5 Ways We're Strengthening Pastors in 2025
The mission of The Pastorate is to strengthen pastors for the renewal of the Canadian church, to be a source of encouragement and connection that empowers pastors to lead with hope, courage, and clarity. As we reflect on 2024, we recognize the ways that your generosity has allowed us to advance this work. Thank you to the 131 donors who came together to raise $136,646.10, helping us fund our 2024 commitments and establish a firm footing for our ministry in 2025.
Thanks to your generosity, here are five key initiatives we’re able to focus on in 2025:
The Pastorate Podcast
The Pastorate Podcast has become a trusted resource for pastors across Canada, and in 2025, we’re committed to moving it forward in a fresh way. Over the course of the year you’ll hear new voices from The Pastorate team along with interviews from both Canadian and Global pastoral leaders. We’re looking ahead to our first live podcast recording, where you’ll have the chance to gather in-person with other pastors to be present for a live podcast recording. From theological reflections to practical pastoral tools, we’ll ensure The Pastorate Podcast remains a resource for encouragement and growth.
2. A New Intake of the Emerging Leaders Lab
To date, 55 pastors have participated in the Emerging Leaders Lab, a 12 month formation community designed for pastoral leaders who are eager to grow in their craft, character, and calling. We’ve recently opened a third intake for the program, starting in May 2025, and plan to welcome another 25 pastoral leaders in there 20s and 30s from across Canada into the program.
3. A New Intake of the Lead Pastors Fellowship
Pastors need more than resources—they need a community of other pastors who understand the unique nature of the pastoral vocation. Through meaningful community, formative teachings, and trips designed to expand pastoral imagination, The Lead Pastors Fellowship empowers pastors to navigate the complexities of ministry with resilience, clarity, and purpose. In fall 2025, we’re opening up our second intake for this program.
4. Retreats for Pastors at Barnabas Landing
In 2024, we partnered with Barnabas Landing to host two retreats, offering pastors and their spouses a sanctuary to rest, reflect, and reconnect. Nestled on the west coast of British Columbia, with its stunning mountains, lush forests, and breathtaking views of Howe Sound, Barnabas Landing provided the perfect environment for restoration. We’ll gather pastors at Barnabas Landing twice in 2025, once in March and once in November.
5. Gatherings in Cities Across Canada
We know that meaningful connections with other pastors often happen face-to-face. That’s why we’re planning meet-ups in cities across Canada in 2025. These gatherings will create opportunities for pastors to connect, to learn from one another, and to be ministered to.
Thank You for Making This Possible
None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity has laid the foundation for another year of strengthening pastors and building up churches across Canada. Thank you for walking alongside us in this mission. We are filled with hope for all that God will do through The Pastorate in 2025.
