Frequent Asked Questions
Why does Insight for Living Canada seem so different from Insight for Living US?

While we are affiliated with Insight for Living US, we are a fiscally and legally different organization. Our website is designed for our friends across Canada, featuring unique tools such as our daily broadcast email and Insights magazine. Our store prices are in Canadian dollars and all donations processed through our office are issued tax receipts from Canada. The broadcast you listen to on our website is also customized to serve our Canadian listeners.

How do I change my mailing address with Insight for Living Canada?

To update your contact information use our contact form or call our office at 1.800.663.7639 during office hours

How can I receive the free offer mentioned on the radio?

You may order your copy of the free offer in our web store or call 1.800.663.7639 during office hours. One complimentary ministry offer per household is available during the month offered, while quantities last.

I have a theological question or concern. What address do I use to contact Insight for Living?

Insight for Living Canada
Biblical Counselling Department
Post Office Box 8 Station A
Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z4

Can I get a copy of the Insight for Living music?

Sorry, copies of the Insight for Living music are not available. The background music you hear was composed specifically for the broadcasts. This means there are no full-length songs, only many small pieces of music. We do not have any plans to produce a soundtrack of our broadcast music.

Where can I hear the Insight for Living broadcast in my area?

Please visit our station finder or call 1.800.663.7639 during office hours.

The Insight for Living broadcast doesn’t play on a radio station near me. How else can I listen?

There are several ways to listen to the broadcast other than on the radio.

  • Through your digital cable, satellite, or ADSL provider. Many radio stations can be heard through a digital stream through Shaw, Bell, or Telus within Canada. Visit our station finder for stations airing Insight for Living and cross-reference it against your local television provider's radio channels to see what's available in your area
  • If you have high-speed Internet you can stream current and past programs online. Visit our audio library and click on the program you want to hear
  • Podcasts are a great way to hear our programs where you want, when you want. Visit our podcast page and follow the simple subscription instructions
How do I get a copy of today’s broadcast?

Purchase CD or mp3 versions of the broadcast online at insightforliving.ca or call 1.800.663.7639 during office hours.

May I have a written transcript of a message?

Sorry, we don’t publish or publicly distribute written transcripts of Chuck Swindoll’s messages under any circumstances.

How can I access the Searching the Scriptures (STS) study notes you mentioned on the broadcast?

Our Searching the Scriptures study notes are available as PDF downloads on our website. View our complete STS study notes library on our Study Resources page. To access this content for our current message, hover over "Listen" and choose Insight for Living. You will see the PDF download icon to the right-hand side of the page.

I represent a radio station and would like to air the program, or I need to inform you of a change in programming. Who do I contact?

For all radio-related questions please contact Living Bridge Media Canada at livingbridge@insightforliving.ca.

I represent a radio station and need images, logos, and other promotional materials. Who do I contact?

All promotional items for Insight for Living Canada programs are available on Living Bridge Media Canada’s website. If you require a username and password please contact livingbridge@insightforliving.ca.

How do I receive permission to use an Insight for Living Ministries radio theatre production for a dramatic presentation?

All copyrights and permissions requests are handled by Insight for Living US. Please visit their Copyrights and Permissions Request page and fill out the form.

Who do I contact if there’s a technical problem with the program or if the Insight for Living broadcast wasn’t on my station today?

Please contact your local station directly. If you can’t get through please email livingbridge@insightforliving.ca.

I missed part of today’s broadcast—how do I listen to it again?
  • If you have high-speed Internet you can stream current and past programs online. Visit our audio library and click on the program you want to hear
  • Podcasts are a great way to hear our programs where you want, when you want. Visit our podcast page and follow the simple subscription instructions
Why is the Insight for Living program no longer on my station?

There are many possible reasons our program is no longer airing on your station. For specific information, contact Living Bridge Media Canada at livingbridge@insightforliving.ca with your station’s call letters, radio dial position, city, and province.

Where can I find the Insight for Living broadcast on SiriusXM radio?

You can listen to Insight for Living on Family Talk, channel 131. For other station questions visit our station finder and search your area for stations airing Insight for Living.

What was the Scripture Chuck mentioned on the 60-second Insights short feature?

Please email livingbridge@insightforliving.ca with the date you heard the short feature along with your request.

Can I get a copy of the 60-second Insights short feature I heard today?

