The Pastorate Podcast

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

Jason speaks with Jon Thompson—pastor and author of Convergence—about a vision for Christian life and leadership that brings together theology, spiritual gifts, and spiritual disciplines. Drawing from his personal journey and church experience, Jon shares how Jesus models the “normal” Christian life and what it means for the Church today.They explore how reformed theology, expository teaching, and charismatic spirituality can thrive together in one community.Key Takeaways:Jon Thompson on the thesis of Convergence and the model of JesusEmbracing both spiritual gifts and spiritual disciplinesCultivating a Spirit-empowered, theologically grounded churchPractical ways to equip the church for formation and missionA passionate, thoughtful episode for leaders seeking theological depth and Spirit-led renewal.BiographyJon Thompson serves as the Preaching and Vision Pastor at Sanctus Church in Toronto, Ontario. He has been on staff for more than 20 years. Sanctus is a regional church with a community of over 2,500 people that gather in multiple locations across Durham region. Under Jon’s leadership, Sanctus is characterized by dynamic Biblical teaching, vibrant community groups, compelling media and powerful times in worship. Jon has a Masters of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary, Toronto and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Seminary, California. Jon is husband to his wife Joanna and Father to three kids - Hannah, Emma, and Noah.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

Brent Ingersoll speaks with veteran pastor and author Larry Osborne about building strong leadership teams and raising up the next generation of church leaders. With practical wisdom and deep humility, Larry unpacks how to identify, empower, and platform young talent—while keeping the whole team focused on shared success.They also dive into the difference between potential and calling, the balance of ministry and family, and what it looks like to lead well through seasons of disruption.Key Takeaways:Larry Osborne on championing young leaders and creating space for growthBuilding team cultures rooted in humility and trustLeading a large church while loving your family wellLessons for leaders navigating post-pandemic realitiesA practical, encouraging episode for leaders investing in people and playing the long game.BiographyLarry Osborne is a pastor at North Coast Church in Vista CA.  Under his leadership the church has grown from 128 to over 13,000 on a weekend. North Coast Church has been acclaimed as one of the most influential and innovative churches in America. Known for pioneering the concepts of sermon-based small groups, pastoral teaching teams, and video venues, its fingerprints are found on churches throughout the world. Larry has a passion for leadership, spiritual formation and discipleship. Larry holds both a Master of Divinity and Doctorate degree from Talbot Theological Seminary.  He and his wife, Nancy, live in Oceanside, CA.  They have three married children and an increasing number of grandchildren.Partners 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 Notes⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Jason interviews Glenn Packiam—pastor, author, and theologian—about the formative power of worship and the resilient hope rooted in the resurrection. Drawing from his doctoral work, Glenn unpacks how true Christian worship holds space for both lament and joy, grounding our gatherings in the eschatological promise of renewal.They also dive into leadership failure, ministry disappointment, and what it means to rebuild with integrity and hope.Key Takeaways:Glenn Packiam on anchoring worship in the resurrection of JesusThe role of lament and why hope doesn’t silence sufferingEvaluating modern worship paradigms with theological depthLessons in resilience from leadership crisis and recoveryA rich, timely episode for pastors and leaders committed to worship that forms and sustains.BiographyGlenn is the Associate Senior Pastor of New Life Church, and Lead Pastor of New Life Downtown, which is one of seven New Life congregations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He has earned a Doctorate of Theology and Ministry from Durham University (UK) and is a visiting Fellow at St. John's College at Durham. He is the author of 6 books, including "Blessed Broken Given" and "Worship and the World to Come" as well as the worship songwriter of 65+ songs including "Your Name" (co-written with Paul Baloche).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

Tim Hughes sits down with Darrell Johnson to unpack the beauty and mystery of the book of Revelation. Often misunderstood and feared, Revelation is revealed in this conversation as a book of deep hope, intimacy with Jesus, and a call to renewed worship.Darrell shares how exile can become the soil for spiritual creativity, how Revelation unveils Jesus in every chapter, and why the book is ultimately a love story and an invitation to return to our first love.Key Takeaways:Darrell Johnson on reading Revelation as a revelation of JesusHow isolation can deepen intimacy and creativity with GodJudgment and love woven together in a call to faithfulnessThe power of prayer and the hope of new creationA powerful, Christ-centered episode for anyone longing to see Jesus more clearly—especially in the hardest parts of Scripture.Partners Briercrest College & Seminary will be returning to campus this fall, in person! If you know someone who’d rather be on-campus then on-line this fall, Briercrest is a great option. With courses that are highly transferable to Canadian universities, and a community focused on discipleship, it could be a life-changing year for you or someone you know. Check out their Return To Campus eBook and webinar dates on their website today!Show NotesWebsite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