Faithly Podcast

Together, Alicia and Chris unpack the rapidly evolving world of church technology—from AI and “vibe coding” to multilingual accessibility and prayer-focused platforms—and explore how these tools can empower ordinary believers to participate more actively in ministry and innovation. At the center of the conversation is a compelling question: what if technology was designed not merely for profit or efficiency, but with God as the customer?

Website: https://www.spf.io

(00:21) Welcome to The Faithly Podcast
(01:13) Programming, Computer Science, and Machine Translation
(02:34) A Desire to Use Technology for the Gospel
(05:49) What If God Is the Customer?
(06:14) Leaving Amazon to Pursue Technology Entrepreneurship for the Gospel
(08:42) Identity, Status, and the Cost of Obedience
(11:56) Ceaseless and Building Technology for Prayer
(14:09) Building Church Tech and Learning Through the Marketplace
(19:29) The Unique Opportunity of AI and Vibe Coding
(25:55) What Spiffio Does for Churches
(30:20) Serving Multilingual Congregations
(35:16) The Redemption of Technology and the Global Gospel

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What actually creates a healthy organizational culture, and why does it matter so much?

In this episode of The Imperfect CEO, Rev. Adam Durso and Jim Brown welcome Jimmy Mellado, President and CEO of Compassion International, for a rich conversation on leadership, trust, and the kind of culture that helps both people and mission thrive.

Rather than stepping into leadership with a need to immediately change everything, Jimmy reflects on approaching Compassion with a posture of listening first—learning the culture, understanding the people, and discerning what God was already doing before attempting to lead organizational change. From there, the discussion unpacks how healthy culture is intentionally built through behaviors, accountability, feedback, and leadership consistency rather than through slogans or aspirational values.

Together, the trio explores Compassion’s five key cultural behaviors and dive into everything from psychological safety and humility to honest disagreement and leadership accountability. At the center of today’s episode is a compelling idea: culture is not secondary to performance, it is often the multiplier that determines whether people merely function or truly flourish.

Website: https://www.compassion.com/

(00:00) Selecting the Right Leaders for Culture
(00:49) Culture as a Performance Multiplier
(02:04) What Healthy Culture Looks Like at Compassion International
(04:36) Listening, Learning, Loving, Then Leading
(05:31) Building on Compassion’s Existing Culture
(07:39) Behaviors Versus Values
(08:24) Compassion’s Five Cultural Behaviors
(13:39) When Leaders Inherit a Toxic Culture
(17:24) Collaborative Culture and Leadership Accountability
(20:23) The Difference Between Niceness and Kindness
(25:17) Guarding and Sustaining Healthy Culture
(29:17) Integrity in What You Are Building
(35:58) Why Healthy Organizations Impact the Whole World

Connect with Jim Brown, and DM the word “BUILD" at linkedin.com/in/authorjimbrown for a free resource, and preorder your copy of The Imperfect CEO now at http://imperfectceobook.com/

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In this episode of The Imperfect CEO, a special series from the Faithly Podcast, Rev. Adam Durso is joined once more by Jim Brown and their guest bestselling author Stephen M.R. Covey for a compelling conversation on trust, accountability, and the hidden dynamics that shape organizational culture.

Together, they challenge the idea that agreement automatically equals unity, exploring how many leadership teams appear aligned on the surface while quietly struggling with artificial harmony or unspoken tension, conveying an underlying lack of genuine commitment. Stephen shares why true buy-in can never exist without involvement, while Jim highlights the dangers of environments where the real conversations only happen after the meeting ends.

At the heart of the discussion is a powerful leadership principle: healthy organizations are not built through control or uniformity, but through trust. From vulnerability and peer accountability to collaborative leadership and shared ownership, this conversation offers practical insight into what it takes to build cultures where people feel safe enough to contribute honestly and challenge constructively, allowing everyone to move forward together.

