In today’s conversation Preston Pouteaux shares what it means to be a tenderhearted pastor in a fast-paced world. Speaking from Chestermere, Alberta, Preston invites us into a vision of pastoring that’s slow, rooted, and profoundly local. From RCMP ride-alongs to keeping bees and loving neighbours, Preston offers a poetic yet practical vision of wh…

What does it look like to stay tender and human as a pastor, even while holding the weight of others’ pain? In this rich and deeply practical conversation, Steve Cuss shares wisdom from decades of ministry—including his years as a hospital chaplain, a lead pastor, and now, a trusted voice equipping leaders around the world in managing leadership an…

In this special episode of The Pastorate Podcast, we’re doing something a little different. Rather than one long-form conversation, you'll hear stories from three Canadian lead pastors. Representing the suburbs of BC, the heart of Quebec, and a small coastal town on the Pacific Ocean, these pastors—Joe Jung, Ben Carbone, and Jaz Ghag—open up about …

In this episode, Jason sits down with Reward Sibanda, a pastor, speaker, and writer, a leading voice on fasting and a Pastor at Saddleback Church. Reward is known for his contagious joy, his deep love for the church, and his ability to bridge cultural gaps in ministry. In this conversation, Jason and Reward explore: How different cultural perspecti…

In this episode of The Pastorate, Jason sits down with Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Bridgetown Church and author of The Familiar Stranger, to explore how God works in seasons of suffering and renewal. Tyler shares candidly on how deep pain has shaped his understanding of faith, ministry, and the presence of God in everyday life. Tyler is known for …

Pastoring in rural Canada comes with unique challenges and opportunities—navigating leadership transitions, bilingual ministry, and the call to raise up the next generation of leaders. That’s why we need pastors who commit to remaining faithful over decades, seeking God’s guidance through seasons of change. In this episode we’re joined by Claude La…

Our world is changing at a rapid pace, and for many, it’s hard to make sense of it all—let alone carry the weight of shifting expectations and uncertainty. That’s why we’re grateful for voices like Mark’s—leaders who cut through the noise with a prophetic edge, distill complex cultural trends, and speak to the Church with a non-anxious presence. To…

Preaching with authenticity is no easy task, but for Megan, authenticity is the only gear she knows. The question remains—how do we craft honest sermons and let the message impact our own lives first? Megan is a pastor, speaker, and author joining us from Lakewood, California. She serves as the teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in Il…

It’s a New Year, and we’re thrilled to welcome you back to The Pastorate. As we step into 2025, we’re continuing our mission of creating meaningful conversations to equip and encourage pastors, starting with an episode we pray will strengthen both your hands and your heart for the work ahead. Our guest today is Andy Moore, Pastor of Coastline Churc…

As we close out 2024, we’re excited to bring you a special episode to end the year. Last year, we began a tradition of hosting a conversation with Darrell Johnson near the end of each year, and it’s quickly become a meaningful rhythm for this podcast—a chance to sit down and reflect on life and ministry. Darrell has been preaching, teaching, and pa…

A question many of us face this time of year is how to guide our congregations well through the Advent season. In the midst of pastoring others, some of us have been able to enter into the wonder of the season ourselves, some of us are navigating the busyness of planning and executing events and services, and others of us are walking through a deep…

Pastoring has always been a vocation of great responsibility, yet the expectations placed on pastors today have grown increasingly complex. From preaching and shepherding to being organizational leaders, cultural commentators, and trauma-informed counselors, the demands can stack up, making the work feel impossible. Add to this the challenge of nav…

This week on The Pastorate we are excited to host Carey Nieuwhof—Bestselling author, Host of the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast, and Founding Pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario Today’s episode covers a wide range of topics: Carey discusses his journey of founding and then stepping back from the Lead role at Connexus Church. He reflects…

This week on The Pastorate, Rachel Hughes—Pastor of Gas Street Church in Birmingham, England—joins us on the podcast for a conversation on pastoral ministry. Rachel shares about: The experience of planting Gas Street Church, the ongoing cycle of raising and sending new leaders, and how church planting can disrupt comfort zones, keep churches missio…

This week in the inaugural episode of The Pastorate, Adam Browett – Pastor of Calvary Temple in Winnipeg, Manitoba – joins us on the podcast for a conversation on pastoral ministry. Adam shares about: What Adam’s been learning recently, as a naturally gifted speaker, about continuing to develop his craft of preaching, Adam’s journey discerning tran…

Since its inception over four years ago, the Canadian Church Leaders Network (CCLN) has served thousands of pastors through its podcast, monthly newsletter, cohort-based programs, and pastors retreats and gatherings. This week, Jason Ballard, host of the Canadian Church Leaders Podcast and Executive Director of CCLN sits down with Chris Price to di…

