Can Hustle & Faithfulness Coexist? Episode 9 with Anthony Carrai Jr.

Key Takeaways from today’s episode:

* Calling Through Crisis:

* After years in ministry, Anthony found himself disillusioned with the performance-driven model of the church. The pandemic triggered a personal and professional re-evaluation that led him to leave traditional ministry.

* From Stage to Studio:

* With a background in music production (as part of AC & Brady, with millions of streams), Anthony channeled his creative passion into launching 1010 Creative, a content agency serving mission-driven brands and small businesses.

* The Limitations of Big Church Metrics:

* Anthony vulnerably shares how his initial goal—building the “biggest youth ministry”—became an idol. Despite drawing large crowds, he recognized the need for sustainable discipleship and formation.

* Missional Communities as a Future Church Expression:

* Inspired by a more relational and incarnational model, Anthony now dreams of planting missional communities on Long Island that make disciples in everyday spaces—such as dinner tables and delis—rather than on large stages.

* Entrepreneurship as Calling:

* When job opportunities dried up, Anthony drew on his entrepreneurial instincts, learning to build a business that aligned with his calling while supporting his family outside of traditional church paychecks.

* Rooted Vision for Long Island:

* Anthony feels called back to his hometown—one of the most unreached and spiritually apathetic regions in America—to be a missionary and build culture-shaping communities and businesses.

* Content with a Mission:

* Through 1010 Creative, Anthony helps local businesses grow by creating strategic content marketing that generates leads, attracts customers, and tells authentic brand stories.

You can connect with Anthony on YouTube, on Instagram @AnthonyCarraiJr, and his business Ten Ten Creative.

Thanks for listening. If you have questions you’d like me to cover on this podcast, reply to this e-mail or DM me.

Jeffrey Riggs produced this podcast episode.

Music by Fyodor Zharkov from Pixabay

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