Summer Ministries | Muskoka Bible Centre

Bible teaching is the cornerstone of our ministry at MBC.

Every summer we host a full roster of gifted bible teachers who will encourage and equip you, to the glory of God. We also offer engaging programs for kids and youth throughout the summer. Space fills up quickly, so be sure to book early!

Quick Links

Adult Chapel

Chapel services are offered on Sundays and throughout the week, with additional evening programming such as our Transforming Culture Series and weekly Q&A sessions with the Bible teacher.

Reserve your accommodations or campsite today for an amazing family vacation!

Summer 2027 Teachers

Week One: July 3-10 with Shai Linne

Week Two: July 10-17 with John Mahaffey

Week Three: July 17-24 with Rob Cripps

Week Four: July 24-31 with Norm Millar

Week Five: July 31-August 7 with Steve Bray

Week Six: August 7-14 with Timothy Quek

Week Seven: August 14-21 with Dwayne Cline

Week Eight: August 21-28 with Kaj Ballantyne

Week Nine: August 28-September 4 – SENT Conference

The Muskoka Lecture Series

We know our guests love to hear the wisdom and experience of our teachers – so we offer this series of talks, hosted by theologians and professors you know and trust. Each set of lectures contains three parts and is designed to help you dig deeper into the world around you and think more about your faith!

MBC Kids Ministry

A Perfect Place for Your Kids This Summer

Muskoka Bible Centre loves families! We provide a fun and interactive children’s program offering an intentional experience for each child. Our desire is to see children connect with God and each other in a way that will lay a strong foundation for their faith journey. Our high energy, biblically-based programming will inspire your children to explore and experience God’s truth in everyday life!

Kids Min Summer 2027

Kids Min is designed for children whose parents attend our adult morning chapel. Our doors open 15 minutes prior to the start of chapel so you can drop your child off and arrive on time for morning worship.

Each morning we will have a Bible story taught in a memorable way, music they will love to sing, a craft that relates to the lesson they learned and some active outdoor games.

Evening program is offered almost nightly for Youth Min and Kids Min guests – please check the summer program guide for more details – no pre-registration is required for the evening program!

One-to-One Support

MBC recognizes that some young guests may need additional support to experience a full week of camp programming, which means offering one-to-one support for those guests. Through our DREAM Team program, a Kids Min staff member may be able to support these special guests in this way. Please check the appropriate box during the registration process to tell us that you are requesting one-to-one support for your child. We will send you a short letter and questionnaire to determine if we can appropriately support your child during their Kids Min experience, and will likely chat with our Kids Min Coordinator before final decisions are made. Please note that this is simply a request, not a guarantee of availability, nor do we fill these spots on a first come, first serve basis.

NOTE: MBC’s Kids Min and Youth Min programming is free to all. Due to the popularity of our programs, we often have a wait list of guests waiting to join us. To help manage the wait list and promote clear communication between families and MBC program staff, a $10 fee will be charged to families when a child misses programs without first letting us know (either in person or via email).

Age Groups Registration

Little Steps: 18-35 months
Hoppers: 3-4 years old
Jumpers: JK-SK completed
Skippers: Grade 1-3 completed
XT (Cross Trainers): Grade 4-6 completed

Kids Min registration opens February 1st, for guests who have already registered for the upcoming summer. Registration will open to the general community on March 1st.

Register Online

MBC Youth Min

Build lifelong friendships in the Youth Ministry at MBC

Welcome to Youth Ministry for Summer 2027! The Youth Ministry Program at Muskoka Bible Centre is a great way for youth to connect with God, make amazing friends, and get outdoors for fun this summer.

Our Youth Ministry program seeks to engage youth through the building of quality community experiences where our youth ministry staff form relationships and provide healthy role modeling. Youth can engage in an interactive teaching session and wide games each evening.

Age Groups Registration

Youth who have completed the following grades are welcome to join us.

