The Pastorate Podcast

The Pastorate
  • 4.9 (22)
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The Pastorate Podcast hosts thoughtful conversations with guests who are passionate about the Canadian church. Here to serve Canadian pastors, we dive into topics that speak to the heart, soul, and vision of the pastorate, all the while sharing stories from guests who minister in diverse church contexts.

  1. Ben Johnson on Stewarding a 97-Year Old Church, Fathering Young Leaders, and Vision for the Church in Calgary

    MAY 18

    Ben Johnson on Stewarding a 97-Year Old Church, Fathering Young Leaders, and Vision for the Church in Calgary

    Show Notes: First Assembly ChurchTehillah WorshipThe Pastorate's City MeetupsEpisode Notes: In today's episode, Ben Johnson joins Jason for a conversation on pastoral stewardship, generational legacy, and what it looks like to lead a nearly century-old church into its next chapter. Ben is the Lead Pastor of First Assembly Calgary, a Pentecostal church planted 97 years ago that has helped birth many other Pentecostal congregations across both Calgary and western Canada. Together they trace the story of First Assembly, the 35-year-old Tehillah Mondays gathering, and the heart that First Assembly has for worship, prayer, and the next generation.  Jason and Ben also explore the joy and weight of fathering young leaders, the family legacy that traces Ben's grandfather's salvation back to First Assembly's downtown building decades ago, and the formative season of revival at Christian Life Assembly in 1998. The conversation closes with Ben sharing First Assembly’s Vision 100, a stewardship-shaped initiative to double the impact of First Assembly in the next 100 years. Ben and Jason explore: The history and identity of First Assembly Calgary as a "mothering” and “fathering" church that has planted or helped plant many other Pentecostal churches in the city,The 35-year story of Tehillah Mondays and how a single worship gathering has continued to serve generation after generation in Calgary,What Ben learned by sitting with the saints of the church to discern God's specific purpose for a local congregation, and the role an eldership's fasting and prayer played in his transition,Why First Assembly is next-generation focused, and how that shapes worship, budgets, staffing, and Sunday gatherings without losing the honor due to senior saints,The cradle-to-college discipleship pathway, the Tehillah Schools for teenagers and adults, and how this has become the "farm team" for nearly all of First Assembly's staff,What young staff and leaders actually need from a lead pastor,First Assembly’s Vision 100 and stewarding the church toward its 100-year anniversary with a strategy to reach, revitalize, and reproduce in Calgary.Partners Contact John Wright at Generis for help cultivating a culture of generosity in your church.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.

    59 min
  2. Jeremy Norton on Life in Canada’s North, Pastoring Small Churches, and What the Church Offers the Digital World

    MAY 4

    Jeremy Norton on Life in Canada’s North, Pastoring Small Churches, and What the Church Offers the Digital World

    Show Notes Mountainview ChurchJeremy’s WebsiteNorthern Roads by Jeremy NortonThe Yukon BoysJeremy’s InstagramThe Pastorate’s City MeetupsEpisode Description In today’s conversation, Jason sits down with Jeremy Norton, lead pastor of Mountainview Church in Whitehorse, Yukon. Jeremy’s story is one of patience and faithful presence in a part of Canada that many people have never seen firsthand. From southern Ontario to Alaska, Alberta, and eventually the Yukon, Jeremy reflects on the road that led him to serve Canada’s north and the deep sense of calling that kept drawing him there. Jason and Jeremy talk about the realities of pastoral ministry in Canada’s smaller and more remote contexts. Jeremy shares what it has meant to pastor in a place marked by cultural diversity, geographic isolation, and deep spiritual need, and how those realities have shaped his approach to leadership, preaching, and life in the church. He also reflects on the unique burdens many pastors carry in smaller churches and under-resourced communities, along with the creativity, resilience, and dependence on God those settings can draw out. The conversation also explores the ways Jeremy’s life in the North has shaped him personally. Through hunting, fishing, and subsistence living Jeremy is uniquely attuned to God’s provision through creation and he shares about what it means to receive life with dependence and gratitude. Jason and Jeremy reflect on how life close to the land can deepen faith, and why a more grounded, embodied way of living may have something important to offer in an age marked by distraction and disembodiment. In this episode you’ll hear: Jeremy’s journey to Whitehorse and his call to pastoral ministry in the Yukon,What ministry in a smaller, remote, and diverse context can teach us about pastoring,Why Jeremy carries a burden for under-resourced pastors and smaller churches across Canada,How hunting, fishing, and subsistence living have shaped his faith and spirituality,What faithful leadership can look like outside the world of scale, platform, and visibility,Why embodied Christian community may matter even more in an increasingly digital world.Partners Special thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for making this episode possible. We invite you to explore their ⁠Bible Course⁠ to help your church grow in Scripture engagement. 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.