Website: https://www.franklincovey.com/

(00:00) The Leader Goes First
(02:00) The Illusion of Alignment on Leadership Teams
(04:22) Artificial Harmony and the Meeting After the Meeting
(07:19) How Trust Is Often Misunderstood
(10:03) Why Imperfect Leaders Must Admit Their Weaknesses
(12:32) Building Complementary Teams
(15:16) A Merger Case Study: When the Real Problem Is Trust
(18:12) The Four Peaks of The Imperfect CEO
(22:02) Peer Accountability and Supporting One Another
(25:33) What to Do When You Sense Something Is Unhealthy
(27:29) The Imperfect Leadership Movement and Next Steps

Connect with Jim Brown, and DM the word “BUILD" at linkedin.com/in/authorjimbrown for a free resource, and preorder your copy of The Imperfect CEO now at http://imperfectceobook.com/

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Living with intention in uncertain times is one of the greatest challenges we can face.Today on the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee is joined by Jill Thompson from Inheritance of Hope—a ministry supporting families facing the reality of a parent’s terminal illness—for a deeply moving conversation about legacy and hope in the midst of overwhelming grief.

Jill shares the powerful story behind the ministry’s founding, shaped by her close friend Kristen Milligan’s terminal cancer diagnosis at just 30 years old. What began as a desire to help Kristen’s own children understand life and loss has grown into a nationwide movement, serving thousands of families with care and providing lasting support across the country.

Together, Alicia and Jill explore what it means to build a legacy not just for the future, but in the way we live today, through love, presence, and an eternal perspective. Jill also introduces the concept of ‘jorrow’—the coexistence of joy and sorrow—and reflects on how families can experience both, even in life’s most difficult seasons. From Legacy Retreats to ongoing support communities, this conversation highlights the transformative power of showing up for one another—and the kind of hope that remains, even in the face of loss.

Website: https://inheritanceofhope.org/

(00:17) Introducing Jill Thompson and Inheritance of Hope
(01:18) Jill’s Friendship with Kristen Milligan
(05:13) Intentional Motherhood in the Face of Illness
(07:15) Redefining Legacy as a Way of Living
(08:38) Practical Encouragement for Building a Legacy
(11:35) How Inheritance of Hope Began
(15:48) Understanding 'jorrow': Joy and Sorrow Together
(20:32) How Families Can Connect with Inheritance of Hope
(25:44) How Jill’s Faith Has Changed Through the Ministry
(30:47) Kristen’s Lasting Legacy Through Her Family
(33:21) Resources, Legacy Videos, and National Legacy Month

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In this episode of the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee is joined by Tensley Almand, President and CEO of Atlanta Mission, for a deeply insightful conversation on the realities and misconceptions surrounding homelessness.

Tensley shares his unexpected journey from pastoring a thriving church to leading one of the largest faith-based organizations serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Atlanta. Together, they unpack a critical fallacy: that homelessness is simply a housing issue. Instead, Tensley reveals the deeper layers—the underlying trauma, mental health struggles, addiction, and what he calls relational poverty, which refers to the absence of stable, supportive relationships that often act as a safety net in times of crisis.

Through powerful stories and practical insight, he explains how lasting transformation requires more than short-term solutions, pointing to Atlanta Mission’s holistic model that focuses on long-term stability, restoring dignity and community to the local population.

Website: https://atlantamission.org/

(00:00) A Powerful Perspective on Homelessness & Relationships
(03:00) Stepping Into the Unknown at Atlanta Mission
(07:00) Recognizing Calling in Unexpected Places
(10:00) Why Homelessness Is More Than a Housing Issue
(13:00) The Complexity Behind Homelessness
(14:30) Atlanta Mission’s Transformational Model
(18:00) Relational Poverty Explained
(19:30) The Power of Relationships as a Safety Net
(25:00) Creating Organizational Clarity & Alignment
(29:00) Measuring Transformation vs Activity
(35:00) How Churches Can Engage Practically
(38:30) Staying Hopeful in Difficult Work
(39:30) Final Reflections & Encouragement

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In today’s episode of the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee is joined by Dr. John Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society, for a data-driven and thought-provoking conversation on Bible engagement, cultural shifts, and what they reveal about the spiritual landscape today.

