Faithly Podcast

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 ChurchFollow 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       

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 GenerationFollow 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 

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 ZFollow 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   

What happens when the dream you built your life around suddenly dissolves? In this episode of The Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee sits down with Kelsey O’Connor as she shares her journey from Division I athlete to nationally recognized speaker after a career-ending concussion changed everything.When injury forced her into months of recovery—stripping away her ability to compete, study, and even function as she once had—Kelsey was confronted with a deeper question: who am I without my performance? In that season of stillness, she discovered a life-changing truth: her worth was not rooted in achievement, but in being loved by God. That revelation reshaped how she saw herself and ultimately led to her 2023 commencement speech at NC State which went viral, reaching over 70 million viewers across 27 countries and launching a new calling centered on identity and resilience.In this powerful conversation, Kelsey shares practical insight on handling rejection and navigating criticism, exploring the freedom that comes from grounding your identity in Christ rather than in your accomplishments. 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 DoFollow 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 

Recorded live at Jubilee Christian Church on the morning of Pastor Matthew Thompson Jr.’s (“Rev”) ordination as a fifth-generation pastor, this episode of the Faithly Podcast captures a powerful and deeply personal conversation on generational prayer and spiritual legacy.   Joining Pastor Adam Durso are Rev and his father Pastor Matthew K. Thompson for a rich dialogue about cultivating a culture that outlives a single leader. From decades of early-morning prayer gatherings to the vibrant youth movement now sweeping across New England, the Thompsons share how Jubilee has built its foundation not on personality or programs, but on consistent, united prayer.   Pastor Matthew reflects on the legacy of his father and the intentional rhythms that established prayer as a defining pillar of the church. Rev offers insight into how that same culture is igniting a rising spiritual hunger among students and young adults—a generation not drifting from faith, but running eagerly toward it.   Together, they explore what it means to transfer spiritual hunger across generations, to lead with honor within a father-son dynamic, and to raise young leaders formed in character as much as charisma. With stories of packed youth gatherings, baptisms, citywide impact, and what they call “Code Blue” moments of revival, this conversation reframes revival not as hype, but as a sustained posture of prayer that transforms families, schools, and entire communities.Website: https://www.jubileeboston.org/ (01:16) Praying early: prioritising God’s presence(03:33) Jubilee’s foundation on decades of united prayer(07:12) Honouring a father (10:03) Reshaping how prayer is carried across generations(16:41) “Code Blue” and baptisms (21:49) Blessing Boston through practical outreach(27:35) Fathers and sons: building a healthy legacy 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 

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 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   

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 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   

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 ChurchFollow 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

Welcome to Season 2 of the Faithly Podcast. In this premiere episode, host Alicia Lee is joined by Pastor Steve Milazzo—Lead Pastor of Bethlehem Assembly of God and President of the Hope Day Network—to explore the powerful story behind Hope Day, a nationwide movement reshaping how churches serve their communities.What began 15 years ago as a unified outreach in Hempstead and Uniondale has grown into a model for transformational compassion and collaboration. Pastor Steve recounts how a burden God placed on his heart as a teenager, to help people experience God’s love in tangible, practical ways, ignited a movement that has since served over 195,000 people. 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 GrowthFollow 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

In this final episode of our Voices from the Masterclass special series, Pastor Adam Durso is joined by Dr. Mark Labberton and Bishop Kenneth Ulmer for a candid and compelling conversation on leadership, worship, and the quiet weight of longevity in ministry.Pastor Adam asks what it takes to sustain leadership over decades. Both guests agree: it’s not just anointing or skill that matters, but fruit—character, humility, and relational integrity. Dr. Labberton and Bishop Ulmer challenge the model of the isolated, burned-out leader and offer something better: space for vulnerability, mentorship, and intentional friendship.  In a powerful and emotional turn, Bishop Ulmer opens up about the disorientation of transition, sharing what it feels like to step away from the pulpit after 41 years and adjust to a new rhythm of identity and purpose. Dr. Labberton shares how staying connected to younger leaders has kept him grounded and surprisingly useful in this next chapter of his ministry journey.Their in-depth discussion crescendos with a shared plea for real friendship: the kind where you can share both your best and worst moments with the same person, acknowledging that while loneliness is common in ministry, it isn’t inevitable.(02:12) Why Preaching Masterclass feels “weighty”(09:17) The missing ingredient (11:14) The Brehm Center story:(14:33) Ulmer on transition after stepping aside (20:36) Longevity in ministry (27:18) The danger of being untouchable(33:18) The threat of honesty 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  

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

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

In this episode of Voices from the Masterclass, Pastor Adam Durso sits down with Dr. Dharius Daniels and Pastor Judah Smith to explore what makes this gathering so spiritually weighty, and why leaders today must rethink how they approach the calling to ministry.Perhaps the most important part of the conversation is their honest exploration of how easily leaders drift from intimacy with Jesus into professional performance. Pastor Judah reflects on the danger of performative humility and the invitation to stop producing long enough to truly receive from God. Pastor Dharius shares a framework for recovery, emphasizing the difference between replenishment and returning: not just filling your tank, but actively retracing your steps back to spiritual alignment. The conversation lands on the necessity of pre-emptive margin. In a culture that rewards hustle, the pastors challenge their fellow leaders to reclaim rest, even when it looks “unspiritual,’ and offer listeners a powerful reminder: your value to God is never based on your output, but on the truth that He is your Father, not your coach. (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/ 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

