Welcome to the Canadian Church Leaders Podcast, hosted by Jason Ballard. We are committed to serving church leaders and their teams by sharing conversations focused on pastoral leadership. Each episode features honest and thoughtful interviews with key voices from Canada and beyond. We want you to be inspired and encouraged as you hear the stories of hundreds of churches alongside the learnings of those who are leading today.
Preaching with authenticity is no easy task, but for Megan, authenticity is the only gear she knows. The question remains—how do we craft honest sermons and let the message impact our own lives first?
Megan is a pastor, speaker, and author joining us from Lakewood, California. She serves as the teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois and leads a women’s Bible study at Arbor Road Church in Long Beach, California. Whether preaching, leading, or writing her latest book, Megan brings a refreshing honesty that resonates deeply and inspires many.
In today’s conversation, you’ll hear about:
- How joy, longing, and sorrow intertwine to deepen hope and trust in God
- Two practical prayer rhythms Megan has developed to foster intimacy with Jesus
- What it looks like to preach with integrity while wrestling with the reality of mixed motives
- The heart behind her new book, Relaxed Megan is known for sharing with energy, joy, and sincerity—so we hope this conversation encourages you today.
Biography
Megan is determined to use her life to spread hope, share truth, and celebrate others. She is finishing her Doctorate of Ministry as she serves as a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and the Director of Women’s Ministries at Hume Lake Christian Camps. She also shepherds women at Arbor Road Church in Long Beach, California. She invests her time in people, writing books and Bible studies, and exploring all over the globe, teaching and sharing the love of Jesus. She released the book and study guide Relaxed and Beautiful Word Bible study: John, authored the book and Bible study Meant for Good, SelfLess, and co-wrote the book 7 Family Ministry Essentials with Dr. Michelle Anthony.
But what we love most about Megan is the way that she sees others. She has a keen ability to notice the people around her and to ask the kinds of questions that help her see them even more clearly.
Megan lives in Lakewood, California with her two boys, Foster and Jedidiah.
Sponsors
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.
Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon!
Thanks to Generis for supporting this episode. Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team here.
Guest Notes
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Show Notes
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It’s a New Year, and we’re thrilled to welcome you back to The Pastorate. As we step into 2025, we’re continuing our mission of creating meaningful conversations to equip and encourage pastors, starting with an episode we pray will strengthen both your hands and your heart for the work ahead.
Our guest today is Andy Moore, Pastor of Coastline Church in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia. With years of ministry experience and a heartfelt dedication to developing leaders, Andy offers a perspective both profound and practical. This in-person conversation, recorded in Andy’s home, is one we’re excited to share with you.
Andy shares about:
We’re so grateful you’ve joined us for today’s conversation. May it encourage and inspire you as you listen.
Bio | Pastor Andy Moore is the Lead Pastor of Coastline Church in Victoria, BC. Coastline is a vibrant, multi-site church in the heart of Victoria with a 101 year history. Andy has been in ministry for over 30 years and has been pastoring at Coastline Church for 23 years. Andy and his wife Lisa share a journey of redemption, healing and vibrant new beginnings that shows the incredible hope and faithfulness of Jesus! They are passionate about training leaders and planting churches. Under their leadership, Coastline Church is a thriving movement with a rich history, a bright future and a vision to plant life-giving churches across Vancouver Island. They have a full life with four children, a son-in-law and one granddaughter.
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.
Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon!
Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their Bible Course.
Guest Notes
Show Notes
As we close out 2024, we’re excited to bring you a special episode to end the year. Last year, we began a tradition of hosting a conversation with Darrell Johnson near the end of each year, and it’s quickly become a meaningful rhythm for this podcast—a chance to sit down and reflect on life and ministry.
Darrell has been preaching, teaching, and pastoring for over 50 years, with a ministry journey that has taken him from the Philippines to the United States and, of course, here in Canada. He currently serves as part of the Teaching and Pastoral Team at The Way Church in Vancouver, BC, and is the author of several impactful books, including Discipleship on the Edge, Ephesians: The Wonder and Walk of Being Alive in Christ, and his latest release, That You May Live: How the 10 Commandments Lead to Human Freedom.
For this conversation Jason had the opportunity to join Darrell in his study at home where Darrell spends time each morning in devotion and study.
In this episode, Darrell shares about:
We’re so grateful you’ve joined us for this conversation on The Pastorate. Our prayer is that this conversation encourages and equips you as you prepare to step into 2025.
