Faithly Stories

In this powerful episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, we are joined by Lance Witt—pastor, author, and founder of Replenish Ministries—as he shares a candid look into the joys and struggles of ministry leadership in conversation with host Alicia Lee. From the early days in small-town churches to leading global campaigns at Saddleback, Lance opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, burnout, and the trap of workaholism in a fast-paced modern church culture.

Lance's journey took a transformative turn when, mid-flight to Singapore, he felt a clear call to start Replenish, a ministry focused on helping leaders live and lead from a healthy soul. Through honest storytelling and practical wisdom, he invites us to examine how ambition and self-awareness connect with spiritual rhythms to shape our longevity in leadership. If you’ve ever wrestled with discouragement, identity, or the tension between doing for God and being with God, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how God is moving through the next generation of leaders and why restoring the soul of the leader may be one of the church’s most urgent needs.

Website: http://replenish.net

(00:01) Journey of a Pastor's Ministry Life
(11:11) Pastoring, Transition, and Self-Leadership
(20:07) Journey of Ministry Burnout and Recovery
(30:37) Navigating Church Leadership Challenges
(42:57) Navigating Ministry Ambition and Accountability
(51:02) Empowering Church Leaders Through Faithly

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What does it look like when elite digital strategy meets unwavering Kingdom-driven purpose? Join us in finding out throughout this episode of Faithly Stories, as host Alicia Lee sits down with Ben Elmore—entrepreneur, technologist, and founder of Servant—to explore how faith and innovation can work hand in hand to transform the Church’s impact in a digital world. Drawing from a career that spans billion-dollar enterprises and high-impact ministry partnerships, Ben shares his journey from Silicon Valley-style startups to pioneering faith-first tech solutions for ministries like The Chosen, YouVersion, and OneHope.

Together, we’ll dive into how technology can serve people rather than replacing them. From strengthening marriage ministries in churches to designing digital discipleship tools that are both scalable and deeply relational, Ben unpacks the practical ways churches can thrive through digital transformation. We also tackle the big questions: how do we preserve biblical values in a tech-saturated age? And how can AI be used responsibly to enhance, not erode, human connection in ministry?

Website: https://www.servant.io/ 

(00:01) Technology, Kingdom Impact, and Servant Leadership
(09:47) Ministry Innovation and Kingdom Impact
(17:13) Market-Focused Strategies for Spiritual Growth
(22:42) Digital Integration for Relationship-Centered Ministry
(30:56) AI in Ministry
(40:28) Digital Transformation for Church Leaders
(46:40) Empowering Church Leaders Through Faithly

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We’ll explore the intersection of technology and media with mission work through stories that aim to expand our perspectives, gaining insights into how everyday believers can integrate The Chosen as a catalyst to foster deeper spiritual conversations and enhance existing programs within their communities.

Website: https://www.comeandseefoundation.org/ 

(00:01) Technology and Spreading the Gospel
(07:56) Technology and Gospel Impact Today
(14:57) Encountering the Chosen
(25:07) The Transformative Journey of Following Jesus
(30:55) The Chosen Impact on Faith
(35:45) Character Representation in the Chosen
(40:21) The Impact of the Chosen
(53:11) Get Involved With the Chosen
(57:51) Empowering Church Leaders Through Podcasts

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Together, we unpack the heart behind The Worship Initiative and its mission to guide the next generation of leaders through community connection and mentorship, as well as accessible tools. Robbie also speaks candidly about the challenges worship leaders face, from the pressures of performance to the importance of creating space for Sabbath and songwriting in the local church, offering us a reminder that everyone worships something—let’s make it Jesus.

Website: https://www.theworshipinitiative.com/  

(00:01) Music and Worship Leadership Insights
(08:40) Supporting and Equipping Worship Leaders
(15:14) Building Community Through Worship Initiatives
(25:26) Essential Insights on Worship and Songwriting
(33:00) Rest, Sabbath, and Songwriting in Community
(40:11) Unpacking Ministry and Worship Leadership

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Dr. Garner, founder of Way of the Beloved, brings his poetic and pastoral insight into the conversation, unpacking a powerful discipleship model rooted in the themes of awakening, abiding, and affecting the world with God’s love. Drawing from the Fourth Gospel, he offers a vision of faith that’s deeply personal, spiritually grounded, and radically loving.

Together, we explore how to shift our “happiness radar” inward, how belovedness can shape the way we lead and serve in our day-to-day lives, and how God’s love invites us to create space for rest, renewal, and a nurturing of deep connection.

