The Pastorate Podcast

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.In today’s conversation, you’ll hear about: Leading people through grief and guiding a church through seasons of uncertainty Reckoning with distrust and rebuilding confidence in leadership Seeking transformation—first personally, then within the wider church The unique charism of a local church and how it can be strengthened by the broader body of ChristBiographyChrishan and his wife Danielle have served at Hillsong Church for many years, most recently as the Lead Pastors at Hillsong East Coast USA  where they have been pastoring for the past 3 years. Before moving to New York with their four daughters, Chrishan and Danielle previously pastored at Hillsong Church Perth in Australia. As a family, they are committed to loving God and people, and to and living the adventure that it is to build His Church.SponsorsWe 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.Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Guest Notes ⁠Hillsong East Coast⁠Show Notes ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Pete Hughes and Tyler Staton share insights on cultivating deep rhythms of prayer and contending for city renewal. They discuss finding personal and corporate prayer rhythms, creating a culture of contending through storytelling, and seeing God's redemptive vision for cities. Both guests are passionate about seeking God's transformative work in their communities.

38 years into ministry, Helen Burns speaks of the Church We’re excited to share this conversation with Helen Burns, a beloved voice of encouragement and wisdom 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 deep love for the Church and an unwavering hope for the next generation, Helen shares reflections on: The challenge of leadership transitions and the emotional cost of passing the baton well The shift from performance-driven ministry to authentic presence and why Gen Z seeks real encounters over production The power of intergenerational relationships and why seasoned leaders are more needed than ever in today’s Church The reality of pastoral loneliness and how she and John are investing in leaders through mentorship and restorative retreatsHelen’s humility, wisdom, and deep love for the Church make this an inspiring conversation. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an emerging pastor, we pray this episode encourages and strengthens you in your journey.Helen Burns is a passionate lover of Jesus and committed to building His Church. She and her husband John pioneered Relate Church, a thriving family church in the Vancouver area, in 1986 where they served as lead pastors for 35 years. Today, they continue to teach and serve there while travelling and speaking internationally. Helen shares with depth and insight on marriage, family and relationships, and is the author of several books.John and Helen have been married for over 50 years and they have three awesome daughters and she is the blessed Oma of eight grandchildren.Listen now and be encouraged!Sponsors: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.Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Guest Notes Relate Church⁠ The Contemplative Pastor by Eugene Peterson⁠ ⁠Barna Statistics⁠⁠See, Hear, Love YouTube/Podcast⁠Show Notes Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Every leader faces seasons of struggle and discouragement. How do we stay faithful to God’s call while navigating personal challenges and leading with perseverance?In this episode, Evan Allnutt, Lead Pastor of Northgate Church, joins us to share his journey through career transitions, church leadership, and the importance of surrendering to God's vision. Evan reflects on overcoming moments of discouragement and the role of community in sustaining long-term ministry.Key Takeaways: The importance of surrender and re-surrender to God’s calling during times of discouragement. How reflecting on a church’s rich legacy can renew purpose and drive in leadership. Navigating cultural shifts while staying grounded in God’s leading. Practical steps for leading with vulnerability and Kingdom imagination. The power of community and connection with other pastors in moments of struggle. Finding courage through God’s intervention and stories of revival.This conversation is filled with hope, practical insights, and encouragement for pastors and leaders navigating challenging seasons.Biography Evan Allnutt is the Lead Pastor of Northgate Church in the Comox Valley, where he has led through significant growth and challenges. Originally transitioning from teaching to ministry, Evan has served faithfully in the church for over seven years, alongside his wife Kendal and their three children.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.Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Guest Notes Northgate Church⁠Show Notes ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Pastoring today comes with unique challenges: cultural hostility, personal struggles, and the tension between work and rest. How do we remain faithful to God's call and lead with humility when the road ahead feels uncertain?In this episode, John Mark Comer, founder of Practicing the Way, joins us to discuss the evolving role of pastors in today's culture. John Mark reflects on the growing interest in spiritual formation, the importance of Sabbath rhythms, and how pastors can navigate cultural hostility while being purified through it. He also shares insights on cultivating deep, vulnerable friendships and the role of confession in pastoral health.Key Takeaways The importance of spiritual formation in today’s Church and why people are drawn to it. Balancing work and rest as essential practices for pastoral longevity. The power of deep, honest friendships and vulnerability in leadership. Practical insights for pastors navigating the spiritual, emotional, and relational demands of ministry.This conversation is a refreshing look at pastoral life, filled with wisdom, hope, and practical tools for long-term faithfulness in ministry.Biography John Mark Comer is the founder of Practicing the Way and has spent over two decades pastoring, teaching, and creating resources for spiritual formation. He is also a bestselling author, known for his work "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" and his deep commitment to helping people grow in their walk with Jesus.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.Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Guest Notes ⁠⁠⁠Practicing The Way⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Books by John Mark⁠⁠Show Notes ⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram

