Scripture Untangled

S12 Ep12 | Jason Ballard | Is God Calling You to the Ministry?

Watch or listen to this hope-filled conversation with Jason Ballard, Lead Pastor, Director and Founder of the Pastorate, being interviewed by Joanna la Fleur. In this episode, they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in Canada today. They explore why healthy pastors matter, how churches can raise up new leaders, and why there is still real hope for renewal and spiritual growth across Canada. In this episode, Jason and Joanna discuss: Jason’s faith journey and how a childhood surrounded by Christian influences eventually led him to personally follow Jesus. How people today are discovering Christianity without any Biblical background and why churches must rethink how they disciple new believers. The urgent need for healthy pastors and why pastoral leadership is essential for the flourishing of communities across Canada. Practical ways pastors can cultivate healthy rhythms, spiritual practices, and supportive friendships in ministry. How churches can raise up the next generation of pastors and encourage people discerning a call to ministry. Why Jason believes this is actually a hopeful moment for the church in Canada, and why many people are newly open to faith conversations. Read the transcript: https://biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep12 =====Jason is a lead pastor at The Way Church in Vancouver, BC and the director and founder of the Pastorate, a Canadian ministry dedicated to strengthening Canadian pastors. Previously, Jason served with Alpha International and pioneered the Alpha Youth Film Series, which has been used by churches around the world to engage over a million teenagers worldwide in conversations about faith and Jesus. To find out more about Jason and discover more of the work he is part of, you can listen to The Pastorate Podcast or The Way Church Podcast, and access more pastoral formation resources through The Way College (Everyday Seminary). Jason and Rachael have three children – Hudson(12), Mary(10) and Millie(8).  Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.caHelp people hear God speak: biblesociety.ca/donateConnect with us on Instagram: @canadianbiblesocietyThe Bible Course: biblecourse.ca

S12 Ep11 | Leanne Friesen | The Power of Lament in Scripture

Watch or listen to Leanne Friesen, Author and Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, being interviewed by Andrew Stirling. In this episode, Leanne shares her unexpected call to pastoral ministry, the Biblical foundations that have sustained her, and how the profound loss of losing her sister to cancer became a turning point that deepened her ministry and her understanding of grief. In this episode, Leanne and Andrew discuss: How Leanne’s faith was shaped by growing up in a vibrant church community in rural Newfoundland within The Salvation Army tradition. Her journey into pastoral ministry, including her years serving as lead pastor and the Biblical foundations that have sustained her through nearly two decades of leadership. How the teachings and stories of Jesus in the Gospels have shaped her understanding of pastoral leadership, discipleship, and guiding others toward Christ. Leanne’s personal experience of losing her sister to cancer, that led to her writing the book Grieving Room, which encourages the Church to create compassionate spaces where grief is acknowledged rather than rushed toward resolution. The future of the Church, and the importance of listening to younger generations and shifting from a survival mindset toward a genuine desire to share the hope of Christ. Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep11 =====Leanne Friesen is the Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, where she serves a family of just under 300 churches. Before this, she was lead pastor of Mount Hamilton Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ontario for 18 years. Leanne is also the author of the book "Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things After Death and Loss' and the upcoming book "After the Terrible" (2027 release).  She also curates the popular instagram page @grieving.room where she offers grief support. Leanne lives in Hamilton with her husband and two teenage children.     You can hear more from Leanne at a number of podcasts, many of which on her website leannefriesen.com   Her book is available for purchase on Amazon and Indigo or wherever books are sold.   Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.caHelp people hear God speak: biblesociety.ca/donateConnect with us on Instagram: @canadianbiblesocietyThe Bible Course: biblecourse.ca

