The Pastorate Podcast Ben & Emma Narayanan on Planting During Personal Loss, The Four H’s of Their Culture, and Extending Honour When Gifted a Building
Ben and Emma Narayanan share the story of planting Avant Life Church in Canada—rooted in faith, marked by loss, and shaped by community. In this conversation with Jason, they reflect on moving from Australia with a small team, launching a church amid personal grief, and learning to lead with humility and hope.
They unpack the values that shape their church culture and what it means to steward both people and buildings with intentional care.
Key Takeaways:
Trusting God through uncertainty and immigration challenges
Leading a church while navigating personal grief
How to shape culture through shared values (Helpful, Humble, Hopeful, His)
Stewarding buildings and people as a young, multiplying church
This episode is a powerful reminder that God meets us in the tension of joy and sorrow—and builds His Church through it all.
Pastors Ben and Emma Narayanan are the Lead Pastors of Avant Life Church. As leaders, both Ps Ben and Ps Emma are passionate about sharing the message of Christ through boldness, innovation and creativity. After hearing the clear call from God, they moved to North Vancouver Canada with their three amazing children Levi, Alice and Eden from Canberra, Australia to pioneer Avant Life Church. Their hearts for people, leadership development and community engagement has helped establish Avant Life Church as a thriving, relevant and transformational Christ-centred community.
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Show Notes