Get your own copy of “Real Happy: Jesus’ Surprising Path to Genuine Joy” on Amazon as well as the Real Happy Playbook available here, you can also learn more about the Real Happy products at https://imrealhappy.com

Websites: https://mikehayes.org/ and https://wayofthebeloved.com

(00:01) Real Happy
(06:28) The Eight Declarations of Happiness
(22:40) The Power of Emptiness and Comfort
(30:43) Generosity in Action
(41:49) The Joyful Message of Jesus
(52:46) Empowering Church Leaders Through Faithly

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Together, we examine the rise of alternative gatherings and decentralized leadership structures—and how these shifts are resonating with a generation disillusioned by traditional models but still deeply hungry for meaning and connection.

Website: https://www.wildfig.org/

(00:01) Reimagining Church Leadership in Post-Denominational Era
(15:45) Launching a New Ministry
(22:43) Creating Innovative Spiritual Communities
(41:58) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

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Today, on the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee welcomes guest Brian Boyd who was living just blocks from the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. As the Twin Towers fell, he and his wife Fran found themselves in the heart of Ground Zero, running for safety with ash and uncertainty clouding the sky. In this gripping episode, Brian shares his firsthand account of that day, the miraculous "God wink" that protected his family, and how tragedy became a turning point in their lives for both faith and purpose.

Out of crisis came a calling. Displaced and living out of a hotel, Brian and Fran began building what would eventually become CCB Marketing, a digital agency that blends innovation with empathy. Today, their work supports clients across industries—including churches and ministries—helping others share messages of hope and healing through digital tools. We dive into how Brian’s past shaped his present, from Wall Street to entrepreneurship, and how his faith, family, and perseverance helped him transform devastation into purpose.

We’ll also dive into how platforms like Faithly are using technology to connect leaders and share their stories, building stronger communities through connection and modern tools.

Website: https://ccbmarketing.net/ 

(00:01) Podcast Interview With Brian Boyd
(04:25) Escape From the World Trade Center
(08:52) World Trade Center Escape
(17:25) Marketing Strategies for Churches and Ministries
(33:49) Marketing Strategies for Church Growth

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What happens when a web developer says “yes” to a global calling? In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, meet Josh Read as he shares with host Alicia Lee how he and his family followed God's lead from the comfort of their home in the U.S. to the mission field of South Africa, via Sweden and Spain. Their decision to become self-funded missionaries transformed every part of their lives, from raising four children overseas to navigating cultural skepticism and the intense challenges of ministry during a global pandemic.

Throughout their conversation, Josh reflects on the trials they faced during COVID-19—including lockdowns, threats of containment camps, and civil unrest—and the surprising moment of clarity that came from contemplating Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot. Returning to the States after a decade abroad, Josh opens up about reentry struggles and how that experience continues to shape his work and worldview. Now back in the digital space, Josh is helping to lead the next wave of innovation for pastors and ministry leaders. We explore how platforms like Sermon Central and Faithly are providing essential tools and connections for those in ministry—offering everything from sermon prep support to spaces for relational collaboration.

Website: https://sermoncentral.com

(00:01) Moving to South Africa Faith Journey
(14:54) Challenges and Revelation in South Africa
(30:57) Sermon Central Innovations for Pastors
(48:22) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

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In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, join host Alicia Lee as she welcomes Tracy Mathews, founder of Attune, for a thoughtful conversation on spiritual leadership, discernment, and learning to slow down in a world that constantly pushes us to hurry.

Tracy shares her journey from the fast-paced world of biotech and business strategy to a ministry rooted in helping leaders listen for God's voice. After a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit in 2007, she began pursuing what she calls “scandalously patient leadership,” waiting on God’s timing with courage and intentionality. Through Attune, Tracy equips leaders and teams with tools to listen deeply to the Holy Spirit in their decision-making and relationships. In this episode, she guides listeners through a powerful spiritual exercise called Search Me and Know Me, designed to help you process both emotional and physical responses and experience God's nearness in real time.

Website: https://attunetogrow.org 

(00:01) Attune to Grow
(10:17) Search Me and Know Me Exercise
(24:48) Navigating Emotions Through Motherhood
(33:51) Scandalously Patient
(43:44) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

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Today on the Faithly Stories podcast, meet Samura Jones: author, minister, and Area Director for CarePortal NYC—for a powerful conversation with host Alicia Lee on healing, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.

From surviving trauma in foster care to leaving a secure role at Apple to follow God’s call, Samura’s life is a testimony to radical faith and emotional restoration. Through the support of a loving community, as well as therapy and spiritual formation, she has transformed deep pain into a thriving ministry that empowers others to find wholeness.

Samura shares how her work in child advocacy and community development has become a mission rooted in compassion and connection. As she leads CarePortal’s efforts to bridge churches and social agencies, her vision is clear: healing happens in relationship, and the Church has a vital role to play.