We've got a special episode for all of you this week. The CCLN Team is working hard on a special project that will be officially announced with the October 7th episode on the podcast, but we didn't want to leave you high and dry this week. In 2022, we had Keith Taylor speak to a group of Pastors as part of our first cohort based program, The Church…

The work of renewal in a church is slow, costly, and long-term. It requires pastors who consistently say, “I can’t do this alone,” and who return to the feet of Jesus, the One making all things new. This week, Father James Mallon, Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in beautiful Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, joins us on the podcast to share his heart …

As pastors we want to run the race well and finish more in love with Jesus and with His church than when we started. Pastors that have been both fruitful and faithful set a beautiful example for what longevity in ministry can look like. This week Dan Cochrane, Pastor of CrossRoads Church in Red Deer, Alberta, joins us on the podcast to share insigh…

What does community look like when it’s rooted in love and grounded in the realities of life? How do we grab hold of a vision for biblical unity within our congregations and learn to live in the tensions that come with knowing and loving others well? This week, Rich Villodas, author of The Deeply Formed Life and Pastor of New Life Fellowship, joins…

The church growth movement of the 20th-century has left a lasting impact on our perception of the Church today. What can we learn from its successes and shortcomings, and how can we move forward in the context of our post-everything society? This week, Daniel Im from Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton joins us on the podcast for a second time Danie…

Every leader faces moments when vision dims and passion wavers. How do we sustain a vision for long term leadership and be able to lead with joy in our hearts and conviction in our steps? This week, Shaila Visser from Alpha joins us on the podcast for a second time to share insights from her extensive leadership experience. Shaila shares about: Sus…

Seasons of transition and uncertainty can test a leader’s resilience and calling. How do we guide a church through grief, rebuild trust, and embrace transformation with integrity? In this episode, Chrishan Jeyaratnam, Lead Pastor of Hillsong East Coast, joins Jason Ballard to share his journey of pastoring through deep change. He reflects on leadin…

How can followers of Jesus inhabit their cities—through workplaces, commutes, and classrooms—in a way that reflects the hope of God’s kingdom breaking in? In this episode, Tyler Staton (Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church & National Director of 24-7 Prayer USA) and Pete Hughes (Lead Pastor of KXC Church in London) join us for a powerful conversation o…

38 years into ministry, Helen Burns speaks of the Church We’re excited to share this conversation with Helen Burns, a beloved voice of encouragement and wisdom in the Canadian Church. With 38 years of ministry experience, Helen and her husband John planted Relate Church in 1986, serving as lead pastors for 35 years before transitioning leadership t…

Every leader faces seasons of struggle and discouragement. How do we stay faithful to God’s call while navigating personal challenges and leading with perseverance? In this episode, Evan Allnutt, Lead Pastor of Northgate Church, joins us to share his journey through career transitions, church leadership, and the importance of surrendering to God's …

Pastoring today comes with unique challenges: cultural hostility, personal struggles, and the tension between work and rest. How do we remain faithful to God's call and lead with humility when the road ahead feels uncertain? In this episode, John Mark Comer, founder of Practicing the Way, joins us to discuss the evolving role of pastors in today's …

Every pastor and leader will face moments when their soul drifts, and the passion that once fueled their ministry starts to wane. How do we stay rooted in Christ and keep our ministry healthy over the long haul? This week, Mark Buchanan joins us to share insights from his decades of ministry experience. Mark opens up about how he’s navigated the ch…

This week, Tammy Giffen, Lead Pastor of Groundswell Church in Truro, Nova Scotia, joins us to share insights from her unique journey in ministry. Tammy’s story is one of faithfulness, passion, and resilience as she planted Groundswell in 2018 and continues to lead through times of growth and change. Tammy shares about: Contextualizing ministry to s…

How do we lead well through transition and keep evangelism at the heart of our ministry? This week, Nicky Gumbel joins us to share wisdom from his journey as the pioneer of the Alpha Course and former Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London. After nearly two decades in senior leadership, Nicky opens up about transitioning leadership, empower…

How the Early Church Can Shape Our Faith Today Every pastor and church leader is navigating the challenge of making disciples in an increasingly post-Christian world. How can we learn from the early church’s resilience and faithfulness? In this episode, Jerry Sittser, professor emeritus at Whitworth University and author of Resilient Faith, joins J…

Leading Through Change: Navigating Transitions in Church Leadership Change is inevitable in both personal growth and church leadership—but how can leaders navigate transition seasons while fostering healthy growth and embracing the next generation? In this episode, Jonathan Smith, a seasoned church leader with 30 years of experience, joins Jason Ba…

How can church leaders cultivate discipleship as a way of life rather than just another program? What does it take to lead with humility, wisdom, and a deep trust in God’s work in people’s lives? In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt, Executive Director of Saturate and founding leader of the Soma Family of Churches, joins Jason Ballard to explore the h…

