The Pastorate Podcast

What does it take to pastor one church for over four decades?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Dr. Henry Schorr, who has led Centre Street Church in Calgary for more than 43 years. They explore the church’s story of growth, the values that shaped it, and the wisdom Henry would offer to young pastors pursuing a life of faithfulness in ministry.Key Takeaways:How Centre Street Church grew with a Kingdom-centered visionThe value of long-haul leadership and staying the coursePractical advice for young pastors discerning their callHow to hold family and mission together in pastoral lifeBiographyDr. Henry Schorr is the lead pastor of Centre Street Church, an influential, resourcing church in Calgary, Alberta that has been serving Calgary and beyond since 1958. Henry has been lead pastor of Centre Street Church for 43 years, with 37 of those years spent as the lead pastor. Under Henry’s leadership, Centre Street Church has had a profound impact on the National & Global Church.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.Prepare your church to respond to global crises by connecting with Chris from World Vision. Guest NotesCentre Street Church New Canadian Friendship CentreShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Can one moment with God’s Word change everything?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Jess DiSabatino, lead pastor of Journey Church in Calgary, to talk about her family’s dramatic conversion through a hotel room Bible, her call to ministry, and the story of how Journey Church came to life. From late-night Scripture reading to leading a church in Northwest Calgary, Jess’s story is full of hope and Kingdom purpose.Key Takeaways:How Jess’s parents came to faith through a hotel New TestamentHer journey into ministry and pastoral leadershipThe founding and vision behind Journey ChurchEncouragement to trust that small beginnings can lead to powerful Kingdom impactBiographyJessica DiSabatino is a renowned communicator in both business environments and the Church. Following the death of her younger brother, Jess and her dad founded MySafeWork, a philanthropic initiative to bring justice to workplaces in Canada and around the world. For this ground-breaking work, Jess received the Governor General’s award in 2016. In tandem with her foundation work, Jess has pastored in various churches for over twenty years and currently serves as lead pastor of Journey Church in Calgary, AB. When Jess is not playing with her husband and four kids, or her Goldendoodle, Nacho, she is busy resurrecting her 1980s rap career.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.Guest NotesJourney Church My Safe WorkShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What if the Church became known for unity, service, and hope in the heart of secular cities?In this episode, Jason Ballard talks with Kevin Palau—president of the Luis Palau Association—about his father Luis’s incredible legacy, and the gospel movements Kevin now helps lead across North America. They discuss evangelism, city partnerships, and how a simple “yes” can bring the Kingdom to life in surprising ways.Key Takeaways:Luis Palau’s legacy and final years of ministryHow gospel movements have formed in secular citiesWhy partnership with civic leaders can open doors for the ChurchStories of thousands mobilized for citywide service and evangelismBiographyKevin Palau is President and CEO of the Luis Palau Association. Under his leadership, LPA has united tens of thousands of churches in hundreds of cities to love and serve their communities and clearly share the Good News of Jesus. Kevin also helps lead TogetherPDX, a sustainable, united movement of churches in Portland, Oregon. His book, Unlikely: Setting Aside Our Differences to Live Out the Gospel describes the ongoing impact of the movement. Kevin lives in Beaverton, Oregon with his wife, Michelle, and enjoys serving on the boards of Alpha USA, Christians Against Poverty, and Transforming the Bay with Christ.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.Guest NotesLuis Palau AssociationTogetherPDXShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What does it look like to lead—and finish—with integrity in pastoral ministry?In this episode, Ross Hastings joins Jason Ballard and guest interviewer Chris Price to explore how pastors can pursue holiness, navigate ethical decisions, and be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Ross shares from his own pastoral journey, including how personal suffering shaped his calling and how beholding Jesus is central to lifelong formation.Key Takeaways:Why many pastors struggle to finish well—and how to stay the courseA framework for ethical decision-making grounded in union with ChristRoss’s