Drawing from the latest State of the Bible research, Dr. Plake shares surprising trends—including a rise in Scripture engagement among younger generations and what some are calling a “quiet revival.” But alongside this renewed curiosity is a deeper tension: increasing loneliness and emotional distress, particularly among Gen Z. Together, they explore a compelling question, what role does Scripture actually play in human flourishing? Dr. Plake unpacks how consistent Bible engagement is strongly linked to resilience, well-being, and a greater sense of purpose, offering both a challenge and an opportunity for church leaders seeking to meet people where they are.

Their conversation also dives into how people are engaging with the Bible in our digital age, and why accessibility and meaningful community are more important than ever for the next generation. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or simply curious about the direction of faith in today’s world, this episode offers a hopeful and insightful look at how data and discipleship can work hand in hand to shape the future of the Church.

Website: https://www.americanbible.org/

(00:00) The Decline of New Atheism and a Cultural Shift
(01:01) A Ministry Journey Rooted in Research and Formation
(04:00) Encouraging Trends: Bible Use on the Rise
(06:00) The “Quiet Revival” and Growing Curiosity About Faith
(07:50) Why Millennials and Men Are Re-engaging with Scripture
(10:30) Emotional Health Crisis and the Search for Meanin
(13:30) Gen Z, Church Engagement, and the Need for Mentorship
(15:00) Digital vs Print: How People Engage with the Bible Today
(19:30) YouTube, Podcasts, and Social Media as Spiritual Tools
(24:30) Regional Shifts: Northeast and West Coast Engagement
(27:30) Tools and Resources for Church Leaders
(31:30) A Hopeful Vision for the Future of the Church

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In this episode of The Imperfect CEO, Rev. Adam Durso is joined once again by Jim Brown for a practical and deeply relevant conversation on leadership, humility, and building a healthy church culture with guest Pastor Dan Underhill of Cornerstone Church ATX.

Together, they explore the pressure many leaders feel to appear strong, polished, and certain at all times, and how that mindset can quietly limit collaboration and growth. At the center of the conversation is Jim’s “Ascent Model,” outlining four key elements of healthy leadership: collaborative culture, leadership accountability, strategic momentum, and talent magnetism. Dan shares how working through these principles revealed that his tendency to move quickly with answers had unintentionally trained his team to hold back—becoming a turning point that reshaped how he leads his ministry today.

A key theme throughout the discussion is vulnerability. Rather than building trust through perfection, effective leaders create space for others by asking better questions, admitting what they don’t know and inviting contribution. As Dan has seen firsthand, this shift not only strengthens teams but also resonates deeply with younger generations, who are drawn to authenticity over performance.

Website: https://ccatx.com/

(00:00) Learning Not to Have Every Answer
(00:27) Introducing The Imperfect CEO and Pastor Dan Underhill
(01:38) Why Leaders Feel Pressure to Appear Perfect
(03:54) The Ascent Model and the Four Peaks of Healthy Leadership
(06:52) Leadership Accountability and the Cost of Always Answering
(09:22) Strategic Momentum and Talent Magnetism
(10:50) How the Book Exposed the Imperfect CEO
(14:01) Resources, Assessments, and Building Healthier Teams
(21:29) Vulnerability, Clarity, and Leading with Humility
(31:12) Free Church Leadership Resource and Closing Challenge

Connect with Jim Brown, and DM the word “BUILD" at linkedin.com/in/authorjimbrown for a free resource, and preorder your copy of The Imperfect CEO now at http://imperfectceobook.com/

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In this episode of The Imperfect CEO series on the Faithly Podcast, Rev. Adam Durso and Jim Brown are joined by Scott Green, President of the University of Idaho, for a practical and insightful conversation on leadership, organizational health, and navigating institutional turnaround.

