EP 300 – Richard Pope: Canvas Church Merger
In this milestone episode of the Replant Bootcamp Podcast, I sit down with my friend Richard Pope, pastor of Canvas Church in Salisbury, Maryland. Richard’s story is powerful—he planted Canvas while battling a terminal cancer diagnosis, and God has done incredible things through his ministry in a micropolitan context.
We talk about the early days of Canvas, how the church grew through evangelism, and the challenges of navigating merger conversations with struggling churches. Richard shares what he learned from a merger attempt that didn’t work out and how God used that experience to prepare him for a healthier merger down the road.
In this conversation, we walk through:
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The story of Canvas Church and its early growth.
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Richard’s first merger attempt and the lessons that came from it.
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Why I believe clarity is not unkind—and how convictional leadership matters in merger talks.
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The wild season when Canvas outgrew its space, got displaced, and began praying desperate prayers for a permanent home.
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The incredible story of how God provided a historic church building and brought about a healthy merger with Faith Community Church.
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Practical wisdom for pastors and planters who are considering a merger.
As we celebrate 300 episodes of the Replant Bootcamp, I can’t think of a better conversation to highlight how God continues to provide, even through challenges and setbacks. I hope that Richard’s story will encourage you to trust God’s timing, lead with conviction, and stay faithful in the work of revitalization and replanting.