Faithly Podcast

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 

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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 Word

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

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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 bridge

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

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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/ 

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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 clean

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

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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 Faithly

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

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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 Leading

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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 Faithly

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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

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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

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