In this special LIVE episode, recorded at Redeemer East Harlem, host Kristian Hernandez is joined by guest co-host Mai Hariu-Powell, Executive Director of the New York Project. Together, they sit down with three Redeemer Presbyterian Church pastors: Michael Keller (Redeemer Lincoln Square), Justin Adour (Redeemer East Harlem), and Pete Nicholas (Redeemer Downtown).

The conversation explores the gospel’s legacy in Center City Manhattan—one of the most challenging yet significant places for church planting. From historic revivals to the vibrant church-planting movement launched by Tim Keller and Redeemer over the past 35 years, this discussion highlights both the history and ongoing impact of gospel-centered ministry in the heart of New York.

Tune in to hear stories of faith, leadership, and renewal from pastors carrying forward Redeemer’s legacy in Manhattan today. If you’re fascinated by the concept of a Center City Church, read more by going to https://redeemercitytocity.com/books and clicking on the book “Center Church” by Dr. Tim Keller.

Learn more about how we help start and strengthen churches in NYC at https://www.citytocity.nyc/.

In this episode, hosts Kristian Hernandez and Jennifer Chan take us to Washington Heights, a vibrant neighborhood rich with history, culture, and diversity. Joining the conversation are two pastors who know the community well: Harry Jones, lead pastor of Manhattan Bible Church, and Reyn Cabinte, pastor of Uptown Community Church and Manhattan Catalyst at City to City NYC.

Together, they discuss the beauty and challenges of ministry in Washington Heights, from its Jewish and Dominican roots to its global recognition through In the Heights. The conversation highlights what the musical captured, what it missed, and the deeper story of gospel renewal happening in this unique part of Manhattan.

Tune in to hear how God is at work in Washington Heights through the vision and leadership of local pastors committed to their community. If you loved hearing about the intersection between community and ministry, learn more at Honoring the Community and Its Heritage in Church Planting (How to Reach the West Again—S2E6) , an episode from our affiliated podcast, “How to Reach the West Again.”

Learn more about helping plant and grow churches like Uptown Community Church and Manhattan Bible Church at https://www.citytocity.nyc/.

In this episode, hosts Kristian Hernandez and Jennifer Chan explore The New York Project—a 10-year collaborative strategy led by City to City and Redeemer Churches & Ministries, organizations founded by the late pastor and author Timothy Keller. The initiative aims to renew how the gospel is shared across New York City, by training leaders and helping churches flourish in every borough.

Kristian and Jen are joined by Mai Hariu-Powell, Executive Director of The New York Project, and James Herring, City to City board member and elder at Redeemer East Side. Together, they discuss the project’s beginnings, its impact on local communities, and the vision shaping the next decade of gospel work in the city.

Note: This conversation was recorded in 2024. While some updates have taken place since, the vision and passion behind this conversation continue to resonate.

Tune in to hear how God’s love continues to transform neighborhoods, heal lives, and unite communities across New York City.

Interested in learning more about city-wide church movements? Visit redeemercitytocity.com/book and click on “Together for the City.”

In this episode, hosts Kristian Hernandez and Jennifer Chan turn their attention to Harlem—one of New York City’s most historically and culturally significant neighborhoods. Joining the conversation are Justin Adour, Senior Pastor of Redeemer East Harlem, and Jessica Rice, Communications Manager at Renaissance Church.

Together, they discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry in Harlem, a community shaped by its role in the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and its enduring African-American heritage. With a mix of longstanding Black communities, a growing Dominican population, and the effects of gentrification, Harlem remains a dynamic and diverse place to live, serve, and share the gospel.

Tune in to hear how God is at work in both Central and East Harlem through local leaders committed to renewal and community transformation. If you loved hearing about the intersection between community and ministry, learn more at Honoring the Community and Its Heritage in Church Planting (How to Reach the West Again—S2E6) , an episode from our affiliated podcast, “How to Reach the West Again.”
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Learn more about helping plant and grow churches like Renaissance Church and Redeemer East Harlem at https://www.citytocity.nyc/.

In this episode, hosts Kristian Hernandez and Jennifer Chan sit down with Pastor Drew Hyun of Hope Church NYC. Drew shares his remarkable journey from California to Queens to Manhattan—from his early ministry with Crew Inner City, to formative years at New Life Fellowship, to planting and leading Hope Church NYC. Along the way, Drew has become known as a connector, mentor, and visionary leader whose faith-driven decisions have impacted countless lives. Tune in as Drew reflects on his story, his family’s role in his ministry, and the incredible gospel work happening through Hope Church NYC today.

To Learn more about what God is doing through Hope NYC click here.

At City to City New York City, we prayerfully help leaders start and strengthen churches to advance the gospel collaboratively across NYC and we serve as a partner and resource for other global cities. Interested in learning more about our work? Discover more here.

If you’re a leader in a church ministry, consider whether some of Redeemer City to City’s ministry courses might be a good fit for you!

In this episode, hosts Kristian Hernandez and Jennifer Chan interview two key leaders from Redeemer City to City (RCTC): Steve Shackelford, CEO, and Mark Reynolds, Senior Strategic Advisor. Together, they share their personal journeys, formative childhood experiences, and the pivotal moments that prepared them for their roles guiding gospel movements in New York and around the world.
From Steve’s early draw to business—shaped by his mother’s prayers and spiritual vision—to Mark’s natural gift for gathering and leading others through sports, their stories reveal how God weaves together past experiences to prepare leaders for kingdom impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about calling, leadership, and carrying forward the legacy of gospel-centered ministry in the city.

In this episode we touched on some concepts such as “gospel ecosystem” and how wanting to see city transformation (or city flourishing) requires a holistic approach, where both the center and the margins influence each other. To learn more about what City to City means when we use these terms check out additional resources and insights on City Theology and City Theory— core elements explored in our book— Gospel-Centered City Ministry: The City to City DNA.

This book aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of the core elements of Redeemer City to City. Throughout eighteen white papers and videos, organization co-founder Timothy Keller explores the key concepts behind planting a gospel-centered church, from establishing a theological vision to learning the way people in our communities think.

Click here to learn more about our work at City to City.

In this episode, hosts Kristian Hernandez and Jennifer Chan sit down with David Plant, church planter and pastor of Store Front Church in Chelsea. Known for its 200+ art galleries, iconic landmarks like Chelsea Market and the High Line, and a rich cultural history, Chelsea is home to over 40,000 residents. David shares what makes this neighborhood unique, how the gospel is at work there, and what it means to plant a church in the heart of one of NYC’s most vibrant communities. Tune in to hear a story of faith, vision, and community renewal in Chelsea.

When Storefront Church first launched, they didn’t have an official worship leader. Instead, the congregation streamed worship songs from Spotify each week. One song that especially encouraged them—and became a favorite—was: Talkin' About Jesus by Gloria Gaynor.

Learn more about helping plant and grow churches like Storefront at https://www.citytocity.nyc/. For more on Storefront Church click Here.

For generations, New York has felt the power of the Gospel—lighting up dark corners, healing broken lives, and uniting divided communities.

More than transforming individuals, the Gospel has sparked compassion, fueled justice, renewed neighborhoods, and even ignited seasons of Holy-Spirit revival.

In Season One, we turn to Manhattan. Hear pastors, leaders, and church planters share stories that carry forward the extraordinary legacy of the Gospel in NYC.