In this episode of Pastors Unfiltered, Johnny White sits down with Pastor Tony Matar for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about ministry, leadership, youth pastoring, and the current climate of the Church. Tony shares his personal journey from getting saved, stepping into youth ministry, navigating seasons of growth and transition, and eventually sensing God’s leading into a new chapter of ministry. Together, they talk about raising the next generation, discipleship over platforms, evangelism in everyday life, and what it looks like to lead with empathy, humility, and faithfulness. They also explore larger themes facing the Church today including Gen Z, spiritual hunger, consumer Christianity, excellence versus perfection, and why connection and discipleship matter more than ever. This episode is full of stories, wisdom, laughter, and a hopeful perspective on what God is doing right now. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Pastors Unfiltered
00:28 – Introducing Johnny White and Tony Matar
01:02 – Studio banter and dynamic
01:23 – “Step-son energy” explained
01:51 – Tony’s journey into ministry
04:20 – Getting saved and serving in youth ministry
05:15 – Calling, Bible college, and early leadership
06:16 – Mill Creek campus beginnings
07:53 – Navigating growth, transitions, and challenges
08:35 – Youth ministry growth before COVID
09:24 – Staying faithful when it’s difficult
10:28 – Discovering joy in discipleship
11:30 – Calling vs becoming more like Jesus
12:24 – Helping people follow Jesus for life
13:42 – Raising leaders and launching churches
14:20 – Sensing God’s call to start a church
15:05 – Identifying and raising the next generation
16:24 – Letting go of ministry roles
17:15 – Reaching Gen Z in a new way
18:16 – Leading with empathy and care
19:39 – The “third option” and gospel-centered thinking
21:14 – Spiritual hunger and formation over performance
23:19 – Reverence, authenticity, and connection
25:03 – The human need for belonging
26:53 – Small groups and real community
28:14 – Excellence as stewardship
30:10 – Evangelism and serving the marginalized
31:19 – Moving past spiritual consumerism
33:07 – Shepherding people, not platforms
35:50 – Reaching people, not just inviting them
38:17 – Being present in everyday spaces
39:16 – A global hunger for God
40:43 – Activation, testimony, and mission
42:03 – Serving as a volunteer
43:22 – The importance of parking and first impressions
44:03 – Closing encouragement and final thoughts