Faithly Podcast

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/

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso talk to Pastor Willie Alfonso. Pastor Willie grew up in Williamsburg to an abusive father. By the age of 11 he was kicked out of his home and forced to live with relatives and on the streets. He was addicted to drugs and felt he had no future, until he came to faith in Christ. He went on to become the Chaplain to the Brooklyn Nets and Chapel Leader for the Staten Island Yankees and the Hispanic players of the New York Yankees. In his new book “On the Other Side of Fear”, Pastor Willie encourages people to let go of failures and past hurts to find freedom from fear and the peace that waits on the other side. Pastor Willie is also the author of “It's A New Beginning: How to Turn Setbacks Into Comebacks.”

Website: https://www.walfonsoministries.com/

For more information, resources and to create your Faithly account, visit https://faithly.co

(00:00) Journey of Redemption in Ministry
(04:28) From Homeless to Ministry Success
(13:49) The Power of Forgiveness and Resilience
(24:53) The Journey Through Trials and Redemption
(38:10) Ministry Integrity and Redemption

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee talks with Adrian Tam about his journey from working at Deloitte to becoming a pastor. He talks about his work with Faith Tech, a global community connecting Christians in the technology sector, and his role at Redeemer City to City Australia. Adrian reveals that he's about to step into a new role as senior pastor of an existing church in Sydney alongside his wife, describing it as a "pioneering church" with a rich 25-year history that's ready for a new chapter. He reflects on the challenges of leading an existing congregation versus planting a new church, emphasizing the importance of honoring the past while bringing innovation.

Visit https://faithly.co for more information and resources.

God in the City Church: https://www.godinthecity.com.au/
Faith Tech: https://faithtech.com/team/adrian-tam/

(00:00) Journey From Corporate to Ministry
(08:29) Transitions in Ministry Callings
(13:37) Unity in Technology and Faith
(24:53) Navigating Church Leadership Transitions

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso interview Terry A. Smith, Lead Pastor of Life Christian Church for over 30 years. They discuss his new book "The Lord Give You Peace," which explores the Hebrew concept of shalom as more than just the absence of conflict, but rather as "the harmonious working together of everything in our lives in alignment with God's good intentions." Pastor Terry shares personal stories, including a miraculous healing of his daughter and dealing with a sewage problem, while writing about peace. He explains how the book can be used by churches with free sermon kits and materials available through his website. The conversation also highlights the importance of pastors experiencing shalom personally, not just ministering it to others.

Visit https://faithly.co for more information and resources.

Website: https://www.terryasmith.com/
The Life Christian Church: https://www.tlcc.org/

(00:01) Journey of Faith and Unity
(12:50) The Essence of Shalom
(24:05) Empowering Church Leaders Through Collaboration

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/

Meet Dan Buttafuoco: a devoted Christian, seasoned trial lawyer, loving husband, father, and grandfather. His journey is one of faith, family, and a deep connection with God. For Dan, practicing law is more than a profession—it’s a ministry dedicated to helping others. He emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against the dangers of pride, believing that true success comes from serving people.

His passion for Christian apologetics and biblical history led him to establish the Historical Bible Society. Through his collection of ancient Bibles, Dan engages with communities, schools, and churches, inspiring others to explore and strengthen their faith. He believes that God is not confined to the pages of Scripture but is a living presence in every aspect of life.

Visit https://Faithly.co for more information and resources.

Historical Bible Society: https://www.historicalbiblesociety.org/

Law Firm: http://www.christianpersonalinjurylawyer.com/

(00:00) Faith-Filled Lawyer Shares Inspirational Journey
(13:40) Examining the Power of Eyewitness Testimony
(27:04) Understanding and Living Faith in God
(39:35) Empowering Faithful Conversations

In this powerful episode, Guest Host Pastor Adam Durso sits down with his brother, Pastor Jordan Durso, for an honest conversation about the challenges of doing ministry as a family. As Pastor Jordan says, “Satan hates family.” He opens up about his divorce, while Pastor Adam shares how a failed succession plan at Saints Church led to seven years of silence between him and his parents, Michael and Maria Durso.

Their story of reconciliation came full circle two years ago at the Pastors Prayer Summit 2023, where Adam and his father stood together and shared their journey with 400 pastors. That night, what started as their personal healing turned into a powerful movement of prayer for all the broken family relationships in the room.

Recorded live at the 35th annual Pastors Prayer Summit (January 27-29, 2025). Don’t miss this special episode of Faithly Stories.

(00:00) Journey Through Ministry and Family Struggles
(07:38) Faith, Vision, and Preparation for Ministry
(13:27) Family Reconciliation and Healing
(24:11) Strength in Community and Reconciliation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamdurso/
Website: https://adamdurso.com/

Guest: Jordan Durso
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordandurso/
Faithly: https://faithly.co/profiles/jordandurso
Saints Church: https://www.saintschurch.com/
Legacy Center: https://tlcnyc.org/

Guest host Pastor Adam Durso sits down with Pastors Kevin Bugingo and Domingo Mota to discuss their response to the devastating LA fires, especially in Altadena. They discuss why building strong relationships in ministry before a crisis is key—those connections made it possible to respond quickly and effectively. Through their work with XP Gathering and Care Portal, they share heartbreaking stories of loss while stressing the need for long-term support over quick fixes. Their conversation highlights how the Church, united across communities, can provide real, lasting help in times of crisis.