S12 E10 | Richard Bragdon | From Pastor to Parliament

Watch or listen to Richard Bragdon, Member of Parliament and the chair of Canada’s National Prayer Breakfast, being interviewed by Lorna Dueck. In this episode, Richard shares his remarkable journey from pastoral ministry and prison outreach to serving in Canada’s House of Commons. He reflects on how his Christian faith shaped his calling to political life, the challenges he's faced along the way, and the ways prayer continues to influence leadership in Canada. In this episode, Richard and Lorna discuss:  Faith and politics in Canada, how Richard’s Christian faith informs his work as a Member of Parliament and why believers should engage in every sphere of society. Richard’s journey from pastoral ministry and prison outreach to serving in federal politics. Why faith-based initiatives are statistically effective in helping former prisoners rebuild their lives. A look inside Parliament’s weekly cross-party prayer gathering where MPs and senators pray together. Encouragement for believers to serve in professions such as politics, media, education, and law. The Bible verses that are engraved throughout Canada’s Parliament buildings and what they represent. Hope for Canada's future with a faithful “remnant” praying for the nation. Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep10=====Richard Bragdon is a Canadian politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Tobique-Mactaquac in New Brunswick since first being elected in 2019. A member of the Conservative Party of Canada, MP Bragdon brought to federal politics a diverse background that includes both business and ministry work. Prior to entering public office, he served over 20 years as a Pastor and worked as a Realtor, both experiences helped to shape his focus on community, service, and practical problem-solving.  Now serving his third term, after being re-elected in both 2021 and 2025, Richard Bragdon continues to represent the people of Tobique-Mactaquac with a focus on increased Canadian Self-Reliance , Responsible Resource Development, and the needs of rural Canadians. His combination of local roots, entrepreneurial experience, and pastoral background informs his approach to Parliament, where he works to balance principled policy positions with practical, community-driven solutions. Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.caHelp people hear God speak: biblesociety.ca/donateConnect with us on Instagram: @canadianbiblesocietyThe Bible Course: biblecourse.ca

S12 E9 | David Koop | How Can the Bible Help You Find Peace?

Watch or listen to Dr. David Koop, Author and Founding Pastor of Coastal Church, Vancouver being interviewed by CBS Ambassador, Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling. In this episode, David shares the story of his encounter with the Holy Spirit, and how that led him from working in the lucrative oil industry in Saskatchewan to founding a church in the middle of Vancouver. In this episode, David and Andrew discuss: How a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit transformed David’s journey from the oil industry to founding Coastal Church, Vancouver. Forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and building a thriving church in the heart of Vancouver. Discipling young people, strengthening families through Scripture, and standing firm in a secular culture. How forgiveness, prayer, and the peace of Christ lead to lasting contentment in today’s restless world. Raising children in the faith, guarding your heart from bitterness, and living with Biblical conviction. Living a content life and finding peace that surpasses understanding. Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep9=====Pastor David Koop grew up on a farm in southwestern Alberta. He left the farm to pursue a career in the oil industry and later transitioned into ministry. In 1994, along with his wife Cheryl, they planted Coastal Church in Vancouver, Canada. Later in 2010, David received his Doctorate in Ministry from Bakke Graduate University. As well as pastoring and speaking at various conferences, David also serves as a director on a number of boards. Dave is the author of The Contented Life and Helping Make The City A Better Place. Dave and Cheryl have been married for 48 years, and are the proud parents of four married children, and six grandchildren.  davekoop.com  Canadian Bible Society: biblesociety.caHelp people hear God speak: biblesociety.ca/donateConnect with us on Instagram: @canadianbiblesocietyThe Bible Course: biblecourse.ca

S12: E8 | Derek Schneider | How Do You Know If God Is Speaking to You?

Watch or listen to Derek Schneider, Pastor of History Makers Church being interviewed by Joanna la Fleur. In this episode, Derek talks about hearing God’s voice, discovering your calling, and moving from routine prayer to prayer that produces real results.In this episode, Derek and Joanna discuss: How turning down a record deal led Derek into a life of prayer, purpose, and pastoral leadership.How hearing God’s voice transformed his life and reshaped his understanding of prayer.The difference between routine prayer and prayer that produces real spiritual results.How Scripture and prayer work together to awaken purpose in believers.Unanswered prayer, eternal perspective, and trusting God beyond visible results.How believers can discover their calling by aligning their passions with the love of Jesus.Encouraging listeners to pray in ways they never have before in order to see what they’ve never seen before.Read the transcript: biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s12-ep8=====Derek Schneider was once a music recording artist, until his faith lead him to turn down a record deal and answer his true calling in life.He is a requested speaker, coach, best-selling author, and “transformation specialist.” He is the President and Founder of History Makers Society, through which he has helped several thousand discover their God-given purpose - many having gone on to becoming catalysts of transformation in their communities and nations. As an advisor to leaders of various capacities, Derek is impacting people, and society on several continents. Even through his brief teachings and seminars, you are guaranteed to walk away with the keys necessary for effective leadership.   Derek is also a fourth generation Pastor, and Founder of History Makers Church (Oshawa, Ontario). He Pastors alongside his wife (Sarah) and family.Learn more about Derek Schneider: derekschneider.caCanadian Bible Society: biblesociety.caHelp people hear God speak: biblesociety.ca/donateConnect with us on Instagram: @canadianbiblesocietyThe Bible Course: biblecourse.ca