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

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

In this premiere episode of Voices from the Masterclass—a special series from Faithly, recorded live at the Preaching Masterclass 2025 in Palm Springs—Rev. Adam Durso is joined by Matt Redman and Chris Blue for a deeply moving conversation to explore the sacred responsibility of worship leaders, the surprising places grace shows up, and the beauty of unity across diverse cultures and sounds. From unforgettable moments of worship in iconic spaces to behind-the-scenes stories of songwriting and spiritual formation, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it means to lead with authenticity, humility, and Christ-centered purpose.Together, they reflect on the tension between preparation and spontaneity, as well as the dangers of self-promotion in ministry, before diving into the importance of mentoring the next generation of worship leaders. Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, or simply someone longing for deeper encounters with God, this episode invites you into an honest exploration of the heart of true worship.Websites: https://www.mattredman.com/ and https://www.chrisblue.com/(00:01) Voices From the Masterclass(12:02) Unity in Diversity(17:42) Spiritual Leadership and Humility(28:29) Craft, Spirit, and Worship LeadingFollow 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

On this episode of Faithly Stories, host Alicia Lee is joined by Mark Matlock—author, researcher, and Executive Director of Urbana 2025—for a powerful conversation on how curiosity not only shapes our personal faith, but also influences our ministries and the future of the Church.Mark shares his journey from aspiring anthropological consultant to youth pastor, and now to his leadership roles with Barna and InterVarsity, where he explores the intersections of spiritual formation with data and culture. Together, Mark and Alicia reflect on how curiosity can become a gateway to deeper discipleship—especially in a post-pandemic world where churches are being called to rethink traditional evangelism and adopt more empathetic, story-driven approaches.Their conversation explores regional spiritual climates across the U.S., the beauty of non-linear faith journeys, and the need for churches to become more curious, creative spaces for the next generation. Mark and Alicia also discuss the importance of nurturing passions outside of ministry and how living an integrated life can make faith more compelling to those outside the Church.Website: https://www.faithforthecurious.com/(00:01) Faith for the Curious' Podcast Interview(07:26) Exploring Curiosity in Spiritual Growth(18:29) Engaging Spiritual Curiosity Through Conversation(30:41) Finding Connections Beyond Vocation(36:49) Exploring Curiosity in Faith Growth(45:13) Empowering Church Leaders With FaithlyFollow 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

Today on the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee sits down with Jay Bransford, President & CEO of Best Christian Workplaces, to explore his remarkable faith journey from the corporate world to the mission field in Asia and back again. Jay shares how a leap of faith led him and his wife from a thriving consulting career to nearly two decades of transformative ministry leading anti-trafficking efforts, mentoring young missionaries, and helping shape thousands of Christian leaders across Asia.But the story doesn’t end there. In 2020, Jay sensed a divine nudge to return to the U.S.—a move that led him to his current role, where he now helps churches, nonprofits, and Christian schools build thriving workplace cultures. Drawing from years of research at BCW, Jay offers practical insights into what makes organizations flourish, from healthy leadership and strong communication to clarity of mission and spiritual purpose—diving into what it truly means to walk in faith when the next step isn’t clear.Website: https://workplaces.org/ (00:01) From Corporate Consultant to Missionary(08:02) Navigating a Career Change With Faith(19:27) Transforming Christian Workplace Culture(26:42) Strengths and Opportunities in Church Workplace(30:57) Creating Healthy Workplaces in Christian Organizations 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 

Join us on today’s episode of Faithly Stories as host Alicia Lee sits down with Mary Tutterow, author of The Heart of the Caregiver and The Peaceful Caregiver, whose personal journey through caregiving has touched thousands of lives. From leaving a high-powered media career to care for her daughter with special needs and later her mother-in-law with dementia, Mary’s story is a deeply moving portrait of surrender and strength through spiritual transformation.Mary opens up about the emotional toll of caregiving, the healing of strained relationships, and the path to discovering identity and purpose through Christ. Her experience led to the founding of Healing Farms, a community for young adults with disabilities transitioning out of high school, furthering her mission to bring dignity and connection to those often left in isolation.We’ll also explore how The Heart of the Caregiver has become a lifeline for churches and ministries looking to support caregivers in their congregation as Mary shares how the church can offer practical discipleship tools and safe spaces for people navigating caregiving, grief, addiction, and a myriad of other hidden struggles.Website: https://theheartofthecaregiver.com/ (00:01) Uplifting Stories of Caregiver Resilience(16:09) Caregiver Resources and Support Discussion(30:54) Empowering Ministry Through Faithly Podcast 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 

In this inspiring episode of Faithly Stories, guest Brian Chung, co-founder and CEO of Alabaster, shares with host Alicia Lee how a vision to present Scripture through the lens of design and beauty became a movement that's reshaping how people engage with God’s Word.From his upbringing in Hawaii in a Buddhist household to a transformative encounter with Christ in college, Brian's personal story lays the foundation for a conversation about faith, art, and calling. He takes us behind the scenes of Alabaster’s first bold step—a Kickstarter campaign that far exceeded expectations—and the passion that has since driven their mission to make the Bible more visually compelling and spiritually meaningful.With over a million books sold and recognition from Inc. 5000 and Forbes, Alabaster’s success reflects not only entrepreneurial grit but also a deep commitment to spiritual integrity. Brian opens up about moments of failure and hard choices, including one pivotal production error that became a defining lesson in choosing mission over money.Website: https://alabasterco.com (00:01) Alabaster(04:05) Visual Bible Design Project Launch(10:48) Journey of Alabaster(24:34) Balancing Faith, Artistry, and Business(38:30) Empowering Stories of Faith and Ministry 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