About
Jedediah Gorham
When faith and storytelling collide, the result is often transformative. On this episode of the PublishU Podcast, host Matt Bird sits down with Canadian pastor and author Jedediah (Jed) Gorham to discuss his journey from leading a small rural congregation in Northern Ontario to publishing his book, Rough-Hewn Christianity: Inspiring lessons and tales from a backwoods pastor. Their conversation reveals how ordinary lives can lead to extraordinary stories, and how one man’s reflections on faith, family, and community became a book that resonates with readers far beyond his hometown.
Jed introduces himself as a husband, father of five, and proud grandfather. Living in the rugged landscapes of Northern Ontario, Jed’s life revolves around his family and his work as a pastor of a rural community church. His wife Sjana partners with him in ministry, and together they’ve built a family life centered on faith.
More than just a pastor, Jed is also a classically trained cook, a devoted gardener, and a natural storyteller. His favorite pastime is helping people understand the Bible better. This balance of personal passion and pastoral commitment laid the foundation for his book.
When asked what inspired him to write, Jed explains that it wasn’t a single dramatic moment but a growing conviction. As a pastor, he often felt limited by the brevity of sermons. Writing a book allowed him to expand his reflections and share lessons more fully.
The title itself captures his vision: just as “rough-hewn” wood bears the marks of the craftsman’s tools, so does faith bear the marks of life’s trials, doubts, and growth. Rough-Hewn Christianity is not about a polished, picture-perfect faith; it’s about authenticity, perseverance, and the simple, powerful truths that sustain the church.
On the back cover, the book promises to inspire readers “to be all in for Jesus” by combining firsthand experience, biblical observations, and parables from life in Northern Ontario. It’s a return to the raw, elemental aspects of Christianity that fueled the early church.
A recurring theme in Jed’s story is the richness of rural life. In small-town Northern Ontario, relationships are close-knit, struggles are shared, and faith plays an everyday role in community life. These dynamics infuse Rough-Hewn Christianity with authenticity and depth.
Jed does not shy away from hardship. Instead, he embraces it as part of the Christian journey, reminding readers that the gospel is not about flawless living but about trust and endurance. His lessons invite readers from all walks of life to see God’s hand in both the rough edges and the refined moments.
At its heart, Rough-Hewn Christianity is an invitation. It calls readers to gather “at the campfire,” as one endorsement puts it, and rediscover the simple, authentic gospel. By sharing parables, lessons, and lived experiences, Jed reminds us that the Christian life is not about polish but about presence — God’s presence in our imperfect journeys.
For Christians seeking encouragement, pastors searching for fresh illustrations, or anyone curious about authentic faith, Jed’s book offers both inspiration and challenge.
Jedediah Gorham’s appearance on the PublishU Podcast is more than just an interview; it’s a reminder that stories born in the quiet corners of life can shape the wider world. By weaving his faith, family, and rural experiences into Rough-Hewn Christianity: Inspiring lessons and tales from a backwoods pastor, he has created a book that is deeply personal yet universally meaningful.
And for those wondering if they, too, have a book inside them, Jed’s journey provides the answer: yes, you do. With the right tools, persistence, and faith, even the rough-hewn edges of your story can become a legacy.
Buy your copy...
