Is it crazy to start something new in a pandemic? Join us in the New Leaf Learning Centre for an online interactive conversation with Canadian epidemiologist and church planter Mike Garner as we discuss the unique ways this pandemic is effecting Canada, what to expect in the next 4-6 months and what the Post COVID-19 environment might look like for church planters. We will also hear from Canadian church planters who bumped their launch date, choosing to start in these uncertain times.
Michael Garner
Ordained an Anglican Priest in Fall 2019 Michael Garner is new to full-time ministry but has many years of church leadership experience in a whole range of denominations. He has had the opportunity to participate in and lead three church plants (two with the Free Methodist Church in Canada and one with the Anglican Church of Canada).
From 2006 to 2019 Michael worked as an Infectious Disease Epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency of Canada, beginning as a Field Epidemiologist (think Kate Winslet in Contagion), and working primarily in research and control of emerging infectious diseases - which COVID-19 is one. Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University, a Master of Science (Epidemiology) degree from the University of Ottawa, and a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Toronto (Wycliffe College).
He loves cooking for people and enjoying the community that can be formed over a good meal. He is passionate about the arts, and how culture, science, and faith intersect. You are as likely to see him in a baseball cap and hoodie as a clerical collar. Michael is married to Rochelle and they live in Ottawa with their two wonderful children - Isaac and Elise