Drawing from his background as a CFO and COO in the private sector, Scott shares how he applied the principles from The Imperfect CEO to lead a remarkable transformation—guiding a university facing significant financial deficits and low morale toward a culture marked by collaboration and shared ownership. At the center of the conversation is a foundational leadership principle: the courage to name reality.

Together, Rev. Adam, Jim, and Scott explore the tension between urgency and sustainability in leadership, highlighting why long-term success is built through alignment, not control. From breaking down silos to fostering collaboration across teams, this episode offers a compelling blueprint for leaders seeking to create momentum without becoming the bottleneck.

Website: https://www.uidaho.edu/leadership/president

Connect with Jim Brown, and DM the word “BUILD" at linkedin.com/in/authorjimbrown for a free resource, and preorder your copy of The Imperfect CEO now at http://imperfectceobook.com/

(00:00) Opening Thoughts on Leadership and Risk
(01:00) Introducing Scott Green and His Leadership Background
(04:00) Collaboration vs Competition in Leadership
(07:20) Real-World Leadership vs Theory
(11:30) Early Wins and Setting Clear Goals
(15:00) Empowering Leaders to Own Solutions
(21:00) Reinforcing Collaboration Through Systems
(25:30) Leadership Without the “Hero” Mentality
(30:00) Empowering Leaders as CEOs of Their Areas
(34:00) Fundraising, Storytelling, and Institutional Growth

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Welcome to The Imperfect CEO, a special series by the Faithly Podcast, where Rev. Adam Durso is joined by guest host Jim Brown—author of The Imperfect CEO and founder of OrgHealth, a firm dedicated to helping leaders build healthy, life-giving organizational cultures.

In this debut episode, Rev. Adam and Jim sit down with Garry Ridge, former CEO of the WD-40 Company, for a candid and deeply practical conversation on what it really takes to lead well. Together, they challenge the traditional model of leadership built on total control and the pressure to appear flawless. Instead, they offer a different vision—one rooted in humility, continuous learning, and a commitment to cultivating environments where people are empowered to thrive.

Drawing from decades of experience, Garry reflects on how WD-40 built a culture centered on trust, psychological safety, and what he calls “learning moments,” while Jim unpacks how many leaders unintentionally become the ceiling of their organizations by trying to carry too much and have all the answers. At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reframe: leadership is not about being the hero, but about creating an environment where others can do their best work.

From honest accountability to servant leadership, their discussion explores what happens when leaders choose clarity over control and development over performance—offering both established and aspiring leaders an invitation to let go of the exhausting pursuit of perfection and step into a more honest, sustainable way of leading.

Website: https://thelearningmoment.net/about/

Connect with Jim Brown, and DM the word “BUILD" at linkedin.com/in/authorjimbrown for a free resource, and preorder your copy of The Imperfect CEO now at http://imperfectceobook.com/

(00:00) When the Hero Becomes the Ceiling
(01:03) Gary Ridge on Donkeys and Humble Leadership
(06:07) Why Imperfect Leadership Matters
(08:43) Building a Learning Culture Instead of Fear
(11:50) The Soul-Sucking CEO vs the Servant Leader
(18:02) The Trap of Trying to Be Flawless
(25:01) When Poor Culture Costs Millions
(28:26) Why Leaders Must Stop Trying to Be Heroes
(34:10) A Message for Exhausted CEOs
(37:42) Final Encouragement to Let It Go

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Join Rev. Adam Durso on today’s episode of the Faithly Podcast as he sits down with Reverend Vandalyn Kennedy—leadership strategist, youth ministry leader, and author of ‘First Things First’—as they dive into calling and leadership within ministry, as well as the formation required to serve the next generation well.