RIOT
Grade 7-8 completed
YAC (Youth Adoring Christ)
Grade 9-12 completed

Youth Min registration opens February 1st for guests who are already registered for the upcoming summer. Registration will open to the general community on March 1st.

Register Online

Summer Workshops

Transforming Culture Seminars

As the world rapidly changes around us, we want to help equip you to answer some of the hard questions. Led by our Bible teacher (or special guest), sessions are designed for youth and adults. Youth Min participants will attend the first part of our Transforming Culture talk, and then debrief with their Youth Min leaders.

Summer Sounds

Each week during the summer, MBC hosts live outdoor music with a variety of musicians and styles. It’s a relaxed time to gather with others, enjoy the outdoors, and connect over music.

Juan Sánchez

Juan Sánchez (MDiv, ThM, PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) has served as the senior pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, since 2005. Juan serves as the chairman of the Board of The Gospel Coalition and is cofounder and president of Coalicion por el Evangelio. He is the author of numerous books, including 1 Peter for You, Seven Dangers Facing Your Church, and The Leadership Formula. He has been married to Jeanine since 1990, and they have five adult daughters.

Rusty Russell

Rusty has been serving as Lead Pastor of New Day Christian Church in Port Charlotte, FL, since 2010.

For the previous fourteen years, he was an associate minister at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He has co-authored several books with his father, Bob Russell, including When God Answers Prayer and When God Builds a Church. Rusty has a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Cincinnati Christian University and a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Rusty is married to Kellie and they have four children, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, and four granddaughters. He serves as the Player Development Coach for the Port Charlotte High School football team and loves sports and spending time with family.

Scotty Smith

Scotty Smith is founding pastor and pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church, Franklin, TN. He currently serves as Teacher in Residence at West End Community Church, Nashville TN. He has written 10 books, is a mentor, coach, ministry consultant, seminary professor and vocational discipler. Among his joys are his wife of 50 years (Darlene), two children and four grandchildren, fly-fishing, baking, walking 7 miles a day, and encouraging God’s people in the riches of the Gospel.

Scotty Smith online:

Daily Blog – Heavenward (as the Gospel Coalition Website)
Face Book Page – Scotty Smith
Twitter Feed – @scottywardsmith

Paul Martin

Paul Martin is the senior pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario. After leading the plant in 2000, he has been involved in helping several other churches start or be revitalized in the city. His love for the kind of Gospel cooperation modelled by his hero, George Whitefield, inspired his work with the Grace Connexion, the Hogtown Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship, 9Marks, and The Gospel Coalition Canada. His zeal for the preaching of God’s Word has led to work with The Charles Simeon Trust. His affection for the disabled community, especially after disability entered his family through his son, has given him opportunities to speak for Guidelight, a ministry to families raising children with special needs. It also prompted his zeal to protect the unborn and work closely with a local pregnancy care centre. He has been married to Susan for more than thirty years and loves to spend time with her, his adult children, and grandchildren. Sadly, he is a pathetically loyal fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and remembers well the last time they won the Stanley Cup. He was 10 months old.

Wesley Huff

Wes Huff was born in Multan, Pakistan, and spent a portion of his childhood in the Middle East. After being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition at the age of eleven that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Wes experienced a miraculous recovery for which the doctors themselves had no medical explanation. This experience, along with a great deal of study and soul searching in his later teen years, solidified his interest in faith and engaging the beliefs and worldview perspectives of others. He spent his high school years in Northern Ontario and currently lives in Toronto, Canada, with his wife and four children.

Wes is currently the Vice President for Apologetics Canada and has been a guest on a variety of the world’s largest public platforms. Along with being a guest on the Joe Rogan Experience, Diary of a CEO, Flagrant with Andrew Schultz, Shawn Ryan, and a multiple time guest on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Wes has also been a faculty lecturer at the Peterson Academy. His passion to help show that the Christian faith is intellectually credible and existentially satisfying has had him participated in public dialogues, debates, and interfaith events on issues of belief and religion around the world.

