Welcome to The Anchor Room, a podcast from Heritage Theological Seminary. This is a space for theological reflection at the intersection of ministry, doctrine, and culture in Canada. Here, timely questions are engaged with the enduring truths of Scripture and the historic witness of the church. Each episode brings together scholars, pastors, and ministry leaders to think carefully about what it means to serve Christ faithfully in our present context. We’re glad you’ve joined us. Let’s begin the conversation.
Publisher
Heritage Theological Seminary
Category
education · health & fitness · religion & spirituality
In this episode of The Anchor Room, we launch a new series exploring the commitments that shape and define Heritage. We begin with Built on Truth, our commitment to Scripture and sound doctrine as the unshakable foundation for every course, conversation, and calling. Joining us is our new Vice President of Academics and Dean of the Seminary, Dr. David Robinson, who brings 17 years of pastoral experience and a deep passion for helping people wrestle with life's biggest questions through the truth of God's Word. David shares why he is excited, by faith, to be part of the Heritage community, his heart for building meaningful relationships, and his vision for equipping the next generation of faithful Christian leaders. Together, we discuss the growing hunger for God's Word among students today, the importance of remaining grounded in biblical truth, and Heritage's mission to serve the bride of Christ by strengthening and supporting the church. Whether you're a student, alumnus, ministry leader, or simply curious about what shapes Heritage, this conversation offers a meaningful introduction to both David and the foundation upon which Heritage continues to build.
14 Jul 2026
More Than Music: Dr. Doug Thomson on the Heart of Worship
In this episode of The Anchor Room Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Doug Thomson, Director of Worship Studies at Heritage College, who has faithfully served Heritage for more than 40 years and founded the College’s music program.
Drawing from decades of teaching and ministry experience, Dr. Thomson challenges common assumptions about worship, reminding us that music itself is not worship. Instead, worship is what captures our hearts and directs our thoughts, decisions, and lives. Together, we explore the meaning of a theology of worship, why worship is both vertical toward God and horizontal toward others, and how Christ’s greatest commandment shapes the way we live and serve.
Reflecting on Colossians 3:16, Dr. Thomson shares his passion for helping students understand that one of the primary goals of music in the church is to teach and encourage God’s people. Through insight, wisdom, and a deep love for God and His Church, he offers a compelling vision of worship that extends far beyond a Sunday service.
Join us for a thoughtful conversation on worship, discipleship, music, and the lifelong pursuit of loving God with all our hearts.
9 Jun 2026
Understanding Culture, Identity, and Calling
In this episode of The Anchor Room, we sit down with Dr. Frank VanderMeulen, Director of Intercultural Studies, to explore what it really means to live and lead across cultures. Together, we unpack the differences between culture, multiculturalism, and intercultural engagement – and why those distinctions matter more than ever. Dr. VanderMeulen shares the heart behind the Intercultural Studies at Heritage, including the vision to help students better understand who they are, how they’ve been shaped by their families and experiences, and how faith informs identity. We also dive into how becoming a Christian doesn’t erase cultural identity, but rather redeems and reshapes it. From cross-cultural learning experiences to global mission opportunities, this conversation highlights the many ways students can live out their calling – whether as artists, educators, or leaders around the world. If you’ve ever wondered how your story, your culture, and your faith intersect, this episode is for you.
13 May 2026
A New Path for Deep Theological Study
For those sensing a call to go deeper in their study of Scripture and theology, Heritage Theological Seminary is excited to introduce the Master of Theology (ThM) – a new advanced degree designed for focused, rigorous theological formation. In this episode of The Anchor Room Podcast, we explore how the ThM provides an opportunity to pursue doctoral-level study, refine research skills, and develop expertise in specialized areas like Biblical Studies or Historical & Theological Studies. Whether you're preparing for PhD work, teaching, writing, or advanced ministry leadership, the ThM bridges the gap between graduate education and doctoral research. We’ll also talk about what makes this program unique – its modular format, flexible learning options, and emphasis on deep scholarship, original research, and theological clarity. If you’re ready to deepen your knowledge, strengthen your calling, and engage Scripture at an advanced level, this episode will help you discern whether the ThM is your next step.