Vandalyn shares her journey from a strong church upbringing through personal challenges to becoming a globally influential voice in youth leadership. Along the way, she reflects on how a renewed and authentic relationship with God reshaped both her life and her ministry, grounding everything she now teaches in real spiritual transformation.

Together, Rev. Adam and Vandalyn explore what it truly takes to develop effective leaders today, highlighting the need for both spiritual depth and practical strategy. They candidly acknowledge the gaps in traditional ministry training and the growing challenges facing younger generations, pointing to the reasons that leaders need to be equipped to meet people where they are without compromising the truth. Drawing from the heart of her new book, ‘First Things First’, Vandalyn emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline and inner healing to achieve healthy rhythms, reminding leaders that sustainable ministry flows from a life rightly ordered before God.

Website: https://www.vandalynkennedy.com/about-vandalyn-kennedy

(00:00) Creating Space for the Next Generation to Lead
(01:24) From Church Roots to Personal Transformation
(03:28) Discovering Purpose Through Leadership and Service
(05:10) Strategy and Spirituality Working Together
(08:00) Preparation Over Performance in Ministry
(10:30) Reaching Young People Through New Methods
(13:00) Community, Isolation, and Mental Health Challenges
(17:00) Meeting People Where They Are Beyond Church Walls
(20:30) Empowering Emerging Leaders Instead of Limiting Them
(25:00) Sustaining Leadership Through Spiritual Health and Boundaries

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In this episode of the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee is joined by Chris Larson, President and CEO of Ligonier Ministries, for a thought-provoking discussion on the findings of the 2025 State of Theology report and what it reveals about the beliefs shaping today’s church.

Drawing from the survey’s results, Chris explains how many American evangelicals are wrestling with confusion around foundational doctrines—including sin, salvation, the Trinity, and even the uniqueness of Christ. While the data reveals surprising contradictions in what many believers say they believe, Chris helps unpack the cultural forces contributing to this trend, from growing pluralism to widespread biblical illiteracy.

Together, Alicia and Chris explore why theology matters for every believer, not just pastors or scholars, and how our understanding of God inevitably shapes every aspect of how we engage the world around us. Despite the challenges the report highlights, their conversation ultimately points toward hope, extending encouragement to churches and believers to lean into clearer biblical teaching and authentic Christian community—trusting that God continues to build His church through the faithful proclamation of His Word. 

Website: http://www.ligonier.org

(00:00) Introducing the State of Theology Survey
(01:20) Chris Larson’s Journey into Theology and Ministry
(06:30) The Mission of Ligonier Ministries
(10:50) Why Everyone Is a Theologian
(14:00) What the Survey Reveals About Evangelical Beliefs
(17:30) Confusion About Sin and the Need for the Gospel
(19:40) Misunderstanding the Holy Spirit and the Trinity
(21:30) The Rise of Universalism and Cultural Pluralism
(25:00) The Importance of the Local Church and Discipleship
(31:10) Confidence in God’s Faithfulness to Build His Church

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Today on the Faithly podcast, host Alicia Lee sits down with Jurie Kriel—leader of NXT Move, executive team member at Shoreline Church, Lausanne Movement contributor, and author of Hitting the Ball You Cannot See—for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, cultural change, and the future of the Church.

Drawing from ministry experience spanning apartheid South Africa to church planting in downtown Austin, Jurie unpacks the core metaphor behind his book: just as elite athletes learn to anticipate a pitch they cannot see, church leaders today must learn to anticipate cultural shifts rather than simply react to them. From declining institutional trust to digital acceleration and rising loneliness, he outlines the forces reshaping faith in the next generation.

Yet, this is not a message of alarm, but a call to courageous hope. Jurie challenges leaders to hold tightly to the unchanging gospel while creatively reimagining how it’s embodied in today’s world. Moving from “rows” to “circles,” and from preservation and siloed thinking to experimentation and collaboration, he offers a vision for faithful innovation that begins locally—trusting that God has not lost a generation yet.