Every pastor and leader will face moments when their soul drifts, and the passion that once fueled their ministry starts to wane. How do we stay rooted in Christ and keep our ministry healthy over the long haul?This week, Mark Buchanan joins us to share insights from his decades of ministry experience. Mark opens up about how he’s navigated the challenges of soul drift, the importance of growing deep in faith rather than seeking quick success, and how gospel-shaped storytelling can transform our spiritual lives.Mark discusses: The struggle of pastoring others without losing yourself How to recognize and recover from spiritual drift The role of creativity and imagination in enriching our faith Why cultivating a deep, hidden life with God is essential for lasting ministryWe hope this conversation encourages you to remain faithful, deepen your relationship with God, and continue to serve with joy and conviction.Biography Mark Buchanan is an author, professor of theology, and a former pastor. With a passion for spiritual formation, he has dedicated his life to helping others grow deeper in their faith. His books include God Walk: Moving at the Speed of Your Soul and The Rest of God. Mark lives in Calgary, Alberta, where he teaches at Ambrose UniversityPartnersWe 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.Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Guest Notes ⁠New Story Community⁠ ⁠Mark Buchanan Website⁠ ⁠Ambrose University⁠ ⁠The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan⁠ ⁠God Walk by Mark Buchanan⁠ ⁠Spiritual Rhythm by Mark Buchanan⁠Show Notes ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Every pastor and leader will face moments when their soul drifts, and the passion that once fueled their ministry starts to wane. How do we stay rooted in Christ and keep our ministry healthy over the long haul?This week, Mark Buchanan joins us to share insights from his decades of ministry experience. Mark opens up about how he’s navigated the challenges of soul drift, the importance of growing deep in faith rather than seeking quick success, and how gospel-shaped storytelling can transform our spiritual lives.Mark discusses: The struggle of pastoring others without losing yourself How to recognize and recover from spiritual drift The role of creativity and imagination in enriching our faith Why cultivating a deep, hidden life with God is essential for lasting ministryWe hope this conversation encourages you to remain faithful, deepen your relationship with God, and continue to serve with joy and conviction.Biography Mark Buchanan is an author, professor of theology, and a former pastor. With a passion for spiritual formation, he has dedicated his life to helping others grow deeper in their faith. His books include God Walk: Moving at the Speed of Your Soul and The Rest of God. Mark lives in Calgary, Alberta, where he teaches at Ambrose UniversityPartners: 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.Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Guest Notes ⁠New Story Community⁠ ⁠Mark Buchanan Website⁠ ⁠Ambrose University⁠ ⁠The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan⁠ ⁠God Walk by Mark Buchanan⁠ ⁠Spiritual Rhythm by Mark Buchanan⁠Show Notes ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

This week, Tammy Giffen, Lead Pastor of Groundswell Church in Truro, Nova Scotia, joins us to share insights from her unique journey in ministry. Tammy’s story is one of faithfulness, passion, and resilience as she planted Groundswell in 2018 and continues to lead through times of growth and change.Tammy shares about: Contextualizing ministry to serve your neighborhood Navigating the emotional challenges when people leave Building a church culture that helps people meet Jesus The power of discovering the beauty of Jesus in both personal and communal ministryWe hope this conversation encourages you to stay faithful and adaptable as you lead in your own ministry context.BiographyTammy Giffen is the Lead Pastor of Groundswell Church, a multi-site church in Central Nova Scotia. She planted the church in 2018 with a vision to create a space where un-churched people would love to attend. Tammy came to know Jesus as an adult through Alpha and is passionate about breaking down barriers to church. She is married to Peter and has three children: Taylor, Wesley, and Mya.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.Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Guest Notes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Groundswell Church⁠ ⁠One ConferenceShow Notes ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

