Three Generations Changed by Grace: Pastor Michael Coffey’s Journey from Resistance to Surrender

In this powerful kickoff to Season Three of the Faith Conversations Podcast, host Jessica Cabrera welcomes Dr. Michael Coffey, Executive Pastor of Burke Community Church in Northern Virginia. Together, they unpack a legacy of transformation as Dr. Coffey shares how three generations of men in his family encountered radical change through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Growing up in a home marked by alcoholism and abuse, Pastor Coffey witnessed firsthand the life-altering shift that occurred when his father surrendered to Jesus. Yet even with this transformation around him, Pastor Coffey resisted faith—choosing instead to control his own path. But when his grandmother experienced miraculous healing, it jolted him awake and launched a personal pursuit to investigate the claims of Jesus.

Through reading the Bible, especially the first four books of the New Testament (the Gospels), he discovered that Jesus truly is the way, the truth, and the life. That truth not only changed his heart, it set him on a course to serve others through campus ministry, international missions, military chaplaincy, and now pastoral leadership.

This episode is an inspiring testament to how God patiently pursues us—even in our resistance—and invites us into a story of surrender, healing, and purpose.

Bible Verses

1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come…”
2. John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life…”
3. Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
4. Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Do you want a relationship with God too?

If you have never made the choice to accept Jesus' offer – a gift, not by works – to be restored to the original design for your life, which is to be in a relationship with God (on earth and in heaven after physical death), now is the time. There is an article in Jessica's Engage Faith Column that will help you understand who He is, who you are, what choice you have, and what happens when you make the decision. Visit https://www.jessicacabrera.org/column/what-is-the-message-of-the-gospel to read the message of God's good news for mankind and to find a sample prayer that you can pray today. 

The importance of a Biblical faith community:

All listeners are encouraged to engage in a local church community to learn more about Jesus, the Bible, and to experience God through community. Listeners from the DMV area are welcomed at Burke Community Church and anyone seeking an online church service can find one here. We are not designed to be alone; we’re designed for a community of faith. 

To stay connected: Follow the podcast on Instagram @faithconversationspodcast and sign up for Jessica's Engage Faith communications https://www.jessicacabrera.org/sign-up for updates and inspiration.