Faithly Podcast

In this week’s episode of the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee and special co-host Rev. Elliot Johnson welcome Dr. Christopher Michael Jones, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Hillside, professor, author, and multi-platinum music producer, for a powerful conversation about radical transformation and how the Church can engage culture without compromising the gospel.

Dr. Jones shares the remarkable journey that took him from producing music for artists including Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Shaquille O’Neal, and Mary J. Blige to answering an unexpected call to pastoral ministry. He recounts the radically disruptive encounter with Jesus that changed the direction of his life and led him into years of theological education and spiritual preparation. Reflecting on the mentors and institutions that shaped him, Dr. Jones explains why those who are serious about their calling must be willing to enter seasons of learning, formation, and even wilderness before stepping fully into their assignment.

Throughout their discussion, Alicia, Rev. EJ and Dr. Jones explore the relationship between hip-hop culture and the Black Church, as well as the importance of carrying the gospel beyond the walls of a building, and the need to create safe spaces where hurting people can encounter truth expressed through love. Drawing from the disciples’ unexpected storm in Mark 6, Dr. Jones encourages Christian leaders to trust that Jesus remains present when ministry takes them somewhere they never anticipated.

Website: http://www.drchristophermichaeljones.com/

00:00 Introduction: Forever Hopeful for the Church
02:02 From Producer to Multi-Platinum Success
08:56 The Studio Visitation: When Jesus Showed Up at 12:01 AM
14:48 The Call to Prepare: Mentorship and the Wilderness Season
22:44 Educational Journey: Philosophy, Princeton, and Oxford
25:14 Pastor, Professor, Mentor: The Multiple Gifts of Calling
31:54 Hip-Hop as Pedagogy: Bridging Culture and Gospel
39:25 The Hip-Hop Museum and Microsoft Partnership
43:41 Reimagining Church: The Mark 6 Model of Ministry
49:19 Creating Safe Spaces: Love Over Condemnation
52:50 Final Word: Hope for Church Leaders in the Storm

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This week on the Faithly Podcast, meet Dr. Wanda Walborn, Founder and Executive Director of Empower, as she sits down with Alicia Lee to discuss equipping women to understand their identity in Christ, recognise their spiritual gifts, and step confidently into God’s calling for their lives.

At just 10 years old, Wanda sensed a call to ministry. She shares the many seasons of obedience that eventually led her to create Empower, a global certificate program offering women training in the Bible, theology, spiritual formation, mentoring, and communication. Wanda explains how the ministry began with a reluctant ‘yes’ during an already demanding season of her life, and how God expanded that act of obedience into a virtual program reaching women all around the world. Wanda goes on to explain why women can easily experience burnout when they serve wherever there is a need without first understanding how God has uniquely gifted them.

Together, Alicia and Wanda explore spiritual warfare, mentorship, leadership, and the security that comes from knowing we are deeply loved by God. Wanda explains that lasting confidence is not built through encouragement alone, but through encountering the presence of God and receiving His love as a cherished daughter.

Website: https://www.empowerww.org/

00:00 Introduction: The Power of One Moment in His Presence
01:00 Wanda's Journey: From Childhood Faith to Ministry Calling
03:14 Early Ministry: A Starter Who Sees Gaps and Steps In
04:48 The Surprise of Spiritual Warfare in Ministry
06:57 The Birth of Empower: A Reluctant Yes That Changed Everything
10:21 Evolution of Empower: From In-Person to Global Virtual Ministry
14:24 Equipping Women with Confidence: Identity, Gifts, and Calling
17:33 Stories of Transformation: From Fear to Fearless Leadership
19:49 The Father's Love: What God is Doing with Women Worldwide
21:38 Why Wanda: Doing for Others What She Wished Someone Had Done for Her
24:06 The Hardest Part: Waiting on the Lord and Facilitating His Presence
26:00 How Empower Has Shaped Wanda: Learning to Wait and Trust God's Pace
28:43 Emerge and Collaboration: Mothers, Daughters, and Kingdom Partnerships
31:23 The Quintessential Career Woman: Obedience Over Ambition
33:01 Nothing is Wasted: How Every Season Prepares You for What's Next
34:22 The Future of Empower: Opening Doors for Brothers and Sisters Together
37:19 Equipping Women Worldwide: The Tagline That Captured God's Vision
38:18 Multi-Generational Teams: The Zeal of Youth and Wisdom of Age
41:31 Ask Me for the Nations: God's Promise 15 Years in the Making
44:09 Encouragement for Women: Trust Him, Prepare, and Step Into Your Calling

