Faithly Podcast

Faithly.co
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated Weekly

The Faithly Podcast invites you into conversations with faith-driven leaders about life, leadership, and the changing landscape of ministry. Each episode offers a look at the challenges and lessons learned in spiritual leadership—from personal growth and family rhythms to innovative practices and new resources shaping the Church today. Whether you're a pastor, volunteer, or simply someone called to serve, you'll find stories, insights, and practical takeaways to help you lead with clarity and conviction. Join us each week for thoughtful conversations that encourage, equip, and remind you that you’re not in this alone. Learn more at Faithly.co.

  1. 5d ago ·  Video

    Creation Care is Discipleship - Brendan McClenahan | Faithly Podcast

    This week on the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee welcomes Brendan McClenahan, Church Engagement Manager at Plant With Purpose and one of the creators of TEND, for a thoughtful conversation about discipleship and creation care, diving into what it looks like for churches to build deeper relationships with God and the world around them. Brendan shares how TEND grew out of lessons Plant With Purpose has learned through its global work and explains why creation care is not simply a political issue, but a deeply biblical one. He challenges Christians to see their neighbors as image bearers and potential partners, sharing how simple practices like composting, community gardening, shared meals and prayer can create genuine opportunities for connection and spiritual growth. Together, Alicia and Brendan explore how churches can move beyond separating discipleship from outreach and instead learn to live the Gospel alongside their neighbors in everyday life. Through stories from TEND communities, Brendan offers a practical vision for ministry that is relational, decentralized, and rooted in a shared mission: helping people grow in faith while participating in the restorative work God is already doing around them. Website: https://tendlife.org/ 00:00 Introduction: Creation Care Across the Political Spectrum 01:24 Brendan's Journey: From Music to Ministry to Plant With Purpose 04:41 What is Plant With Purpose? Transforming Lives Through Regenerative Agriculture 06:38 The Birth of TEND: Bringing Plant With Purpose's Model to the U.S. 07:33 Three Broken Relationships: God, Neighbors, and Earth 09:45 How TEND Works: A 10-Week Journey of Discipleship and Outreach 12:31 Partners, Not Projects: Seeing Neighbors as Image Bearers 17:28 Is Creation Care Political? A Biblical Perspective 24:46 The Compost Story: When Neighbors Say Yes 30:51 From Compost to Christ: A Family's Journey to Faith 33:23 Reuniting Discipleship and Mission: The Tiny Gospel Problem 38:32 A Vision for Pastors: Getting Back to Coffee and Prayer 43:14 Next Steps: How to Get Started With TEND Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ X: https://x.com/faithlyco

  2. Sep 22 ·  Video

    Playing the Long Game - Pastor Justin Buzzard | Faithly Podcast

    In this episode of the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee is joined by Pastor Justin Buzzard, Lead Pastor of Garden City Church in Silicon Valley and author of Date Your Wife and The Big Story, for an energizing discussion about what it means to stop playing small with your life. Justin reflects on planting Garden City Church with just a few people and limited resources, noting the importance of staying faithful through both growth and difficult seasons, and why pastors and men especially need strong, genuine friendships. He also shares the unexpected story behind him making a college football team at age 47, decades after an injury ended his first opportunity to play, and how the experience is teaching him about discipline and perseverance, as well as trusting God through adversity. Throughout their conversation, Alicia and Justin explore biblical masculinity and the belief that many men hold back from fully using the gifts and influence God has entrusted to them. Rather than allowing fear or past disappointment to define the future, Justin encourages listeners to pay attention to God-given desires and take meaningful risks, while trusting that God is bigger than the challenges standing in their way. Website: https://www.justinbuzzard.net/ 00:00 Introduction: Chasing Good Desires with All Your Heart 00:52 From Instagram Reel to College Football: The Unexpected Call 01:08 The Power of Long-Game Friendship: 15 Years of Emails 05:12 A Mom Who Pulled Over: The Star Wars Salvation Story 06:56 Falling in Love with the Local Church in College 08:11 Silicon Valley: Seventh Generation California and the Call to Influence 12:00 Three People, Three Thousand Dollars: The Garden City Church Plant 14:07 Fifteen Years of Ups and Downs: COVID, Church Sends, and a Seven Million Dollar Gift 16:33 Playing the Long Game: Why Pastors Need to Stay 18:18 Bruised, Sore, and All In: The Reality of Football at 47 23:47 Be a Man: The 21 Marks of Biblical Masculinity 27:00 Raising Three Sons in Silicon Valley: Desire, Discipleship, and Public School 28:54 Stop Playing Small: What It Means to Be a Godly Man Today 31:05 Area of Influence: Know It and Grow It Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ X: https://x.com/faithlyco

  3. Sep 15 ·  Video

    When God's Word Becomes Personal - Melissa Paredes | Faithly Podcast

    Today on the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee welcomes Melissa Paredes, Senior Director of Content Marketing at Wycliffe Bible Translators USA, for a meaningful conversation about Bible translation, motherhood, and the life-changing power of Scripture. Melissa shares how growing up as a Wycliffe missionary kid in the Philippines eventually led her into work telling the stories of what God is doing through Bible translation around the world. She explains why translation is ultimately about helping people encounter Scripture in the language they think, dream, and pray in, and reflects on witnessing a full Bible dedication that took 66 years to complete. Their conversation becomes deeply personal as Melissa shares how God’s Word became her anchor while navigating her son Rory’s developmental challenges through seasons of uncertainty and grief. Through it all, Melissa shares how she learned to trust God more deeply and to see both motherhood and ministry as callings to steward rather than control. Website: https://www.wycliffe.org/ 00:00 Introduction: The Passion Behind Bible Translation Work 00:26 Bringing God's Word to Every Language: Wycliffe's Mission 01:17 More Than Marketing: Storytelling God's Global Work 02:15 Five Ways to Participate: From Prayer to Service 07:05 Why Bible Translation Matters: Understanding the Need 09:55 Bible Dedications: Celebrating 66 Years of Faithful Work 14:56 When Motherhood Didn't Go as Planned: Rory's Diagnosis 19:05 Every Word a Victory: Rory's Journey with Apraxia and Autism 21:42 Baptism at Seven: When a Child Overcomes Fear for Jesus 32:13 Clinging to the Rock: Scripture as an Anchor in the Storm 36:33 The Unexpected Gift: Loss, Transition, and Choosing Family 38:06 From Personal Pain to Global Passion: How Rory's Story Fuels the Mission 39:00 A Once-in-History Moment: Why Now Matters for Bible Translation 42:29 The Next Generation: Raising Kids Who Own Their Faith 45:56 Beyond Your Borders: Teaching Kids About the Global Church Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ X: https://x.com/faithlyco

  4. Sep 8 ·  Video

    Why Teenagers Are Your Church's Greatest Evangelists - Greg Stier | Faithly Podcast

    In this week’s episode of the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee welcomes Greg Stier, Founder and Visionary of Dare 2 Share Ministries, for an inspiring conversation about evangelism and discipleship, uncovering why teenagers should be viewed not simply as the next generation of the Church, but as an essential part of the Church today. Greg shares how the Gospel radically transformed his violent inner-city family and ultimately shaped his own calling to preach and equip others to share their faith. After witnessing firsthand what could happen when teenagers were trained to reach their friends for Christ, Greg founded Dare 2 Share with a vision to see every teen, everywhere, hear the Gospel from a friend. He reflects on more than three decades of ministry, the impact of the Columbine tragedy on his sense of urgency, and why young people can become powerful disciple-makers when the Church equips and trusts them. Throughout their conversation, Alicia and Greg explore why inviting someone to church is valuable but cannot replace personally sharing the Gospel in everyday life. Greg offers practical tools for beginning spiritual conversations, including his “ask, admire, admit” approach, and challenges believers to make evangelism part of their normal rhythm rather than an occasional activity. Ultimately, he encourages church leaders to stop underestimating teenagers and empower them instead. Website: https://www.dare2share.org/ 00:00 Introduction: The Power of a Violent Family Transformed by the Gospel 01:20 Growing Up with the Crazy Brothers: A Childhood of Violence and Fear 03:10 Yankee the Hillbilly Preacher: When the Gospel Came Knocking 04:20 From Street Fighter to Street Preacher: Uncle Jack's Radical Transformation 08:51 An Eight-Year-Old's Faith: When the Gospel Finally Made Sense 10:16 Called to Preach at Fifteen: Giving the Gospel at Grandpa's Funeral 11:23 The Birth of Dare to Share: Learning from a Youth Ministry of 800 Teenagers 12:38 Jesus Was a Youth Leader: The Biblical Case for Empowering Teens 15:39 From Local to Global: 35 Years of Mobilizing Teenagers to Share the Gospel 17:42 Columbine and the Call to Full-Time Ministry: When All Hell Broke Loose 19:36 The Church's Biggest Evangelism Problem: Come and See vs. Go and Tell 24:16 The Four A's of Evangelism: Ask, Admire, Admit, and Awkward is Awesome 27:01 The Gospel Acrostic: A Simple Framework for Sharing Your Faith 27:59 What Teenagers Teach Us: Don't Overthink It, Just Share 31:28 Leadership Lessons: Prayer, Finding Your Integrator, and Staying Focused 36:13 Half Monk, Half Missionary: What Makes a Healthy Youth Pastor 38:44 Writing Through Trauma: The Painful Process of Unlikely Fighter 41:24 The Now Generation: Why Teenagers Aren't the Church of Tomorrow Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ X: https://x.com/faithlyco

  5. Sep 1 ·  Video

    Is AI Really the Devil? - Pastor Keith Odom | Faithly Podcast

    Today on the podcast, Alicia Lee and special co-host Rev. Elliot Johnson welcome Pastor Keith Odom, Director of Technology for the Church of God in Christ, Lead Pastor of The Place of Grace Church, and Founder and CEO of Axtegrity Consulting, for a pertinent conversation about AI and the future of technology in the Church. Keith shares how his lifelong interests in both ministry and technology eventually converged through a career that included work at the renowned MIT Media Lab and now allows him to help churches navigate an increasingly digital world. Drawing from his experience as both a pastor and technology leader, he explains why churches should view technology as a tool that can support the delivery of the gospel rather than something to fear. From AI-powered language translation and accessibility tools to sermon content, discipleship resources, and digital outreach, Keith explores practical ways emerging technology can expand what churches of every size are able to accomplish. Together, Alicia, Rev. EJ, and Keith also address the very real risks surrounding AI, including deepfakes, misinformation, and the need for churches to become educated rather than simply reactive. Keith challenges Christian leaders to bring technology experts already sitting in their congregations to the table and to develop intentional technology ministries that support the broader mission of the church. Websites: https://www.keithlodom.io/ and https://www.churchandtechnology.com/ 00:00 Introduction: When MIT Media Labs Meets Ministry 01:31 Called to Build: From Childhood Churches to Construction Management 03:03 The Pastor-Technologist Perspective: Leading a Local Church 07:28 From Excel Expert to MIT Media Lab: The Technology Journey 11:04 The TGI Fridays Conversation: Becoming Director of Technology for COGIC 17:09 The Church's Biggest Technology Mistake: Demonizing What We Don't Understand 20:09 Is AI Really the Devil? A Biblical and Practical Perspective 21:21 AI Accelerating the Great Commission: 196 Languages in Real Time 23:34 The Pitfalls and Concerns: Deepfakes, Digital Deception, and Discipleship 26:59 Digital Transformation: Leveling the Playing Field for Small Churches 31:48 The Next Five Years: Keeping the Human Touch in an AI World 33:58 The Antichrist and the Last Days: Technology in End Times 37:01 Church and Technology Summit: An Immersive Experience 43:21 The Tech Town Hall: Building Systems Before Demand Requires It 45:34 A Word of Encouragement: Establish a Ministry of Technology Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ X: https://x.com/faithlyco

  6. Aug 25 ·  Video

    Learning to Work With God - Dr. Kimberly Nash Alexander | Faithly Podcast

    Today on the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee and special co-host Rev. Elliot Johnson welcome Dr. Kimberly Nash Alexander, Founder of Deeper Roots SoulCare, spiritual director, ministry leader, and longtime pastor’s wife, for a thoughtful conversation about spiritual formation and learning to trust God through every season of life. Dr. Alexander reflects on the experiences that shaped her faith, from her early years in Catholic school to a career in speech-language pathology, where she first began developing the deep listening skills that now inform her work as a spiritual director. She shares how God taught her to resist the pressure to follow a traditional career timeline and instead pay attention to the specific season He had placed her in. Whether raising her daughters, supporting her husband in pastoral ministry, or eventually stepping fully into her own calling, Dr. Alexander explains why no season is wasted when we remain attentive to what God is doing in us. As their conversation continues, Alicia, Rev. EJ, and Dr. Alexander explore the unseen pressures of ministry and the importance of healthy community, before discussing the necessity of creating space for leaders and volunteers to rest. Dr. Alexander challenges the idea that our worth is tied to how much we accomplish, reminding listeners that serving God should flow from relationship with Him rather than constant striving. Through her work with Deeper Roots SoulCare, she encourages Christian leaders to slow down and listen deeply, rooting their identity in Christ so they can become who God is forming them to be, rather than simply doing more. Website: https://www.deeperrootssoulcare.com/ 00:00 Introduction: Taking a Break to Be With God 01:36 Kim Nash: The Contemplative Kid Who Asked Too Many Questions 06:23 From Wanting to Be a Nun to Speech Pathology 08:43 Trusting God's Timing Through Life's Seasons 11:25 The Call to Empower Women: When God Said It's Discipleship 13:41 The Green Leaf Moment: Releasing What's Alive to Follow God 15:06 Life as a Pastor's Wife: Intercession, Identity, and Making Home a Refuge 19:58 The Hidden Burdens: Loneliness, Grief, and Spiritual Warfare in Ministry 25:54 Sabbatical as Love: How Churches Can Care for Their Leaders 29:34 Accountability Partners and the Sacred Slow: Structuring Spiritual Growth 36:12 Deeper Roots Soul Care: Moving From Busy for God to Being With God 46:36 You Are Enough: A Word for Women in Leadership Today Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ X: https://x.com/faithlyco

  7. Aug 18 ·  Video

    Expanding Your Vision For Ministry - Elder John Cager | Faithly Podcast

    This week, Alicia Lee and special co-host Rev. Elliot Johnson welcome Rev. John Edward Cager, Presiding Elder of the Midwest North District of the AME Church, for a candid conversation about pastoral leadership, church growth, and what becomes possible when churches move from a mindset of “I” to “we”. Rev. Cager reflects on initially resisting God’s call to ministry and the journey that eventually led him into more than three decades of service. Drawing from 25 years as a pastor and his current work mentoring and supporting pastors across his district, he explains why being called to ministry does not necessarily mean being called to the pastorate, and why success in ministry should never be measured by someone else’s platform. Whether serving three people or 3,000, he encourages Christian leaders to focus on the specific gifts, responsibilities, and assignment God has placed before them. Throughout their conversation, Alicia, Rev. EJ, and Rev. Cager explore the importance of authenticity and integrity in Christian leadership, as well as the vision and flexibility churches need to meet the challenges of a changing world. From finding creative approaches to church finances and embracing technology to better connect with congregations, to drawing on the gifts already present within the pews, Rev. Cager challenges pastors to think beyond traditional models of ministry. Ultimately, he makes the case for greater collaboration across churches and denominations, reminding leaders that when we move beyond competition and work together for Jesus Christ, we expand our capacity to build the Kingdom. Website: https://www.amec-midwestnorthdistrict.com/ 00:00 Introduction: The Unique Perspective of a Denominational Leader 02:02 The Calling: From Resistance to Surrender 05:52 The Role of a Presiding Elder: Coaching, Mentoring, and Discernment 15:08 Authenticity and Integrity: The Foundation of Kingdom Building 21:13 What Makes Churches Work: Vision, Flexibility, and Spiritual Discernment 22:19 The Financial Reality: Multiple Revenue Streams for Ministry 26:11 Cultural Traditions vs. Biblical Mandates: Letting Go to Grow 30:26 Creative Ministry Models: From Fish Fries to Healthcare Clinics 36:06 The First Step: Possibility Meetings and Unleashing Congregational Talent 42:15 Technology as the New Lifeline: Staying Connected in a Digital Age 48:46 From I to We: The Power of Collaboration and the Federal Security Grant Story Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ X: https://x.com/faithlyco

  8. Aug 15 ·  Video

    From Producer to Pastor - Dr. Christopher Michael Jones | 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 Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ X: https://x.com/faithlyco

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About

The Faithly Podcast invites you into conversations with faith-driven leaders about life, leadership, and the changing landscape of ministry. Each episode offers a look at the challenges and lessons learned in spiritual leadership—from personal growth and family rhythms to innovative practices and new resources shaping the Church today. Whether you're a pastor, volunteer, or simply someone called to serve, you'll find stories, insights, and practical takeaways to help you lead with clarity and conviction. Join us each week for thoughtful conversations that encourage, equip, and remind you that you’re not in this alone. Learn more at Faithly.co.

Information

  • Creator
    Faithly.co
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Faithly Podcast