The Greg Laurie Show

Christine Caine on why the "victim narrative" is destroying a generation—and what the real gospel actually says.

In this conversation, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with Christine Caine (founder of A21, evangelist, author) for a wide-ranging talk about faith, calling, and the fight against human trafficking.

What we cover:
• Finding out at 33 she was adopted—and how a decade of renewing her mind with Scripture prepared her for that moment
• Childhood abuse, shame, and why "despite" is the real language of the gospel
• Why she believes evangelism is the most unwanted job in the 21st-century church
• Running A21 across 22 countries and what she's learned on the front lines
• 30 years of marriage, 260+ hotel nights a year, and building a life around purpose
• The hardest prayer she's ever prayed
• Why Jesus is coming back—and what that should change about how we live today
• Numbering your days: the practice she started at 22 that still shapes her life

Two evangelists, one long conversation, plenty of laughter along the way.

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Timestamps

00:16 The one-night stand and the plan of God

01:54 A phone call reveals the family secret

06:29 Renewing the mind before the storm hits

10:14 Making pain a tool, not a prison

14:17 Redemption is "despite," not "if only"

18:44 Losing a son and the resurrection witness

22:53 What Jesus did is bigger than what was done to you

29:33 Preaching to the back row, not the front row

34:06 Why eschatology still matters

41:26 The hardest prayer: getting the "want" back

46:28 Marriage built on purpose and the fruit of the Spirit

01:07:12 J. John and the power of another cup of coffee

01:12:03 Numbering your days from age 22

01:17:15 Three questions from Eden for the unwanted

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Michael W. Smith almost died of a drug overdose at 17. He'd been a Jesus freak at 13, then lost his way. What brought him back was a night on the linoleum floor of a Nashville apartment, alone, sensing God next to him saying, "It's going to be okay."

In this conversation, Michael sits down with Greg Laurie to talk about the moments that shaped him — and the ones most people never hear about.
What we cover:
• Walking into a record store at 13 and finding Christian music for the first time
• The prodigal years from '75 to '79, and what pulled him back
• Late-night visits with Billy Graham in Montreat — and praying for Billy at the end
• Meeting Presidents Bush, Reagan, and playing tennis in Kennebunkport
• Rocketown, Nashville — why he built it and what's happening there now
• His goal of never being offended again
• Marriage, mentorship, and staying grounded after 43 years in the industry
• Johnny Cash, John Williams, and the perfect pizza

A conversation about faith that held, a father who never gave up, and a life still being written.

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Timestamps
00:19 Meeting Michael W. Smith
01:26 Discovering Jesus music at 13
03:24 Coming to Christ at age 10
04:26 The prodigal years and near-fatal overdose
06:16 Rock bottom and God's embrace
09:38 Breaking into music through Amy Grant
10:52 Working with Billy Graham
13:30 Personal visits with Billy at Montreat
17:07 Friendship with the Bush family
23:47 The Rick Rubin interview and Johnny Cash
27:13 State of Christian music today
29:22 Secrets to a lasting marriage
36:50 The origin of Rocketown
40:37 Rocketown's ongoing impact

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In part two of this conversation with Pastor Greg Laurie, Pastor Chuck Swindoll opens up about what he'd do differently across six decades of ministry—chief among them, saying yes sooner, affirming more, criticizing less, and bringing his wife Cynthia into full partnership years before he actually did. 

He names the four temptations every pastor faces and explains why the last one never stops requiring vigilance. Pastor Greg asks what text Chuck would preach if he had one sermon left, and the answer will surprise you. Along the way: memorized hymns, mentors from Dallas Seminary, the rise of antisemitism, and a tender word about caring for Cynthia through dementia. This conversation closes with Chuck's prayer over Pastor Greg's family and ministry.

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Timestamps
00:33 Intro: one last sermon
01:03 Preaching after losing his son
02:38 Fearing for his other children
04:03 Preaching to himself through grief
05:35 Any regrets looking back?
07:06 Chuck: say yes sooner, affirm more
10:00 Nearly ruining his marriage with Cynthia
14:50 Loneliness in ministry
15:27 Four temptations: sloth, silver, self, sex
22:30 The final sermon: grace
24:35 Lightning round: food, movies, Lincoln
29:38 The rise of antisemitism
30:11 Hymns he sings while driving
32:36 Sitting under giants at Dallas Seminary
38:28 Cynthia's dementia and advice on marriage

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For generations, Pastor Chuck Swindoll has helped millions of people understand Scripture with wisdom, warmth, and clarity. In this special conversation, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with one of his lifelong heroes—not simply to conduct an interview, but to learn from a pastor whose ministry, leadership, and integrity has shaped the church for decades.

Together they reflect on the experiences that form faithful servants of God. Pastor Greg shares his unlikely journey from a broken childhood to a lifetime of ministry, while Pastor Chuck offers a profound perspective on preaching, humility, suffering, leadership, and what it means to finish well. 

More than an interview, this is a candid conversation between two preachers—one drawing out the hard-earned wisdom of another whose life has been marked by grace, endurance, and unwavering faithfulness.

