In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso speak with Pastor Ty’Ann Williams about her ministry journey. Affectionately known as the Sneaker Preacher, Ty'Ann is a transformative voice in Christian leadership and spiritual growth. She currently serves as the Executive Pastor of IIM Church in Brooklyn, alongside her husband, Lead Pastor Alex Williams. She also expresses her love for God through musical worship, and has led praise and worship at churches and recorded with notable artists over the years. Ty’Ann is also the founder of a number of non-profit organizations that serve her local community, including Girls Going After God and SonShine City.

Website: https://www.iamtyann.com/

IIM Church: https://iimchurch.com/

(00:00) Journey Into Ministry
(05:43) Embracing Authenticity in Ministry
(15:45) Navigating Authenticity in Ministry
(27:38) Foundations of Relationship and Creativity
(35:44) Preparing for Future Church Leadership
(41:29) Empowering Church Leaders Through Stories

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee speaks with Jennifer Chan, Senior Director of Missional Engagement and Catalytic Training at Redeemer City to City in New York. Jennifer shares that a big part of her role is to equip churches across NYC to engage in better spiritual conversations. She reflects on her unique ministry journey—including time at organizations like UNICEF—and how becoming a mother of twins has shaped her perspective and approach to ministry. Jennifer also offers a hopeful glimpse into what God is doing across the city today. It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

(00:00) Ministry in New York City
(09:18) Trusting God in Transitions and Motherhood
(15:32) Parenting, Ministry, and Faith
(29:24) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

Website: https://www.citytocity.nyc/

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee sits down with Danny Sanabria—husband, father, and a dedicated missionary to the young people of New York City. Danny’s journey of faith began when he had a radical encounter with Christ at just 16 years old. His life was transformed, and he felt an undeniable calling to share the gospel with his friends and neighbors—a mission he has never stopped pursuing.

Now serving as the Executive Director of Youth for Christ NYC, Danny is passionate about reaching the next generation for Christ. To him, ministry isn’t just about preaching—it’s about presence. Whether it’s sharing a slice of pizza or simply hanging out with teenagers, he believes in meeting young people where they are.

Danny also emphasizes the crucial role of the local church in this mission. Right now, Youth for Christ NYC is calling on churches to "adopt a hall" within the juvenile justice system. With 20 halls, each housing around 10 kids, he envisions just 20 churches—out of the 7,000+ in New York City—stepping up to support these young lives.

Website: https://yfcnyc.org/

(00:00) Faith and Business Integration
(14:03) Youth Ministry and Impact in NYC
(23:19) Uniting Churches for Youth Ministry
(30:51) Empowering Church Leaders With Faithly

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/