story of personal depression and pastoral growthThe centrality of beholding Christ for lasting transformationBiographyRoss Hastings, a Zimbabwean Scot, holds PhDs in organometallic chemistry and theology. His teaching interests include Trinitarian theology, pastoral theology, theology and spirituality of mission, ethics, and the interface between science and theology. Ross's most recent work is Theological Ethics: The Church's Integrity in Contemporary Context. Ross lost his first wife Sharon to cancer in 2008 after 27 years of marriage. In 2011 he married Tammy Carrillo, who also lost her husband to cancer in 2008. Together they have five children. He enjoys sport—especially rugby, cricket, soccer, tennis, squash and flyfishing—as well as a wide variety of music.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 NotesPastoral Ethics by Ross HastingsEchoes of Coinherence by Ross Hastings Regent College Show Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What does it look like to lead effective, Spirit-empowered youth ministry in today’s world?In this episode, we take you inside the final day of the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit, where over 100 youth leaders gathered to be equipped and encouraged. Mariah Smith and Jaden Neufeld unpack key themes and share highlights from leaders like Jarin Oda, Lisette Fraser, Sid Koop, and more.Key Takeaways:Leading vulnerably in front of studentsPartnering with parents in youth discipleshipNavigating emerging gender identity conversationsThe power of long-term faithfulness in youth ministryBest practices for spiritual formation in the next generationSponsorsWe 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 Generis for supporting this episode. To get in touch with them, email our friend Jon at jon.wright@generis.comGuest NotesYouth Worker CommunityThe Coalition: Youth Ministry Leadership Show Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the Canadian Youth Pastor Summit with Mariah Smith and Jaden Neufeld. You’ll hear from voices like Hakeem Bradley, Lisette Fraser, Sid Koop, and Jason Ballard as they explore how to disciple Gen Z, deepen Bible engagement, and respond to the real challenges youth pastors are facing today.Key Takeaways:How to connect with what Gen Z truly cares aboutDeepening Bible engagement in youth ministriesIdentifying key audiences to prioritize in youth discipleshipThe top challenges youth pastors are navigating in this seasonA clear invitation from Jesus to lead with boldness and careSponsorsWe 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 NotesYouth Worker CommunityThe Coalition: Youth Ministry Leadership Bible ProjectShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Can a church change the reputation of a town?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Nathan Westlake, lead pastor of Prairie Alliance Church, to talk about long-haul leadership, Indigenous reconciliation, and what happens when a church dreams boldly and prays specifically. From a heartbreaking ministry rejection to owning a plane to serve fly-in communities, Nathan shares the surprising ways God moves when leaders are willing to follow Him anywhere.Key Takeaways:How prayer-fueled vision can transform a townLeading through ministry disappointment with humilityBuilding deep trust and partnership with Indigenous communitiesWhy the church owns a plane—and how it’s being used for reconciliationA rural, sustainable vision for gospel expansion across CanadaBiographyNathan is married to Tamara, and they have four children. Nathan is Lead Pastor of Prairie Alliance Church in Portage La Prairie, providing overarching leadership over their sites. Nathan is passionate about helping PAC live out four key prayers and pursuing reconciliation with local Indigenous communities. You can usually find him riding bikes, deep-diving into sports fantasy leagues, and eating food that has been sitting in the fridge for far too long.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. Guest NotesPrairie Alliance Church Upside Down Kingdom by Nathan WeselakeShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

