Faithly Podcast

How the Gospel Reached Billions: Inside the Jesus Film Project - Josh Newell | Faithly Podcast

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/ [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 Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ [https://faithly.co/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ [https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/] X: https://x.com/faithlyco [https://x.com/faithlyco]

Women Doing Well - Julie Wilson | Faithly Podcast

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/ [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 Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ [https://faithly.co/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ [https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/] X: https://x.com/faithlyco [https://x.com/faithlyco]

Double Helix: Faith and Family - J.P. De Gance | Faithly Podcast

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/ [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 Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ [https://faithly.co/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ [https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/] X: https://x.com/faithlyco [https://x.com/faithlyco]

Building Bridges in a Divided World - Bishop Robert Stearns | Faithly Podcast

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/ [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 Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ [https://faithly.co/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ [https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/] X: https://x.com/faithlyco [https://x.com/faithlyco]

NYC’s Surprising Openness to the Gospel - Guy Wasko | Faithly Podcast

In today’s episode of the Faithly Podcast, Alicia Lee  is joined by Guy Wasko, Executive Director of FOR.NYC, for a thought-provoking discussion on church unity and the unique opportunities facing the Church in New York City today. Guy reflects on his journey from a childhood call to ministry to planting a church in Manhattan’s East Village, sharing both the joys and challenges of building community in one of the world’s most transient cities. Along the way, he offers honest insights into sustaining ministry through seasons of change, disappointment, and growth. Their conversation also explores the vision behind FOR.NYC, a citywide movement dedicated to equipping leaders and fostering collaboration, helping churches work together to meet the needs of their communities. Through stories of churches uniting during times of crisis and addressing emerging challenges such as mental health among Gen Z, Guy highlights the powerful impact that can happen when congregations move beyond their individual walls and embrace a shared mission. Website: https://www.for.nyc/ [https://www.for.nyc/] 00:00 Introduction: The Calling to New York City 01:01 Guy's Story: From Broken Beginnings to Ministry Calling 04:38 The Path to New York: Relationships and Divine Timing 06:04 Falling in Love with the East Village 08:00 Seasons of Shaping: Highs, Lows, and God's Provision 13:07 Staying Rooted: Calling, Rest, and Community 15:26 Why Church Unity Matters: Theological and Practical Reasons 18:07 Introducing For NYC: A City Gospel Movement 21:04 Stories of Impact: From Hurricane Sandy to Mental Health Ministry 24:32 Getting Involved: Starting Networks and Building Unity 28:32 National Movement: Every City Coalition 32:03 Hope for NYC: Open Hearts and Growing Faith Follow us on social media: Website: https://faithly.co/ [https://faithly.co/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/ [https://www.facebook.com/thefaithlyco/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/ [https://www.instagram.com/faithly.co/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/faithly/] X: https://x.com/faithlyco [https://x.com/faithlyco]