The Regent Vine

Welcome to The Vine, a publication of Regent College. Join us for conversations that inform, challenge, and inspire.

Play The Vine video
May 12, 2026
Theology Bible Church/Parachurch

The Son Went Up . . . and the Spirit Came Down: Lessons from the Ascent of the Son and the Descent of the Holy Spirit

Ross Hastings

This article explores Acts 1–2 to reflect on Christ’s ascension and the Spirit’s descent at Pentecost, highlighting Trinitarian relations, the distinct roles of Father, Son, and Spirit, and their significance for salvation, the church, and the ongoing mission of God’s kingdom.

All Resources: Church/Parachurch

May 12, 2026

The Son Went Up . . . and the Spirit Came Down: Lessons from the Ascent of the Son and the Descent of the Holy Spirit

Ross Hastings
This article explores Acts 1–2 to reflect on Christ’s ascension and the Spirit’s descent at Pentecost, highlighting Trinitarian relations, the distinct roles of Father, Son, and Spirit, and their significance for salvation, the church, and the ongoing mission of God’s kingdom.
Apr 21, 2026

Why Bother With Church?

JD Lyonhart
Reflecting on Western individualism, JD explores the tension between autonomy and community. While modern culture prizes independence, human flourishing requires relationships. True spiritual life emerges not in isolation but in communities where individuals and relationships shape one another.
Feb 27, 2026

Generation Alpha and the Opportunity Before Us

Shaila Visser
How new research invites the Canadian Church to rediscover sharing faith relationally among the youngest generation
Feb 23, 2026

Calling, Context, and the Church: From Belonging to Witness

Rhonda M. McEwen, Gustavo H.R. Santos
This article reframes calling as more than an individual career choice, grounding vocation in belonging to the Church and participation in the missio Dei. Drawing on Regent Exchange, it invites congregations and theological education to discern and embody a shared, contextual witness.
Feb 9, 2026

The Importance of Ritual Learning for the Development of Child Faith

Julie Cavanaugh

This article argues that age-segregated church practices weaken children’s faith formation. Drawing on theology and developmental research, it calls for including children in baptism and communion as formative rituals that apprentice faith through participation, not instruction alone.

Feb 6, 2026

Podcast: Christianity and Immigration Policy

Barnabas Aspray
Barnabas Aspray discusses how religious identity shapes immigration policy, drawing on history, theology, and his own experience as an immigrant to urge church leaders toward thoughtful, compassionate conversations across difference.
Jan 28, 2026

Community: Diaspora Theology in Real Time: Technology and Transnational Community

David C. Chao, Ann Gillian Chu

Imagine Otherwise, the online magazine of Princeton’s Center for Asian American Christianity, hosts a podcast with Prof. Ann Gillian Chu on lived theology, Hong Kong’s political unrest, BN(O) migration to the UK, and its impact on faith, family, and community life.

Jan 19, 2026

A Slightly Useful Way: Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead and a Homiletic of Epistemic Humility

Drew Melton

Drawing on Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead, this essay explores how preaching shaped by epistemic humility—embracing mystery, complexity, and grace—can speak more faithfully and credibly to a skeptical age.

Jan 16, 2026

Podcast: Addiction, Personhood and Christian Communities

Quentin Genuis
Quentin’s new book, Recovering People, weaves emergency medicine, theology, and life in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to explore addiction, personhood, and recovery. He calls churches and communities to address the deep hunger for connection with compassion and humility.
Jan 7, 2026

Calling Churches in Cascadia: Lessons from Regent Exchange

Rhonda M. McEwen
This article explores how churches in Cascadia discern and live out their collective calling amid cultural change. Through the Regent Exchange initiative, congregations learned to listen, adapt, and collaborate as learning communities, embodying God’s mission in their unique contexts.
Nov 17, 2025

On the Significance of Religion for Immigration Policy

Barnabas Aspray
Migration has reached record levels, yet debates are polarized. This article explores how Christian faith transcends politics, calling believers to welcome the stranger, bring compassion together with wisdom, and embody Christ’s self-giving love in shaping just and humane immigration ethics.
Nov 14, 2025

Podcast: Becoming God's Family

Carmen Joy Imes
Carmen Imes explores the biblical vision of the church as God’s family—messy yet redemptive. She calls for interdependence, honesty, and diversity in community, reminding us that God invites us into his family so we can extend that same welcome to others.
Oct 10, 2025

Considering the Needs of Multiracial and Multiethnic Churchgoers

Amelia Hamiter
Amelia Hamiter reflects on her MATS thesis exploring the experiences of multiracial women in Metro Vancouver churches. Through interviews, she highlights the challenges of belonging, cultural invisibility, and exclusion, while pointing to the need for more inclusive, authentic Christian communities.
Oct 7, 2025

Expanding the Definition of ‘Woori’ as Faith Formation in a Secular Age

Angie Song
The Korean-Canadian immigrant church, rooted in the communal concept of woori (“we”), has long offered belonging, support, and faith formation. Today, second-generation members navigate secular influences while rediscovering woori through mentorship, hospitality, healing, and an inclusive community.
Sep 16, 2025

The Scars of the Resurrected Christ: What They Teach Us About Trauma, the Christian Life, and Vocation

David C. Wang
A psychologist, pastor, and seminary professor explores how Christ’s scars speak to trauma, emotional formation, and ministry, calling for a theology that embraces woundedness and healing.
Sep 16, 2025

Limiting Love and Excluding Empathy?

Krish Kandiah
This article critiques how Christian faith is being misused to justify exclusion and hate in right-wing politics. It calls the Church to reclaim its prophetic role through true discipleship, rooted in love, justice, and the radical, inclusive message of Jesus.
Sep 16, 2025

Why the Church Needs Sociology

Jessamin Birdsall
Sociology helps the church see and understand social realities that shape human behavior, offering insight into issues like race and class. While theology gives vision, sociology offers tools for diagnosis. Together, they help churches more effectively pursue justice, inclusion, and transformation.