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Enter the Abbey

The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet.


Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., Kitchen Table Wisdom

Meet Brother John

aka Rev. John Borthwick

The quote from Remen grounds me as I seek to activate the mission of The Abbey. Founded in 2021 as a virtual ministry of St. Andrew's Guelph - the congregation I've served since 2003, The Abbey seeks to be "a safe space to care for those who tend to all things spiritual." Over 25 years as a faith leader, I have witnessed - and personally experienced - the toil that this unique calling takes on us. Through webinars, conversations, and one-on-one support, I hope to remind my colleagues that they are not alone in the important work that they do as well as offer them tangible wisdom to aid them in thriving in their life and work. 


The idea of The Abbey was a long time coming and it was only through the unique lens of COVID-19 that it finally came into being. It is a virtual space that seeks to provide what monasteries sought to offer - a safe space for learning, rest, and healing. As its Lead (in the spirit of "Brother John", I strive to curate valuable learning opportunities for faith leaders based on what I'm hearing from colleagues and what I wished I'd known as I began this marathon. 


I was ordained in 1998 and served Rexdale Presbyterian Church, Toronto as my first charge. In 2003, I was called to St. Andrew's Guelph and it is there I've stayed and made myself and my family a place to call home. As I've travelled this journey of ministry leadership, I have expanded my skills and expertise over the years in the areas of conflict management, traumatology, and resilience. I served as the volunteer chaplain of my local police service for seven years and had the opportunity to grow in my knowledge around mental health and stress management. In 2020, I became an Associate with Tend Academy where I offer training in Empathic Strain, Moral Distress, and Organizational Health. My own personal experience with empathic strain, burnout, and overwhelm has fueled my passion for this work in the faith community and beyond.  

Monastic Spirit - A surprise gift for Joining Us

Book

Pay it forward

Book

If you are the winner... you will be offered a choice - book, beer, or paying it forward. If you chose book, you can expect a gift certificate for a local bookstore in your area (regardless of where you live).

Beer

Pay it forward

Book

Maybe you like craft beer - just for registering for one of our webinars, you could be our random winner of a "hoppy" gift! There's a winner every time. But you can't win, if you don't register.

Pay it forward

Pay it forward

Pay it forward

Or maybe you want to pass it on - pay it forward. We love letting people know that they can attend for FREE because of generous past participants like you!

Current Offerings

Here's our list of upcoming webinars. 

03/30/3023

We Need To Listen

12pm

-

1pm EST

OPEN SPACE FOR CONVERSATION

Event Details

03/30/3023

We Need To Listen

Being a leader in the Church today is hard. Join co-hosts Brother John and The Rev. Dr. Brian Fraser as they open up the room to listen and ...

Event Details

12pm

-

1pm EST

OPEN SPACE FOR CONVERSATION

05/03/2023

CONFLICT HAPPENS, Even in the Church

2pm

-

3:30PM EST

WEBINAR ($25)

Event Details

05/03/2023

CONFLICT HAPPENS, Even in the Church

The truth is that "conflict happens" - yes, even in The Church. If that is no surprise to you then this webinar is for you. If it is - well,...

Event Details

2pm

-

3:30PM EST

WEBINAR ($25)

COMING SOON

When The Church Stops Working with Dr. Andrew Root & THe Rev. Dr. Blair Bertrand

WEBINAR ($25)

Event Details

COMING SOON

When The Church Stops Working with Dr. Andrew Root & THe Rev. Dr. Blair Bertrand

Date is still to be confirmed. We are looking forward to hosting Drs. Andrew Root (The Church in the Secular Age) and Blair Bertrand (Presby...

Event Details

WEBINAR ($25)

06/28/2023

Sabbath Rest - The Presbyterian Church in Canada's Inter-Mission Policy 101

2pm

-

3pm EST

FREE WEBINAR

Event Details

06/28/2023

Sabbath Rest - The Presbyterian Church in Canada's Inter-Mission Policy 101

 Inter-missions are an entitlement of every minister and church worker in The Presbyterian Church in Canada and yet I can't tell you how ma...

Event Details

2pm

-

3pm EST

FREE WEBINAR

11/15/2023

Will your anchor hold? Empathic Strain insights for faith leaders

2PM

-

3:30PM EST

WEBINAR ($25)

Event Details

11/15/2023

Will your anchor hold? Empathic Strain insights for faith leaders

Caring for others takes its toll - learn to ride its waves and thrive amid the storms of the calling you've answered to serve. Join Brother ...

Event Details

2PM

-

3:30PM EST

WEBINAR ($25)

REGISTER TODAY

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