Jesse brings deep, real-world experience to every conversation on ministry and justice.
With a background spanning church planting, non-profit leadership, and seminary teaching, he equips leaders to think theologically and act compassionately. His passion lies in helping churches meaningfully engage poverty through practical, community-rooted ministry.
Assistant Professor of Contextual Ministry at Tyndale University with expertise in urban mission
Former Director of Street-Involved Services at Younge Street Mission Evergreen Centre
Experienced church planter and consultant for justice-oriented congregations

Learn more about each session of Engaging Our Community
We talk a whole lot about grace when it comes to our own lives—God’s unmerited favour, his undeserved love. But do we extend that same grace to others?
Too often, we give based on who we think is ‘deserving.’ But Jesus wasn’t like that. His love was reckless, unfair, and freely given.
In this session, we’ll explore what it means to embody that same grace—to step beyond merit and into kingdom economics that mirror the life of Christ.
In the work of justice and relief for those on the margins of society, there are those who are idealists and others who are realists.
Some of us come with unlimited optimism and grand plans to save the world, while others, who have experienced their share of disappointment and failure, are more likely to anticipate more realistic outcomes of change and transformation.
In this session, we’ll look at Deuteronomy 15 and consider how we might reconcile these divergent ideas. We’ll look at various models of engagement and reflect on where a good place might be to start.
We all love the idea of being a good neighbor—but what if the people we naturally avoid are the ones Jesus calls us to love? The story of the Good Samaritan isn’t just about kindness; it challenges us to ask, "Who is my neighbour?"
Is it the person who looks like me, thinks like me, or believes what I believe? Or is it the one I’d rather walk past? In this session, we’re diving into this powerful parable because how we define ‘neighbour’ changes everything.
Let’s explore it together.
In this session, we’ll explore a pivotal moment in the early church, where an overlooked group—the Hellenistic Jews—challenged the apostles to rethink inclusion. The church had to adapt, choosing leaders not from the inner circle but from the margins.
Together, we’ll discuss how this shift wasn’t just about food distribution—it was a profound lesson in ministry, leadership, and the Holy Spirit empowering us to serve those on the margins of society.
Let’s dive into what it means to truly ‘wait on tables’ and make space for all, in our communities.
In the early church, something radical was happening—rich and poor, slaves and masters, were suddenly called to share a meal as equals. This kind of relationship across social divisions was unheard of—it challenged everything people knew about status and belonging.
In this session, we’ll be looking at 1 Corinthians, where Paul rebukes the rich in the church for holding private suppers, while the poor were left out, exposing the deep divisions among them. But this isn’t just history—it’s a challenge for us today.
How can we bridge the divides in our churches and move towards true unity and reconciliation?
When you hear the word ‘hospitality,’ you might think of hotels, restaurants, or hosting a dinner for friends and family. But true hospitality goes far beyond customer service or familiar faces—it’s about how we welcome the stranger.
Christian hospitality challenges us to open our homes, churches, and lives to those who may feel out of place. It’s not always easy, and it often pushes us beyond our comfort zone.
In this session, we’ll dive into the heart of Christian hospitality and the challenges that come with it.
$250
Access to all six video sessions
Small Group Discussion guide
Contact
Access to all six video sessions for multiple groups in your church or organization (i.e. small groups, on-going volunteer training, etc.)
Small Group Discussion guide
Contact
Live sessions delivered in your church /organization
Tailored sessions to your program context
Interactive Q&A
Debrief session with leadership team for next steps
Pay What You Can