14 Apr 2026
Forming Disciples for the Next Generation
In this episode of Anchor Room, we sit down with Mark Mowbray, Director of NextGen Ministries at Heritage and Associate Pastor of Family Ministries at Westhighland Baptist Church, to talk about a noticeable shift in spiritual openness today. After years of resistance, many are rediscovering that life without God comes up empty - and the gospel is being heard again. Mark shares why this moment matters, how Jesus calls us to make disciple who make disciples, and how NextGen Ministries at Heritage is equipping students through new courses designed to prepare them for ministry.
17 Mar 2026
A Quiet Revival: Forming the Next Generation of Faithful Leaders
In this episode of The Anchor Room Podcast, President Jonathan Griffiths sits down with Robbie Symons, Lead Pastor of Preaching and Vision at Hope Bible Church - Oakville, for a timely and hopeful conversation about leadership in the church today. Together, they explore signs of a quiet revival taking place, the growing pipeline crisis in ministry leadership, and how churches can intentionally train up the next generation from within their own congregations.
Robbie shares how Hope Bible Church is cultivating leaders who are grounded in truth, shaped by community, and equipped for long-term faithfulness. The conversation also addresses the hunger young people have for clear facts and honest teaching, and why collaboration between the local church and the seminary is not optional, but essential. This episode is a compelling reminder that when churches and seminaries come alongside one another, the future of gospel leadership grows stronger.
23 Feb 2026
Understanding Biblical Wisdom
In this episode of The Anchor Room we explore the wisdom books of the Old Testament and the role they play in shaping how we understand life. Dr. Stephen Dempster, retired professor from Crandall University walks us through Proverbs, Job, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes, and explains the Hebrew word Chokmah—wisdom in living. We talk about how these books are put together, why their structure matters, and how they help us pay attention, see clearly, and navigate the everyday decisions and challenges we face.
Dr. Dempster will be joining us at Heritage in May 2026 to teach a course called Living with Open Eyes: An Introduction to Biblical Wisdom Literature. If you want to study with Dr. Dempster, this spring and summer at Heritage is your opportunity.
Learn more, apply or register at: DiscoverHeritage.ca/Summer
10 Feb 2026
Puritan Spirituality: Head, Heart & Holy Living
In this episode of The Anchor Room, Dr. Stephen Yuille - Professor of Church History and Spiritual Formation at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary - joins us to explore the heart of Puritan spirituality. We discuss who the Puritans really were, their emphasis on experiential faith, and how their approach helps bridge the gap between what we know and how we live. An introductory conversation about devotion, formation, and living the Christian life from the inside out before Dr. Yuille joins us this spring.
Dr. Yuille will be joining us at Heritage in May 2026 to teach a course called Puritan Spirituality. If you want to study with Dr. Yuille this spring and summer at Heritage is your opportunity.
Learn more, apply or register at: DiscoverHeritage.ca/Summer
28 Jan 2026
History, Theology & Identity: A Conversation with Andreas and Margaret Köstenberger
Heritage is excited to welcome Dr. Andreas Köstenberger and Dr. Margaret Köstenberger to campus this spring. In this episode of The Anchor Room, we explore what they’ll be teaching and why these topics matter for today’s cultural moment.
Drawing from her doctoral work, Margaret introduces the history of feminism - how the movement achieved many of its aims, what lies beneath its message of equality, and why these themes remain deeply relevant as we consider how men and women live out their God‑given design.
Andreas shares about his course on the theology of the Holy Spirit, helping us understand the Spirit’s person and work throughout Scripture and how a solid biblical foundation equips the church for faithful life and ministry today.
Together, the Köstenbergers also talk about their upcoming third edition of God, Marriage, and Family, how the cultural landscape has shifted, and their hope to equip a new generation of students and ministry leaders.
If you want to study with the Köstenbergers and grow in biblical clarity, this spring and summer at Heritage is your opportunity.
