Friends on Mission: Jason Ballard on Friendship in Ministry, the Pastoral Burden, and Parachurch Partnerships

Is ministry destined to be lonely? Jason Ballard offers a hopeful vision for pastors and ministry leaders — one rooted in deep friendship, shared burdens, and collaboration between local churches and parachurch ministries.

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Ballard — lead pastor of The Way Church in Vancouver and executive director of The Pastorate — reflects on the challenges and joys of pastoral leadership. Drawing from his own journey in both parachurch and local church ministry, Jason explores how friendships sustain pastors, how parachurch leaders can walk alongside churches, and why flourishing relationships are essential for the witness of the gospel and the advance of God’s global mission.

Main Points

Friendship in Ministry: Why cultivating deep friendships is essential for healthy pastoral leadership.
Pastoral Burdens: Insights into the unique weight pastors carry and how to share it.
Church–Parachurch Dynamics: Practical ways pastors and ministry leaders can support and bless one another.
An Ecology of Relationships: Building diverse friendships inside and outside the church for long-term ministry health.
The Pastorate: Jason’s vision for equipping pastors so that healthy leaders can lead healthy churches.

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Guests in This Episode

Jason Ballard

Jason Ballard is Lead Pastor of The Way Church Vancouver, a community dedicated to “joining Jesus in the restoration of all things” in Vancouver and beyond. He also serves as Executive Director of The Pastorate (formerly the Canadian Church Leaders Network), where he hosts The Pastorate Podcast—connecting with pastors across Canada to strengthen their heart, vision, and resilience. Jason is passionate about making space for doubt and honest exploration of faith, and helping people grow as disciples of Jesus. He lives in Vancouver with his wife Rachael and their three children, Hudson, Mary, and Millie.