Laura Liira on God-Given Dreams and the Time They Take to Mature, Developing Women in Pastoral Ministry, and a Year in the Emerging Leaders Lab
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On today's episode Jordan sits down with Laura Liira, campus pastor of Coastline Church Westshore on Vancouver Island and participant in the 2025-2026 class of The Emerging Leaders Lab. Laura was born in Victoria into a nominal Catholic home, and was reintroduced to Christianity though her teenage years. During a gap year in London England, she encountered Jesus in a new way and committed to serve him for the rest of her life. Laura’s story is one marked by saying yes to whatever service opportunity was in front of her. She talks honestly about God-given dreams and the time they take to mature, and the journey from church intern to Campus Pastor.
In the back half of the conversation Laura and Jordan turn to her year in the Emerging Leaders Lab, where she was the only woman in a cohort of male pastors with Keith Taylor as her guide. Laura reflects on how that band of brothers received her, prayed over her, and still meets together in a monthly rhythm. She reflects on women in ministry across the Canadian church landscape, the grit of pastoring a mobile church that sets up and tears down a middle school gym every Sunday, and she shares about what is filling her with hope right now.
In this episode you'll hear:
How a gap year in London, meant for partying, became the year Laura met Jesus,
How saying yes to the next thing in front of you is a simple act of obedience that can open doors to opportunity,
The dreams she buried with her husband and how God dug them up in his own timing,
Being the only woman in a cohort of male pastors, and the "red rose" word that welcomed her in,
The unique challenges of a mobile church,
Why the fire she sees in young people across Canada has her so full of hope.
Laura's story is a reminder that the most formative work in ministry rarely happens on a stage, but that it often happens in obedient acts of showing up and saying yes to what's in front of you. We trust this conversation will encourage you right where you are.
Laura Liira
Laura Liira serves as the Westshore Campus Pastor at Coastline Church on Vancouver Island, where she leads alongside her husband, James. Having served on staff at Coastline for nearly 20 years, Laura brings a wealth of ministry experience, relational leadership, and a deep love for the local church. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Laura spent a life-changing year in London, England, where she encountered Jesus and began to walk with Him. That experience transformed the course of her life and continues to fuel her passion for helping others experience the life-changing love and power of Christ. Laura and James have three children: Luca, London, and Leo. When she's not at church, you'll likely find Laura tending her garden, training for a race, or enjoying the beauty of Vancouver Island with family and friends.
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