others in what became known as the Clapham Sect—a network of leaders who carried reform forward long after him.
John Wesley catalyzed a spiritual movement that transformed both church and society. He developed systems: small groups, lay preachers, accountability structures—that multiplied leaders rapidly.
William Carey not only went to India but also inspired generations to follow. His work included translating Scripture, establishing schools, and advocating social reform.
Rick Warren built a global leadership movement by clarifying purpose and developing systems that equip leaders worldwide.
What A Catalytic Leader Does
A catalytic leader doesn’t simply manage what exists; they awaken what could be—in a youth group, or a church, through a parachurch organization, in leaders.
In a world crowded with noise, urgency, and competing agendas, this kind of leader brings clarity. They cut through confusion and remind people why they exist and where they are going. Vision is not a slogan to them; it is a lived conviction.
“Jessica DiSabatino, Lead Pastor at Journey Church in Calgary, has a vision to mobilize and equip young leaders for purpose-driven action”
But catalytic leaders don’t stop with vision—they multiply it.
They understand that leadership is not about being the strongest voice in the room, but about raising up others who can lead with strength and wisdom. They invest deeply in people, not as followers, but as future leaders. They mentor, release, and trust. Their legacy is not measured by what they accomplish alone, but by the leaders they develop who go on to develop others.
“Josh Dewling, Next Gen Coach at ABNWT District, equips leaders who equip others, and they, in turn, equip others.”
Courage marks their path.
Spirit-empowered courage—the kind that stands firm when decisions are costly, and convictions are tested. They anchor themselves in God’s Word and act decisively when it matters most. This courage inspires confidence in others, creating a culture where faith can flourish.
“James Clarence, Lead Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Yellowknife, helped revitalize a church and develop a network of churches in the NWT, where no one gave them a hope of success.”
Yet courage without compassion can become harsh, which is why catalytic leaders lead with emotional intelligence.
They understand that every decision affects real lives, and they carry that responsibility with humility. Their strength is not only in what they do, but in how they make people feel—valued, understood, and empowered. In environments where they lead, trust grows.
“Edwin Rideout, Lead Pastor at Family Christian Centre in Fort McMurray, pioneered a church-based community counselling centre and is planting international churches.”
At the same time, catalytic leaders think beyond the moment.
They are strategic. They don’t react—they prepare. More importantly, they shape culture intentionally. They know that culture is not accidental; it is formed by what is celebrated, tolerated, and corrected.
“Tammy Ball, Guest Services and Next Gen Director at Hope City Church in Edmonton, excels at developing leaders and leveraging strategy to create a healthy church culture.”
Finally, catalytic leaders never stop leading themselves.
They pursue personal growth with discipline and humility, recognizing that their capacity to lead others is directly tied to their willingness to keep learning. They embrace resilience, not as toughness alone, but as the ability to adapt, recover, and press forward with renewed strength.
Setbacks do not define them—they refine them.
In the end, a catalytic leader is not defined by position or title, but by impact.
They bring clarity where there is confusion and growth where there is stagnation. And in doing so, they don’t just lead people forward—they inspire what is possible.
There’s no better context to grow as a catalytic leader than in a cohort of like-minded leaders with facilitators like those listed above. Catalytic cohorts begin in September 2026. Sign up for a catalytic cohort here.
Bob Jones is the founder of REVwords.com, an author, blogger, and coach with 39 years of pastoral experience. Bob is also an Advance Coach with the ABNWT Resource Centre. You can connect with Bob here.