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In this week’s episode, Alicia Lee is joined by Jeremy Fulda, Director of Strategy and Operations for the Beeson Center and Director of Career and Calling at Asbury Theological Seminary, to discuss discerning God’s call and helping Christian leaders build sustainable lives of service.

Jeremy reflects on the mentors who shaped his faith, the five years he spent serving as a missionary in Taiwan, and the lessons he learned about the difference between being qualified for ministry and being truly prepared for a particular environment. Drawing from his work with seminarians and ministry leaders, he explains why calling involves more than identifying your gifts. It also requires understanding the community, responsibilities, and conditions in which you can flourish. Jeremy also shares his experience of the 2023 Asbury Outpouring and the profound hunger for God he witnessed as people gathered from around the world to worship.

Alicia and Jeremy go on to explore ministry burnout and the pressures pastors face when their work, worshipping community, relationships, and family life inevitably become deeply intertwined. Jeremy offers a grounding perspective on the difference between our primary calling—to abide in Christ—and the secondary roles through which we live out that calling, including ministry, career, marriage, and parenthood. By rooting our identity in Christ rather than in a particular title or position, we can remain secure when change alters the direction of our lives.

Website: https://asburyseminary.edu/ 

00:00 Introduction: The Cultural Adaptation of Pastoral Ministry
01:16 From Youth Ministry Impact to Missionary Calling
04:30 Seminary, Korea, and the Open Door to Missions
06:24 Five Years in Taiwan: Beauty, Isolation, and Formation
07:45 Credentialed vs. Prepared: The Environment Question
10:38 The Vision: Young Leaders Who Need Support
13:43 Returning to Asbury: A New Role and the Outpouring
16:30 The Sweetness of the Spirit: Inside the Asbury Revival
20:18 Serving Online and On-Campus Students: Different Needs
25:31 The Berkman Method: Uncovering Hidden Needs and Motivations
30:47 Primary and Secondary Callings: Who Am I Without My Job?
35:19 Second Career Ministry: Strengths, Challenges, and Co-Vocational Realities
37:06 Unrealistic Expectations: The CEO Demands on Small Church Pastors
39:33 Shared Mission: The Priesthood of Believers in Action
41:04 Final Encouragement: Step Into Your Calling

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Today on the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee sits down with Janice Rosser Allen, President and CEO of International Cooperating Ministries (ICM), to explore her journey into global ministry and ICM’s mission to place a healthy church within walking distance of everyone in the world.

Janice shares how a childhood desire to serve through medical missions led her into oncology nursing before God brought her calling full circle through the ministry founded by her father, Dois Rosser. Following the loss of her husband and the departure of her youngest son for college, Janice entered an unexpected new season of leadership. She reflects on finding purpose at a personal crossroads and learning to recognize where God is already working so that she can faithfully join Him there.

Together, Alicia and Janice discuss ICM’s cooperative approach to global missions, which equips indigenous Christian leaders with permanent church buildings and biblical discipleship resources in their own languages. Janice explains how technology, in combination with local partnerships and the faithfulness of often-unrecognized pastors, have helped establish more than 14,000 churches around the world, transforming entire communities for Jesus Christ.

Website: https://www.icm.org/

00:00 Introduction: Technology and the Next Generation in Global Ministry
01:29 From Healthcare Dreams to Ministry Calling
02:22 A Father's Retirement Pivot: The Birth of ICM
04:14 Sorrow and Calling: A Widow's Journey into Leadership
06:10 What is ICM? The Franchise Model for Global Church Planting
10:10 The Power of Cooperation: Why Indigenous Partnership Matters
12:50 Staying Focused: How ICM Enables Other Ministries
14:36 Technology Revolution: From Cassette Tapes to Solar-Powered Digital Libraries
18:01 Leading the Next Generation: Culture and Creativity in Ministry
19:36 Front Row Seat to the Global Church: Passion and Sacrifice
21:17 More Than Four Walls: Why Discipleship Matters
22:58 The Building Question: Why Physical Space Still Matters
24:52 Faithfulness Over Platform: Heroes You'll Never Hear About
28:03 Hope for the Future: The Kingdom is Accelerating
29:29 Get Involved: Free Resources and Partnership Opportunities

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This week, Alicia Lee is joined by Pastor Corey Hise, founding pastor of Hope Collective Church (HopeCo) in Manhattan’s West Village, for an honest and encouraging conversation about what it means to follow God one faithful step at a time.

Corey reflects on the defining moments that shaped his journey—from growing up as a pastor’s son in Kentucky to sensing God’s call to ministry as a young teenager. He shares the remarkable story of how both he and his wife, Ashley, were independently led toward New York City, and how God faithfully confirmed that calling through a series of unexpected moments that ultimately gave them the confidence to plant a church in one of the world's most challenging mission fields.

Together, Alicia and Corey explore the unique realities of church planting in New York City, discussing the loneliness that often accompanies leadership and the importance of surrounding yourself with wise mentors. Corey also shares his vision for HopeCo, describing his desire to create a community where people can belong before they believe and discover the hope of Jesus in an authentic and welcoming environment.

00:00 Introduction: The Call to Plant a Church in New York City
02:30 The Prodigal Son Moment: Encountering Jesus at Age 10
05:13 The Wooden Stake: Called to Ministry at Age 12
08:34 The Audible Voice of God: When Heaven Speaks Clearly
16:26 God Said New York: The Dream That Started It All
20:12 The Beach Moment: God's Unmistakable Confirmation
25:34 The Reality of Church Planting: It's Not Smooth Sailing
29:09 Hope Collective Church: Building the Pioneer Team
32:51 Marines, Not Boy Scouts: The Core Team Philosophy
35:45 The Loneliest Season: The Hidden Cost of Church Planting
38:31 A Divine Reversal: Dreaming of New York as a Sending Force

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Today on the Faithly Podcast, join Alicia Lee and Pennie Morgan, Executive Director of Hephzibah House, as they engage in a warm and inspiring conversation on Christian hospitality and the importance of creating spaces where ministry leaders can truly rest and be refreshed.

Pennie shares the remarkable story of Hephzibah House, a ministry that has served New York City for more than 130 years. Originally founded in 1893 as a missionary training school for young women, Hephzibah House today offers affordable hospitality for both local and international Christians visiting the city, as well as serving as a hub of Christian activity within NYC. Reflecting on her own unexpected journey into leadership, Pennie explains how a love for New York City, combined with a passion for hospitality, led her family to steward an incredible space dedicated to serving those who serve others.

Together, Alicia and Pennie explore the deeper meaning of biblical hospitality, not simply as opening a home, but as creating spaces where people are truly known and reminded they belong. Their conversation also touches on the growing loneliness of modern life, the importance of authentic Christian community, and the ways ordinary acts of welcome can become powerful expressions of the gospel. Through her stories of ministry and faithful stewardship, Pennie offers a refreshing vision of hospitality as a calling that points people toward the generous welcome of God Himself.

Website: https://www.hhouse.org/

00:00 Introduction: Living a Ministry of Hospitality in New York City
03:49 A Small Town Feel: Community and Connection in the City
07:07 130 Years of History: From Missionary Training to Guest House
09:12 Stewarding Beauty: Historic Preservation as Ministry
12:13 Prefiguring Heaven: The Theology Behind Hospitality
16:27 Penny's Journey: From Indianapolis to New York City
19:12 Family Life in the House: Thriving with Permeable Boundaries
22:02 Practical Wisdom: Boundaries That Enable Sustainable Ministry
25:54 Raising Kids in Ministry: Young Adults and Gospel Plausibility
30:34 God's Delight and Provision: Living in Hepzibah
33:56 Corrie ten Boom's Example: Daily Faithfulness and Readiness
36:20 Connect with Hepzibah House: Resources and Next Steps

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In this episode, Alicia Lee is joined by Josh Newell, Executive Director of the Jesus Film Project, to discuss what it takes to faithfully serve God's mission over the long haul.

