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 Sydney
• The Hopeful Rhino
• Instagram
  
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