Website: https://samurajones.com/ 

(00:01) Journey of Faith and Resilience
(14:33) Healing Through Faith and Community
(18:18) Childhood Resilience and Professional Growth
(23:32) Pathway to Community Care
(34:16) Community Care and Emotional Restoration
(41:55) Emotional Restoration and Leadership Insights

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Website: https://josephmattera.org

(00:01) Ministry Evolution Through Four Decades
(16:20) Challenges Facing the American Church
(25:50) Prayer Transformation and Community Accountability
(30:52) Pastoral Accountability and Protection
(35:42) Networks and Transitioning Leadership
(40:18) Navigating Ministry Transitions and Leadership Focus

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Today on the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee welcomes Sam Hodges, President of Church Initiative - the international ministry behind GriefShare, DivorceCare, and other Christ-centered programs that bring hope to people facing life’s most difficult seasons.

Throughout their conversation, Sam shares how Church Initiative began with a personal story of healing and a small group in a living room, and how it’s grown into a global movement that equips churches to walk alongside people experiencing grief, divorce, and other life crises. With a background in both theology and media, Sam’s path uniquely prepared him to help lead the development of video-based resources that are now used in thousands of churches worldwide. From expanding into new languages to adapting during the pandemic, Sam reflects on how the ministry continues to evolve while staying rooted in a simple mission: comforting others with the comfort we’ve received.

Website: https://www.griefshare.org/

(00:01) Supporting Churches Through Grief and Divorce
(15:50) Global Impact of Church Initiative
(31:33) Starting and Sustaining Church Ministries
(37:28) Empowering Church Leaders Through Faithly

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In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Adam Durso is joined by guest Rev. Elliott Johnson—a dynamic leader, innovator, and workplace minister whose life exemplifies what it means to be a “Kingdompreneur.”

Raised on Chicago’s South Side and educated at Howard University, Rev. Johnson has spent decades bridging the worlds of business, public service, and faith. From advising U.S. presidents and Chicago mayors to serving as Chairman of the Board for the YMCA and United Way in the Midwest, his leadership has left a lasting impact on various communities and institutions alike.

Rev. Johnson shares how every season of his career—from executive roles at Miller and Coors to his decision to attend seminary at age 60—was preparation for God’s call to integrate faith into every sphere of influence. Drawing on Deuteronomy 8:18, he unpacks the vision of kingdom entrepreneurship: stewarding your gifts to serve others and honor God’s purposes in the marketplace.

Website: https://r400.org/leaders/elliot-johnson/ 

(00:01) Faithly Stories Podcast With Rev. Johnson
(10:06) Faith and Purpose in Various Spaces
(20:58) Leadership Reflection

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Join us on the Faithly Stories podcast, as host Pastor Adam Durso sits down with Bishop Dale Bronner, Founder and Senior Pastor of Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral, for a powerful conversation on faith, leadership, and the ideas that shape our lives.

Drawing from decades of experience pastoring one of the nation’s largest churches, Bishop Bronner shares practical wisdom for leaders navigating the demands of ministry and the realities of family life. From the power of our words to the importance of cultivating a strong home, his insights remind us that God often crafts our future not from what we’ve lost, but from what remains within our hands.

Bishop Bronner has taught at nearly every 30 for 30 Pastors Retreat, encouraging pastors to invest in the next generation, build relationships rooted in authenticity, and lead with both vision and humility. His reflections on legacy, mentorship, and the seeds we plant—whether ideas, time, or faith—offer a timely reminder that what we steward today impacts the harvest of tomorrow.

Website: https://www.woffamily.org/our-leaders/bishop-bronner-2/

(00:01) The Power of Language and Creation
(13:32) The Importance of Family and Faith
(26:23) The Power of Trust and Language
(35:21) Passing the Leadership Baton Forward
(47:18) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

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In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, Pastor Adam Durso is joined by Pastor Sam Collier, Lead Pastor of Christian Cultural Center Atlanta.

From serving as a 16-year-old music minister to becoming the first Black pastor of Hillsong Atlanta, Pastor Sam’s journey has been defined by courage, vision, and resilience. His story reflects the transformative impact of spiritual mentors and the power of community to sustain leaders through seasons of both influence and adversity.

Pastor Sam shares how formative relationships—from his time at Ebenezer Baptist Church to his work at North Point Community Church under Andy Stanley—shaped his passion for building a beloved community rooted in Kingian principles and unity across cultures. Through personal reflection, he also speaks candidly about navigating public challenges, loss, and renewal, and how the covering of trusted leaders like Dr. A.R. Bernard and Pastor Jamaal Bernard helped him find restoration and purpose beyond difficult chapters.