    48 min
  3. Jay Kim on Ministry in the Age of AI, Pastoring in Silicon Valley, and Offering a Non-Anxious Presence in a Digital World

    APR 20

    Jay Kim on Ministry in the Age of AI, Pastoring in Silicon Valley, and Offering a Non-Anxious Presence in a Digital World

    Show Notes Analog Church Book GiveawayThe Pastorate’s City Meetups⁠Andy Crouch Conversation on Practicing the Way⁠Jay Kim’s websiteWestGate ChurchAnalog Church by Jay Kim Analog Christian by Jay KimListen, Listen, Speak by Jay Kim Episode Details In today’s episode, Jay Kim joins Jason for a conversation on pastoral ministry, spiritual formation, and what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in a world shaped by speed, distraction, and rapidly changing technology. Jay reflects on how digital culture is reshaping our imaginations, our communities, and even our understanding of what it means to be human. Jay also speaks candidly about the personal cost of pastoral leadership. He shares the pain and formation that came through difficult ministry seasons, the relational complexity of stepping into senior leadership, and the grief that often accompanies pastoral vocation. Together, Jason and Jay discuss how pastors can resist the extremes of fear and uncritical acceptance of technological change, and instead offer their communities a grounded, human, Christ-centered vision of life together. Jay and Jason explore: Jay’s story of pastoral ministry, from teaching pastor to senior leadership, and the formative hardship of his years serving in Santa Cruz,What it was like returning to WestGate as lead pastor, and the joy, grief, and relational complexity that can come with stepping into a new role,Why pastors need honest friendships outside their immediate ministry context, especially when leadership feels isolating or painful,How Silicon Valley has sharpened Jay’s thinking about discipleship, formation, and the deeper questions being raised by technology and AI,Asking “what does it mean to be truly human, and how does Jesus show us the answer?” How pastors can respond to technological change without either fear or naïve optimism, and instead embody a slow, careful, non-anxious presence for their people,The opportunity for the local church to become a deeply human, countercultural community in an increasingly artificial and polished world,Why, in an age obsessed with scale, polish, and efficiency, one of the most powerful gifts pastors can offer is simple, flawed, embodied personhood. Partners Contact John Wright at Generis for help cultivating a culture of generosity in your church.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.

    1h 5m
  4. N.T. Wright on Reading Scripture with Wonder, God’s Homecoming, and Champagne for Breakfast

    APR 6

    N.T. Wright on Reading Scripture with Wonder, God’s Homecoming, and Champagne for Breakfast

    In this conversation, Jason Ballard sits down with N.T. Wright, New Testament scholar, Anglican minister, and longtime teacher, to talk about the grand story of Scripture, the vocation of the scholar-pastor, and the unique hope that sustains weary leaders. Tom reflects on his early sense of call, his lifelong commitment to holding together pastoral ministry and academic theology, and the deep joy of returning to Scripture over decades without losing wonder. He speaks candidly about the disorientation that can come through serious theological study, and offers wise, pastoral insight for those walking alongside students and pastors in seasons of theological questioning. Jason and Tom also explore the central burden behind Tom’s recent book God’s Homecoming. They discuss why the biblical story is not ultimately about leaving earth for heaven, but about God coming to dwell with His people and renew all things. From Romans 8 to the Psalms, from the Sermon on the Mount to the road to Emmaus, Tom helps reframe the Christian hope as resurrection, new creation, and the healing of the world under the reign of the risen Christ. Jason and Tom discuss: Tom’s early sense of call and the path that led him into both parish ministry and academic theology,Why the work of pastor and scholar belong together,How deep study of Scripture can lead not to cynicism, but to renewed wonder,How pastors can lovingly walk with people through seasons of theological disorientation,Why learning to preach the whole story of Scripture matters so deeply,The central vision behind God’s Homecoming and the Bible’s theme of God dwelling with His people,The Psalms as a lifelong school of prayer,Why Eastertide should be marked by joy, celebration, and embodied hope,and a final word of encouragement for discouraged pastors.This is a rich conversation for pastors, preachers, seminary students, and anyone longing to love Scripture more deeply, live more faithfully in the story of God, and find inspiration in the midst of ministry’s daily rhythms.  Links & Resources N.T. Wright OnlineGod’s HomecomingSurprised by HopePartners Special thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for making this episode possible. We invite you to explore their ⁠Bible Course⁠ to help your church grow in Scripture engagement.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.