He holds a BA in sociology from York University, a Masters of Theological Studies from Tyndale University, and is currently doing a PhD in New Testament at the University of Toronto’s Wycliffe College.

Relevant links:

wesleyhuff.com

apologeticscanada.com
IG: @‌apologeticscanada, @‌wesley_huff
YT: @‌ApologeticsCanada, @‌WesHuff

Rene Schlaepfer

René Schlaepfer, senior pastor of Twin Lakes Church in Santa Cruz, California, for over 30 years, is the author of nine books. His latest, Flawed Follower: In the Footsteps of Simon Peter, was the #1 new release in the Biblical History and Culture category on Amazon. René speaks at churches, camps, and conferences around the world. His sermons and books can be found at tlc.org

Bryndan Lorritts

Bryndan Crawford Loritts is the son of Dr. Crawford and Karen Loritts. While being raised in Atlanta Georgia, he was introduced to and surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Both of his parents played a big role in his spiritual formation and discipleship. So much so, God called him to full time ministry. Upon graduating high-school he attended and graduated from the Moody Bible Institute. He’s also a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School where he received his Masters Degree. He recently started his Doctoral Studies in Biblical Preaching at Moody Theological Seminary. He has served as a youth pastor in the inner city of Chicago as well as pastored two churches, one of which he planted in Nashville Tn. He also served as Teaching and Care Pastor at Shadow Hills Church in Las Vegas Nevada. Recently the Lord called him to be the lead pastor of Woodside Bible Church, Pontiac Campus in Pontiac Michigan. Bryndan is married to Lucretia Renee Loritts and they have 3 daughters, Leilani, Bryana and Sinaiya. Bryndan’s aim in life is to faithfully preach the word and serve the purposes of God in his moment in history (Acts 13:36).

Lawson Murray

Lawson is married to his best friend, Karen. They love spending time together with their children and grandchildren (12 so far!). Lawson is deeply committed to connecting children, youth, and families with Jesus and His Word. He is a writer/author, researcher, ministry innovator, conference speaker, adjunct seminary professor, international trainer, Bible engagement specialist, children’s, family and sports ministry specialist, and President of Scripture Union Canada.

Lawson Murray online:

www.christianparentingbasics.com
www.bibleengagementblog.com
www.childrensministrybasics.com
www.scriptureunion.ca
www.christianbookscanada.ca
www.facebook.com/sucanada/

Josh Tong

Joshua Tong serves as the Lead Pastor at Sovereign Grace Church in Bradford, Ontario. Before entering full-time ministry, he worked as a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto. Josh also serves as a teacher at Innova Academy in Newmarket and a Council Member with The Gospel Coalition Canada. He has also served as a Board Member of Redeemer University in Ancaster. He is passionate about preaching Christ from all of Scripture and applying the gospel to all of life. He is currently working on his Masters of Arts in Counseling at Westminster Theological Seminary. He and his wife Nina, have six wonderful children together.

Josh Tong online:

Sermon Podcast: Sovereign Grace Church | Podcast on Spotify

Church Website: Sovereign Grace Church – Bradford, ON

Torchmen Quartet

In 1969, four men, including Walt Andres, met at Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church in St Catharine’s, Ontario and embarked on a journey only a creative and sovereign God could imagine. Just a few months after the journey began, a young Mike Moran joined the group after being part of the Hisey Brothers quartet. Mike retired in 2024 after being part of the group for 55 years.

Many faces have been part of the Torchmen over the years. The newest member of the group is John Flietstra, who replaces Sandy MacGregor singing the tenor part. Each of these men has many years of experience behind them, and are looking forward to new experiences God has planned for them. The Torchmen strive to bring quality four-part harmonies with energy and a solid gospel message to encourage those they sing to.