While we don’t sell copies of our short features they are available for download through our podcast. You can also stream them online, anytime in our audio library.

Can I get a copy of the five-minute LifeTrac short feature I heard today?

While we don’t sell copies of our short features they are available for download through our podcast. You can also stream them online, anytime in our audio library.

What version of the Bible does Chuck Swindoll use?

For many years of his ministry, especially since 1971 in Fullerton California, Chuck exclusively used the New American Standard Version Ryrie Study Bible in his preaching. However, beginning in early 2013, after careful investigation, personal research, and discussions with those involved in the publishing of The New Living Translation, he has switched to that version of the Bible in his public ministry. Approximately 90 biblical scholars went to the original texts during the foundational work of their translation to guarantee the accuracy of their efforts.

These devoted individuals then pursued the best and most helpful ways to express the meaning of the biblical text in our English language, which resulted in a much more readable translation. Because Chuck’s threefold commitment remains the same (accuracy, clarity, and practicality), he desired to use a version of the Bible that did not require a seminary-trained scholar to understand it, and yet he wanted to make certain the version he used remained faithful and true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. Chuck has come to realize that The New Living Translation best serves his purpose in helping others realize how reliable, relevant, timeless and true God’s Word remains to this day.

What’s Chuck Swindoll’s method of Bible study?

Chuck uses a simple method of Bible study he learned from Dr. Howard Hendricks, Chuck’s beloved professor and mentor at Dallas Theological Seminary. It’s based on three concepts: observation, interpretation, and application. Dr. Hendricks and his son, William Hendricks, have compiled their ideas for Bible study in an excellent, easy-to-read resource Living by the Book (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1993), which we highly recommend.

How does Chuck Swindoll prepare his sermons?

The key ingredients to Chuck’s sermons are his well-crafted principles and applications he bases on the biblical text. These are the pillars his message is built on and he spends the bulk of his study time in the quarry, chiselling and polishing his statements. As you listen to his sermons, you may want to pick out the “principle and application” statements and note how he uses them.

Does Chuck Swindoll read a manuscript of his sermons?

Chuck types his sermon notes on five or six half-sheets of paper and attaches his illustrations to the back. He almost always preaches from an expanded outline and rarely reads a manuscript from the pulpit. His outline stimulates his thoughts and keeps him on track. Sometimes he’ll read key sentences and quotes from his notes, but most of the time he lets his thoughts flow from his heart in order to preserve a conversational, down-to-earth tone.

What is Chuck Swindoll’s filing system?

Chuck’s administrative assistant places his sermon notes and illustrations in packets and files them by series in alphabetical order. Insight for Living Ministries US transcribes all of his sermons and stores them in a database searchable by keywords and phrases. Interestingly, Chuck doesn’t use a database to find illustrations or sermon material—he remembers them. Sometimes we have to ask him for the source of a certain story and he can usually recall the book and author, even though it has been 10 or 15 years since he used it. Quite a memory!

How does Chuck Swindoll keep track of the great illustrations he uses?

Chuck has a small, brown cardboard box he calls his “goody box.” Whenever he reads something he likes (he is an avid reader), he copies the page and puts it in the box. That’s it! When he reads, he underlines sections that stand out to him and makes notes in the margins of the books. He puts the best stuff in his goody box and shelves the rest in his library.

What Bible study tools does Chuck Swindoll recommend?

The more serious you become about personal Bible study, the more you will be aware of the importance of owning some good study tools. Numerous books are available today, some of which are listed below. You should form the habit of purchasing at least one study aid per month for your own library.

1. Bibles

It is best if you have a study Bible that has paragraph notations as well as footnotes to help you understand the difficult sections of Scripture. You will want to get some of the modern, reliable, and readable translations, versions, and paraphrases—preferably in hardcover, leather, leather-like, or bonded leather. Thankfully, there are several excellent versions and paraphrases of the Bible available today, which will enlighten your understanding of the meaning of the biblical text. For casual reading, you may wish to use The Message, The New Living Bible, and/or the New King James version.

While it is not the most readable, the New American Standard Version Ryrie Study Bible is very helpful, especially for a serious, in-depth study of the Scriptures. Always remember that some Bibles present a nearly word-for-word translation from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts into English, while others offer a looser, more contemporary rendering. Both are helpful as you seek a fuller, more complete grasp of the Holy Scriptures in your Bible study.