Biography
Darrell 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 The Pastorate. He and his wife Sharon have been married 47 years. Together they have raised four children adopted from four different countries of the world, and now enjoy loving nine active grandchildren!
Sponsors
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.
Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins in January!
Guest Notes
Show Notes
A question many of us face this time of year is how to guide our congregations well through the Advent season. In the midst of pastoring others, some of us have been able to enter into the wonder of the season ourselves, some of us are navigating the busyness of planning and executing events and services, and others of us are walking through a deeply painful season that can come with this time of year. Wherever you find yourself today, our prayer is that this time spent listening to this conversation will strengthen your hands, fill your heart with courage, and draw you deeper into the joys of this Advent season.
Today, AJ Sherrill joins us from St. Peter’s Church in Charleston, South Carolina. AJ has pastored in diverse contexts—from California to New York to Grand Rapids—before settling in Charleston with his family. He’s also an accomplished author, and his latest book, Rediscovering Christmas, is a profound exploration of the Bible’s Christmas story, helping us embrace the ancient wonder of the season.
In this episode, AJ shares about:
We’re so grateful you’ve joined us for this conversation on The Pastorate. May God bless you as you listen and enter into the wonder of Advent.
Biography
AJ Sherrill has served as a lead pastor for over two decades in churches across the country, from Southern California to New York City, and now calls the Low Country home. He holds two master’s degrees in theology and a doctorate in spiritual formation. AJ teaches courses on preaching and the Enneagram at Fuller Theological Seminary and leads workshops on spiritual formation and personality theory. Above all, he is a disciple of Jesus, husband to Elaina, and father to Eloise. On a lighter note, he is also a dedicated—though often humbled—Michigan fan.
Sponsors
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.
Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon!
Guest Notes
Show Notes
Pastoring has always been a vocation of great responsibility, yet the expectations placed on pastors today have grown increasingly complex. From preaching and shepherding to being organizational leaders, cultural commentators, and trauma-informed counselors, the demands can stack up, making the work feel impossible. Add to this the challenge of navigating a rapidly changing cultural and technological landscape, and it’s no wonder so many pastors wrestle with questions of calling, capacity, and resilience. But amidst these challenges the ancient wisdom of the church and the gift of pastoral community offer a way forward.
In this episode of The Pastorate, we sit down with Glenn Packiam, Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California, to explore the depth and complexity of pastoral ministry in today’s world. Glenn brings his unique perspective as a pastor, offering insights on how to remain grounded in the midst of ministry’s ever-growing demands. Drawing from both his own experiences, Glenn unpacks practical strategies for navigating the weight of expectations placed on pastors, cultivating resilience through ancient spiritual practices, and fostering healthy team dynamics with a focus on self-awareness. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to pastoral ministry, this conversation will encourage and equip you to lead with renewed clarity and grace.
Our conversation with Glenn Packiam covers:
We’re thankful you’ve joined us on The Pastorate today, bless you as you listen.
Biography
Glenn Packiam serves as the Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California. Glenn has written several books, including The Resilient Pastor, Blessed Broken Given, and his latest work, The Intentional Year, co-authored with his wife, Holly. Holding a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry from Durham University, Glenn is also a Senior Fellow at Barna Group, a Visiting Fellow at St. John’s College, Durham University, and an ordained priest in the Anglican Church of North America. As a songwriter, Glenn has contributed to over 65 worship songs. Glenn and Holly reside in Orange County, California, with their four children.
Sponsors
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.
Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon!
Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their Bible Course.
Guest Notes
Show Notes
This week on The Pastorate we are excited to host Carey Nieuwhof—Bestselling author, Host of the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast, and Founding Pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario
Today’s episode covers a wide range of topics:
We’re thankful you’ve joined us on The Pastorate today, bless you as you listen.
Bio | Carey Nieuwhof is a bestselling leadership author, speaker, podcaster, and former attorney. He hosts one of today’s most influential leadership podcasts. His podcast, blog, and online content are accessed by leaders over 1.5 million times each month. He speaks to leaders around the world about leadership, change, and personal growth through the Art of Leadership Academy. His work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Business Insider, and on EntreLeadership. Carey and his wife, Toni, live north of Toronto, Canada and have two grown sons.
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.
Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon!
Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team here.
Guest Notes
Show Notes
This week on The Pastorate, Rachel Hughes—Pastor of Gas Street Church in Birmingham, England—joins us on the podcast for a conversation on pastoral ministry.