    56 min
  5. Cass Langton on Church Planting Post-Hillsong, Beauty as Witness, and Pastoring Creatives

    MAR 23

    Cass Langton on Church Planting Post-Hillsong, Beauty as Witness, and Pastoring Creatives

    In this conversation, Jason Ballard sits down with Cass Langton, pastor, worship leader, and longtime creative leader, to talk about church planting, healing after ministry transition, and why creativity and beauty matter deeply in the life of the church. Cass reflects on the surprising journey that led her and her family from 26 years at Hillsong into planting The Local Church in Sydney. She shares honestly about the slow and painful work of healing after ministry transition, the importance of resisting reactionary leadership, and the grace of learning to recognize God’s presence in the quiet, ordinary moments of life. Jason and Cass also explore the unique calling of creatives in the church. Together, they discuss how pastors can better understand, value, and disciple creatives, why beauty is a primary matter in the Kingdom of God, and how the church can become a place where artists, musicians, writers, and makers are spiritually and creatively nurtured.  This is a rich conversation for pastors, church planters, worship leaders, and anyone longing to see the church become more beautiful, imaginative, and alive to the presence of God. Jason and Cass discuss: Cass’s journey from Hillsong to planting The Local Church Sydney,How healing, rest, and recalibration shaped the season before launching something new,Learning to see the “miracles in the mundane” in pastoral ministry,The role of beauty and creativity in the mission of God,How churches can cultivate and pastor creatives well,Why creatives need community, formation, and care, not just opportunities to serve,Practical ways pastors can bless and release artists in their churches.Show Notes The Local Church SydneyThe Hopeful RhinoInstagramPartners 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. Contact John Wright at Generis for help cultivating a culture of generosity in your church.

    56 min
  6. Dr. Henry Cloud on the Pastor’s Inner Life, Leading Without Losing Your Soul, and Learning How to Discern

    MAR 9

    Dr. Henry Cloud on the Pastor’s Inner Life, Leading Without Losing Your Soul, and Learning How to Discern

    Today on the podcast, Jason is joined by Dr. Henry Cloud. Henry is a clinical psychologist, leadership consultant, and bestselling author whose work has helped shape the leadership of countless pastors and ministry leaders over the past several decades. Many will know him through books like Boundaries, Integrity, and Necessary Endings, where he brings together insights from psychology, relationships, and leadership to help people grow in health and effectiveness. In this conversation, Henry reflects on his unlikely path from pursuing a career in golf to studying theology, psychology, and eventually working with leaders across both ministry and organizational contexts. Along the way, he developed a deep care and concern for pastors, those who carry enormous responsibility while often receiving very little care themselves. Together, Henry and Jason explore the pressures of pastoral leadership and the unique challenges faced by pastors. Henry shares insights from decades of working with leaders, offering a framework for leadership that moves beyond personality or charisma and toward a set of functions that can be learned and practiced over time. Together, Henry and Jason discuss: Why pastors often find themselves pouring out for others with very few places to be cared for themselves,Why leadership is not merely instinct or gifting, but a craft that must be learned and practiced,The importance of humility and discernment in navigating complex leadership decisions,Why pastors must pursue healing and self-awareness as part of their leadership formation,And the crucial role of trusted relationships outside the ministry system for growth and accountability.Throughout the conversation, Henry speaks with deep respect for pastors. His encouragement is both honest and hopeful: sustainable leadership requires humility, intentional support, and a commitment to becoming whole as we lead others. Show Notes ⁠Dr. Henry Cloud WebsiteBooks by Dr. Henry CloudBoundaries.me – Dr. Cloud’s platform for personal growth, mental health, and relationshipsCity MeetupsThe Emerging Leaders LabPartners Special thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for making this episode possible. We invite you to explore their ⁠Bible Course⁠ to help your church grow in Scripture engagement. The work of strengthening pastors across Canada is only possible because of generous partners like you. As we look to the future, would you consider joining us in prayer, sharing this episode, or ⁠making a gift to invest in a vibrant, Jesus-centered church in every community⁠?