An excellent resource for the study of Scripture is the New Living Translation Life Application Study Bible. Chuck heartily recommends this particular study Bible, since it provides several reliable, readable helps: in-depth background information, numerous biographical sketches (called “personality profiles”), informative footnotes on key Scriptures and problem passages, easy-to-understand timeline charts, and maps related to the book of the Bible being studied. Most recently published in October 2007, this Bible contains the latest up-to-date research.

2. Concordances

A concordance is a must. It is an alphabetical listing of all the words in the Bible and of all the verses in which they appear.

  • Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible or Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible are Chuck’s preferences
  • Acquire an exhaustive concordance of the translation you use for study
  • Most good computer programs for Bible study (see Number 7) allow for multiple-word searches, including lexical searches in the original languages
3. Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
  • English—Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary or The Random House Dictionary of the English Language
  • Bible—The New Unger's Bible Dictionary
  • Theological—Baker's Dictionary of Practical Theology
  • Greek and Hebrew—Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
  • Encyclopedia—The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible (5 volumes) and International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (4 volumes)
4. Geographical and Cultural Helps
  • A good atlas is indispensable for understanding context. The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands is highly recommended. (Also, if you have not yet been to Israel, you should go!)
  • Bible backgrounds—The New Unger's Bible Handbook, Halley's Bible Handbook, Merrill Tenney's New Testament Times: Understanding the World of the First Century, or Alfred Edersheim's Bible History: Old Testament
5. Bible Doctrine Books
  • Systematic Theology by Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge, or Systematic Theology by Augustus H. Strong
  • Biblical Theology of the New Testament by Charles C. Ryrie
  • Major Bible Themes by Lewis Sperry Chafer
6. Commentaries
  • Surveys of the entire Bible—The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty (in two volumes, Old and New Testaments) is outstanding. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary is Chuck’s preferred one-volume commentary.
  • Expositional (verse by verse)—some of the best are by Donald G. Barnhouse, Kenneth S. Wuest, William R. Newell, R. C. H. Lenski, H. C. Leupold, William Barclay, John F. Walvoord, Arthur W. Pink, and Tyndale House
  • Devotional—books by G. Campbell Morgan, F. B. Meyer, Alan Redpath, H. A. Ironside, and Charles R. Swindoll
  • Analytical—books by W. Graham Scroggie and Merrill Tenney as well as the I. C. C. (International Critical Commentary) series (critical and tends toward the liberal side)
  • Concerning Commentaries:
    • Best to purchase one of the entire Bible first
    • Best to use different types in your study
    • Best to consult them after your own personal study
    • Best to read with discernment; don't be afraid to challenge or disagree

    An excellent volume by John Glynn, Commentary & Reference Survey, lists and explains the most popular and recommended commentaries (from various perspectives—evangelical, liberal, etc.) on every book of the Bible. It is helpful when you're looking for which commentary to buy...and which one not to buy.

7. Bible Study Computer Programs
  • BibleWorks (for PC)—see bibleworks.com
    • Designed for analysis of the biblical text, BibleWorks is the best program for the PC platform—for all levels of users. It offers search tools, lexicons, and dictionaries for Bible study, sermon preparation, and detailed Bible research
  • Libronix Digital Library System (for PC)—see logos.com
    • An astounding assortment of commentaries, books, dictionaries, and tools allows for quick research on any passage or topic. Many of the recommended resources in this article are in the Libronix Library
  • Accordance (for Macintosh)—see accordancebible.com
    • From basic Bible study helps to advanced research tools, Accordance is the best program for the Mac environment. Accordance offers Bibles, commentaries, lexicons, and a comprehensive library of materials and tools that can grow with your needs
8. Websites
  • bible.org —"In the last decade bible.org has grown to serve millions of people and ministries around the world through providing thousands of trustworthy resources for Bible study — including an exciting new translation of the Bible (the NET Bible)"—from their website
  • bibleplaces.com—"BiblePlaces.com features photographs and descriptions of sites in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Greece with an emphasis on biblical archaeology, geography and history"—from their website
9. Bible Study Methods
  • Living by the Book by Howard G. and William D. Hendricks
  • Independent Bible Study by Irving L. Jensen
  • How to Study the Bible for Yourself by Tim LaHaye
  • Methodical Bible Study by Robert A. Traina
How does Chuck Swindoll organize his library?