Website: https://www.juriekriel.com/

(00:00) Fail Quickly and Try Something New
(05:04) The Vision Behind NXT Move and Global Collaboration
(10:00) Hitting the Ball You Cannot See
(15:56) The Collapse of Trust and the Need for Authentic Faith
(24:24) Harder Faith Over Easier Religion
(34:20) Facing Fear and Learning to Innovate Locally
(43:10) Collaboration Unity and Hope for the Next Generation

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What does Gen Z really want from faith and from the Church? In this episode of the Faithly Podcast, Augustine Mendoza of Oral Roberts University joins Alicia Lee for a timely conversation to explore how this rising generation is navigating identity and discipleship in a digitally saturated world.

As both an ORU alum and Senior Director of Spiritual Life & Student Experience, Augustine brings a rare full-circle perspective having wrestled through his own questions of faith and now walking alongside students doing the same. Tune in as Alicia and Augustine unpack the tension shaping Gen Z: deeply spiritual and equally as skeptical, hungry for authentic encounters with God while wary of performative Christianity and institutional inconsistency. Augustine challenges leaders to look past stereotypes and instead recognize the boldness and honesty of this generation as signs of untamed calling that require discipleship rather than dismissal.

From social media’s global influence to the local church’s opportunity for relational leadership, today’s conversation offers a hopeful reframing, that the Church doesn’t just need to reach Gen Z, it needs Gen Z’s involvement along with their hunger for authentic community, which may be exactly what re-centers the Church on Christ-like formation.

Website: https://oru.edu/

(00:00) Authentic Worship Over Gimmicks
(05:30) From a 10-Year Plan to Purpose-Driven Flexibility
(13:09) Spiritually Hungry but Needing Biblical Depth
(21:00) Turnoffs for Gen Z in Church & Leadership
(34:27) Worship & Spiritual Practices That Resonate with Gen Z
(39:50) What Gen Z Wants in a Local Church
(44:21) The Church Needs Gen Z

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Website: https://kelseyoconnor.com/

(00:00) When Achievement Becomes Identity
(11:00) Losing Who I Thought I Was
(16:40) Faith in the Stillness of Recovery
(19:55) The Speech That Went Viral
(26:00) Rejection, Closed Doors, and God’s Timing
(30:50) Handling Criticism and Guarding Your Heart
(35:00) Separating Who You Are from What You Do

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In this episode of the Faithly Podcast, Pastor Adam Durso sits down with longtime friend Pastor Dan Underhill for a heartfelt conversation about spiritual obedience, leadership under pressure, and the kind of friendships that breathe life into your soul.

Pastor Dan opens up about the years-long journey that led to the launch of Cornerstone Church ATX, sharing how a word from God demanded not just action, but patience and submission. Together, Pastor Adam and Pastor Dan reflect on what gets revealed in seasons of pressure and why honoring leadership is a test of our own character, before diving into what it means to build a church marked by depth, diversity, and discipleship. Pastor Dan also unpacks the heart behind his Passion and Pursuit message—an invitation to live with integrity, to love God wholeheartedly and walk in real spiritual power.

Whether you’re discerning a calling, wrestling with timing, or simply in need of encouragement for the long road of leadership, this episode serves as a reminder that God’s promises are worth the wait, and that friendship forms a vital part of the fuel that sustains us.

Website: https://ccatx.com/

(00:00) A 25 Year Friendship Built in Ministry
(04:40) How to Lead Well When You Feel Squeezed
(09:25) The Call to Plant and the Long Road of Integrity
(14:30) Planting in Faith and Watching God Provide
(17:40) Building a Church for Generations and Living with Passion and Pursuit

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Today on the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee is joined by Kate Trammell—Senior Vice President at Prison Fellowship—to trace her journey from Virginia magistrate to national justice advocate.

