The Sowers Podcast #108- The Leader Within: Jason Ballard on Emotional Health, Self-Awareness & Jesus‑Shaped Leadership
Leadership isn’t first about strategy — it’s about the inner life of the leader.
In this episode, Jason Ballard (Lead Pastor at The Way Church, Founder of The Pastorate) takes us deep into the work God does within a leader: emotional awareness, spiritual rhythms, honest self-audit, and learning to lead from presence rather than pressure.
Jason shares vulnerable lessons from his own formation — moments where pain became his teacher, where his passion accidentally steamrolled others, and where slowing down saved relationships. We explore the three awarenesses every leader needs in every room: self-awareness, other-awareness, and awareness of the Spirit.
He also unpacks the “lost hard drive” story — where one leader’s calm, gracious response discipled a teenager more deeply than any Sunday production ever could.
This conversation is for pastors, planters, parents, and anyone who senses God shaping “the leader within.”
About Jason:
Jason is a lead pastor at The Way Church in Vancouver, BC and the director/founder of The Pastorate, a ministry dedicated to strengthening Canadian pastors. Formerly with Alpha International, he helped pioneer the Alpha Youth Film Series, used worldwide to engage over a million teenagers in conversations about Jesus. He serves through The Pastorate Podcast, The Way Church Podcast, and leadership development initiatives at The Way College (Everyday Seminary). Jason and Rachael have three kids — Hudson (12), Mary (10) and Millie (8).
Links:
Chapters
00:00 The Essence of Leadership
05:39 Personal Growth in Leadership
10:28 Skills for Effective Leadership
15:38 Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
20:18 Leading with Kindness and Integrity
23:08 The Essence of Christian Leadership
24:31 Navigating Goals and Contentment
26:45 The Journey of Personal Development
29:02 Establishing Rhythms for Growth
32:57 Understanding God's Character and Ways
36:07 The Future of Christian Leadership
42:35 NEWCHAPTER