Chrishan Jeyaratnam from Hillsong East Coast on Leading Through Grief & Transformation
Seasons of transition and uncertainty can test a leader’s resilience and calling. How do we guide a church through grief, rebuild trust, and embrace transformation with integrity?
In this episode, Chrishan Jeyaratnam, Lead Pastor of Hillsong East Coast, joins Jason Ballard to share his journey of pastoring through deep change. He reflects on leading a church in the aftermath of crisis, navigating distrust in leadership, and the personal and communal transformation necessary for renewal. Chrishan also unpacks the unique identity of a local church and how drawing from the broader body of Christ can bring strength and restoration.
Tyler Staton & Pete Hughes on Contending for the Renewal of Your City & Cultivating Deep Rhythms of Prayer
Prayer isn’t just something we do—it’s the foundation for renewal in our lives, churches, and cities. But how do we cultivate deep rhythms of prayer and sustain a vision for God’s kingdom breaking in where we live?
In this episode, Tyler Staton and Pete Hughes share how personal and corporate prayer fuels transformation. They explore the power of storytelling in shaping a culture of contending, the importance of interceding for our cities, and the rhythms that sustain long-term ministry. Their wisdom will inspire you to seek God’s presence in fresh and powerful ways.
John Mark Comer on Spiritual Formation for Today’s World, Recovery After Sundays, and Practices for Deep Friendship
Our guest today is John Mark Comer, founder of Practicing the Way and a leader passionate about spiritual formation and pastoral health. John Mark has spent over two decades navigating the challenges of pastoring in a rapidly changing cultural landscape, all while deeply investing in the spiritual growth of his congregation and the global Church.
In this conversation, John Mark reflects on the evolving role of pastors, the importance of maintaining a long-term vision for ministry, and how the practice of spiritual formation is helping congregations engage more deeply with God. He also shares practical insights on balancing work and rest, cultivating deep friendships, and leading with integrity in the face of cultural opposition. Filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and a heart for pastoral longevity, this episode offers encouragement for those in ministry today.
Nicky Gumbel on His Succession at HTB, a Vision to Train 10,000 Pastors, and the Significance of April 17, 2033
Our guest today is Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of the Alpha Course and former Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in London. After nearly two decades in senior leadership, Nicky shares his experience of navigating leadership transitions, empowering new leaders, and ensuring a healthy succession process in ministry.
In this conversation, Nicky reflects on the importance of trusting the next generation, embracing change without resistance, and equipping pastors from diverse backgrounds through initiatives like the Caleb and Peter Streams. He also casts a bold vision for global evangelism, aiming to see the gospel reach 99.6% of the world’s population by 2033.
His insights offer encouragement for leaders in seasons of transition, reminding us that passing the baton well and staying passionate about evangelism are essential for the future of the Church.
Jerry Sittser On the Early Church “Third Way”, Re-introducing a Christian Imagination, and Navigating Grief through a Redemptive Lens
How do we form resilient followers of Jesus in a culture where faith is no longer assumed?
In this episode, Jerry Sittser, professor emeritus at Whitworth University and author of Resilient Faith, joins Jason Ballard to explore how the early church thrived in a post-Christian world. He unpacks the lessons we can learn from the first Christians, the importance of discipleship over cultural Christianity, and how pastors can cultivate a church culture that shapes whole-life disciples. Jerry also shares personal reflections on grief, loss, and carrying both pain and joy with hope.
Jeff Vanderstelt on The Dealing With Criticism, Navigating Toxic Church Culture, The Crisis of Discipleship, and Dallas Willard’s Last Unanswered Question
How can discipleship become a way of life rather than just another church program?
In this episode, Jeff Vanderstelt, Executive Director of Saturate and founding leader of the Soma Family of Churches, joins Jason Ballard to explore what it means to lead with gospel fluency and mission in everyday life. Jeff shares his journey of mentoring leaders, navigating criticism, and learning to lead with open hands. He also reflects on his experience guiding a fractured church through healing and the profound impact of Dallas Willard’s final unanswered question.