The Pastorate Podcast

Darrell Johnson offers wisdom and encouragement for pastors feeling worn out, sharing rhythms of rest, emotional honesty, and clarity in preaching. In this conversation with Jason, Darrell reflects on his own experience with ministry fatigue and how he continues to find renewal after decades of service.They explore the lies leaders often believe, how to process emotions in a spiritually healthy way, and what biblical books might guide preaching in a complex season.Key Takeaways:Darrell’s rhythms for rediscovering rest and visionA framework for processing your emotions and hearing from GodPreaching advice for pastors in uncertain timesEncouragement for leaders carrying deep wearinessA grounded and grace-filled episode for pastors longing for rest, renewal, and a deeper connection to the heart of God.BiographyDarrell 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 Canadian Church Leaders Network, and still serves Regent College part-time as Teaching Fellow.He and his wife Sharon have been married 49 years. Together they have raised four children adopted from four different countries of the world, and now enjoy loving 11 active grandchildren!Partners We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Show Notes ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

This episode features the most powerful moments and insights from Season 2—curated to encourage and equip you for the year ahead. From navigating church leadership during COVID to reimagining ministry in a post-Christian culture, these conversations are packed with wisdom and Spirit-led inspiration.Hear from leaders like Josh Kelsey, Darrell Johnson, Miles McPherson, Jon Tyson, and more as they share hard-won lessons, creative strategies, and timeless encouragement for pastors today.Key Takeaways:Practical tools for small groups, outreach, and leadershipEncouragement for pastors feeling stretched or discouragedBold vision for raising up the next generation of leadersA reminder that God is still building His Church in this momentA hope-filled compilation to help you start the year with fresh clarity, courage, and conviction.PartnersWe couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Show NotesWebsite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Jason sits down with four Canadian authors—Aaron White, Alastair Sterne, Andy Steiger, and Brett Ullman—to explore their latest books and the ministries behind them. Each conversation highlights timely issues like addiction and recovery, spiritual formation, apologetics, and parenting in today’s cultural moment.From Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to Canadian family life, these leaders are offering wisdom and resources for followers of Jesus navigating a complex world.Key Takeaways:Aaron White on addiction, pain, and the presence of God (Recovering)Alastair Sterne on spiritual rhythms and identity (Rhythms for Life)Andy Steiger on dehumanization and cultural clarity (Reclaimed)Brett Ullman on parenting with depth and discipleshipA rich episode filled with insight, encouragement, and practical tools for life and ministry.Partners We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Show NotesWebsite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Jason sits down with Tammy Giffen—lead pastor and church planter—to explore her journey of coming to faith through Alpha and the call that led her into pastoral ministry. This conversation unpacks themes of vision, obedience, leadership, and planting a church with a heart for those far from God.From discerning God’s voice to navigating leadership as a woman in ministry, Tammy offers wisdom and encouragement for pastors and leaders seeking to lead with faithfulness in today’s world.Key Takeaways:Tammy’s story of encountering Jesus through AlphaThe vision and faith required to plant a churchLeading others by first leading yourselfObedience over debate in the women-in-ministry conversationA rich episode filled with grace, honesty, and practical insights for life and ministry.Partners This episode was brought to you by Compassion. The mission of Compassion is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. And they’re doing exactly that in 25 different countries. Now, here is what is unique about Compassion—100% of their work is done in partnership with local churches. In fact, for many of the communities Compassion serves, they don’t know a large international NGO—they simply know the people of the local church who serve the most vulnerable in their community. Compassion’s heart for the local church extends here, to Canada, too. They are experts at equipping the Canadian church for mission in ways that are tailored to each church’s unique context. We want to encourage you to begin a transformative missions partnership with Compassion.We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Show Notes Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Jason hosts a compelling conversation between Catholic leader Father James Mallon and evangelical pastor Jon Tyson—moderated by Shaila Visser of Alpha Canada. Originally recorded as a webinar, this episode brings together two influential voices to explore the future of the Church and the joy of learning across traditions.Together, they discuss church renewal, next-generation leadership, and the spiritual practices that sustain ministry over the long haul.Key Takeaways:James Mallon on the power of spiritual disciplines and joyful leadershipJon Tyson on team dynamics and deep accountabilityPractical advice both would give their younger selvesA model for unity across denominational linesA rich episode filled with wisdom, candour, and cross-tradition encouragement for leaders today.BiographiesFather James Mallon is pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and founder of the Divine Renovation Ministry. Father James is also the author of the best selling book Divine Renovation: From A Maintenance To A Missional Parish, an engaging guide for parishes seeking to cultivate vibrant and dynamic faith communities centred on missionary discipleship.Jon Tyson is a Pastor and Church Planter in New York City. Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Jon moved to the United States twenty years ago with a passion to seek and cultivate renewal in the Western Church. He is the author of Sacred Roots, A Creative Minority, and The Burden is Light and his newest book Beautiful Resistance.We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Brent Ingersoll interviews Al Gordon, lead pastor of Hackney Church in East London, about planting a church with a bold vision to reach the 99% who don’t attend. This conversation dives into creativity, proximity, and the power of hope in urban ministry.From hosting concerts and brewing beer to serving the poor and praying bold prayers, Al offers a fresh perspective on church renewal and what it means to follow Jesus in a radically present and practical way.Key Takeaways:Al Gordon on planting Hackney Church and reaching the 99%Creativity and community as vehicles for hopeA prophetic call to prioritize God’s presence and serve the poorEmbracing audacious faith over limiting realismA vibrant, inspiring conversation for any leader dreaming of something more.BiographyAl Gordon leads Hackney Church, a thriving church on a mission to bring hope to the heart of East London. He is married to Olivia, an architect, and they have three children. Al is a trustee of Alpha International and Charity: water.Partners We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Show NotesWebsite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Jason interviews Matt Tapley in a powerful conversation full of leadership insight and practical wisdom. Aimed at young and emerging leaders, this episode explores what it means to lead well when you’re not the one casting the vision or making the final call.Matt brings clarity, conviction, and humour as he unpacks lessons from Scripture, Canadian revival history, and his own leadership journey.Key Takeaways:Matt Tapley on leading from the second chairWhy buy-in matters more than brilliant ideasLeadership lessons from the life of DavidRaising up the next generation with courage and humilityA bold, insightful episode for leaders learning to lead with influence before authority.BiographyMatt Tapley has been a part of the Senior Leadership at Lakemount Worship Centre since 2003, and the Lead Pastor since 2008.  He serves the Church by developing leaders in a culture of dependence on the Spirit with full devotion to the unchanging Word of God.  Matt is an insightful preacher, gifted worship leader and a valuable contributor to various leadership environments.  Matt’s commitment to the Manifest Presence of God and the healing gifts of the Holy Spirit are a catalyst for stirring renewed hunger for God.Partners We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Show Notes⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Jason sits down with Michael McDonald to explore evangelism, mentorship, and calling in today’s complex culture. In a world where sharing faith often feels intimidating, Michael offers a fresh and relational perspective—grounded in listening, presence, and long-term love.They also dive into the global impact of the BibleProject, the value of mentors, and the freedom that comes from embracing your unique role in God’s story.Key Takeaways:Michael McDonald on evangelism as presence and proximityCreating cultures where risk, failure, and vulnerability are welcomedBehind the scenes of BibleProject’s mission and reachLiving free from comparison and aligned with personal callingA thoughtful, freeing episode for leaders learning to follow Jesus with courage and clarity.Partners We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Show Notes⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Jason interviews Mike Miller, co-lead pastor of Nova Church in Halifax, about the joys and challenges of planting a church with his wife and family. Over five years, Nova has grown through sacrifice, risk, and a relentless commitment to reaching people far from God.They talk about choosing calling over comfort, influencing culture like Esther and Daniel, and building a volunteer culture that rallies around Jesus and mission.Key Takeaways:Mike Miller on co-leading Nova Church and the cost of callingWhy discomfort can be a sign you’re on the right pathCreating a church that engages, not escapes, cultureBuilding a volunteer culture that’s life-giving and mission-focusedA passionate and practical episode for leaders pursuing bold, culture-shaping ministry.BiographyFor the past 20 years Pastor Mike has been passionately serving the local church in Europe, Africa and here in North America through pastoring, itinerant preaching and missions. In 2017 alongside his wife Nancy they planted and currently lead Nova Church in Halifax, Canada.Partners We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Show NotesWebsite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Jason interviews Ken Shigematsu, pastor of Tenth Church in Vancouver, about the journey of renewing a historic congregation marked by years of decline. Together they explore how embracing the vulnerable, fostering mentorship, and cultivating deep spiritual practices can spark lasting change.Ken shares wisdom from decades of ministry—on preaching to diverse audiences, building life-giving rhythms, and defining success by intimacy with God, not just visible outcomes.Key Takeaways:Ken Shigematsu on revitalizing a legacy church with compassion and courageThe power of mentoring relationships that span decadesPreaching that bridges belief and skepticismLiving a long obedience rooted in spiritual practicesA deeply encouraging episode for leaders committed to faithful, fruitful ministry over the long haul.BiographyKen Shigematsu is the Senior Pastor of Tenth Church in Vancouver, BC, one of the largest and most diverse city-center churches in Canada. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal awarded to Canadians in recognition for their outstanding contribution to the country. Before entering pastoral ministry, he worked for the Sony Corporation in Tokyo. Ken is the author of the award-winning bestsellers ‘God in My Everything’ and ‘Survival Guide for the Soul.’ Ken lives in Vancouver with his wife, Sakiko, and their son, Joey.Partners In the midst of the global pandemic, Alpha has shifted their highly effective evangelistic tool online. Nicky Gumbel, the pioneer of Alpha says that this is “ … the greatest evangelical opportunity of our lifetime.” And it’s true. This crisis has brought about a certain degree of openness to conversations about spirituality, faith & God that wasn’t as present before. Churches all around Canada have used Alpha Online to seize this moment to reach the de-churched and unchurched like never before. If your church is still considering what outreach to your community & neighbours could look like in the coming months, consider running Alpha Online. We couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.Show NotesWebsite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