Website: https://cccatlanta.church/

(00:01) Faithly Stories Podcast With Pastor Sam
(05:10) Navigating Different Ministry Environments
(16:41) Journey of Faith Through Trials
(24:04) Navigating Ministry Challenges and Restoration
(30:14) Generosity Saves Church From Closure
(37:03) Navigating Ministry Challenges With Accountability

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Join host Alicia Lee on today’s episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, where she meets with Matt Davis, President and Chief Pastoral Officer of Ministry Transitions, to explore how faith and resilience can guide us through seasons of profound change.

Raised in a Messianic Jewish congregation and called to pastoral ministry early in life, Matt spent over two decades leading churches in Southern California, where he experienced both the joys and challenges of spiritual leadership. When it came time to step away from the pulpit, Matt discovered a new calling to walk alongside pastors and ministry leaders navigating seasons of transition.

From embracing fresh starts and working unconventional jobs, to building a life rooted in storytelling and community, Matt’s journey reflects the courage to redefine one’s identity beyond titles and embracing God’s purpose in every chapter. Today, through Ministry Transitions and his Life After Ministry podcast, he equips fellow leaders to face change with grace, clarity, and hope.

Website: https://ministrytransitions.com/

(00:01) Ministry Transition
(11:43) Journey to Ministry Transition Services
(23:40) Navigating Ministry Transitions With Grace
(28:33) Impact of Poorly Handled Staff Transitions
(33:54) Navigating Church Staff Transitions With Grace
(37:38) Caring for Leaders in Transition
(43:46) Recognizing and Addressing Burnout in Ministry
(49:29) Helping Leaders in Ministry Transitions
(58:50) Empowering Church Leaders Through Faithly

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In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso speak with Daria Nardozza, co-founder of City Leaders Collective, about how faith, healing, and vision can transform both lives and cities.

Raised in a home marked by addiction and mental health struggles, Daria shares how Bible camp and the steady love of her grandmother shaped her journey into ministry and leadership. Her calling now fuels a movement of over 100 city networks across North America, equipping local leaders through collaboration, coaching, and gospel-centered community work. With insight from her academic and ministry experience, Daria reflects on spiritual formation, interdenominational unity, and balancing leadership with family life—offering a hopeful picture of what’s possible when faith takes root in the heart of a city

Website: http://www.cityleaderscollective.org

(00:01) Faithly Stories
(12:37) Urban Network Leaders Collective Building
(23:46) Unity Through City Network Leadership
(30:14) Juggling Big Dreams & Responsibilities

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Join host Alicia Lee and guest host Vandalyn Kennedy on today’s episode the Faithly Stories podcast as they welcome Dr. Rupert A. Hayles, Jr. and Maryann L. Hayles for a powerful conversation on faith, healing, and emotionally healthy spirituality. Together, they share their story of love, leadership, and transformation, rooted in God's faithfulness and a deep commitment to serving others.

From their early days at Christ Church to their current roles at Roberts Wesleyan University and the Center for Emotional and Spiritual Development, Rupert and Maryann speak candidly about navigating life’s complexities—career, marriage, parenting, and identity—through a lens of spiritual formation and emotional intelligence.

Website: http://www.opdynamics.org

(00:01) Love and Faith Relationship Story
(09:06) Personal Journey of Faith Healing
(15:43) Understanding Emotional Healing and Deliverance
(28:52) Understanding Emotional and Spiritual Development
(32:53) Parenting and Spiritual Formation Journeys
(44:19) Navigating Parenting Challenges With Empathy
(48:13) Challenges of Finding Love Today

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Website: http://www.opdynamics.org

(00:00) Inspiring Faith Stories
(07:04) Navigating Life's Unexpected Twists and Turns
(17:42) Growth Through Faith and Emotional Intelligence
(27:51) Leading Roberts Wesleyan Through Self-Leadership
(30:58) Christian Higher Education in New York
(42:04) Empowering Christian Growth Through Education
(46:19) Empowering Faith Through Roberts Wesleyan

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(00:02) Faith and Work
(11:41) Pastors Balancing Faith and Work
(26:26) Global Receptivity to Faith and Work
(32:28) Navigating Priorities and Identity in Ministry

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(00:00) Faith Journey From Buddhism to Christianity
(13:54) Living in Community and Ministry
(25:07) Building Relationships Through Net Weaving
(37:05) The Power of Net Weaving
(43:30) Transforming Relationships Through Net Weaving

🎧 Tune in to hear how you can protect your personal or ministry pages from imposters and stay one step ahead online:  Website: https://www.socialimpostor.com/

(00:00) Serial Entrepreneur's Journey in Social Media
(11:46) Dealing With Social Media Imposters
(26:57) Minimizing Social Media Impersonators for Ministries
(31:44) Protecting Ministries on Social Media

Website: https://www.brianalarid.com/

World Prays: https://www.worldprays.org/

America Prays: https://americaprays.org/

Pray For All: https://prayforall.com/