Chuck has two libraries. He keeps his working books—commentaries, character studies, word studies, etc.—in his office where they’re organized by topic. He organizes the rest of his books alphabetically by author. One of Chuck’s favourite pastimes is collecting early editions of books by classic Christian authors and pastors. He also has a large number of biographies of influential leaders, such as Martin Luther, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill.

What books would Chuck consider his favourites?

When we asked Chuck who his favourite authors are and what books have made an impact on his life, he said that the Bible, of course, and the following list has had significant meaning to him.

  1. John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress
  2. Winston Churchill, various writings
  3. Everett Harrison and Charles Pfeiffer, Wycliffe Bible Commentary
  4. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (and other works)
  5. J. I. Packer, Knowing God
  6. Eugene H. Peterson, Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work
  7. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (6 volumes)
  8. Charles Ryrie, A Survey of Bible Doctrine
  9. J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership
  10. Francis A. Schaeffer, True Spirituality
  11. C. H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students (and other works)
  12. A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God (and other works)
  13. Alexander Whyte, Bible Characters from the Old and New Testament (2 volumes)
  14. Warren H. Wiersbe, Listening to the Giants: A Guide to Good Reading and Great Preaching
  15. Philip Yancey and Paul Brand, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Will Chuck endorse or help publish my book, song, or poetry?

Although we wish we could assist you with publishing or evaluating your writing, we can’t. Insight for Living Ministries is not a publisher in the commercial sense of the term. The only materials we publish are those written by Chuck or other Insight for Living Ministries staff for the purpose of supporting the broadcasts. Chuck has been asked by the Insight for Living Ministries board of directors not to endorse other authors or ministries, and he declines virtually all requests for endorsement.

Can Chuck mentor me in person, on the phone, or via email?

Due to Chuck’s commitment to Insight for Living Ministries, Dallas Theological Seminary, Stonebriar Community Church, his book-writing schedule, and time with family, it’s impossible for him to add one more thing to his already overflowing plate. However, Insight for Living Ministries have pastoral-trained staff dedicated to answering questions from our listeners. Contact us by email, phone, or mail.

How can I meet Chuck Swindoll in person?

For information on future Insight for Living Ministries trips and events, visit our Conferences and Tours page. Chuck would also love to meet you at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Please come by after one of the morning services and introduce yourself. Every Sunday Chuck stays at the front, which gives people a chance to shake hands and speak with him. You may wish to call the church before attending at 1.469.252.5200 to find out if he’ll be in town preaching on the week you plan to visit.

What denomination is Chuck Swindoll’s church?

Stonebriar Community Church is a non-denominational, evangelical Christian church.

How can I book Chuck Swindoll to speak at my church, conference, or event?

Because Chuck is already committed to Insight for Living Ministries, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Stonebriar Community Church, he has set a firm policy to decline all speaking invitations not directly related to those three ministries.

Can I send a message/card/letter to Chuck Swindoll?

Due to Chuck’s commitment to Insight for Living Ministries, Dallas Theological Seminary, Stonebriar Community Church, his book-writing schedule, and time with family, it’s impossible for Chuck to read all the letters he receives. However, we have pastoral-trained staff dedicated to answering letters from our listeners. Contact us by email, phone, or mail.

How do I put Chuck Swindoll on my television station or request an interview?

All interview requests are handled by Insight for Living US. Please visit their Copyrights and Permissions Request page and fill out the form.

What is Insight for Living Canada’s mission?

Insight for Living Ministries is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ in an accurate, clear, and practical manner so that people will come to an understanding of God’s plan for their lives, as well as their significant role as authentic Christians in a needy, hostile, and desperate world. We invite you to learn more about our mission and ministry in Canada.

What is Insight for Living Canada’s vision?

Our vision is to provide one million Canadians with Bible-teaching resources by 2020. We believe this is the first step to helping people understand God’s Word for, as Romans 10:14 says, “How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (NIV) Read more about our vision for ministry in Canada.

What are Insight for Living Canada’s essential beliefs?

Insight for Living Ministries is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ. And while a grace-based ministry such as ours allows for freedom of interpretation and expression in many areas of Christian practice, we believe that certain essential beliefs are absolute and non-negotiable. We invite you to read through our Essential Beliefs.

Where do donations go?