Raised in the local church and trained in law, Kate shares how her frontline experience in the courtroom stirred a deeper desire to pursue justice that restores rather than simply punishes. Now leading Prison Fellowship’s advocacy, legal, and research efforts, she unpacks the realities of incarceration, sharing the ripple effects on families and churches and explaining why this work is both deeply personal and deeply spiritual.

From policy change to personal redemption, Kate offers a vision of hope rooted in Scripture and propelled through action. We invite you to tune in as we explore how earthly justice can be re-imagined in the light of the Lord’s saving grace.

Website: https://www.prisonfellowship.org

(00:00) An Ordinary Faith Shaped by Church and Community
(05:45) Confronting the Limits of Justice Behind the Glass
(10:30) What Justice That Restores Really Means
(15:45) Navigating Political Tension with a Long View of Hope
(20:10) Sustaining Faithfulness in Work, Family, and Calling

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In this episode of the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee is joined by Joshua James, Executive Director of Likewise Worship—a ministry committed to serving worship leaders for the long haul—for a conversation about what it really takes to sustain healthy leadership in today’s church.

Josh shares the origin story of Likewise Worship, born from founder Justin Unger’s desire to develop young leaders. What began as training and coaching soon deepened into a soul care mission, as they encountered increasing stories of burnout, isolation, and leaders quietly stepping away from ministry. From personal stories to practical tools like the Worship Leader Health Check, Josh offers insight into the unique pressures worship leaders face—from platform-driven culture to the demands of bi-vocational life—and how churches can create communities where leaders are not only empowered to serve, but fully supported and deeply seen.

Website: https://www.likewiseworship.com/

(00:00) A Hunger for Belonging and Authenticity
(05:29) Scaling Without Losing the Local Church and Relationships
(11:10) How Culture Shapes Community Across Different Cities
(16:59) Defining Burnout and Why Worship Leaders Feel Stuck
(22:00) Three Marks of a Healthy Leader
(31:08) Building Trust, Offering Care, and Knowing When to Refer Out
(37:58) Supporting Bi-vocational and Volunteer Worship Leaders
(43:13) Hope for the Church

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Together, they walk through the evolution of Hope Day, from its roots as a single event to a decentralized network of churches hosting community-tailored outreaches across the country, outlining what makes each Hope Day so unique. Pastor Steve closes with a vision for what’s ahead, including the upcoming February 7 launch and how ministry leaders and churches can encounter new ways to connect through the Hope Day Network.

Website: https://www.hopedaynetwork.org/new/

(00:00) Obedience Before Outcomes: Trusting God with the Growth
(03:10) The First Hope Day
(07:09) What Hope Day Looks Like Today
(10:14) The Event Experience
(13:19) Growth and Expansion
(16:37) What the Network Provides
(24:51) From Despair to Hope Through Hope Day
(33:01) Discipleship, Unity, and Letting God Lead the Growth

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Recorded live at the Preaching Masterclass, today’s Voices from the Masterclass episode features a powerful conversation between Pastor Adam Durso, Pastor Joe Valenzuela and World Vision’s Christine Hayworth—centering on spiritual renewal and what it means to embody the gospel in both word and deed.

Christine shares her personal journey of walking away from God in search of “freedom”, only to find true purpose in surrender, a journey that ultimately led her to her calling: to serve vulnerable children and communities around the world. Pastor Joe brings a local pastor’s perspective to the discussion, echoing the need for authenticity and emotional honesty in leadership.

Together, the group explores the work of World Vision and how they partner with communities around the world, diving into Christine’s transformative trip to Eswatini and the impact of programs like the innovative Chosen program. As Adam shares his own powerful experience in Eswatini, the conversation becomes a shared invitation to our listeners: you don’t have to do everything, but you can do something and that something can change lives.