Torchmen Quartet online:

Website: www.torchqt.com

Social Media: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063503951466

Emmanuel Song Collective

The “Emmanuel Song Collective” is made up of musicians and songwriters from Emmanuel Baptist Church, serving in both the Barrie and North Barrie congregations.

Emmanuel Song Collective online:

Websites: www.emmanuelbarrie.org and www.emmanuelnorthbarrie.org

YouTube: Joy to Our King

Mike Janzen

Mike Janzen is a JUNO- and GMA-nominated Canadian musician known for blending jazz, pop, and classical influences into soulful, genre-crossing compositions. A gifted pianist, composer, and arranger, he gained widespread acclaim with The Psalms Project—a double album of sacred songs inspired by the Psalms and shaped during his recovery from a concussion. His latest release, Songs from the Canyon, continues this spiritual and musical exploration with cinematic textures and collaborations with artists like Dee Wilson and Jonathan Maracle. Mike’s work spans orchestral arrangements, film scores, and jazz trio performances, earning praise for its artistry and emotional depth. He lives in Toronto with his family and enjoys gardening, paddle boarding, and building backyard rinks.

David McFadden

Studied violin at the Royal Conservatory of Music, earning his ARCT diploma with First Class Honours, and continued his studies at the University of Toronto and the Utrecht Conservatorium in Holland. He performed with the Toronto Symphony for 16 seasons and has played with organizations including the Canadian Opera Company, National Ballet, Kitchener Symphony, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Symphony Nova Scotia.

His career has ranged from chamber music to musical theatre, serving as Concertmaster for productions such as Ragtime, ShowBoat, and Sunset Blvd., and performing in shows including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Phantom of the Opera, and Beauty and the Beast. He has also recorded and performed with artists such as Ray Charles, Liza Minnelli, Andrea Bocelli, Blue Rodeo, and Josh Groban.

David and his wife Julie have served on staff at Muskoka Bible Centre since 2019, where David is Chapel Director. He is also Concertmaster of the Huronia Symphony, teaches privately from his studio in Midhurst, and runs Bravura House, providing string instruments and services to musicians across North America. David also serves as Pastor of Seniors at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Barrie.

Keiko Yoden-Kuepfer

Keiko Yoden-Kuepfer is an accomplished concert pianist, organist, and collaborative artist whose musical career bridges Japan and Canada. Originally from Katano City, Osaka — the sister city of Collingwood — she has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in both countries and has performed widely in recital and community concerts.

A highly respected accompanist, Keiko has collaborated with many talented young musicians at the Collingwood, Barrie, and Grey County Music Festivals, as well as at the Ontario Provincial Final Competition. Her artistry and dedication to emerging performers were recognized when she received the Immigrant Artist Award (2015) at the Simcoe County Newcomer Recognition Awards.

Before moving to Canada, Keiko taught in Japan at the secondary and university levels. Since settling in Collingwood in 2006, she has been deeply involved in the musical life of the region. She served for 16 years as Music Director and Organist at All Saints’ Anglican Church and continues to work as a freelance organist and collaborative pianist throughout the area. She is an active member of the Georgian Triangle Music Teachers’ Association and the Royal Canadian College of Organists (Simcoe-Muskoka Branch).

Keiko began piano studies at age seven, later adding voice, organ, double bass, and conducting. She graduated from Soai Music High School (Concert Organ Performance) and earned her BMusE (Honours) in Piano Performance from Osaka National University of Education. She also holds an Associate Diploma with First-Class Honours with Distinction from The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and from the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

In addition to maintaining a private music studio in Collingwood, Keiko enjoys skiing, hiking, and traveling with her husband whenever time allows.

