Jason Ballard on Hope for the Church in Canada, Serving Pastors as a Pastor, and the Importance of Pastoral Friendship
Five years into planting The Way Church in Vancouver and five years into The Pastorate, Jason steps into the guest chair to reflect on what he’s seeing in the Canadian church and what gives him real hope for pastors today. In this role-reversal episode, Jordan interviews Jason about his life as a local pastor, the story behind The Pastorate, and why he still wants to serve pastors as a practitioner, not a commentator.
Nestor Abdon on Multicultural Ministry in Canada, Welcoming Newcomers, and Second-Generation Immigrants as Cultural Bridges
In this conversation, Nestor traces his journey from growing up in the Philippines to arriving in Canada in 2010, pastoring within a Filipino church, serving at a refugee centre, and eventually leading newcomers and diaspora ministries at large churches in the Toronto area. His life and ministry have been shaped by the conviction that migration is not just a social reality but a biblical lens, that God is gathering the nations in Canadian cities, and that welcoming newcomers is central to the church’s participation in the gospel today.
Darrell Johnson on Preaching Advent: Six Frameworks to Borrow, and His New Book Awaken Wonder
In today’s episode, Darrell Johnson opens his journal and his toolkit, sharing how a hard year has softened his pastoral heart and how a simple morning liturgy that includes journaling, reading Scripture, and listing notes of gratitude have helped refresh his soul. Darrell invites us into his new book, an Advent reader titled Awaken Wonder, and shares six practical frameworks for preaching through Advent that he invites pastors to glean from and borrow. Darrell helps us imagine Advent preaching that’s both bold and deeply formative.
Junie Josue on Empowering a Young, Multicultural Church, Hearing God’s Call from Manila to Winnipeg, and Carrying a Vision to Plant 100 Churches Across Canada
On today’s episode of The Pastorate we welcome Junie Josue, pastor of International Worship Center, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. From a three-day fast in Manila to planting a multi-ethnic church in central Canada, Junie shares a Spirit-led story of obedience, discipleship, and multiplication. The conversation traces the discernment journey that brought Junie and his wife, Fatima, to Canada in 1999, the cell-church structure that fuels IWC’s inter-provincal growth, and a vision to plant 100 churches across the nation. Junie also opens up about the inner life of a pastor, moving from performance to presence, and letting God heal old wounds.
Shaila Visser with the Lead Pastors Fellowship: Reaching Gen Alpha, the Future of Alpha Canada, and Canada’s Unique Spiritual Moment
Today’s episode features a conversation between Tammy Giffen, Lead Pastor of Groundswell Church in Turo Nova Scotia and Shaila Visser, National Director of Alpha Canada and Senior Vice President at Alpha International. It’s a recording of a conversation that took place live in front of our Lead Pastor Fellowship cohort, two weeks ago when they were gathered together in Vancouver for a city meetup. Over the course of that week together, the cohort, made up of 15 pastors from across Canada, spent time learning from local pastors and leaders, touring local churches, and enjoying quality time together. This conversation between Tammy and Shaila was one of the sessions of the week that was designed to help encourage our cohort members and sharpen their pastoral imagination, specifically around the themes of evangelism, prayer, and ministry to Gen Alpha and Gen Z.
Ryan Johnson on Healing from Brokenness, Leading through Pain, and Building a Community of Worship and Hope
In this conversation, Jason and Ryan explore the messy beginnings of Church Untitled, how a community born out of hurt became a place of dependence and hope. They talk about the call to consecration that shaped their early days, and how worship has become the defining posture of their community, creating space for healing and shepherding the soul of the city.
Dom Ruso on Church Planting in Quebec, Pastoring in a Post-Christian Age, and Making the Bible Make Sense in a Secular World
In this conversation, Jason and Dom explore Dom’s honest wrestle with returning to Quebec, and the slow ways God confirmed the call to plant a church there and why it’s not enough to “tell” people what the Bible says, but to invite them into its story, and how plot points of Scripture resonate with modern longings for justice, meaning, and identity.
Howard Jolly on Reconciliation in the Canadian Church, the Courage to Face Our Shared Story, and How His Father’s Transformation Led Him to Jesus
In this conversation, Howard Jolly shares how he came to faith through the remarkable transformation of his father’s life, why reconciliation is essential for the whole body of Christ, and how facing our shared history with courage can lead to healing and hope. Drawing on decades of pastoral leadership, he reflects on the God‑given dignity of every person, the unique call for First Peoples to reach First Peoples, and his vision for a renewed Church in Canada.
