From Atheist to Church Planter - Justin Mattera

Faithly Stories

Can a faith journey truly transform your life? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Justin Mattera, a pastor, father, and entrepreneur whose spiritual path took surprising turns from questioning his beliefs in his youth to embracing a profound commitment to his faith. Discover how a pivotal gap year in Ohio reignited Justin’s faith and led him to a life devoted to ministry in New York City. Justin shares how he navigates the complex landscape of traditional churches versus modern congregations, emphasizing the importance of authentic relationships and understanding God beyond intellectual knowledge.

Justin reveals the significant impact of family and upbringing on his spiritual journey, painting a vivid picture of how his parents' dedication to spiritual education laid the groundwork for his beliefs. He discusses the choice to view New York as a mission field, highlighting the advantages of ministering in a familiar environment. Through personal stories, Justin underscores the role of family influence and personal experiences in evolving one's faith, while candidly addressing the challenges of maintaining a relationship-focused understanding of faith amid theological queries.

We also explore Justin’s innovative approach to church growth in New York City, focusing on community, discipleship, and prayer rather than high production value. Hear about the blessings of shifting to a house church model ahead of the pandemic and the strategic decisions behind maintaining smaller congregations for genuine interpersonal connections. As Justin shares insights from his journey in parenthood and the digital realm, he reminds us of the power of authentic relationships, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of faith in shaping our lives. Tune in for a heartfelt episode filled with wisdom, challenges, and the promise of future collaborations through digital platforms.

(00:01) Navigating Faith
(08:38) Faith, Family, and Mission
(23:01) Adapting Church Model for Growth
(30:00) Roots of Church Growth
(41:39) The Blessing of Children and Sacrifice
(47:56) Connecting Through Faithly Digital Platform

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

Justin Mattera
https://faithly.co/profiles/justinmattera

Zion NYC
https://zion.nyc