Brad Guldemond

Brad Guldemond is an award-winning Christian artist, songwriter, and worship leader with over 20 years of experience in church and music ministry. A three-time Canada Christian Music Award winner — including Inspirational Album of the Year, Children’s Album, and Song of the Year — Brad is known for creating music that is both faith-filled and deeply encouraging.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Worship and Creative Arts from Briercrest Bible College and has served in various ministry roles, including Worship Pastor, Camp Director, and Youth Ministry leader. Over the years, Brad has ministered across Canada and internationally in churches, conferences, camps, and outreach settings, carrying a heart for both the local church and the lost.

In addition to his music ministry, Brad is the founder of Christian Music Mentor, where he has trained and equipped over 14,000 Christian artists and songwriters around the world. Through coaching, songwriting mentorship, and artist development, he helps creatives steward their gifts with excellence and integrity.

Brad is also a proud advocate for Compassion, inspired by their mission to release children from poverty through the empowering work of the local church.

At the core of everything he does is a simple desire: to help people encounter the love of Christ and live out their calling with courage and faith.

Brad Guldemond online:

Website: www.bradguldemond.com

Social Media: www.instagram.com/bradguld

YouTube: I Can Only Imagine and The Wilderness

Brad G Kids (For Kids / Family Concerts): www.bradgkids.com

Rescue Junction

Rescue Junction is an award-winning Canadian bluegrass band based in Ontario that has been travelling and singing together since 2009. Originally comprised of brother and sister, Kyle & Kaitlyn Gerber on mandolin and guitar respectively, the band has grown to include Roger Martin on banjo, Dallas Roth on upright bass and Nick Huber on dobro.

Rescue Junction combines a plethora of musical tastes with their passion for bluegrass, resulting in a unique, refreshing style. From gospel quartet numbers to traditional and contemporary bluegrass to original songs, audiences can expect an exhilarating time with the band. Performing mostly throughout their home province of Ontario, along with some travelling to the US, Rescue Junction has been fortunate to play at many kinds of venues, including churches, parks, community centres, auditoriums, and the bluegrass festival circuit.

Having received numerous nominations at the Central Canada Bluegrass Music Awards, including Album of the Year for “On Any Road,” Rescue Junction has been honoured with awards for Most Promising Group (2013) and Gospel Group (2014). While it is a privilege to represent Canadian Bluegrass and meet many new friends and bands from across the US and Canada, the goal of every Rescue Junction member is to glorify God through music and to share the love of Christ with everyone they can.

Rescue Junction online:

Website: https://rescuejunctionband.com/

Follow on YouTube: Promises of God

Social Media: www.facebook.com/rescuejunction and http://instagram.com/rescuejunction

Backyard Worship

Canadian worship collective Backyard Worship brings nothing new to the table. They, like many around them, write songs for the Church to use as anthems to worship Jesus.

Born in 2018, BYW began writing and leading worship out of a burning desire to see Christ’s name lifted high. Not to perform or entertain the Church, but to simply and humbly lead others into worship of Jesus. They love the Word, Jesus, and His way. They long to bring Him glory with every moment.

Backyard Worship online:

YOUTUBE

SPOTIFY

Joanna Schoenmaker

Joanna is a graduate of the Bachelor of Church Music program at Heritage College & Seminary, with a focus in piano, and is currently working toward her ARCT. In addition to performing, she is deeply passionate about music education and serves as a music teacher, joyfully sharing her love of music with her students. Joanna has grown up with the MBC community, spending many summers there before later serving in the Kids Ministry department. This further grew her love for working with children. Through both teaching and performing, she seeks to use music as a way to encourage, inspire, and serve others.

Worship Under the Stars

Experience a night of music, prayer, and community under Muskoka’s open skies! Local worship leaders come together to guide an uplifting evening of worship, uniting churches and hearts from across the region. Set against the stunning natural beauty of Muskoka Bible Centre, this outdoor event invites all ages to sing, reflect, and connect in a memorable night of praise. Join us and be part of a powerful celebration of faith, music, and togetherness.

WUTS online: www.instagram.com/worshipunderthestars/?hl=en