Lissa Wray Beal on Why Pastors Need the Old Testament, Faithfully Preaching Trauma Texts, and the Role of Seminary in a Changing Church
In this conversation, Old Testament scholar and Anglican priest Dr. Lissa Wray Beal offers a thoughtful and deeply encouraging guide for engaging the harder parts of Scripture. Drawing from her current writing on the book of Jeremiah and her years of pastoral ministry and academic scholarship, Lissa makes the case that these ancient texts are essential for helping congregations find language in time of suffering and struggle.
Matthew Price on Learning to Love the Suburbs, Leading Post-Burnout, and Church Revitalization
In this episode we welcome Matthew Price, Lead Pastor of North Langley Community Church, for a deeply personal conversation about pastoral ministry. Matthew opens up about his unexpected journey into preaching, the powerful influence of mentors like Darrell Johnson, and how a vision from God reshaped his love for suburban ministry.
Shaila Visser from Alpha on Leading for Longevity and A New Moment for Evangelism in Canada
Every leader faces moments when vision dims and passion wavers. How do we sustain a long-term vision for ministry while leading with joy and conviction? In this episode, Shaila Visser, National Director of Alpha Canada, joins Jason Ballard to share insights from her extensive leadership experience. She reflects on 14 years of ministry, the shifting spiritual landscape in Canada, and the personal rhythms that sustain evangelistic passion.
Helen Burns on the Tension Between Production & Authenticity, the Crisis of Pastoral Belonging, and Why Gen Z is Looking For Presence Over Information
Our guest today is Helen Burns, a beloved voice 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 to their daughter Angela and her husband Rod in 2018.
With a deep love for the Church and a heart for the next generation, Helen shares invaluable insights on leadership transitions, the shift from performance-driven ministry to authentic presence, and the importance of intergenerational relationships. This in-person conversation, recorded in Helen’s home, is one we are thrilled to share with you.
Evan Allnutt on Recapturing Courage & Releasing Your Vision For God’s Call
Our guest today is Evan Allnutt, Lead Pastor of Northgate Church, who has been faithfully serving in ministry for over 15 years. Evan’s journey has included transitioning from teaching to full-time ministry, taking on the leadership of Northgate, and navigating the challenges of church growth and cultural shifts.
In this conversation, Evan shares his personal experiences with surrendering to God's call, overcoming moments of discouragement, and the importance of community in sustaining long-term ministry. With a deep passion for the Church and a heart for those in leadership, this conversation is filled with encouragement and practical wisdom.
Mark Buchanan on Pastoring Others Without Losing Your Soul, Growing Deep Over Fast, and Telling Gospel-Shaped Stories
Our guest today is Mark Buchanan, author, former pastor, and professor of theology, who brings decades of experience in ministry and spiritual formation. Throughout his journey, Mark has wrestled with the challenges of maintaining personal spiritual health while faithfully leading others, offering a powerful example of humble service rooted in dependence on Christ.
In this conversation, Mark reflects on the struggles of soul drift and the importance of pastoring others without losing yourself. He shares insights on the value of growing deep in faith over seeking quick success, and the transformative power of gospel-shaped storytelling in shaping spiritual lives. Mark also discusses how imagination and creativity can enrich our relationship with God and how cultivating a hidden life with God sustains long-term ministry health. This episode is filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and a deep love for God’s people, offering encouragement and reflection for pastors and leaders in any season of ministry.
Tammy Giffen on Neighbourhood Contextualization, Processing When People Leave, and What Helps Canada Feel Smaller
Our guest today is Tammy Giffen, Lead Pastor of Groundswell Church in Truro, Nova Scotia, who has navigated her church through a season of significant change. Tammy shares her experience of leading a church plant, transitioning into a new building, and adapting ministry to meet the evolving needs of her community.
In this conversation, Tammy reflects on the importance of staying open-handed in ministry, creating space for young leaders to thrive, and staying faithful to the mission during times of transition. Her insights offer encouragement for leaders facing change, reminding us that faithfulness and adaptability are key to sustaining ministry through challenges.
Jonathan Smith On Nurturing Change in Churches with Compassion, Embracing the Vitality of Pruning for Church Growth, and Recognizing the Essential Role of Spiritual Mentors
How do church leaders navigate change while building for the next generation?
In this episode, Jonathan Smith, a seasoned pastor with over 30 years of experience, joins Jason Ballard to share insights on leading through transition. From planting a church at 23 to guiding an established congregation, Jonathan unpacks what it takes to sustain vision, embrace innovation, and create space for young leaders. He reflects on the challenges of change, the importance of mentorship, and how churches can remain faithful while adapting to a shifting culture.