What does it look like to build a life of ministry rooted in authenticity, not performance?In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Joyce Rees—pastor, teacher, and longtime leader in the Canadian Church—for a deeply personal conversation about formation, calling, and faithfulness over the long haul. From youth ministry to the Downtown Eastside to leading a local church in Calgary, Joyce shares how God has shaped her convictions and kept her grounded.Key Takeaways:Why we can’t copy and paste someone else’s callWhat kids need most when growing up in a pastor’s homeHow to disciple through presence, not performanceThe power of being hidden in ministryWhat it means to become a servant—not just a leaderWe hope this episode encourages you to keep following Jesus, wherever He’s called you.BiographyJoyce Rees has pastored for thirty years. In addition, she is a sought-after speaker for diverse parts of the Church as an exceptional communicator, known especially for her teaching on justice. Joyce was the founding director of Jacob's Well, an intentional Christian community in Vancouver's downtown eastside – the poorest postal code in Canada. During her decade living and working there she also planted the Strathcona Vineyard Church. Since 2014 she has served as co-lead pastor of Epic Vineyard Church in Calgary, and also works bi-vocationally for Vineyard Canada as their Resource Coordinator since 2019. Joyce loves adventuring with her husband and two sons, as well as complex cooking, reading pretty much everything, and many diverse artistic pursuits. 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 NotesEpic Vineyard ChurchJacob’s WellStephen’s SocietyA Burning in my Bones by Winn CollierHemorrhaging Faith StudyShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠

What does it really mean to be a pastor?In this special live episode, Jason Ballard sits down with longtime pastor and teacher Darrell Johnson to unpack the identity of a pastor and what it means to faithfully shepherd God’s people in a changing world. With over 50 years of ministry experience, Darrell shares timeless reflections on the heart of a pastor, how to navigate hurt in leadership, and the unchanging truths that still ground ministry today.Key Takeaways:A biblical picture of the pastor as shepherdHow to process ministry hurt and avoid bitternessRhythms for prioritizing family while leading a churchBuilding biblical literacy in a post-Christian worldEncouragement for the next generation of pastorsBiographyDarrell W. 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 a pastor at The Way Church and Canadian Church Leaders Network. He and his wife Sharon have been married over 50 years. Together they have raised four children adopted from four different countries of the world, and now enjoy loving 11 active grandchildren!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 Compassion Canada for sponsoring today’s episode. You can learn more about partnering with them as a church here.Guest NotesShepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in The Bible by Timothy S. LaniakTexts on Shepherding: Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23Darrell’s Website The Darrell Johnson Podcast Follow Darrell on Instagram Darrell’s YouTube ChannelShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram

Mike Voll is a pastor, bodybuilder, and leader whose story is marked by deep faithfulness and profound loss. In this episode, Mike sits down with Jason to talk about his nearly 20 years of ministry at North Pointe Community Church in Edmonton. Together they unpack the church’s 100+ year legacy, what it means to lead through change, and why Mike has a passion for seeing rural churches across Alberta revitalized.Mike also vulnerably shares about the tragic death of his first wife and how walking through grief has transformed the way he pastors, preaches, and walks with people in pain. This conversation is raw, hope-filled, and deeply encouraging for leaders navigating both personal and ministry challenges.Key Takeaways:Why the local church—urban or rural—still matters deeply in CanadaHow to lead a historic congregation through change without losing its identityThe power of long-haul leadership rooted in community, history, and missionHow grief and suffering can deepen a pastor’s empathy and shape their preachingWhat it looks like for a larger church to support and revitalize smaller churchesWhether you're in a small-town church or leading in a city, this episode is filled with hard-won wisdom and fresh vision for the future of the Church in Canada.BiographyMike lives with his wife Melissa, and children Aubri and Zane in Edmonton, Alberta. He is the Lead Pastor at North Pointe Community Church and an Adjunct Faculty member at Vanguard College in Edmonton, where he teaches the Intermediate Pastoral Practicum class. Michael’s passion in life is to communicate for change in everyday living through sharing his story and creative teaching of Bible principles. He is a speaker, teacher and writer on issues of faith, leadership and family. In his downtime Michael likes to be the tickle monster to his kids, read spy novels, lift weights and grill up a mean rib eye steak.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 NotesNorth Pointe Community ChurchSideswiped: Three Keys to a Fresh Start after Suffering a Broken HeartShow Notes⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