The Pastorate Podcast

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

What does it take to lead a historic church with fresh hope in one of Canada’s most secular cities?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Pastor Patti Miller of Evangel Church in Montreal to explore her leadership journey, the shifting spiritual landscape of the city, and the story of how a 107-year-old church continues to be a vibrant witness for the Gospel. Patti shares insights on pastoring in a post-Christian culture and how to stay resilient and hopeful when ministry feels challenging.Key Takeaways:Leading a historic church into a new season of mission and renewalHow Montreal’s secularization has shaped the Church’s callingLessons in resilience, faithfulness, and fresh vision for ministryEncouragement for pastors navigating cultural change with hopeBiographyPatti is a pastor, blogger, urban-dweller, sometimes-runner, who laughs at her own jokes. Loves her spiky-haired husband Jeff, and visits Ukraine any chance she gets. Most of all, she's a follower of Jesus, loved by God.⁠⁠⁠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 NotesEvangel ChurchThe Art of Neighbouring by Jay Pathak Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by DA Carson Show Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

What happens when a pastor’s vision collapses—and God rebuilds something better?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with John Lamos to hear his honest story of leading on empty, approaching burnout, and how Jesus brought new life to his ministry, marriage, and family. John’s journey offers raw insight and real hope for pastors and leaders who feel at the end of themselves.Key Takeaways:Recognizing burnout before it’s too lateHow God meets us when our strength runs outRestoring family life and ministry visionFinding deeper life in Jesus beyond ministry performanceBiographyJohn Lamos is the Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Church on Grand Manan, a small island off the coast of New Brunswick. He is married to Jessie and has three kids, Adaline, Olive, and Samuel. ⁠⁠⁠⁠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.Help solve the global food crisis by giving ⁠⁠gifts of Compassion⁠⁠ today or get in touch with the ⁠⁠team at Compassion⁠⁠.Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠⁠Bible Course here⁠⁠⁠.Guest NotesDarrell Johnson: Resources to Lead You to Jesus An Interview with Tyler Staton on the Canadian Church Leaders Podcast Show Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

How can pastors respond to the complexity of our time with courage, creativity, and deep spiritual resilience?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Mark Sayers—pastor, author, and cultural commentator—for a long-form conversation on discipleship in an age of disruption. Drawing from his global perspective and deep theological insight, Mark explores how the Church can navigate cultural shifts through ancient Christian practices like prayer, perseverance, and radical dependence on God. This conversation was recorded during Discipleship in Our Complex Age, a national online gathering of Canadian pastors.Key TakeawaysWhy modern discipleship must match the complexity of our timeAncient Christian responses to cultural disruptionSigns of renewal and how to steward themEncouragement for pastors seeking clarity and courage in leadershipBiographyMark is the senior leader of Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about spiritual renewal and the future of the church. Mark is the author of a number of books including Strange Days and Reappearing Church. Mark lives in Melbourne with his wife, Trudi, his daughter, Grace, and twin boys, Hudson and Billy.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.Help solve the global food crisis by giving ⁠gifts of Compassion⁠ today or get in touch with the ⁠team at Compassion⁠.Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their ⁠⁠Bible Course here⁠⁠.Guest NotesRebuilders PodcastRed Church Strange Days: Life in the Spirit in a Time of Terrorism, Populist Politics, and CultReappearing Church: The Hope for Renewal in the Rise of Our Post-Christian CultureShow Notes⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

What if the path to deeper leadership is through emotional honesty and quiet faithfulness?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Ken Shigematsu—pastor of Tenth Church in Vancouver and author of Now I Become Myself—to talk about envy, shame, identity, and the interior life of a leader. Ken shares what he’s learned over decades of ministry in the same church and offers a countercultural vision of spiritual leadership rooted in humility and formation.Key TakeawaysLeading the same church faithfully for over 25 yearsNavigating emotions like envy and shame in ministryWhy emotional and spiritual health must go togetherBecoming your true self in Christ—not your idealized versionBiographyKen Shigematsu is the Senior Pastor of Tenth Church in Vancouver, BC, one of the largest and most diverse city-centre 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. 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 here⁠.Guest NotesNow I Become Myself: How Deep Grace Heals Our Shame and Restores Our True SelfTenth ChurchArrow Leadership Show Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What does it mean to bring justice in the way of Jesus?In this episode, Jason Ballard speaks with Jonathan Tremaine Thomas, founder of Civil Righteousness, about gospel-centered justice, reconciliation, and the Church’s role in places of unrest. From leading a drug dealer to Jesus on a street corner to becoming a national voice for Christlike activism, Jonathan shares a powerful story of transformation and mission.Key Takeaways:The story behind Civil Righteousness and its gospel foundationHow the Church can bring healing where pain and unrest are presentThe difference between God’s justice and the world’s justiceEncouragement for Christians seeking to live their faith in actionBiographyJonathan Tremaine Thomas is an actor, activist, pastor, producer, social entrepreneur, fifth generation “preacher’s kid”, and the grand-nephew of the legendary Civil Rights artist Dr. Nina Simone. In 2003, after earning a B.S. Communications at East Carolina University and pursuing an M.A. in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary; he was commissioned as a full-time missionary to the most violent neighborhoods in Nashville, TN. He gained a voice nationally due to his peacemaking efforts during the 2014 civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri; which led to the founding of CivilRighteousness, Inc. and a national reconciliation movement. He then moved to Ferguson where he currently resides with his family directing prayer fueled evangelism, community transformation, and racial reconciliation initiatives. ⁠⁠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. Guest NotesHoly GroundCivil RighteousnessShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram