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