bonjour/hi

I am Jean-Daniel (zhawn-danyell), like John Daniel, but en français.

I live in Montréal, Québec, Canada. I am a pastor and a playwright.

Those are independent, but interrelated. They are both ways of telling stories to tell truths bigger than the story itself, ways of exploring and expressing empathy, ways of building communities that last into the future on the foundation of ancient traditions. Less nobly, both are a lot of fun, most of the time.

Get to know me more
Featured
Interview with Mormon Stories Podcast
Interview with Mormon Stories Podcast

I had the honour of being interviewed by the Mormon Stories Podcast. You may watch here or listen on your favourite Podcast app.

Is this worth all worth it?
Is this worth all worth it?

The prophet Jeremiah is, anachronistically, a patron saint for the ADHD disciple. I know the weariness of “holding it in,” the exhaustion at keeping my thoughts inside. Astute scholars will note that contextually he is speaking of proclaiming God’s Word, and I, on the other hand, do not always, even usually, proclaim God’s Word.

I do understand that feeling, though, that something has to be said.

Like many Bible verses that find themselves naked and contextlessly cross-stitched onto Christian wall décor, Jeremiah 20:9 ought not to be pure positive affirmation. Only two verses prior, Jeremiah admits the social cost of his bluntness. “I have become a laughing-stock all day long; everyone mocks me.”

The Church Is Not a Museum. Why the Heavens Not?
The Church Is Not a Museum. Why the Heavens Not?

As a museum lover who works in the church, this anti-museum cliché irks me.

Because it fundamentally misunderstands museums.

And churches ought to have a curious empathy for misunderstood cultural institutions resisting decline. It’s in our own best interest.

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Rilla knows how to get up on HER chair and pose for a photo... but look at this cleverness, because she chose to go on the wrong chair, asserting that she deserves the bigger chair now, but she also clearly looks a bit uncertain about getting away wi
Not thrilled but there's an ice storm, but this is the first thing ever that is almost making my little Chevy Spark look tough. Oh your truck isn't lined in daggers like my subcompact?
Happy birthday to the poor woman who once wrote on a Post-it note that we are best friends, and is now contractually stuck. The whole world is blessed that she has stayed among us for another year, blessing us with chaotic creativity, relentless comp
Behold my only son breathing in the arrival of spring
Reconnaissant que le stéréotype est faux : les jeunes adultes peuvent continuer aimer passer une journée d'aventure avec leur père. 🥹❤️❤️
My Dad became the first member of his family to go college or get a master's degree; served in the Army National Guard for decades; taught elementary school for over 30 years; raised five kids; has played cards, kayaked, and boated with, and served i
Tact is a faculty for meandering around to a given point instead of making a bee-line. I have no tact. I am noted for that. - L.M. Montgomery
If you are out on a Friday night, I am still not convinced that you're having a better time with a prettier girl than I am.
You could live over 40 years and never find someone more beautiful, clever, or loyal with whom to talk a snowy walk or go to church on a quiet Prince Edward Island Sunday. I know. Because I literally have been trying... she is the verified best.
Snow gremlin ❤️
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Theatre and Comedy

Performed at Regina, Charlottetown, and Vancouver Fringe Festivals.

Coming in June 2026 to the Montréal and Ottawa Fringe Festivals.

Learn more about the show and read reviews