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/ 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/ 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