Eighty-five cents of every dollar given to Insight for Living Canada touches people nationwide through radio, podcasts, online daily devotionals, videos, and print materials. Your gifts make an eternal investment in your community! We invite you to visit our financial stewardship page and learn more about our work in Canada.

Can Insight for Living Canada contribute financially to me, my ministry, or give scholarships for Insight for Living trips?

The funds donated to our ministry from our listening audience specifically help us pay our radio bills and other ministry-related costs. In the interest of honourable business dealings, Christian stewardship, and fairness to all, we have established a firm policy of declining all requests for financial aid.

Does Insight for Living Canada have a policy restricting the use of donations?

Yes. Spending of funds is confined to programs and projects approved by Insight for Living Canada. Should a donor choose to restrict a contribution for use in a particular program or project, we will honour the restriction with the understanding that when the need for such a program or project is met or cannot be completed for any reason as determined by Insight for Living Canada, the remaining restricted contributions will be used where most needed.

Does Insight for Living Canada have a gift acceptance and valuation policy?

Yes, to obtain a copy of our gift acceptance and valuation policy please contact our development department.

How do I unsubscribe from email or mail lists?

There are unsubscribe links at the bottom of every email we send, which make it easy to unsubscribe from any emails you would like to cancel.

I unsubscribed to emails and want to re-subscribe, how do I do this?

If you unsubscribed to our emails and wish to re-subscribe visit our sign-up page, choose the emails you wish to receive again, and submit the forms.

How can I receive Chuck Swindoll’s Insight for Today devotional email?

Visit our subscription page and fill in the form.

How do I subscribe to the podcast?

Visit our podcast page and follow the simple subscription instructions.

I don’t use iTunes—do you have a direct URL to the podcast?

Our podcast page outlines several options for subscribing to our free podcast.

How do I listen to current or past broadcasts online?

If you have high-speed Internet you can stream current and past programs online. Visit our audio library and click on the program you want to hear.

I’m having problems listening to today’s broadcast online. Can you help?

If you are having problems streaming the program online, or if it cuts out midway through, this could be because you’re using an older Internet browser. Try updating your browser. If you continue having problems please email eministries@insightforliving.ca and include the browser version you are using to stream the program.

What browsers are supported by insightforliving.ca?

While not every browser can be supported by our website, we try to support the most popular browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge. If you are experiencing problems with our site, check your browser is up-to-date. If you continue having problems please email eministries@insightforliving.ca.

Are you having problems with your app for iPhone?

We have stopped supporting our app for iPhone as our responsive website replaces the need for it.

How do I add insightforliving.ca to my mobile device’s home screen?

Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, iTouch
Launch the Safari browser on Apple’s iOS and open www.insightforliving.ca. Tap the “share” button on the browser toolbar—the rectangle with the arrow. Tap the “add to home screen” icon in the menu. You will be prompted to name the shortcut. We recommend “IFLC” or “Insight for Living Canada.” Once you’ve named the shortcut tap “add” where you can move the icon to your preferred location like any other app. Safari is the only browser you can add websites to your home screen with.

Android devices
Launch Chrome for Android and open www.insightforliving.ca. Tap the menu button and tap “add to home screen.” You’ll be able to enter a name for the shortcut—we recommend “IFLC” or “Insight for Living Canada.” Once you’ve named the shortcut Chrome will add it to your home screen. The icon will appear on your home screen like any other app or widget, so you can drag it to your preferred location. Using Chrome for Android ensures the website will get an entry in the app switcher.

Windows devices: 8, 8.1, RT
Launch the Internet Explorer browser and open www.insightforliving.ca. Pull up the app bar (swipe up from the bottom of your screen) and tap the star icon. Then tap the pin icon and enter a name for the shortcut—we recommend “IFLC” or “Insight for Living Canada.” Once this is done tap “pin to start” and the website will appear as a tile on your start screen.

Windows Phone
Launch the Internet Explorer browser and open www.insightforliving.ca. Tap the “more” button (...) and then tap “pin to start” from the menu.

I’m not sure if the donation/purchase I made went through—how do I check?

Please call us at 1.800.663.7639 during office hours with any concerns regarding your purchase/donation. We’ll be able to let you know if your transaction went through or not and assist you in completing it if needed.

What are the ways I can donate to Insight for Living Canada?

