The Pastorate Podcast

In a world of rapid change and growing challenges for pastors, how do we stay faithful, hopeful, and rooted in Christ?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Darrell Johnson — beloved pastor, preacher, and author — for a heartfelt conversation about preaching today, navigating seasons of transition, and finding life in God's Word. Darrell shares wisdom from decades of ministry, what he’s hearing from pastors across the globe, and the heart behind his new book, That You May Live: How the Ten Commandments Lead to Human Freedom.They explore the power of witnessing through preaching, how to recover wonder in our hearts, and why the commands of God are an invitation to true life. If you're longing for encouragement in your calling, this conversation will refresh your soul.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. He and his wife Sharon have been married 46 years. Together they have raised four children adopted from four different countries of the world, and now enjoy loving nine active grandchildren!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.Prepare your church to respond to global crises by ⁠⁠⁠connecting with Chris⁠⁠⁠ from World Vision.Guest Notes⁠“That You May Live: How the 10 Commandments Lead to Human Freedom”Show NotesWebsite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

For this 30-minute episode, we're stepping away from our usual podcast format to dive deep into a topic that we know many pastors feel stuck or uncomfortable in – the art of communicating about giving and generosity to a church. Our friends at Generis are passionate about helping pastors nurture a culture of biblical generosity and stewardship in your churches. Join Jon Wright from Generis, and Executive Pastor Jordan Michalski from Soul Sanctuary, as they provide insights to guide and lighten your load as you foster a healthy culture of giving in your community. Bio | Jon has worked as an entrepreneur, founding and leading a product development company for 15 years, and served eight years as Executive Pastor at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, MN. He and his wife, Julie, also led a Missionary Training Center in Germany for several years. As an Executive pastor, Jon was a client of Generis. He found the process so effective and beneficial that he joined their team. He has 30 years of experience in innovation and execution in multiple settings; corporate, non-profit, church, and global missions. Jon brings an entrepreneurial mindset to church culture and strategic planning. He is passionate about healthy teams, ministry effectiveness, next-generation leadership development, and resourcing it all through generosity. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give⁠ today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to CCLN and help seed a hopeful future for the Church in Canada. Show Notes: FREE Resource: Best Year-End Giving Ever | Strategies for abundant year-end giving and growing generosity in the new year. Reach out to Jon personally at jon.wright@generis.com Get Connected! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog & Episode write-up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Mailing List! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Share a Canadian Church Story⁠

What does it take to disciple young people with lasting, Jesus-centered joy?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Ebonie Davis for a vibrant conversation about thoughtful next-generation discipleship. They explore how the whole church can invest in young people, why contextual spiritual formation matters, and how joy can be a powerful marker of faith. Ebonie also shares her own moving story of encountering Jesus and what shaped her journey of faith.If you're passionate about raising up a generation rooted in hope, love, and truth, this conversation will inspire you.Key Takeaways:Cultivating a Jesus-centered joy among the next generationThe importance of contextual, localized spiritual formationWhy youth discipleship is the responsibility of the whole church, not just youth workersEbonie's personal story of transformation and finding life in JesusBiography Ebonie Davis is a founding member of the Arbor Research Group and an expert in qualitative research and program evaluation. She is a graduate of the DeVos Urban Leadership Institute, where she focused on Urban Youth Ministry, and holds a Master’s degree in Student Leadership from Huntington University.  Ebonie is an international conference speaker and co-author of the book Disrupting Teens with Joy: Helping Teens Discover Jesus-Focused Gritty Faith, as well as a contributor on other books, Bibles, articles, and research related to youth ministry. She has served as Associate Pastor of Youth at Trinity Baptist Church in Waldorf, MD for more than 15 years. She and her husband, Clay, live in the DC area, and they have two adult children.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SponsorsWe 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.Prepare your church to respond to global crises by ⁠⁠⁠connecting with Chris⁠⁠⁠ from World Vision.Guest Notes⁠Arbor Research Group Disrupting Teens with Joy: Helping Youth Discover Jesus-Focused Gritty FaithEbonie Davis LinkedInCanadian Youth Pastors Summit Show NotesWebsite⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

