In this episode of the Recovering Fundamentalist Podcast, Host, JC Groves sits down with Dr. Marcus Merritt, Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Luther Rice Theological Seminary, for an honest and eye-opening conversation about accreditation in Christian education.

Whether you’re considering Bible college, seminary, or guiding the next generation of church leaders, this episode dives into the practical, theological, and ministry-related implications of choosing an accredited vs. unaccredited institution.

We talk about:

What accreditation actually is—and why it matters

The real-world consequences of unaccredited degrees

How credibility in education supports the credibility of ministry

The balance between spiritual formation and academic rigor

With humor, honesty, and insight, this conversation challenges some deeply held assumptions and offers clarity for anyone navigating the world of Christian higher ed.

Grab your coffee, light up that cigar, and join us for a conversation every pastor, student, and parent needs to hear.

https://recoveringfundamentalist.org/

https://www.patreon.com/c/RecoveringFundamentalistPodcastJC?redirect=true

https://hopechurchcatoosa.com/

EPISODE 193: The Power of Prayer (with Danny Hesterly of Pray Chattanooga)

What if prayer isn’t about performance—but about presence? In this episode of the Recovering Fundamentalist Podcast, host JC Groves sits down with Danny Hesterly, founder of Pray Chattanooga, to talk about reclaiming the beauty, honesty, and power of prayer.

For many recovering from religious trauma or legalism, prayer can feel like a painful memory or a forgotten practice. But what if prayer is actually the path back to healing, peace, and connection with God?

Danny shares stories from the grassroots prayer movement sweeping through Chattanooga, along with practical encouragement for anyone who feels distant from God—or just doesn’t know where to start again.

If prayer has ever felt confusing, heavy, or fake, this conversation will remind you of one powerful truth: God isn’t impressed with your performance—He just wants your presence.

Billy Graham Video from episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wrvqVnFrkM&t=141s

https://recoveringfundamentalist.org/

HopeChurchCatoosa.com

Episode #192 we dive deep into the topic of "Healthy Churches - What to Look For."

Our special guest, Chris Goeppner, pastor of Riverbank Church in Vermont. 

Chris brings invaluable insights on identifying signs of health and vitality in church communities. From leadership transparency to genuine community engagement, we explore practical markers that define a thriving church.

Whether you're a church leader, member, or simply curious about church health, this episode offers wisdom and inspiration for cultivating vibrant spiritual communities. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on what truly makes a church thrive!

https://riverbankchurch.com/

https://hopechurchcatoosa.com/

https://recoveringfundamentalist.org/

https://www.patreon.com/c/RecoveringFundamentalistPodcastJC?redirect=true

Episode 191: The Weight of Perfectionism in the IFB and Legalistic Churches

In this powerful episode, Host JC Groves is joined by Sarah Vick, founder of A-mom-logetics—a ministry dedicated to equipping moms to defend a rock-solid faith in a shifting-sand culture and communicate deep truths to their kids in age-appropriate ways. Together, we unpack the silent burden of perfectionism that so many of us carried in the IFB and other legalistic church environments.

From personal stories to practical insights, we explore how performance-based faith distorts the gospel, impacts parenting, and damages our view of God. Sarah shares her journey of healing, and how moms (and all believers) can begin breaking the cycle of fear, shame, and spiritual burnout—and instead embrace grace, honesty, and freedom in Christ.

If you've ever felt like you had to be perfect to be loved by God, this episode is for you.

On this episode we dive into all things Word Of Life with our special guest Jonathan Bubar.

Whether you're familiar with their ministry or new to their impact, this episode is packed with insights and stories that will inspire and challenge. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

wol.org

recoveringfundamentalist.org

hopechurchcatoosa.com

"REDEEMED FROM A BROKEN IDENTITY - GODS REDEMPTION STORY”  Because for so many of us, recovery isn’t just about what we’ve walked away from—it’s about what we’re walking toward. Healing. Wholeness. Freedom. And not just living in recovery, but moving forward as someone who’s been recovered.

I’m joined today by Sam Jones—a longtime listener of the show who’s now stepping behind the mic to share his story.(His voice however should come as no surprise. As He is the voice of our intro)  And let me tell you—it’s powerful. It’s honest. And it’s proof that even after the damage of fundamentalism, there’s hope on the other side.

So wherever you are on your own road to recovery, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone… and that there is life ahead.

Episode Title: The Pain of Betrayal / The Power of Redemption – Part 2 (with Jacob Kesling)

In Part 2 of our conversation, Jacob Kesling joins host JC Groves to unpack the deep wounds of betrayal and the relentless hope found in redemption. From the raw realities of failure to the beauty of restoration, Jacob shares his journey with honesty, grace, and hard-won wisdom. Whether you're walking through your own season of brokenness or standing on the other side of healing, this episode is a reminder that no story is beyond the reach of grace.

Listen in as we explore what it means to be truly known, deeply hurt, and ultimately, fully redeemed.

RecoveringFundamentalist.org

Episode #186 we’re diving into a topic that’s at the core of what we do here—the power of storytelling. We all know that stories have a way of breaking down barriers, making truth relatable, and reminding us that we’re not alone in our experiences.

And we’ve got a great guest with us today—Tommy from This is My Story. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact a personal testimony can have, this episode is for you! 

Miracle Matt Film https://thisismystory.org/films/miracle-matt/
Donate to TIMS https://thisismystory.org/support/
This Is My Story Website https://thisismystory.org/
This Is My Story Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsMyStoryPODCAST
Alternative Halftime Show Website https://www.althalftimeshow.com/

Episode #185: The Pain of Betrayal

This is part one of a two part conversation. Part one is a deeply personal episode, as we explore the profound impact of betrayal on our lives. Through candid story and heartfelt reflections, JC takes us on a journey of his life and ministry over the last 20 years. Together we delve into the raw emotions and challenges faced when trust is broken. But also how to not stay there and allow bitters and hurt to hinder us from moving forward! In this epiosde we are reminded that God is always at work. Many times when we can't see it... But one day we benifit from it! 

Join us as we navigate the complexities of forgiveness, healing, and finding hope after betrayal.