Drawing from his 26 years with the Jesus Film Project, Josh reflects on the unexpected journey that led him from pursuing a career in sports broadcasting to helping bring the story of Jesus to people around the world through one of the most translated film projects in history. He shares how technology, combined with a willingness to continually say "yes" to God, have shaped both his leadership and his calling.

As their conversation continues, Alicia and Josh explore the importance of collaboration across the global Church as a whole, revealing the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly changing technology and why innovation should always serve the greater mission of making Christ known. Josh also offers thoughtful insight into discerning God's calling, learning to distinguish holy ambition from personal ambition, and embracing rhythms of waiting as God shapes both leaders and ministries for His purposes.

Website: https://www.jesusfilm.org/

00:00 Introduction: Collaboration in Global Ministry
00:59 From ESPN Dreams to Ministry Calling
02:42 Campus Crusade and the Year That Changed Everything
05:44 First Exposure: India and the Jesus Film Project
07:19 What is the Jesus Film Project?
09:04 From Evangelism to Church Planting
12:01 Two Strategies: Every Tribe and Every Touchscreen
13:53 Awe of the Global Church: 46,000 Denominations
15:41 The MBA Journey: Business Frameworks for Ministry
18:46 Why Collaboration is Easier on the Mission Field
22:53 Return on Investment in Kingdom Work
24:21 Media Ministry Then and Now: Technology and the Gospel
27:14 Thirty Years and Counting: The Re-Up Mentality
29:16 Untangling God's Call from Personal Ambition
33:39 Lessons in Waiting and Hope for the Church

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In today’s episode, Alicia Lee is joined by Julie Wilson, CEO of Women Doing Well, for a thought-provoking conversation on women and their wealth in relation to the future of the Church.

Drawing from groundbreaking new research, Julie shares why one of the most significant shifts happening in philanthropy and ministry today is also one of the most overlooked: the growing influence of women in financial stewardship and charitable giving. Julie reflects on her own journey—from a journalism career in New York City to decades of ministry work focused on generosity—and explains how her experiences shaped a passion for helping women engage confidently with their finances and steward their influence for greater kingdom impact.

Along the way, Julie shares how family dynamics, alongside cultural expectations and generational patterns, have often left women underprepared for financial decision-making, despite the increasing responsibility many already carry. Together, Alicia and Julie unpack key findings from Women Doing Well’s latest research, including the significant role women play in household generosity and the importance of involving women in financial and ministry conversations, particularly in light of the unprecedented wealth transfer expected to take place over the coming decades.

Throughout their discussion, they also explore the experiences—from volunteering to personal connection—that often inspire greater generosity, and why churches that fail to engage women meaningfully may be missing a critical opportunity for growth and impact.

Website: https://womendoingwell.org/

00:00 Introduction: Women Shaping Generosity in the Church
00:48 Julie's Journey: From NYC Media Dreams to Ministry Calling
02:53 Money Tension and Family Dynamics: The Personal Roots
04:46 Surprising Research: 95% of Women Contributing to Household Income
07:52 The Invisible Responsibility: Women Driving Generosity Decisions
09:47 The Wealth Transfer: 184 Trillion Dollars and 70% to Women
11:53 Historical Context: Why Women Haven't Been in the Conversation
15:36 The Risks and Opportunities for Church Leaders
19:04 Breaking the Discomfort: Why We Must Talk About Money
21:28 Encouragement for Women: Finding Confidence and Voice
24:58 Redefining Generosity: Beyond the Checkbook
26:58 The Power of Experience: How Women Increase Their Giving
28:14 Faith as the Edge: Values, Meaning, and Joy in Giving
30:07 The Confidence Gap: Christian Women Leading the Way
31:47 Call to Action: Resources and Next Steps

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In today’s episode, Rev. Adam Durso is joined by J.P. De Gance, founder and president of Communio, as they engage in a compelling conversation on the double helix of faith and family.