(02:45) Why this conference feels different
(06:40) Christine’s story
(13:10) From storytelling to leadership
(16:50) Gospel credibility through meeting real needs
(23:58) Eswatini impact stats
(30:49) Send the Word

Websites: https://www.christinehayworthwv.com/ and  https://www.activechurches.com/

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In this powerful episode of Voices from the Masterclass, recorded live at Preaching Masterclass 2025, host Pastor Adam Durso is joined by guests Aaron Lindsey and Dr. Judith McAllister for a deep and timely conversation about worship leadership, trust, and spiritual authority within ministry.

They explore how effective worship doesn’t start on the platform, it starts  in relationship. Drawing from decades of ministry, Dr. McAllister shares wisdom on the importance of relational equity between pastors and worship leaders, forged offstage through mutual trust and shared life. Aaron Lindsey offers insight from both sides of the platform, speaking candidly about his shift from global worship leader to senior pastor.

The conversation flows from mentorship and spiritual formation to the enduring power of hymns as doctrinal anchors across generations. With practical reflections and prophetic wisdom, this episode calls worship leaders back to the source: the revelation of Jesus Christ.

(00:02) Next-gen leadership, humility, rest, listening first
(05:10) Worship moment at Masterclass
(11:10) Why pastors’ presence in worship matters
(21:00) Building trust with musicians
(28:10) Hymns, doctrine, and building a multi-generational bridge

Websites: https://www.neverendingworship.org/ and https://app.believela.org/home/

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(00:02) Next-gen voice, change, humility and rest
(07:40) Presence with God and staying grounded while busy
(14:34) Leadership culture that resists rest
(23:28) Sabbath takes faith
(34:06) God is Father, not coach

Websites: https://www.churchome.org/ and https://dhariusdaniels.com/ 

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In this episode of Voices from the Masterclass, Pastor Adam Durso is joined by guests Pastor Dan Underhill and Pastor Brandon Clack for a raw and timely conversation on the calling to leadership.

Together, they explore why the next generation of leaders needs more than just a microphone—they need space to grow and authentically encounter God for themselves within their leadership. Pastor Brandon offers an inside look at what makes Masterclass so unique, going beyond the incredible preaching and unpacking the mindset and spiritual discipline behind the pulpit, making room for the Holy Spirit to work in tandem with preparation.

They go on to cover Pastor Brandon’s personal journey of navigating a major ministry move, including how he and his wife discerned the calling together with patience and humility. As the conversation deepens further, the pastors address the pressure leaders feel to perform, the trap of chasing applause, and the quiet dangers of envy and self-importance.

(00:02) Let the next generation speak
(06:34) Why 2026 has to be on your calendar
(14:45) Assurance vs striving; applause addiction
(19:19) Scarcity mentality vs Kingdom abundance
(24:08) The “Messiah complex” and honest leadership
(27:38) Closing charge: keep motives clean

Websites: https://www.brandonclack.org/ and https://ccatx.com/

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In this second episode of Voices from the Masterclass, recorded live at the Preaching Masterclass 2025, Rev. Adam Durso sits down with Dr. Bryan Loritts and Pastor Ricky Jenkins to unpack the soul of leadership, where spiritual calling and personal health converge with God-honoring vision.

Dr. Loritts challenges pastors to wrestle with a pivotal question: Is this a job, or is this a calling? He explores how abiding in Christ must be the foundation of any fruitful ministry. Pastor Ricky brings his own hard-won wisdom to the table, illustrating how both Spirit-led sensitivity and organizational structure are vital for sustainable, transformative leadership.

Together with Pastor Adam, these influential leaders explore the need for intentional pruning to pursue God’s mission over busyness and the importance of investing in emerging leaders, all while navigating the challenges of nurturing their personal emotional, physical, and spiritual health in the interest of fuelling long-term ministry.

(00:01) Leadership and Ministry Dynamics
(09:32) Leading Change and Pruning for Growth
(17:48) Crafting Authentic Transcendent Preaching Experiences
(27:32) Leadership Health and Community Building
(34:31) Empowering Church Leaders Through Faithly

Websites: https://southwestchurch.com/ and https://bryanloritts.com/

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