The Pastorate Podcast

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-fill...

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 declin...

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 pasto...

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: Rec...

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 shi...

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 vi...

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 transfor...

What does faithful, long-term ministry look like in one place over decades? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Albert Chu—founding pastor of Tapestry Church and Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership—to explore the beauty and cost of staying rooted in one community. Albert shares the story of Tapestry’s growth from a living room gathering to a multisite church, the grief and gr...

What does faithful church planting look like in a secular city—and what sustains it? In this episode, Jason Ballard and Chris Price sit down with Brett Landry, founding pastor of Christ City Church in Vancouver. Brett shares his powerful journey to faith, the early days of planting Christ City, and how he’s navigated the highs and lows of leadership with hope, friendship, and perseverance. Key Tak...

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 g...

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 o...

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 su...

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 Jes...

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: Le...

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 about De...

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 way...

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 shar...

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 t...

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 Albert...

While most teens were planning their next adventure, Katia Adams was dreaming about planting churches. Raised in a family instrumental in launching the Iranian Church, Katia’s life and ministry have spanned continents—from Iran to England, and now Boston, where she co-leads The Table Boston. In this episode, Katia and Jason unpack her story and how it’s shaped her theology, her passion for equippi...

Faithfulness isn’t flashy—but it’s powerful. In a time when pastoral burnout and public failures seem to dominate the headlines, what does it look like to finish well? This week on the podcast, Jason Ballard sits down with Darrell & Sharon Johnson, Helen Burns, Murray Coughlan, and Jeremiah Niengor for part two of our special mini-series on pastoral faithfulness. Together, they share about: Wh...

What does it take to stay faithful in ministry for the long haul? In this episode, Jason Ballard sits down with Darrell & Sharon Johnson, Helen Burns, Murray Coughlan, and Jeremiah Niengor to begin a special mini-series on pastoral faithfulness. These leaders—each with decades of experience—share honest reflections on the joys and challenges of ministry, and what has sustained them through it...

Here's a quick update on an upcoming episode we're excited to release, and a bit about what this fall will look like on the podcast. Take a listen. 

What does it look like to lead with humility, pray with persistence, and stay faithful in a time of shaking? In this episode, Pete Greig—founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement—joins Jason Ballard for an honest and hope-filled conversation about leadership, transition, and the surprising beginnings of a global prayer movement. Pete reflects on what it means to release control, remain rooted in the loc...

We want to see Sunder Krishnan's story repeated over and over in Canada. Sunder represents a faithful demographic of church leaders who have finished well in ministry, now taking up the mantle of mentoring the next generation of pastors in our nation with visible delight and joy. With over 35 years of pastoral ministry in his rearview, Sunder has a lot to say. Through this conversation, we know yo...