Rachel shares about:
We’re thankful you’ve joined us on The Pastorate today, bless you as you listen.
Bio | Rachel is the co-founder and co-lead pastor of Gas Street Church in Birmingham, where she and her husband, Tim, have served their community since 2015. She also co-founded The Orchard, a ministry devoted to seeing women set free, raised up, and released to answer God’s call on their lives. Rachel is passionate about inspiring young women in leadership and helping them be emboldened by the Holy Spirit to stand firm in the truths of God’s Word, unaffected by cultural values that may seek to divert or deplete them. Tim and Rachel have five beautiful children, joyfully balancing their ministry with family life.
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.
Join our Emerging Leaders Lab to connect with fellow pastors in their 20s and 30s, foster resilience and effectiveness in ministry, and learn from some of the brightest minds in the Church today. Our next intake begins soon!
Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their Bible Course.
Guest Notes
Show Notes
This week in the inaugural episode of The Pastorate, Adam Browett – Pastor of Calvary Temple in Winnipeg, Manitoba – joins us on the podcast for a conversation on pastoral ministry.
Adam shares about:
We’re praying that today you would be strengthened to live more fully into the work that God has for you in the place and context of your own neighbourhood.
Bio | Adam has been in full-time ministry since 2005, serving churches across Western Canada, including BC, Alberta, and Manitoba. He’s passionate about reaching challenging areas where Christians often hesitate to go and encourages others to do the same. In February 2024, Adam, his wife Shandy, and their four children moved to Winnipeg, following God’s leading. He now serves as the Lead Pastor at Calvary Temple, a historic PAOC church with a diverse community representing different generations, cultures, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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.
Partners:
Download a free PDF on Improving Your Giving Statements from Generis or get in touch with Jon Wright from their team here.
Visit the Coram Deo Foundation website to learn more about the Joseph Chung Scholarship and to apply. Applications are open from October 21st–October 27th.
Show Notes
Guest
The Pastorate
Since its inception over four years ago, the Canadian Church Leaders Network (CCLN) has served thousands of pastors through its podcast, monthly newsletter, cohort-based programs, and pastors retreats and gatherings.
This week, Jason Ballard, host of the Canadian Church Leaders Podcast and Executive Director of CCLN sits down with Chris Price to discuss the future of CCLN and the adoption of a new name for both the organization and the podcast: The Pastorate.
Jason reflects on:
As CCLN becomes The Pastorate, we invite you to pray, share, and give towards seeding a hope-filled future for the Canadian church.
Show Notes
We've got a special episode for all of you this week. The CCLN Team is working hard on a special project that will be officially announced with the October 7th episode on the podcast, but we didn't want to leave you high and dry this week.
In 2022, we had Keith Taylor speak to a group of Pastors as part of our first cohort based program, The Church Leaders Incubator. Out of the many amazing speakers that the cohort was able to learn from, this was a session that captures our desire for creating opportunities to grow in competency with hearts full of love for Jesus and love for people. Don't let the topic dissuade you, this episode is worth your time.
Jason will also take a moment to share some insight into what is coming up for our team here at CCLN.
Give today to CCLN and help seed a hopeful future for the Church in Canada.
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The work of renewal in a church is slow, costly, and long-term. It requires pastors who consistently say, “I can’t do this alone,” and who return to the feet of Jesus, the One making all things new.
This week, Father James Mallon, Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in beautiful Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, joins us on the podcast to share his heart for evangelism and his passion for parish renewal.
Father James reflects on:
We hope you find joy and comfort in knowing that pastoral ministry is a shared journey, as brothers and sisters across Canada collectively pray, “Come, Holy Spirit.”
Bio | Father James Mallon is pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and founder of the Divine Renovation Ministry.
The message of Divine Renovation has resonated in the hearts of tens of thousands of pastors and lay leaders throughout the world. It has inspired and motivated them to act and seek help in transforming their own faith community. To answer their needs, the Divine Renovation Ministry was created. Fr James continues to serve the Divine Renovation Ministry with a portion of his time.
Born in Scotland, Father James and his family moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1982. After studying at Christ the King Seminary in British Columbia and St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, Father James was ordained to the Catholic priesthood in 1997.
He currently resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In addition to his ministry, Father James loves soccer, movies, photography, dogs, everything Apple and good Single Malt Scotch.
Give today to CCLN and help seed a hopeful future for the Church in Canada.
Partners:
Thanks to the Canadian Bible Society for supporting this episode. Learn more about their Bible Course.
Guest:
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