Chrishan Jeyaratnam from Hillsong East Coast on Leading Through Grief & Transformation
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 leading a church in the aftermath of crisis, navigating distrust in leadership, and the personal and communal transformation necessary for renewal. Chrishan also unpacks the unique identity of a local church and how drawing from the broader body of Christ can bring strength and restoration.
Tyler Staton & Pete Hughes on Contending for the Renewal of Your City & Cultivating Deep Rhythms of Prayer
Prayer isn’t just something we do—it’s the foundation for renewal in our lives, churches, and cities. But how do we cultivate deep rhythms of prayer and sustain a vision for God’s kingdom breaking in where we live?
In this episode, Tyler Staton and Pete Hughes share how personal and corporate prayer fuels transformation. They explore the power of storytelling in shaping a culture of contending, the importance of interceding for our cities, and the rhythms that sustain long-term ministry. Their wisdom will inspire you to seek God’s presence in fresh and powerful ways.
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.
John Mark Comer on Spiritual Formation for Today’s World, Recovery After Sundays, and Practices for Deep Friendship
Our guest today is John Mark Comer, founder of Practicing the Way and a leader passionate about spiritual formation and pastoral health. John Mark has spent over two decades navigating the challenges of pastoring in a rapidly changing cultural landscape, all while deeply investing in the spiritual growth of his congregation and the global Church.
In this conversation, John Mark reflects on the evolving role of pastors, the importance of maintaining a long-term vision for ministry, and how the practice of spiritual formation is helping congregations engage more deeply with God. He also shares practical insights on balancing work and rest, cultivating deep friendships, and leading with integrity in the face of cultural opposition. Filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and a heart for pastoral longevity, this episode offers encouragement for those in ministry today.
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.
Nicky Gumbel on His Succession at HTB, a Vision to Train 10,000 Pastors, and the Significance of April 17, 2033
Our guest today is Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of the Alpha Course and former Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London. After nearly two decades in senior leadership, Nicky shares his experience of navigating leadership transitions, empowering new leaders, and ensuring a healthy succession process in ministry.
In this conversation, Nicky reflects on the importance of trusting the next generation, embracing change without resistance, and equipping pastors from diverse backgrounds through initiatives like the Caleb and Peter Streams. He also casts a bold vision for global evangelism, aiming to see the gospel reach 99.6% of the world’s population by 2033.
His insights offer encouragement for leaders in seasons of transition, reminding us that passing the baton well and staying passionate about evangelism are essential for the future of the Church.
Jerry Sittser On the Early Church “Third Way”, Re-introducing a Christian Imagination, and Navigating Grief through a Redemptive Lens
How do we form resilient followers of Jesus in a culture where faith is no longer assumed?
In this episode, Jerry Sittser, professor emeritus at Whitworth University and author of Resilient Faith, joins Jason Ballard to explore how the early church thrived in a post-Christian world. He unpacks the lessons we can learn from the first Christians, the importance of discipleship over cultural Christianity, and how pastors can cultivate a church culture that shapes whole-life disciples. Jerry also shares personal reflections on grief, loss, and carrying both pain and joy with hope.
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.
Jeff Vanderstelt on The Dealing With Criticism, Navigating Toxic Church Culture, The Crisis of Discipleship, and Dallas Willard’s Last Unanswered Question
How can discipleship become a way of life rather than just another church program?
In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt, Executive Director of Saturate and founding leader of the Soma Family of Churches, joins Jason Ballard to explore what it means to lead with gospel fluency and mission in everyday life. Jeff shares his journey of mentoring leaders, navigating criticism, and learning to lead with open hands. He also reflects on his experience guiding a fractured church through healing and the profound impact of Dallas Willard’s final unanswered question.