How can the Church hold both deep conviction and deep compassion in loving the LGBT+ community?In this episode, Jason Ballard hosts a conversation with Chris Price and Pieter Valk on how pastors can navigate the tensions of sexuality, theology, and pastoral care. Pieter shares his personal story of enduring same-sex attraction, why he embraced a historic Christian sexual ethic, and what he wishes pastors had said to him growing up. This conversation offers honesty, hope, and practical wisdom for anyone longing to love people like Jesus does.Key Takeaways:Pieter’s personal journey of following Jesus with enduring same-sex attractionWhy Pieter embraced a historic Christian sexual ethic over a revisionist oneWhat pastors can say and do to better support LGBT+ individuals in their churchesHow churches can embody compassion without compromising convictionBiographyPieter Valk is the director of EQUIP, a Nashville-based consulting ministry that partners with churches to become places where LGBT+ people can belong and thrive according to an orthodox Christian sexual ethic. Pieter graduated from Vanderbilt University with Highest Honors in Chemistry in 2013. After graduating, Pieter studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for a year with a focus on Lay Leadership and Culture-making. As a fellow of the Boston Fellows Program, he worked as a ministry development intern and completed a 26-week Pastoral Counseling course on relational and sexual brokenness. In 2016 Pieter graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, with his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.SponsorsWe 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.Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.Guest NotesEquip: WebsiteEquip: InstagramNashville Family of BrothersPieter Valk: InstagramShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What sustains a pastor through seasons of weariness, pressure, and temptation to give up?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Jason Matta, Senior Pastor of Hope Church Toronto West, for an honest conversation about ministry longevity, the power of prayer, and protecting what matters most. Jason shares his personal story of pastoring through challenges, why prayer remains the engine of his leadership, and how he fights to keep his family at the center while faithfully leading his church.Key Takeaways:How to navigate the temptation to give up in ministryWhy prayer must remain central to a pastor’s life and leadershipHow to resist sacrificing family life for the sake of ministry successThe role of humility and boldness in long-term pastoral faithfulnessIf you’re a pastor, leader, or follower of Jesus looking for encouragement to keep going, this conversation is for you.BiographyPastor Jason grew up in a Christian home, and devoted his life to Christ at an early age. The Lord continued to guide Jason’s life to pursue ministry, which resulted in a seminary degree. It was through God’s direction that Jason was connected to Hope Bible Church in Oakville (formerly Harvest Bible Chapel Oakville) and eventually joined their staff in 2012. After much prayer, twenty-two faithful core members planted Hope Church Toronto West in 2013 under Pastor Jason’s servant leadership. Pastor Jason is passionate about the glory of God, the mission of God, the Word of God, and humble dependence upon God in prayer. Jason and his wife, Aileen, have three wonderful children: Josiah, Abigail, and Silas.SponsorsWe 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 Generis for a free online ⁠⁠coaching call⁠⁠ to learn about giving strategies for your church and growing a culture of generosity.Prepare your church to respond to global crises by ⁠⁠connecting with Chris⁠⁠ from World Vision.Guest Notes⁠Hope Church West TorontoGreat Commission Collective Show Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What sustains a leader through seasons of challenge, criticism, and change?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Archbishop Michael Miller for a rich conversation on leadership, spiritual formation, and prayer. Archbishop Miller shares his journey to Vancouver, lessons from overseeing seventy diverse parishes, and how practices like prayer, silence, and solitude have anchored his life and ministry. If you're looking for wisdom on leading with resilience and depth in today's world, this conversation will encourage you.Key Takeaways:Navigating leadership challenges with grace and wisdomThe vital role of prayer, silence, and solitude in sustaining ministryHow to nurture and prepare the next generation of spiritual leadersLessons from leading diverse communities in a changing cultureBiographyArchbishop Miller is the chief shepherd of over 70 parishes in Vancouver with 400,000 baptized Catholics and has been a prominent figure in the city's religious community since 2007. Originally from Ottawa, he has a rich background in ministry and academia, studying and teaching theology in Rome, the United States, and Mexico. Archbishop Miller holds a theology doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and seven honorary doctorates.SponsorsWe 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.Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team ⁠here⁠.Guest NotesArchdiocese of Vancouver ProclaimIntroduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis De SalesPrayer, Hans Urs von BalthasarEncounters With Silence, Karl Rahner Interior Freedom, Jacques PhilippeShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Pastor, preacher, and author Chris Price discusses the art of preaching and offers valuable insights from his years of experience in Vancouver. Topics include the toll of preaching, staying relevant in a post-Christian culture, micro apologetics, establishing a Christian sexual ethic, and the vulnerability of preaching in a post-Christian society. Chris shares his journey to faith and encourages listeners to communicate the Gospel effectively.

