Michel Faulkner

Rev. Dr. Michel J. Faulkner has dedicated his life to faith, leadership, and service. A former All-American and four-year starter at Virginia Tech, he played in the NFL from 1980–82, including a season with the New York Jets. After football, he earned his master’s degree and became Assistant Dean and later VP for Urban Ministry at Liberty University.

In 1988, Rev. Faulkner moved to Times Square, where he led a soup kitchen before joining Calvary Baptist Church as Pastor for Youth and Community Outreach. He was ordained in 1991 and served as co-chair of NYC’s HIV/AIDS Task Force. As Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church (1993–2006), he helped grow the congregation eightfold. He also served in civic leadership roles, including on the Mayor’s Task Force on Police-Community Relations and as a City Charter Commissioner.

He later became Director of U.S. Programs for World Vision’s 9/11 response and founded the Institute for Leadership. In 2006, he launched New Horizon Church in Harlem, dedicated to serving underserved communities. A former candidate for Congress in Harlem and NYC Comptroller, he was widowed in 2014 after 31 years of marriage and later remarried Dr. Sarai Padilla, a clinical psychologist. Between them, they raised four children—all college graduates. They have six grandchildren and on great grandson. 

In 2018, Rev. Faulkner relocated to Philadelphia and became the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy. He was the founding Board Chair of Small Things Philly. He is also a regional board member for Thrivent Financial Services. 

He has authored two books, completed four marathons, and is a frequent media commentator. He hosts the podcast Football, Family, and Faith and recently earned his Doctorate in Ministry from Antioch University. At No Bull Media Group, we envision a world where mass media is a powerful tool for positive change. We believe that the stories we tell can inspire, educate, and empower people to make a difference in their communities and beyond.