Our world is changing at a rapid pace, and for many, it’s hard to make sense of it all—let alone carry the weight of shifting expectations and uncertainty. That’s why we’re grateful for voices like Mark’s—leaders who cut through the noise with a prophetic edge, distill complex cultural trends, and speak to the Church with a non-anxious presence.Today, we’re joined by Mark Sayers—pastor, author, and cultural commentator—known for his sharp insights into secularism, leadership, and the Church’s evolving role in a rapidly changing world.In this conversation, Mark shares:The personal and pastoral challenges he has faced, including his wife Trudy’s battle with cancer and how it has reshaped his leadership and faith.What it means to remain faithful over decades of ministry and how suffering forms resilience.Why secularism is weakening and the new spiritual openness emerging globally.The Church’s role in navigating political, economic, and social shifts in the years ahead.Platforms to Pillars, Mark’s upcoming book that explores the dangers of platform-driven leadership versus the biblical vision of being a ‘pillar’ in the temple of God.For those leading in uncertain times, this episode offers wisdom, perspective, and encouragement to help you stay faithful and navigate what’s ahead.BiographyMark is the senior leader of Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about spiritual renewal and the future of the church. Mark is the author of a number of books including Strange Days and Reappearing Church.  Mark lives in Melbourne with his wife, Trudi, his daughter, Grace, and twin boys, Hudson and Billy.Show NotesWe couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Join ourEmerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon!Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Guest NotesRed ChurchRebuilders PodcastMark’s WebsiteShow NotesWebsite⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Preaching with authenticity is no easy task, but for Megan, authenticity is the only gear she knows. The question remains—how do we craft honest sermons and let the message impact our own lives first? Megan is a pastor, speaker, and author joining us from Lakewood, California. She serves as the teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois and leads a women’s Bible study at Arbor Road Church in Long Beach, California. Whether preaching, leading, or writing her latest book, Megan brings a refreshing honesty that resonates deeply and inspires many. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear about: - How joy, longing, and sorrow intertwine to deepen hope and trust in God - Two practical prayer rhythms Megan has developed to foster intimacy with Jesus - What it looks like to preach with integrity while wrestling with the reality of mixed motives - The heart behind her new book, Relaxed Megan is known for sharing with energy, joy, and sincerity—so we hope this conversation encourages you today. Biography Megan is determined to use her life to spread hope, share truth, and celebrate others. She is finishing her Doctorate of Ministry as she serves as a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and the Director of Women’s Ministries at Hume Lake Christian Camps. She also shepherds women at Arbor Road Church in Long Beach, California. She invests her time in people, writing books and Bible studies, and exploring all over the globe, teaching and sharing the love of Jesus. She released the book and study guide Relaxed and Beautiful Word Bible study: John, authored the book and Bible study Meant for Good, SelfLess, and co-wrote the book 7 Family Ministry Essentials with Dr. Michelle Anthony. But what we love most about Megan is the way that she sees others. She has a keen ability to notice the people around her and to ask the kinds of questions that help her see them even more clearly. Megan lives in Lakewood, California with her two boys, Foster and Jedidiah. Sponsors We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church. Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon! Thanks to Generis for supporting this episode. Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guest Notes - Website - Instagram - Relaxed Book Show Notes - Website⁠ - ⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠ - Youtube⁠ - ⁠Instagram⁠

It’s a New Year, and we’re thrilled to welcome you back to The Pastorate. As we step into 2025, we’re continuing our mission of creating meaningful conversations to equip and encourage pastors, starting with an episode we pray will strengthen both your hands and your heart for the work ahead. Our guest today is Andy Moore, Pastor of Coastline Church in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia. With years of ministry experience and a heartfelt dedication to developing leaders, Andy offers a perspective both profound and practical. This in-person conversation, recorded in Andy’s home, is one we’re excited to share with you. Andy shares about: How God brought redemption through seasons of deep pain, transforming his life and ministry Insights into the rich, 101-year history of Coastline Church and the privilege and challenge of leading in a context with such a legacy His passion for developing young pastors and the intentional steps he’s taken to create an environment where emerging leaders thrive He also speaks profoundly about the generational nature of God’s work, explaining how a long-term, big-picture vision for the Church sustains his faithfulness through challenging seasons. We’re so grateful you’ve joined us for today’s conversation. May it encourage and inspire you as you listen. Bio | Pastor Andy Moore is the Lead Pastor of Coastline Church in Victoria, BC. Coastline is a vibrant, multi-site church in the heart of Victoria with a 101 year history. Andy has been in ministry for over 30 years and has been pastoring at Coastline Church for 23 years. Andy and his wife Lisa share a journey of redemption, healing and vibrant new beginnings that shows the incredible hope and faithfulness of Jesus! They are passionate about training leaders and planting churches. Under their leadership, Coastline Church is a thriving movement with a rich history, a bright future and a vision to plant life-giving churches across Vancouver Island. They have a full life with four children, a son-in-law and one granddaughter. We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church. Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon! Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guest Notes Coastline Church Show Notes Website⁠ ⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Share a Canadian Church Story