Thank you for your desire to support Insight for Living Canada! We accept one-time donations online, by phone, by post, and in person.

Accepted forms of payment for donations or purchases are:

Online
Credit card
Visa debit
E-transfer

By Phone
Credit card

By mail
Credit card
Personal cheque
Money order

In person
Credit card
Debit
Cash
Personal cheque
Money order

We also support automated giving through our Monthly Partner program. For more information or to sign up online visit our Monthly Partner page.

What is a Monthly Partner?

Monthly Partners make up the core of our donor base. By automating their donations they provide us with consistent income, helping us budget with accuracy and plan with wisdom. Monthly Partners invest not only in their own spiritual health but in the spiritual growth of others. Learn more.

How do I make a change to my automatic monthly giving?

You can change your monthly donation amount anytime by calling 1.800.663.7639 during office hours or by emailing partners@insightforliving.ca.

How can I get a copy of my year-to-date statement?

Insight for Living Canada sends receipts by post containing year-to-date donation summaries. Your official year-end tax receipt will indicate your annual giving. If you’ve requested no mail but would like a year-to-date statement please call 1.800.663.7639 during office hours or email info@insightforliving.ca and we’ll be happy to assist you.

How much money comes from Insight for Living US to Insight for Living Canada?

There are no funds sent from Insight for Living US to Insight for Living Canada. Insight for Living Canada is fiscally and legally separate from Insight for Living US.

How much money goes to Insight for Living US from Insight for Living Canada?

Our general policy is to purchase products and supplies in Canada whenever possible. The only time funds are sent from Insight for Living Canada to Insight for Living US is for product or supply purchases we cannot source within Canada.

I don’t have a credit card—can I still make a donation or purchase?

Other accepted forms of payment for donations or purchases are:

By mail
Personal cheque
Money order

Online
Visa debit
E-transfer

In person
Debit
Cash
Personal cheque
Money order

If you have further questions about alternative ways to donate or purchase please call 1.800.663.7639 during office hours.

What is Insight for Living Canada's refund and exchange policy?

Exchange/Refund Policy

  • If the purchased products are not satisfactory, for any reason, they may be refunded within 30 days of receiving the order by contacting info@insightforliving.ca and arranging to return the products in new, unopened condition back to Insight for Living Canada. In some special cases, a product must be opened and/or used to determine if it’s satisfactory or not. In these instances we will process refunds on a case-by-case basis. We will not issue a refund until the original order is returned
  • If a product is received in a damaged state we will replace it at no further cost. Photographs of the damaged product may be requested before a replacement is processed
  • If more than 30 days has passed and an exchange is requested and approved, the product must be returned in new, unopened condition and we will honour an exchange at the same price point. We will not send out the replacement product until the original order is returned
How do I send an e-transfer donation to Insight for Living Canada?

To send an e-transfer donation to Insight for Living Canada please use the email info@insightforliving.ca. In the message, include your name and your mailing address. As well, please send us the password to accept the e-transfer in a separate email or call toll-free 1.800.663.7639.

To receive a tax receipt please also email your first and last name, mailing address, email address, and phone number to info@insightforliving.ca.

When and where are the next Insight for Living Ministries events so I can plan my vacation?

We’d love to have you join us! Please visit our conferences and tours page for specific dates and destinations.

Do Chuck and Cynthia Swindoll travel to every event?

Yes, Chuck and Cynthia are present at each conference and are excited about meeting each and every guest. Not only will you hear Chuck’s messages in person throughout the trip, but you’ll journey alongside a couple who truly loves the Lord with all their heart and are the same on the airwaves and in print as in daily life. They’re worth getting to know!

How long are Insight for Living Ministries cruises and tours?

An average cruise lasts seven to 10 days while tours are usually 12 to 14 days.

How many times does Chuck Swindoll speak during a cruise or tour?

Chuck usually speaks six separate times on cruises and about nine times on tours.

How much walking or physical activity is involved?

Land tours require vigorous to strenuous walking, hiking of steps, and navigating uneven terrain. You will benefit greatly if you exercise and train prior to departure. You need to be in good health, able to climb stairs without assistance, walk at a modest pace for more than a kilometre, and able to transport your own luggage. Access at the touring sites is very limited for those who use a cane, walker, or wheelchair.

Cruises offer a more relaxed atmosphere, with a variety of activities available to you depending on your physical capabilities.