    1h 6m
  7. Finu Iype on Evangelism in the Canadian Context, Being Shaped Through Suffering, and Believing God for National Transformation

    FEB 23

    Finu Iype on Evangelism in the Canadian Context, Being Shaped Through Suffering, and Believing God for National Transformation

    In today’s episode Jason sits down with Finu Iype, Co-Senior Pastor of Village Church in Surrey, British Columbia, to trace his story from an Indian family line marked by conversion and adoption into the family of God, to his early years preaching in small towns across Ontario, to eventually stepping into senior leadership at Village Church in Surrey. Along the way, Finu shares what he’s learned about evangelism, the cost of calling, and the ways God builds His church beyond the influence of any one leader. Together, Finu and Jason explore: Finu’s family story, his grandfather’s conversion, the societal cost of following Jesus, and the gift of being “adopted” into a new spiritual family,How suffering formed his spirituality through personal illness and the loss of his younger brother,His early ministry years preaching in small-town Ontario and gathering churches to pray, disciple, and reach their communities,The Village Church story, including a prophetic word, a lunch invitation with Mark Clark, and a long discernment process,Leadership transition and resilience: what Village’s continued growth says about the faithfulness of God, and the evangelistic opportunities provided by immigration to Canada. Finu’s story invites us to live with courage, to hold loosely to our own visions for our lives, and to trust that God is often writing a better story than the one we would choose for ourselves. Show Notes Village ChurchCity MeetupsThe Emerging Leaders LabPartners Contact John Wright at Generis for help cultivating a culture of generosity in your church.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.

    1h 1m
  8. John Ortberg on How Pastoring Forms the Pastor, Why Many Churches Struggle with Discipleship, and Arranging Your Life for Joy and Contentment

    FEB 9

    John Ortberg on How Pastoring Forms the Pastor, Why Many Churches Struggle with Discipleship, and Arranging Your Life for Joy and Contentment

    John Ortberg is a pastor, author, and spiritual formation teacher known for helping people experience life with God in their everyday lives. In today’s conversation, John shares his journey into pastoral ministry, the unexpected role that decision-making played in discovering his calling, and how God uses the work of pastoring to shape the soul of the pastor. John shares the heart of the gospel as life with God in the present, not just the future, and he discusses how to form people into that reality through clear pathways of discipleship, honest self-examination, and practices that lead to transformation. John and Jason also talk about the hidden pressures of ministry, the slow drift toward cynicism, and why joy is not optional for long-term faithfulness. John offers hard-won wisdom on sustaining integrity, building a real “program” of discipleship, and arranging one’s life around deep contentment, joy, and confidence in everyday life with God. Together, John and Jason explore: Why God’s will for us often comes down to our freedom to choose, and how decision-making forms our character,The pastorate as a crucible for character formation,The Bible’s central invitation as life with God, here and now, not just “getting into heaven,”Why discipleship needs both a fellowship and a program (and what we can learn from 12-step communities)How pastors can arrange their days for deep contentment, joy, and confidence with God.John’s wisdom is both tender and bracing as he reminds us that joy isn’t a luxury for pastors but that it often serves as the strength that keeps a life faithful, sustainable, and rightly oriented towards God. Show Notes Become NewSteps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t EnoughA Guide to Flourishing StudyThe Emerging Leaders LabPastors Retreat ScholarshipsPastors Retreat DetailsPartners Special thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for making this episode possible. We invite you to explore their ⁠Bible Course⁠ to help your church grow in Scripture engagement. The work of strengthening pastors across Canada is only possible because of generous partners like you. As we look to the future, would you consider joining us in prayer, sharing this episode, or ⁠making a gift to invest in a vibrant, Jesus-centered church in every community⁠?

    1h 4m
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4.9
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About

The Pastorate Podcast hosts thoughtful conversations with guests who are passionate about the Canadian church. Here to serve Canadian pastors, we dive into topics that speak to the heart, soul, and vision of the pastorate, all the while sharing stories from guests who minister in diverse church contexts.

Information

  • Creator
    The Pastorate
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    176
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Pastorate
  • Show Website
    The Pastorate Podcast

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