As we close out 2024, we’re excited to bring you a special episode to end the year. Last year, we began a tradition of hosting a conversation with Darrell Johnson near the end of each year, and it’s quickly become a meaningful rhythm for this podcast—a chance to sit down and reflect on life and ministry. Darrell has been preaching, teaching, and pastoring for over 50 years, with a ministry journey that has taken him from the Philippines to the United States and, of course, here in Canada. He currently serves as part of the Teaching and Pastoral Team at The Way Church in Vancouver, BC, and is the author of several impactful books, including Discipleship on the Edge, Ephesians: The Wonder and Walk of Being Alive in Christ, and his latest release, That You May Live: How the 10 Commandments Lead to Human Freedom. For this conversation Jason had the opportunity to join Darrell in his study at home where Darrell spends time each morning in devotion and study. In this episode, Darrell shares about: Some of his morning rhythms, the practices that he’s found that work in his life to create space for a life with God. Disciple-making in our modern context, including the value of one-on-one conversations and how he would anchor discipleship in teaching people how to read the Bible and pray. Reflections on his health journey over the past few months, candidly sharing about both challenges and God’s faithfulness through it all. We’re so grateful you’ve joined us for this conversation on The Pastorate. Our prayer is that this conversation encourages and equips you as you prepare to step into 2025. Biography Darrell Johnson has been preaching Jesus Christ and His Gospel for over 50 years. He has served a number of Presbyterian congregations in California, Union Church of Manila in the Philippines, and the historic First Baptist Church in the heart of Vancouver, Canada. He has taught preaching for Fuller Theological Seminary, Carey Theological College in Vancouver, and Regent College in Vancouver. He has authored eight books, including The Glory of Preaching and Discipleship on the Edge: An Expository Journey Through Revelation. He is currently serving as Scholar-in-Residence for The Way Church and The Pastorate. He and his wife Sharon have been married 47 years. Together they have raised four children adopted from four different countries of the world, and now enjoy loving nine active grandchildren! Sponsors We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church. Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins in January! Guest Notes Darrell’s website Notes on Psalms Instagram Discipleship on the Edge Ephesians: The Wonder and Walk of Being Alive in Christ That You May Live Show Notes Website⁠ ⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠

A question many of us face this time of year is how to guide our congregations well through the Advent season. In the midst of pastoring others, some of us have been able to enter into the wonder of the season ourselves, some of us are navigating the busyness of planning and executing events and services, and others of us are walking through a deeply painful season that can come with this time of year. Wherever you find yourself today, our prayer is that this time spent listening to this conversation will strengthen your hands, fill your heart with courage, and draw you deeper into the joys of this Advent season. Today, AJ Sherrill joins us from St. Peter’s Church in Charleston, South Carolina. AJ has pastored in diverse contexts—from California to New York to Grand Rapids—before settling in Charleston with his family. He’s also an accomplished author, and his latest book, Rediscovering Christmas, is a profound exploration of the Bible’s Christmas story, helping us embrace the ancient wonder of the season. In this episode, AJ shares about: His new book, Rediscovering Christmas, and its surprising insights into the Bible’s Christmas story. How to discover and develop your unique pastoral voice as a communicator. The importance of slowing down to truly pastor your congregation where they are. We’re so grateful you’ve joined us for this conversation on The Pastorate. May God bless you as you listen and enter into the wonder of Advent. Biography AJ Sherrill has served as a lead pastor for over two decades in churches across the country, from Southern California to New York City, and now calls the Low Country home. He holds two master’s degrees in theology and a doctorate in spiritual formation. AJ teaches courses on preaching and the Enneagram at Fuller Theological Seminary and leads workshops on spiritual formation and personality theory. Above all, he is a disciple of Jesus, husband to Elaina, and father to Eloise. On a lighter note, he is also a dedicated—though often humbled—Michigan fan. Sponsors We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church. Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon! Guest Notes AJ’s Website Instagram Rediscovering Christmas Being With God: The Absurdity, Necessity and Neurology of Contemplative Prayer The Enneagram For Spiritual Formation: How Knowing Ourselves Can Make Us More Like Jesus Show Notes Website⁠ ⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠

Pastoring has always been a vocation of great responsibility, yet the expectations placed on pastors today have grown increasingly complex. From preaching and shepherding to being organizational leaders, cultural commentators, and trauma-informed counselors, the demands can stack up, making the work feel impossible. Add to this the challenge of navigating a rapidly changing cultural and technological landscape, and it’s no wonder so many pastors wrestle with questions of calling, capacity, and resilience. But amidst these challenges the ancient wisdom of the church and the gift of pastoral community offer a way forward. In this episode of The Pastorate, we sit down with Glenn Packiam, Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California, to explore the depth and complexity of pastoral ministry in today’s world. Glenn brings his unique perspective as a pastor, offering insights on how to remain grounded in the midst of ministry’s ever-growing demands. Drawing from both his own experiences, Glenn unpacks practical strategies for navigating the weight of expectations placed on pastors, cultivating resilience through ancient spiritual practices, and fostering healthy team dynamics with a focus on self-awareness. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to pastoral ministry, this conversation will encourage and equip you to lead with renewed clarity and grace. Our conversation with Glenn Packiam covers: The impossible expectations placed on pastors today and how to navigate them with grace. The timeless wisdom of the church, including the value of ancient practices like the prayer of Examen.  The power that self-awareness and healthy team has to sustain longevity in ministry.  We’re thankful you’ve joined us on The Pastorate today, bless you as you listen. Biography Glenn Packiam serves as the Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California. Glenn has written several books, including The Resilient Pastor, Blessed Broken Given, and his latest work, The Intentional Year, co-authored with his wife, Holly. Holding a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry from Durham University, Glenn is also a Senior Fellow at Barna Group, a Visiting Fellow at St. John’s College, Durham University, and an ordained priest in the Anglican Church of North America. As a songwriter, Glenn has contributed to over 65 worship songs. Glenn and Holly reside in Orange County, California, with their four children. Sponsors We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church. Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon! Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guest Notes Glenn’s Website Rockharbor Church The Resilient Pastor  The Intentional Year Show Notes Website⁠   ⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠

Carey Nieuwhof, a bestselling leadership author and former attorney, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of ministry. He reflects on his journey of stepping back from his lead role, emphasizing the humility required in supporting new leaders. Carey discusses the shift from consumer Christianity to genuine discipleship, urging a reorientation of ministry models. He candidly addresses the dangers of isolation in pastoring and the importance of building authentic relationships to maintain spiritual health.

This week on The Pastorate, Rachel Hughes—Pastor of Gas Street Church in Birmingham, England—joins us on the podcast for a conversation on pastoral ministry. Rachel shares about: The experience of planting Gas Street Church, the ongoing cycle of raising and sending new leaders, and how church planting can disrupt comfort zones, keep churches mission-focused, and foster a kingdom mindset. Managing her roles as a church leader and a mother of five, navigating the complexities of parenting, pastoring, and fostering a local church community while also contributing to the broader church. Her work with The Orchard and her passion for creating spaces for women to explore their leadership potential, advocating for a church culture where men and women lead side-by-side for the sake of the Kingdom. We’re thankful you’ve joined us on The Pastorate today, bless you as you listen. Bio | Rachel is the co-founder and co-lead pastor of Gas Street Church in Birmingham, where she and her husband, Tim, have served their community since 2015. She also co-founded The Orchard, a ministry devoted to seeing women set free, raised up, and released to answer God’s call on their lives. Rachel is passionate about inspiring young women in leadership and helping them be emboldened by the Holy Spirit to stand firm in the truths of God’s Word, unaffected by cultural values that may seek to divert or deplete them. Tim and Rachel have five beautiful children, joyfully balancing their ministry with family life. We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church. Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon! Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bible Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guest Notes Gas Street Church The Orchard Show Notes Website⁠ ⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠ Youtube⁠ Instagram⁠ ⁠Share a Canadian Church Story

This week in the inaugural episode of The Pastorate, Adam Browett – Pastor of Calvary Temple in Winnipeg, Manitoba – joins us on the podcast for a conversation on pastoral ministry. Adam shares about: What Adam’s been learning recently, as a naturally gifted speaker, about continuing to develop his craft of preaching, Adam’s journey discerning transition–taking on the role of lead pastor for a historic church and how he’s guided his family in the midst of the move, and Leading an inner city church to embrace and celebrate the neighbourhood they find themselves in We’re praying that today you would be strengthened to live more fully into the work that God has for you in the place and context of your own neighbourhood. Bio | Adam has been in full-time ministry since 2005, serving churches across Western Canada, including BC, Alberta, and Manitoba. He’s passionate about reaching challenging areas where Christians often hesitate to go and encourages others to do the same. In February 2024, Adam, his wife Shandy, and their four children moved to Winnipeg, following God’s leading. He now serves as the Lead Pastor at Calvary Temple, a historic PAOC church with a diverse community representing different generations, cultures, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠give⁠ towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church. Partners:  Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Visit the Coram Deo Foundation website to learn more about the Joseph Chung Scholarship and to apply. Applications are open from October 21st–October 27th. Show Notes Guest Calvary Temple The Pastorate Website⁠ ⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Share a Canadian Church Story

Since its inception over four years ago, the Canadian Church Leaders Network (CCLN) has served thousands of pastors through its podcast, monthly newsletter, cohort-based programs, and pastors retreats and gatherings. This week, Jason Ballard, host of the Canadian Church Leaders Podcast and Executive Director of CCLN sits down with Chris Price to discuss the future of CCLN and the adoption of a new name for both the organization and the podcast: The Pastorate. Jason reflects on: The rationale behind the naming of The Pastorate and the organization’s renewed focus on serving pastors, The current state of Canadian church leadership, How The Pastorate is serving to strengthen Canadian pastors through content, cohorts, and gatherings. As CCLN becomes The Pastorate, we invite you to pray, share, and give towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church. Show Notes Website Blog and Episode Write Up Youtube Instagram Share a Canadian Church Story