Is your Israel tour always held in the spring?

We almost always hold our Israel tour in the spring. This is because of the mild weather Israel experiences at that time and the availability of the Dallas Theological Seminary professors who participate during their spring break from teaching.

How many people attend the Israel tour?

Our tour groups to Israel typically have nearly 600 attendees, with each bus containing approximately 45 people. You are assigned to the same bus for the entire trip so that you can get to know your fellow travellers. While the total group is fairly large, your bus “family” gets to know each other well as you spend quality time together. Also, each bus has two Insight for Living Ministries staff “shepherds” as well as a professor couple from Dallas Theological Seminary, who will teach and provide devotionals along the tour.

Our tours and cruises often sell out so we recommend that you book as early as possible. Inspiration Cruises and Tours handle all the booking and travel details for our tours. To book any of Insight for Living Ministries’ tours or cruises, or for more information, please call 1.888.447.0444 or visit inspirationcruises.com/ifli.

Can Chuck Swindoll baptize me in the Jordan River or the Sea of Galilee on the Israel tour?

We do schedule time for baptisms in the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. However, Chuck doesn’t perform the baptisms. Instead, one of the Dallas Theological Seminary professors will do the honours. Anyone wishing to be baptized is welcome! There is no need to arrange it in advance, as we’ll organize it during the actual tour.

Can Chuck Swindoll or a ship captain officiate my wedding?

Regrettably, Chuck has an extremely busy schedule during the tours and cruises. Without the ability to accept all such invitations and personal requests and in the interest of integrity and fairness, Chuck has made it a firm policy to decline them all.

If you’re travelling with Insight for Living Ministries on a cruise, the ship’s captain is also not able to perform the ceremony. Captains are not legally able to marry anyone on a ship. Should you like to get married at some point during the trip, we would suggest making private arrangements with a licensed pastor in either the port of departure or in one of the ports during sailing.

I’m travelling alone or with an odd number of people in my party and I need a roommate. How does that process work?

When you book your trip, our travel partner Inspiration Cruises and Tours will send you a room-share program agreement for you to fill in. This form allows you to mark your roommate preferences, as well as make you aware of helpful information regarding travelling with a roommate.

Why do solo travellers pay an upcharge?

Charging extra for those travelling alone is standard practice by most hotels and cruise lines. Therefore, the increased charges you’re seeing reflect the higher costs incurred from hotels, cruise lines, etc. If you wish to avoid these charges as well as make a new friend on your adventure, we offer a room-share program. For more information contact our travel partner Inspiration Cruises and Tours at 1.888.447.0444.

Do you offer scholarships or discounts?

We regret that we are unable to provide you, your church group, pastor, or any other person with a financial contribution or group discount. The funds we have at Insight for Living Ministries are provided through donations from our radio audience. These dear donors send funds specifically to help us pay our radio bills and other ministry-related costs. We cannot divert those monies to support any other cause, no matter how worthy. To do so would simply be unethical.

Another aspect to consider is that we would never be able to help everyone who asked for financial assistance. Saying yes to some and no to others understandably causes offence to the ones denied. So in the interests of honourable business dealings, Christian stewardship, and fairness to all, we have had to establish a policy of declining all requests for financial aid.

How much does a tour, cruise, or conference cost and what does it include?

The cost fluctuates based on the market, destination, programming, etc. Please visit our conferences and tours page to learn about the unique features and pricing details for individual events.

Why are Insight for Living Ministries tours and cruises more expensive than others?

Compared with similar events Insight for Living Ministries offers competitive tour and cruise pricing. Our travel partner, Inspiration Cruises and Tours, often secures unique deals and service no other travel company can provide. That said, sometimes our conference pricing will see an increase due to associated costs for programming and entertainment, logistics management, and attentive service provided to give you the unmatched Insight for Living Ministries conference experience. All Insight for Living Ministries tours and cruises are paid for, and made possible by, only those who choose to attend.

Can I go through another agency to make my tour or cruise arrangements but still join Chuck Swindoll’s sessions?

Regrettably, this is not possible for a variety of reasons. Insight for Living Ministries has been providing cruises and tours for more than 25 years, and during that time we have learned a great deal about making these events both well-organized and spiritually invigorating. We have also developed a long-standing partnership with Inspiration Cruises and Tours, which capably handles the myriad details that go into planning an exceptional event.

