Rediscovering Pastoral and Church Identity
Ryan Jackson
When everything around a church is changing, how can it rediscover who God has called it to be?
In this episode we welcome Rev. Dr. Ryan Jackson, Senior Pastor of the Capital Church near Raleigh, North Carolina, to talk about his experience in the CPT's first Church Identity Cohort.
Ryan reflects on 17 years of ministry through seasons of change, staff transitions, and post-pandemic challenges that prompted his church to revisit foundational questions of identity and mission. We discuss the connection between pastoral and ecclesial identity, the role of theological reflection in church life, and the importance of forming leaders who can faithfully guide congregations into the future.
We also explore the value of mentoring, cross-denominational dialogue, and collaborative discernment as churches seek a deeper understanding of who God has called them to be.
Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or ministry team member, this episode offers practical encouragement for leading with clarity, conviction, and a strong sense of church identity.
Ryan Jackson has spent more than 30 years learning and practicing leadership in the Body of Christ. He holds a Bachelors of Religion from Emmanuel College, a Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and both a Masters of Philosophy and a PhD from Cambridge University. Throughout these academic pursuits, Dr. Jackson has been actively involved in serving the church locally and globally. He is convinced that the most powerful ministry and Christian living is born from a deep commitment to the Word of God accompanied by a firm reliance upon the Spirit of God. He is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians.