Staying rooted in one place for 25 years of ministry is no small thing. For Angel and Durwin Gray, it’s been a journey of joy, faithfulness, and learning to trust God in every season. But how do pastors remain grounded through doubt, imposter syndrome, and the delicate balance of ministry and family? Angel and Durwin serve as co-lead pastors at Hil…

Spiritual formation is more than a concept—it’s a lived invitation for pastors and leaders to abide deeply in Jesus and lead others into life with God. What does that look like in the context of the local church? In this episode, we share a special message from Elita Friesen, recorded at our one-day conference in collaboration with Practicing The W…

What does it look like to follow Jesus with a wholehearted yes—through every twist, turn, and transition of life and leadership? In this episode, Jason sits down with Darren Herbold, President of The Alliance Canada, to unpack the journey of a leader shaped by diverse experiences in pastoral ministry, the business world, and the mission field. Darr…

What does it mean to hold conviction and compassion together in a world that often demands one or the other? In this episode, Jason sits down with Evan Wickham, church planter and worship leader at Park Hill Church in San Diego, to explore what he calls “Compassionate and Courageous Orthodoxy.” Evan shares his personal journey of deconstructing and…

In a world of rapid change and growing challenges for pastors, how do we stay faithful, hopeful, and rooted in Christ? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Darrell Johnson — beloved pastor, preacher, and author — for a heartfelt conversation about preaching today, navigating seasons of transition, and finding life in God's Word. Darrell sh…

For this 30-minute episode, we're stepping away from our usual podcast format to dive deep into a topic that we know many pastors feel stuck or uncomfortable in – the art of communicating about giving and generosity to a church. Our friends at Generis are passionate about helping pastors nurture a culture of biblical generosity and stewardship in y…

What does it take to disciple young people with lasting, Jesus-centered joy? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Ebonie Davis for a vibrant conversation about thoughtful next-generation discipleship. They explore how the whole church can invest in young people, why contextual spiritual formation matters, and how joy can be a powerful mark…

How can the Church hold both deep conviction and deep compassion in loving the LGBT+ community? In this episode, Jason Ballard hosts a conversation with Chris Price and Pieter Valk on how pastors can navigate the tensions of sexuality, theology, and pastoral care. Pieter shares his personal story of enduring same-sex attraction, why he embraced a h…

What sustains a pastor through seasons of weariness, pressure, and temptation to give up? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Jason Matta, Senior Pastor of Hope Church Toronto West, for an honest conversation about ministry longevity, the power of prayer, and protecting what matters most. Jason shares his personal story of pastoring throu…

What sustains a leader through seasons of challenge, criticism, and change? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Archbishop Michael Miller for a rich conversation on leadership, spiritual formation, and prayer. Archbishop Miller shares his journey to Vancouver, lessons from overseeing seventy diverse parishes, and how practices like prayer…

What makes preaching effective in a rapidly changing, often skeptical culture? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Chris Price—pastor, preacher, and author—for a highly requested conversation on the art of preaching. After sharing his own journey to faith, Chris unpacks five key insights he's learned from years of preaching in one of Cana…

What does it take to lead a historic church with fresh vision and deep spiritual resilience? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Bishop Jenny Andison, leader of St. Paul’s Bloor Street in Toronto, for a conversation about global ministry, evangelism, and church revitalization. Jenny shares insights from her journey across cities like Toky…

What does it take to plant a church rooted in prayer, humility, and legacy? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Jonny Hughes, founding pastor of Trinity Church in Nottingham, England, to reflect on the journey of church planting, the importance of prayer at every stage, and the personal motivations that shaped his calling. Jonny shares op…

What does it mean to plant a thriving church in one of Canada’s most secularized cities? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with David Pothier, founding pastor of La Chapelle in Montreal, to talk about his journey of faith, the unique challenges of pastoring in a post-Christian city, and the remarkable story of how La Chapelle has grown over …

What does it take to lead a historic church with fresh hope in one of Canada’s most secular cities? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Pastor Patti Miller of Evangel Church in Montreal to explore her leadership journey, the shifting spiritual landscape of the city, and the story of how a 107-year-old church continues to be a vibrant witn…

What happens when a pastor’s vision collapses—and God rebuilds something better? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with John Lamos to hear his honest story of leading on empty, approaching burnout, and how Jesus brought new life to his ministry, marriage, and family. John’s journey offers raw insight and real hope for pastors and leaders who…

How can pastors respond to the complexity of our time with courage, creativity, and deep spiritual resilience? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Mark Sayers—pastor, author, and cultural commentator—for a long-form conversation on discipleship in an age of disruption. Drawing from his global perspective and deep theological insight, Mark…