When you register through another agency, you become their customer and not ours. That agency then determines your room assignments, dining reservations, and anything else included in their package. Additionally, because Insight for Living Ministries cruises and tours are often sold out, space and printed materials are limited to our own customers. It is imperative to keep all of our customers under a single agency so that the skilled people at Inspiration Cruises and Tours can be assured of accounting for all the details associated with your trip and ensure that the event is the absolute best that it can be.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel?

Up to a certain point refunds are available, though cancellation fees will apply. Exact refund information will be outlined in the brochure for your specific event.

Why don’t you host more affordable events for those who can’t attend a tour or cruise?

Insight for Living Ministries provides many types of ministries at various cost levels so no one is excluded. The broadcast may be heard by anyone with a radio or with access to the Internet. All of our listeners are invited to write to us to receive biblical counselling and prayer support at no charge or, if they prefer, telephone us and pay only for the call. We have a large selection of comparably priced literature, with much of it available at a reduced cost.

In an organization like Insight for Living Ministries, almost every choice we make causes someone disappointment. Within the family of Christ, there are a wide range of attitudes, particularly when it comes to how people use their money, the standards of living they maintain, and how they spend their time and expend their energy.

A little history about the inception of our special events ministry may help you understand why we provide cruise and tour conferences. Our first cruise took place in July 1984 as a response to many who were looking for a summer vacation with an opportunity to be spiritually challenged in a conference setting aboard a ship. These people might have taken a cruise regardless or may have enjoyed sea travel in the past. They were people who loved God, sought His ways, and in most instances used their resources substantially to further the worldwide cause of Christ.

The majority of individuals aboard our first cruise were not wealthy; they were simply people fulfilling a dream to take a cruise with a group of Christians...a dream for which they might have saved for a long time. And they were not disappointed. Many conferees told us their lives were changed as a result of the biblical teaching they received that week. People of all ages and income levels received spiritual encouragement and practical help.

After much prayer and careful consideration, we chose to sponsor more cruises and tours. We have done so with a clear conscience as we examined our responsibilities both to Christ and to individuals from every economic level. As a ministry, we believe we should relate to the entire body of Christ; our ministry is by no means directed to any single socio-economic segment of the population. For this reason, Insight for Living Ministries sponsors a variety of growth-inspiring events that appeal to all types of individuals who are seeking to meet their varying spiritual as well as vacation needs.

Do the Swindolls and other employees travel for free? This doesn’t seem right for a donor-supported ministry.

Insight for Living Ministries hand-picks staff on a per-event basis depending on what will provide the best experience for our ministry attendees. Our highest concern is meeting your needs, and Insight for Living Ministries employees work diligently to ensure every detail fits the highest standard. By using Insight for Living Ministries employees, we reduce overall trip costs for everyone by not paying for extra travel company guides and management. Part of the special nature of our conferences is meeting you personally as a ministry family, caring for you and ensuring an outstanding experience. We are thankful for the opportunity to do this and to do so without using listener donations.

Although the trips may seem like a “vacation” for Chuck and staff members who participate, many long, work-filled days are required in order to make each cruise or tour a success for our guests.

What is the source of funding for your cruises and tours?

Insight for Living Ministries tours and cruise conferences are an exceptional offering to our listenership in that they do not cost Insight for Living Ministries any money to conduct. The fees paid by the conference attendees fully cover the costs of the events. The donations of our listeners, on the other hand, go directly to supporting our day-to-day ministry efforts.

We plan these annual conferences and tours because of the opportunity they provide for building personal relationships with our listeners, the spiritual benefit they offer our constituents, and the high demand from listeners for such trips. Although these trips provide only minimal funding for Insight for Living Ministries, they give us the opportunity to meet many new friends, who often choose to become regular supporters of Insight for Living Ministries.

Can I get the sheet music and/or lyric sheet for the songs I heard today?

All requests for music and/or lyrics are handled by Insight for Living US. Please visit their Copyrights and Permissions Request page and fill out the form.

Are you going to make more Paws & Tales episodes?

Because of limited resources, we are no longer producing Paws & Tales. As the Lord provides and we determine that it’s time to resume production, we will notify our listeners at pawsandtales.org.

Episodes of Paws & Tales: The Animated Series on DVD as well as Paws & Tales radio broadcasts on CD and mp3 are available in our web store.