In this episode of the Step Up Podcast, Pastor Chris Kouba and host Josh Thomas tackle the tension every man feels between the fear of God and the fear of man. Starting with Halloween, haunted houses, spiders, and flying cockroaches, they move into a deeper conversation about why not all fear is bad—and how a healthy fear can actually lead to courage, wisdom, and confidence, while unhealthy fear keeps you paralyzed.

Looking at the story of Joshua and Caleb and the ten spies in Numbers 13, Pastor Chris contrasts people-pleasing, image-management, and comfort-seeking with a life anchored in conviction and the fear of the Lord. From work integrity, to pornography, to dads holding the line on phones, budgets, and boundaries at home, this episode invites men to step out of people-pleasing and into the freedom of living before an audience of One.

If you’ve ever felt muted, stuck, or scared of what others will think, this conversation will help you name your fears, take one obedient next step, and model courageous conviction for your kids and the people you lead. 

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.  


Show Notes

Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

In this powerful episode of the Step Up podcast, Pastor Chris Kouba and host Josh Thomas dive into the everyday decisions that shape a man’s character. Using a real-life car repair dilemma and the biblical story of Joseph in Genesis 39, they unpack what integrity truly looks like when no one is watching—and when doing the right thing actually costs you something.

This episode outlines three critical questions every man must ask to evaluate his character, influence, and spiritual resilience. From handling temptation, to stewarding influence, to standing firm when obedience feels expensive, this conversation is a timely challenge for men who want to honor God in both the big moments and the quiet Tuesdays of life.

If you're ready to grow, lead well, and pursue holiness in a culture that celebrates shortcuts, this episode will equip and encourage you.

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.  


Show Notes
Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

In this episode of Step Up, Pastor Chris Kouba and host Josh Thomas tackle a challenge that hits home for men everywhere — how to truly engage and lead well when you walk through the front door. From cultural confusion about masculinity to the biblical call to love your wife and lead your family, this conversation is honest, convicting, and practical. Learn what it looks like to be a provider, protector, student, and cherisher, and why spiritual leadership at home shapes everything about your relationship with God.

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.


Challenges for the Week

1. Have an intentional conversation with your wife.
2. Choose one area (provider, student, protector, cherisher) to grow in this week.
3. Share this episode with another man who’s ready to step up.

Show Notes

Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

Your job isn’t just about a paycheck—it’s part of God’s bigger plan. In this conversation, Pastor Chris Kouba and host Josh Thomas unpack what Scripture says about work, ambition, and calling. From Genesis to the modern workplace, they reveal how we can pursue excellence without losing sight of what truly matters. If you’ve ever wondered whether your work really matters to God, this episode is for you.

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church


Show Notes
Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

What happens when a dad drops his daughter off at college for the first time? In this episode, Pastor Chris Kouba joins Host Josh Thomas to share the raw emotions, hard lessons, and spiritual insights from navigating this life-changing milestone. From the four stages of parenting to the power of early investment and tough conversations, Pastor Chris offers wisdom that every parent—especially dads of daughters—needs to hear.

If you’re raising kids, preparing for an empty nest, or just needing encouragement in the messy, beautiful journey of fatherhood, this episode will challenge you to step up and savor every season.

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.


Show Notes
Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

Success can be a gift, but pride can turn it into a curse. In this episode, Pastor Chris Kouba and host Josh Thomas unpack the “glory trap”—how pride creeps into our identity, blinds us to wisdom, and sets us up for a fall. Through Scripture, stories from real life, and practical steps, they explore how men can recognize the dangers of self-reliance and instead walk in humility, receiving God’s favor instead of His opposition.

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.



Show Notes
Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

In this episode of Step Up, Pastor Chris and Host Josh Thomas tackle one of the most overlooked yet destructive areas of a man’s life—sexual sin. From pornography to infidelity, they uncover the myths men believe: “It’s not that big of a deal,” “I can stop anytime,” and “I’ll never change.”

Through scripture, raw honesty, and practical wisdom, they show how sexual compromise doesn’t just stay hidden—it bleeds into money, pride, relationships, and legacy. More importantly, they point to the hope and freedom found in Christ, reminding men that purity is possible and powerful.

If you’ve ever felt trapped, this conversation will equip you with tools to fight temptation, honor women, and build the kind of legacy your family can stand on for generations.

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.  



Show Notes
Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/
Covenant Eyes: https://www.covenanteyes.com/
Accountable2You: https://accountable2you.com/
VidAngel: https://www.vidangel.com/
Celebrate Recovery: https://celebraterecovery.com/

Pornography isn’t just a private struggle—it’s a cultural epidemic that is destroying marriages, distorting relationships, and stealing purpose from men at every age. In this raw and practical conversation, Pastor Chris and Host Josh Thomas tackle one of the hardest but most necessary topics in the series: porn.

They reveal why porn is more than a “bad habit,” how it hijacks God’s design for sexuality, and how men can fight back with a three-phase game plan—defense, offense, and special teams. With statistics that will shock you, stories that will convict you, and strategies that will equip you, this episode is a battle plan for any man who wants freedom.

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.


Show Notes

Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/
Covenant Eyes: https://www.covenanteyes.com/
Accountable2You: https://accountable2you.com/
VidAngel: https://www.vidangel.com/
Celebrate Recovery: https://celebraterecovery.com/

In this week’s powerful episode of Step Up, Pastor Chris and Host Josh Thomas continue to talk about one of the biggest temptations that take down men: gold. From Disney vacations to Starbucks habits, they explore how easily money can shift from being a tool we use to a master that uses us. With practical advice, biblical wisdom, and honest personal stories, they’ll help you identify warning signs that money is controlling you, and offer clear steps to break free. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or thriving financially, this conversation will challenge your perspective and equip you to live with financial freedom, generosity, and integrity.

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church


Show Notes

Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/
YNAB Budgeting App: https://www.ynab.com/
Every Dollar Budgeting App by Dave Ramsey: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar?srsltid=AfmBOoqjPmlQJCyREu1NTK8DBdlSPymZOnjKKNkUtlUQGUMJqVHCNcvv

In this powerful and practical episode, Pastor Chris and Host Josh Thomas dive deep into one of the biggest stressors for men today—money. But this isn’t just a budgeting seminar, it’s a spiritual challenge. From biblical foundations of tithing to the modern-day lies men believe about provision and worth, this conversation calls men to live in God’s economy, not the world’s. Whether you're struggling to make ends meet or just starting to build wealth, this episode is your wake-up call to flip the script and escape the Gold Trap.

To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.  



Show Notes
Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/