The Pastorate Podcast

How can church leaders cultivate discipleship as a way of life rather than just another program? What does it take to lead with humility, wisdom, and a deep trust in God’s work in people’s lives?In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt, Executive Director of Saturate and founding leader of the Soma Family of Churches, joins Jason Ballard to explore the heart of discipleship and gospel fluency. Jeff shares his journey of mentoring leaders, navigating criticism, and leading with an open hand. He also reflects on his personal experience leading through brokenness and the lasting impact of Dallas Willard’s final unanswered question.Key Takeaways:Why discipleship must go beyond programs and into everyday lifeHow to lead with open hands and trust God in the processThe role of humility and healing in leadershipPractical ways to equip people for mission in their daily livesWe hope this conversation challenges and encourages you as you seek to make disciples and lead with wisdom in a rapidly changing world.BiographyAs the Executive Director of Saturate and founding leader of the Soma Family of Churches, Jeff Vanderstelt gets to spend his days doing what he loves – mentoring leaders and equipping the Church in the gospel and missional living. Additionally, Jeff is on the leadership team of Saturate the Sound, a local church collective focused on gospel saturation in the Puget Sound. Jeff has authored Saturate, Gospel Fluency, and Making Space.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.Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Guest Notes⁠One Eighty: A Return to Disciple Making⁠⁠Saturate⁠⁠Soma Churches⁠Youth Pastors Summit | East:⁠⁠ DISCOUNT CODE: Register today with CYPS20OFF for a total of $50 off the regular registration rate.Show Notes⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Staying rooted in one place for 25 years of ministry is no small thing. For Angel and Durwin Gray, it’s been a journey of joy, faithfulness, and learning to trust God in every season. But how do pastors remain grounded through doubt, imposter syndrome, and the delicate balance of ministry and family?Angel and Durwin serve as co-lead pastors at Hillside Church and have been faithfully shepherding their community for over two decades. In this heartfelt conversation, they sit down with Jason Ballard to reflect on calling, longevity, and the sacred invitation to disciple their own children while leading a church. Their story is filled with wisdom, honesty, and a contagious joy that reflects the hope of Christ in tangible ways.In today’s episode, you’ll hear about:The beauty and cost of staying rooted in one community for 25 yearsHow they’ve wrestled with doubt and imposter syndrome while pastoringWhy parenting has become their most significant expression of discipleshipWhat it means to live and lead with joy, authenticity, and hopeAngel and Durwin lead with warmth, sincerity, and a deep love for people—we hope their story encourages you in your own journey of faith and leadership.BiographyDurwin and Angel were university sweethearts and have been married now for 31 years. They have two young adult sons, Caleb and Noah, and they help make the Gray household a little on the loud side. The Gray’s are a pretty tight-knit family who tend to love films, road trips, and the band Coldplay. Thirty plus years ago, Angel and Durwin got involved in church planting, and helped plant the church Durwin now pastors, called Hillside Community Church in Coquitlam. Angel runs her own accounting business and has a passion for mentoring, teaching, and prayer. 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.Guest Notes:- Hillside Church- Youth Pastors Summit | East:⁠ DISCOUNT CODE: Register today with CYPS20OFF for a total of $50 off the regular registration rate.Show Notes:- ⁠Website⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Blog and Episode Write Up⁠⁠- ⁠Youtube⁠⁠- ⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Spiritual formation is more than a concept—it’s a lived invitation for pastors and leaders to abide deeply in Jesus and lead others into life with God. What does that look like in the context of the local church?In this episode, we share a special message from Elita Friesen, recorded at our one-day conference in collaboration with Practicing The Way. Joined by voices like John Mark Comer, Ken Shigematsu, and Tyler Staton, this gathering brought pastors and leaders from across North America into a shared exploration of spiritual formation as the foundation of ministry.Elita’s closing message is a timely reminder: formation doesn’t begin with strategy, but with intimacy. As you step into a new season of leadership, may this conversation renew your vision to lead from a place of rest and connection with Christ.In today’s conversation, you’ll hear about:How spiritual formation can be rooted in the rhythms of the local churchThe importance of leading from a place of deep connection with JesusA renewed invitation to abide, even in the busyness of ministryWe pray this message invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and lead with a soul at rest in Christ.BiographyElita Friesen is a writer and Bible teacher and has served in various ministry capacities for the last 10 years. She currently serves on the teaching and pastoral team at The Way Church, a church with locations in both Vancouver and North Vancouver. Elita feels uniquely called to encourage this generation not only toward biblical literacy, but also toward a deep love of Jesus through the study of Scripture. She is the author of several books including The Whole Church. Elita and her husband, Ryan, live in the lower mainland of BC with their 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.Show Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What does it look like to follow Jesus with a wholehearted yes—through every twist, turn, and transition of life and leadership?In this episode, Jason sits down with Darren Herbold, President of The Alliance Canada, to unpack the journey of a leader shaped by diverse experiences in pastoral ministry, the business world, and the mission field. Darren shares honestly about what it means to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, cultivate curiosity toward others, and lead at the speed of love.He reflects on the seasons that have shaped him most—those marked by clarity and those filled with questions—and reminds us that faithfulness in every chapter is where deep formation often happens.In today’s conversation, you’ll hear about:Listening to the Spirit and saying yes in unexpected placesHow curiosity can transform relationships and leadershipThe “speed of love” and why it matters in a fast-paced worldWhat it means to remain faithful in seasons that feel hidden, hard, or holyWe hope this conversation encourages you to walk with Jesus with openness, courage, and trust—wherever He may lead.BiographyDarren has served The Alliance Canada for over 15 years. Darren served as pastoral staff for seven years at Beulah Alliance. In 2014, Darren, and his wife, Naomi, were sent as international workers to Thailand where they served for over eight years. In 2015, Darren and Naomi were appointed as Team Leaders, and then in 2019, as Regional Developers, providing leadership and oversight to the region. Darren Herbold also served on the Board of Directors for the past four years. Darren also has significant experience in the area of entrepreneurial business, founding and directing an international charitable organization, For Freedom International, focused on anti-trafficking, community development, and Gospel multiplication efforts in southeast Asia. In July 2022, The Alliance Canada appointed Rev. Darren Herbold to serve as President of The Alliance Canada. 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.Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.Guest NotesThe Alliance Canada For Freedom International Show Notes⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What does it mean to hold conviction and compassion together in a world that often demands one or the other?In this episode, Jason sits down with Evan Wickham, church planter and worship leader at Park Hill Church in San Diego, to explore what he calls “Compassionate and Courageous Orthodoxy.” Evan shares his personal journey of deconstructing and reconstructing his faith, the role of community in that process, and how leaders can foster spaces where hard questions and historic truths can coexist.In today’s conversation, you’ll hear about:Rebuilding faith with honesty, hope, and communityThe heart behind “Compassionate and Courageous Orthodoxy”How curiosity can strengthen—not threaten—our convictionsLeading with grace, courage, and clarity in a divided worldWe hope this episode encourages you to lead with both conviction and compassion, wherever God has placed you.Biography Evan Wickham is a worship leader, songwriter, speaker, and lead pastor of Park Hill Church in San Diego, CA, which he co-founded in 2017 with Sandy, his wife of 23 years (and their five kids). In addition to teaching and curating worship experiences in various communities, he has released four albums of worship songs in order to resource the broader body of Christ. He holds an MDiv from Western Seminary in Portland, OR and helped launch Searock Sessions, a cohort and growing community for hundreds of leaders seeking renewal in the Western 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 NotesPark Hill ChurchShow Notes:Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

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