👉 Learn more, apply, or register at: DiscoverHeritage.ca/Summer
13 Jan 2026
Anchored in Care: Jeemin Moon on the Power of Biblical Counselling
In this episode of The Anchor Room, we sit down with Professor Jeemin Moon, Assistant Professor and Director of Biblical Care and Counselling Studies at Heritage. Jeemin shares his inspiring journey from South Korea, where his family’s pastoral legacy shaped his calling, to his current role equipping students for ministry. Discover how his background in counselling psychology prepared him for his work and how the Lord led him into the transformative field of biblical care and counselling.
We explore the sufficiency of God’s Word to change lives, the growing need for biblical counselling in our churches, and Jeemin’s heart for students as they experience those “light bulb” moments in class. Plus, Jeemin gives us a glimpse into his PhD research on shame within biblical counselling and practical theology. If you’ve ever wondered why biblical care matters or how it impacts both ministry and personal growth, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.
16 Dec 2025
Faith, Scholarship, and the Pulpit: A Conversation with Dr. Steve West
In this episode of The Anchor Room, we sit down with Dr. Steve West - Professor of Theological Studies, lead pastor at Madoc Baptist Church, and seasoned author - to explore the dynamic relationship between pastoral ministry and academic teaching. With 15 years of experience on our faculty and a global ministry spanning five continents, Dr. West shares how his dual roles enrich both the classroom and the church.
We discuss the importance of staying organically connected to pastoral ministry, the challenges and rewards of mediating academic theology to the local church, and how engaging with students and colleagues shapes his preaching. Dr. West also offers insights from his current manuscript on C.S. Lewis, reflecting on Lewis’s enduring influence on worldview, culture, and faith—parallels that resonate deeply with today’s Canadian context.
Whether you’re a pastor, student, or someone passionate about theology, this conversation will inspire you to see the breadth and depth of Christian faith through preaching, teaching, and living it out in community.
10 Nov 2025
Encountering God Through His Word
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ian Vaillancourt - Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew and Director of Distance Learning at Heritage Theological Seminary - to explore the vital role of Biblical exegesis in shaping faithful ministry. Dr. Vaillancourt shares his passion for encountering God through His Word and discusses why exegetical instruction is foundational for both academic and pastoral formation.
We also dive into his publishing journey, including his upcoming release Unfolding Redemption (March 24), which continues the themes of his acclaimed work on the Pentateuch. Beyond writing, Dr. Vaillancourt sheds light on the importance of distance learning in making seminary education more accessible and how Heritage is committed to equipping leaders for ministry in the local church context.
Whether you're a student, pastor, or lifelong learner, this conversation will inspire you to see the deep connection between rigorous academic study and vibrant ministry.
14 Oct 2025
Reading Culture Through the Lens of Scripture
How do we faithfully engage with today's culture without losing sight of Biblical truth? In this episode, Dr. Wayne Baxter, Professor of New Testament and Greek, dives into the importance of grounding our worldview in the inerrant Scriptures, explores what our identity in Christ means in a rapidly changing world, and shares insights from his current writing and Greek studies that illuminate the power of the gospel in every context.
16 Sept 2025
Episode 2: Tradition & Training
In this episode, Jon Cleland - Adjunct Professor at Heritage College & Seminary and Director of NEXT (Young Adult) Ministries at Grandview Church in Kitchener - Explores how the deep roots of church history continue to shape the life and mission of the church today. With a passion for equipping young adults for faithful leadership, Jon reflects on the relevance of historical theology in modern ministry, the unique challenges facing the next generation, and the vital partnership between the church and the academy in forming future pastors. Whether you're a student, a church leader, or simply curious about how tradition informs training, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a compelling vision for the future of pastoral formation.
8 Sept 2025
Episode 1: Welcome to The Anchor Room
In our very first episode, we introduce The Anchor Room - a space designed to help you think more deeply about Scripture, theology and the life of the Church. Each week, we'll explore questions that matter for faith and ministry, drawing from Biblical truth and the wisdom of the Christian tradition, This opening conversation shares the vision behind the podcast, what you can expect in the episodes ahead, and how these conversations can encourage and equip you through serving in ministry.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact The Anchor Room
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of The Anchor Room?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