What does it take to lead a historic church with fresh vision and deep spiritual resilience?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Bishop Jenny Andison, leader of St. Paul’s Bloor Street in Toronto, for a conversation about global ministry, evangelism, and church revitalization. Jenny shares insights from her journey across cities like Tokyo, London, and Karachi, and reflects on how cultivating “the monastery within” has sustained her leadership. Whether you’re leading in a local church or seeking to deepen your walk with Jesus, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement.Key Takeaways:Leading a historic church with humility and visionEvangelism and revitalization in a post-Christian cultureHow global ministry shapes local leadershipBuilding a deep inner life of prayer and resilience in ministryBiographyBishop Jenny Andison is the former area bishop of York-Credit Valley in the Diocese of Toronto and became Rector of St. Paul’s Bloor Street in 2021. Bishop Jenny was born in England and has lived in Pakistan, India, Singapore, and Japan. She earned an Honours BA from Queen’s University in 1994 and received her Master of Divinity from the University of Toronto (Wycliffe College) in 1997. In 2017, Wycliffe College honored the bishop with a Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa). She lives in Toronto with her lawyer husband Tim, and they have three daughters. SponsorsWe 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.Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team here.Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bible Course.Guest NotesSt. Paul’s Bloor StreetAlphaShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What does it take to plant a church rooted in prayer, humility, and legacy?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Jonny Hughes, founding pastor of Trinity Church in Nottingham, England, to reflect on the journey of church planting, the importance of prayer at every stage, and the personal motivations that shaped his calling. Jonny shares openly about the challenges, lessons, and faith-filled risks involved in building a new church community with deep historical roots and a fresh vision for today.Key TakeawaysThe role of prayer in church planting and leadershipLessons learned from establishing a church rooted in legacy and renewalThe personal call to shepherd and serve with humilityReflections on trusting God through the unknowns of ministryBiographyJonny Hughes is the Lead Pastor of Trinity Church Nottingham, a vibrant Church of England congregation that he and his wife, Amy, founded seven years ago. Over the past 15 years, Jonny has devoted his time to various roles in church leadership, serving communities in Nottingham, London, and previously, California. Outside of his pastoral duties, Jonny cherishes moments with his family, which includes his wife, Amy, and their four children. Additionally, Jonny indulges in his passion for golf, a sport he's truly addicted to, and proudly cheers for his favourite team, Manchester City.SponsorsWe 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 Generis for a free online ⁠coaching call⁠ to learn about giving strategies for your church and growing a culture of generosity.Read World Vision's ⁠Open Generation Report⁠ to reach, love and serve the Next Generation in the most well-informed way. Guest Notes⁠Trinity Church NottinghamHoly Trinity BromptonAlpha Show Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What does it mean to plant a thriving church in one of Canada’s most secularized cities?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with David Pothier, founding pastor of La Chapelle in Montreal, to talk about his journey of faith, the unique challenges of pastoring in a post-Christian city, and the remarkable story of how La Chapelle has grown over the past decade. Together, they explore the decline of religious affiliation in Montreal and the surprising ways God is building His Church today.Key Takeaways:David’s personal story of faith and calling to ministryHow Montreal’s history shaped its current spiritual landscapeThe challenges of leading in a highly secular environmentLessons learned from a decade of growth and Gospel ministry at La ChapelleBiographyDavid Pothier is the lead pastor of La Chapelle, a French speaking church planted in the heart of Montreal in 2013. La Chapelle is multiplying churches with a vision to plant several churches in Montreal, Quebec, and French speaking European countries in the upcoming years. He is the proud husband of Karine and father of four children.⁠⁠⁠⁠SponsorsWe 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 here⁠⁠⁠⁠.Guest Notes⁠La Chapelle Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson Show Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