Pradeepan Jeeva on Planting in a Post-Christian City, Pastoring Through Suffering, and Measuring Christian Discipleship
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In today’s episode, Jason sits down with pastor and church planter Pradeepan Jeeva for a vulnerable conversation on calling, suffering, and leading a church where everyone can find their place. Pradeepan and his wife Amritha co-lead Kalos Church in Bellevue, Washington, a vibrant, multicultural community born out of a literal dream and built one backyard barbecue at a time.
With tender honesty Pradeepan shares about the joy and heartbreak of planting in one of the most unchurched cities in America, and how his family’s story, from Sri Lankan refugees to pastors in Seattle, has shaped the unique multicultural demographic of their church. From his personal mental health challenges to his children’s autism diagnoses, Pradeepan opens up about what it means to keep pastoring when life gets tough, and how the Church he founded became an essential support to his family.
In this conversation, Pradeepan shares:
The spiritual roots of Kalos Church and how a dream led them to plant a church in Seattle,
How the Church helped carry him through personal grief, personal breakdown, and family hardship,
How his son became the inspiration behind their church’s thriving special needs ministry,
A fresh, practical model for discipleship borrowed from his son’s individualized education plan,
and why story-sharing and vulnerability are non-negotiables for building a diverse, healing community.
Pradeepan’s passion for Jesus, love for the Church, and unwavering commitment to those on the margins will leave you encouraged, challenged, and deeply moved.
Pradeepan Jeeva
Pradeepan Jeeva is the co-lead pastor of Kalos Church in Bellevue, Washington, alongside his wife Amritha. Born in Minnesota to Sri Lankan refugee parents, Pradeepan's life was marked early on by the transforming power of hospitality, community, and the Gospel. Pradeepan is a passionate communicator, church planter, and advocate for those often overlooked by the Church. His leadership is deeply shaped by his family’s journey through trauma, healing, and the ongoing story of God’s grace. He lives near Seattle with Amritha and their two children.
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The work of strengthening pastors across Canada is only possible because of generous partners like you. As we look to the future, would you consider joining us in prayer, sharing this episode, or making a gift to invest in a vibrant, Jesus-centered church in every community?
Special thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for making this episode possible. We invite you to explore their Bible Course to help your church grow in Scripture engagement.