Recorded live at the 35th annual Pastors Prayer Summit (January 27-29, 2025). Don’t miss this special episode of Faithly Stories.

(00:00) Building Relationships in Ministry Crisis
(11:58) Empowering Communities After Disaster

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamdurso/
Website: https://adamdurso.com/

Guest 1: Kevin Bugingo
Discovery Christian Church: https://www.discoverthelife.org/people/kevin-bugingo/
XP Gathering: https://www.xpgathering.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbugingo/

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

Guest 2: Domingo Mota
Care Portal: https://www.careportal.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mingorok/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careportalwestzone/

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

What happens when the bonds of friendship among church leaders become lifelines during moments of crisis? Join us as Pastor Adam Durso invites Pastor John Decuir to share an inspiring tale of camaraderie and faith. Sparked by a mutual friend, Pastor Kevin, their relationship blossomed into a steadfast alliance that proved invaluable when the relentless LA fires struck Pastor John's community. Through gatherings like the Pastors Prayer Summit and the transformative 30 for 30 event, they've built networks that act as spiritual safety nets, demonstrating how these connections can be a pastor's greatest asset in turbulent times.

Take a journey with Pastor John Decuir into the heart of Altadena, California, a community rich in history and resilience. As a pastor’s kid turned lead pastor at Victory Bible Church, John opens up about the emotional and physical devastation wrought by the fires, which claimed over 7,800 homes and businesses, including those of many congregation members. Despite the devastation, Altadena stands resilient, with its legacy as a historic Black Wall Street casting a long shadow of strength and pride. His church has become a beacon of hope, providing essentials to those displaced, as it endeavors to keep the community's spirit alive amid adversity.

The episode crescendos with a touching account of unforeseen generosity. Pastor John recounts the astonishing act of kindness from a stranger in Arizona, who donated $6,000 to each of 43 families within his congregation affected by the fires. This story is a testament to the power of faith and the unity it inspires, showcasing the profound impact of community support. We also discuss the ongoing relief efforts and encourage listeners to contribute through LAFireReliefFund.com and vbcpasadena.org. As we wrap up, we highlight the transformative role of Faithly, an online community dedicated to empowering church leaders, reminding listeners of the strength found in their personal journeys and the stories that unite us all.

Recorded live at the 35th annual Pastors Prayer Summit (January 27-29, 2025). Don’t miss this special episode of Faithly Stories.

(00:00) Building Trust and Relationships Among Pastors
(08:15) Community Leadership Amid Devastating Fires
(17:48) Miraculous Relief Fund Amid Devastating Fires
(24:04) Empowering Church Leaders Through Faithly

Guest Host: Adam Durso
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamdurso/
Website: https://adamdurso.com/

Guest: Pastor Jon Decuir
Victory Bible Church: https://vbcpasadena.org/
LA Fire Relief Fund: https://lafirerelieffund.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjondecuir/
Faithly: https://faithly.co/profiles/jondecuir

What if a personal struggle could lead you to a profound spiritual awakening? Join us on a compelling journey with Colin Nykaza, the Director of Evangelization at St. Patrick's Cathedral, as he shares his transformative story of faith and perseverance. Despite being raised in a Catholic family, it wasn't until a challenging period in college, marked by personal struggles including OCD, that Colin found a deeper connection with his faith. Discover how a life-changing encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially through Our Lady of Fatima, reshaped his understanding of divine love and inspired his ministry.

Explore the profound impact of parental relationships on our identity and faith as Colin opens up about his relationship with his late father and the journey to healing those bonds. Drawing parallels between our upbringing and the upbringing of Jesus with St. Joseph and Mary, this discussion highlights the importance of honoring our parents, even amidst their imperfections. Through personal reflections, Colin illustrates how embracing faith can lead to healing and compassion for familial brokenness, shaping one's path in life and vocation.

Venture into a broader discussion on Catholicism, examining the sacramentality of vocation and ministry and the historical impact of the Protestant Reformation. As Colin shares insights from his role at St. Patrick's Cathedral, we gain a glimpse into the organizational aspects of church operations and the rich diversity within Catholic theology. From the unity and diversity in Catholic practices to the historical significance of the Vatican, this episode offers a multifaceted look into faith's role in both personal and theological landscapes. Join us for an enriching conversation that intertwines personal faith stories with broader theological discussions, providing inspiration and insight into the heart of Catholicism.

(00:01) Faith Journey Through Struggles
(03:55) Encountering Love Through Mary and Jesus
(09:13) Healing Father Wounds and Identity Formation
(16:47) Family, Faith, and Vocation Discernment
(22:34) Sacramentality of Vocation and Ministry
(27:39) Reformation, Catholic Church, and Unity
(32:53) Unity and Diversity in Catholicism

Website - https://faithly.co
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co 

Colin Nykaza
https://faithly.co/profiles/colinnykaza

St. Patrick's Cathedral
https://saintpatrickscathedral.org