How do we lead well through transition and keep evangelism at the heart of our ministry?This week, Nicky Gumbel joins us to share wisdom from his journey as the pioneer of the Alpha Course and former Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London. After nearly two decades in senior leadership, Nicky opens up about transitioning leadership, empowering new leaders, and staying passionate about sharing the gospel.Nicky discusses: The challenges and rewards of leadership transitions How to trust and support the next generation of church leaders A bold vision for global evangelism by 2033 Why succession planning is vital for a thriving churchWe hope this conversation encourages you to lead with faith, wisdom, and generosity, embracing both change and continuity in your ministry.BiographyNicky Gumbel is the pioneer of Alpha, an introduction to the Christian faith that has reached millions worldwide. He served as Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) for nearly 20 years and has written several bestselling books, including Questions of Life and The Jesus Lifestyle. He is also the creator of the Bible in One Year app, a daily scripture reading resource used by people around the world.PartnersWe couldn’t do the work we do at The Pastorate without your generous support. We invite you to pray, share, and give toward seeding a hope-filled future for the Church.Guest Notes Alpha Course Bible in One Year App HTB ChurchShow Notes The Pastorate Website YouTube Instagram

How the Early Church Can Shape Our Faith TodayEvery pastor and church leader is navigating the challenge of making disciples in an increasingly post-Christian world. How can we learn from the early church’s resilience and faithfulness?In this episode, Jerry Sittser, professor emeritus at Whitworth University and author of Resilient Faith, joins Jason Ballard to explore the lessons of early Christianity. Jerry unpacks how the first Christians navigated a pagan culture, why discipleship—not cultural Christianity—defines true faith, and how the church can embrace a deeper, more resilient approach to following Jesus. He also shares deeply personal reflections on grief and loss, not as something to avoid, but as something to carry redemptively.Jerry shares about:How early Christian practices can shape discipleship todayThe challenges and opportunities of a post-Christendom worldWhy the church needs to embrace a new catechumenateLearning to carry grief and loss with hopeWe hope this conversation encourages you as you lead and disciple others in this ever-changing world.BiographyJerry Sittser is a professor emeritus of theology and senior fellow at Whitworth University, specializing in Christian spirituality, church history, and religion in public life. He has written nine books, including A Grace Disguised, The Will of God as a Way of Life, and Resilient Faith: How the Early Christian “Third Way” Changed the World. Now retired, he spends much of his time investing in young pastors and enjoying time with his 11 grandchildren.PartnersWe 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.Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their Bible Course.Guest NotesA Grace Disguised Revised and Expanded: How the Soul Grows through LossResilient Faith: How the Early Christian "Third Way" Changed the WorldWater From a Deep Well: Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern MissionariesShow NotesWebsite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Leading Through Change: Navigating Transitions in Church LeadershipChange is inevitable in both personal growth and church leadership—but how can leaders navigate transition seasons while fostering healthy growth and embracing the next generation?In this episode, Jonathan Smith, a seasoned church leader with 30 years of experience, joins Jason Ballard to share his leadership journey—from planting a church at 23 to guiding an established congregation through change. With wisdom, innovation, and a heart for the Church in Canada, Jonathan unpacks how to lead with vision, listen well, and create space for new generations to step into leadership.Jonathan shares about:How to lead through seasons of transition with wisdom and clarityThe importance of intergenerational leadership and learning from mentorsPractical insights on fostering innovation in church leadershipCreating healthy team dynamics and empowering the next generationWe hope this conversation equips and encourages you as you lead in times of change.BiographyJonathan has over 30 years of leadership and pastoral experience - leading churches in Halifax, Montreal and Toronto. He has been a church planter, Lead Pastor and thought leader in the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Jonathan is married to Shelly and has three young children. His ministry has been marked by innovative strategies and an emphasis on team development and change management.Partners 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.Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course⁠⁠⁠.Guest Notes⁠⁠One ChurchShow Notes: Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