Drawing from both personal experience and extensive research, J.P. shares how a family crisis reshaped his understanding of ministry and ultimately led him to create Communio—a ministry dedicated to helping churches strengthen relationships, support families, and reach their communities through practical, Christ-centered relationship ministry.

Together, Rev. Adam and J.P. explore the growing challenges facing marriage and family life today, as well as the profound impact these realities have on church health and generational faith transmission. J.P. explains why strong marriages and intentional discipleship within the home remain some of the most significant predictors of whether young people will continue following Christ into adulthood, pointing to emerging research that highlights the vital role parents play in shaping lifelong faith.

Their conversation also examines the cultural shifts that have contributed to rising loneliness, alongside declining marriage rates and increasing disconnection, while offering a hopeful vision for how local churches can respond. Through intentional relationship ministry and a renewed commitment to strengthening families, J.P. shares why the Church is uniquely positioned to bring healing, connection, and the transformative love of Christ to communities in need.

Website: https://communio.org/

00:00 Introduction: The Crisis of Discipleship Through Marriage
01:06 JP's Journey: From Politics to Marriage Ministry
03:10 The Birth of Communio: Serving the Local Church
06:04 What is Communio? A Campaign Consultant for Marriage
08:02 Research Meets Pastoral Care: The Ministry Engagement Ladder
12:24 The Transformation Inside and Outside the Church
14:12 The State of Marriage in the Church: Surprising Statistics
15:49 Marriage as a Gospel Issue: Why It Matters for Discipleship
18:30 The Double Helix: Faith and Family Intertwined
20:53 Generational Succession: The Real Cause of Faith Decline
23:57 The Cultural Revolution and Its Lasting Impact
28:05 Equipping Pastors: Practical Tools for Relationship Ministry
33:24 Hope for the Future: Seeds of Revival
36:34 Getting Involved: Next Steps for Churches

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Today on the Faithly Podcast, Rev. Adam Durso is joined by Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and executive director of Eagles’ Wings, for a wide-ranging conversation on faith and leadership, exploring the responsibility of Christians to engage the world with both conviction and compassion.

Drawing from more than three decades of ministry, Bishop Stearns reflects on the experiences that shaped his calling—from a life-changing trip to Israel in his early twenties to becoming a respected voice in Christian-Jewish relations, leadership development, and public engagement. Along the way, he shares how a simple decision to say “yes” to God opened doors he never could have planned for himself.

Together, Rev. Adam and Bishop Stearns explore the growing challenges facing both the Church and society at large, from biblical illiteracy and social media-driven polarization to the ever-present temptation to retreat into ideological echo chambers. Rather than responding with fear, Bishop Stearns offers a compelling vision for bridge-building—one rooted in genuine relationships, historical understanding, and a commitment to seeing the image of God in every person.

Website: https://eagleswings.org/

00:00 Introduction: The Danger of Social Media Echo Chambers
00:25 A Friendship Forged in Ministry
01:29 Bishop Stearns' Journey: From Youth Camp to Global Ambassador
06:40 The Birth of Eagles Wings Ministry
09:17 Why Israel Matters: Beyond Politics to Biblical Identity
13:08 The Rise of Anti-Semitism and the Fight for Human Dignity
14:54 Breaking Out of Echo Chambers: The Power of Humanizing Conversations
16:55 Empathy Without Truth: The Gen Z Challenge
19:04 Israel Advocacy Day: Christians and Jews Standing Together
24:21 The Israel Christian Nexus: Training Modern-Day Daniels
26:00 Hope in the Midst of Shaking: An Awakening is Coming
27:51 A Charge to Leaders: Dream Big, Get Uncomfortable, Say Yes
29:57 Getting Connected: How to Join the Movement

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