Faithly Stories

Faithly Stories

Faithly Stories is your go-to podcast for inspiration and encouragement on your faith journey. Whether you’re a church leader, pastor, or volunteer, this series takes you behind the scenes of ministry work and everyday life, revealing the compelling stories of those who lead with unwavering faith. Join us as we explore the highs and lows, challenges, and moments of divine intervention that shape the lives of faith-driven leaders. Each episode offers heartfelt narratives that will uplift your spirit and reignite your passion for serving your community in the name of Jesus. Tune in to be inspired, and for more information, visit Faithly.co.

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Most Recent Episode

Faithly Stories
Leaders Do It Together - Joseph Mattera | Faithly Stories

This week, join host Alicia Lee on the Faithly Stories podcast as she welcomes Dr. Joseph Mattera, a global leader, theologian, and author known for calling the Church back to biblical foundations and cultural renewal.

Throughout their discussion, Dr. Mattera shares how an early passion for music gave way to a powerful calling to ministry, leading him from the streets of Brooklyn to international mission fields in Turkey and the former Soviet Union. His story is a testament to the power of obedience and the resilience of stepping into leadership without a roadmap.

Speaking to the challenges facing today’s pastors, Dr. Mattera offers wisdom on navigating burnout and guarding yourself against isolation, while prioritizing spiritual disciplines over performance-driven models. With deep conviction and pastoral care, he reminds us that cultivating a sustainable ministry begins with prayer and relies on both community and accountability to flourish.

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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Website: https://faithly.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/
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00:52:02
Aug 12, 2025 8:0 AM
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More Episodes

Faithly Stories
The Church Initiative Story - Samuel Hodges | Faithly Stories
00:38:47
Aug 5, 2025 8:0 AM
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Faithly Stories
Ideas Have Consequences - Bishop Dale Bronner | Faithly Stories

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

Follow us on social media:

Website: https://faithly.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/
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00:48:17
Jul 22, 2025 8:0 AM
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Faithly Stories
Brooklyn on Monday

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

Follow us on social media:

Website: https://faithly.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/
X: https://x.com/faithlyco 

00:43:52
Jul 15, 2025 8:0 AM
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Faithly Stories
Ministry Transitions

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

Follow us on social media:

Website: https://faithly.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/
X: https://x.com/faithlyco 

00:59:52
Jul 8, 2025 8:0 AM
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Faithly Stories
Better Spiritual Conversations - Jennifer Chan

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee speaks with Jennifer Chan, Senior Director of Missional Engagement and Catalytic Training at Redeemer City to City in New York. Jennifer shares that a big part of her role is to equip churches across NYC to engage in better spiritual conversations. She reflects on her unique ministry journey—including time at organizations like UNICEF—and how becoming a mother of twins has shaped her perspective and approach to ministry. Jennifer also offers a hopeful glimpse into what God is doing across the city today. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

(00:00) Ministry in New York City
(09:18) Trusting God in Transitions and Motherhood
(15:32) Parenting, Ministry, and Faith
(29:24) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

Website: https://www.citytocity.nyc/

00:30:31
Apr 22, 2025 7:0 AM
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Faithly Stories
Missionary to NYC Youth (Part 1) - Erica Lara

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee sits down with Erica Lara, a seasoned youth minister and dedicated youth worker in New York City. Alongside her husband, Macho Lara, Erica co-planted The Table NYC, a church in Queens.

Having spent nearly a decade serving with Young Life, Erica shares her journey of seeking new ways to impact the next generation. At the time of recording, she was still discerning her next steps. However, it has now been announced that she has joined Youth for Christ NYC, where she will oversee the City Life Cohort—leading mentorship and training initiatives, developing youth ministries, and organizing transformative outreaches in collaboration with local churches.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Missionary to NYC Youth, featuring Danny Sanabria, Executive Director of Youth for Christ NYC.

(00:00) Passion and Call in Ministry
(08:49) Networking and Transition in Ministry
(20:24) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

Website: https://www.thetablenyc.church/

Website: https://yfcnyc.org/

 

00:21:17
Apr 8, 2025 7:0 AM
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Faithly Stories
Beautiful, Disappointing, Hopeful - Drew Hyun

Meet Drew Hyun: Lead Pastor of Hope Church NYC, as he shares his compelling story of navigating life's beauty, disappointment, and hope. Despite growing up in a church environment, Drew reveals how his faith journey was shaped by overcoming personal and familial challenges. Discover how his relationship with his father evolved from a place of pain to one of healing and mutual respect, showcasing the power of forgiveness and love. Dive into the dynamics of public versus private spirituality and the importance of living with integrity and authenticity. Learn about the vibrant and challenging life in New York City, where Drew has dedicated his life to ministry, embracing the city's unique blend of cultures and stories. Gain insights into the future of emotionally healthy discipleship and how it aims to foster deeper connections within church communities. Drew's new book, Beautiful Disappointing Hopeful, offers a fresh perspective on the Christian story, providing a meaningful framework for understanding life and faith. Whether you're exploring faith or seeking to deepen your understanding, Drew's journey offers valuable lessons on gratitude, grief, and grace.

(00:00) Navigating Family Dynamics in Ministry
(13:55) Living in New York City Ministry
(19:44) Future of Ministry in New York

Hope Church NYC: https://hopechurchnyc.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewhyun/

Faithly: https://faithly.co/profiles/drewhyun

Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/

00:34:24
Mar 11, 2025 8:0 AM
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