In this interview you'll hear:

• How God prepared two very different men for ministry
• Chuck Swindoll's timeless wisdom on preaching and shepherding God's people
• Greg's testimony of coming to Christ during the Jesus Movement
• Lessons learned from Billy Graham and Chuck Smith
• Why suffering often produces deeper compassion in those God uses most
• A moving discussion about grief, faith, and finding hope in life's hardest moments

Don't miss Part 2 of this conversation next week!

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What if the biggest obstacle to evangelism isn't skill—it's fear of failure?

In this conversation, two pastors with decades of experience in evangelism discuss the questions pastors and everyday Christians ask most often about communicating the gospel.

Greg Laurie is joined by Pastor Bob Franquiz of Calvary Fellowship in Miramar, Florida, for a practical conversation on preaching, personal evangelism, and helping people take a genuine step toward Christ.

They cover:
• How Chuck Smith identified the gift of evangelism in Greg before he saw it himself
• The difference between evangelizing and being an evangelist
• Why Greg says "study to be simple"—advice he got from Billy Graham
• How to build an evangelistic culture in your church
• The mechanics of a clear gospel invitation (and why most fall apart at the landing)
• The role of music, storytelling, and cultural awareness in reaching people
• Why success in evangelism is faithfulness, not numbers

Whether you're a pastor looking to sharpen your calling or a believer wanting to share Christ more naturally, this conversation is honest, practical, and full of hard-won wisdom from five decades of ministry.

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CHAPTERS
00:00 Cold open: proclaim, leave results to God
01:19 Discovering the gift of evangelism
04:09 Accidental pastor, disciplined teacher
06:39 Adapting the gospel to shifting culture
09:24 Studying to be simple
13:08 Building an evangelistic culture in your church
20:21 Empowering others when you're not the evangelist
24:52 Preaching a text vs. preaching for a decision
29:29 The shift from teaching to preaching
33:58 Clarity is everything in the invitation
44:35 The role of music in the invitation
54:21 Getting out of the Christian bubble
01:01:15 Fanning your gift into full flame

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America is at a crossroads: judgment or revival. In this episode, Greg Laurie makes the case that our nation's future depends on a spiritual awakening — and that it starts with everyday Christians choosing to live differently.

Drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, Greg unpacks what Jesus meant when He called His followers "salt and light," and why isolation isn't the answer to a darkening culture. Instead, we're called to infiltrate — to influence the people around us with authenticity, truth, and the gospel.

In this episode:
- Why the breakdown of the family sits at the root of America's crisis
- The two Georges who shaped America (and why one is often forgotten)
- What salt actually did in the ancient world — and how that applies to us
- How AI, deception, and cultural drift echo the warnings of Scripture
- Four practical ways to influence the culture without being compromised by it
- A closing invitation to put your faith in Jesus Christ

If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs hope for our nation.

YouTube timestamps
00:41 The genie and the impossible wish
02:18 America's moral and spiritual crisis
04:16 The Alaska wake-up call prank
05:47 Judgment or revival: two options
07:37 Salt and light in a dark world
09:34 AI and the illusion of progress
11:12 The Titanic and human pride
12:24 Infiltrate, don't isolate
14:24 America's Christian foundation and the two Georges
16:29 Speaking a language people understand
19:44 The gospel as a fragrance
21:47 What it means to be salt
25:31 The rapture and the removal of restraint
27:33 Stimulating spiritual thirst
30:52 The pepper flakes confession
33:34 Light exposes and shows the way
35:23 You alone represent Christ
36:11 Three things America needs

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What keeps you awake at night? In this exclusive bonus conversation, we dive deeper into what it means to experience true peace in the middle of uncertainty. Discover practical, faith filled insights on releasing anxiety, trusting God with tomorrow, and finding the kind of rest that isn't determined by your circumstances.

Whether you're struggling with stress, overthinking, or simply looking to strengthen your faith, this bonus episode offers encouragement and perspective to help you sleep without worry.

Be sure to subscribe so you never miss future bonus content and new episodes.

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Half of Americans struggle to fall asleep at night—and the culprit usually isn't caffeine or screens. It's worry.

In this episode, Greg Laurie opens up the Bible's answer to anxious thoughts that keep you awake. You'll learn why prayer is your secret weapon, how to cast your cares the way Scripture actually means it, and what Romans 8:28 is really saying (and what it isn't).

What we cover:
• Why becoming a Christian doesn't end your problems—but gives you a new way to face them
• King Jehoshaphat's honest prayer when he was outnumbered and out of options
• The conditioned reflex of "Don't panic, pray. Don't worry, worship."
• Why God's timing isn't indifference—it's wisdom
• The story of Joseph and how good can come despite genuinely bad things
• What can actually block your prayers

Greg also shares personal stories—praying years for his mother's salvation, losing his son Christopher, and trusting God when life doesn't tie up neatly.

If worry has been stealing your sleep, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe for new episodes every week.

Timestamps

00:35 Why half of Americans can't sleep
02:18 Christianity isn't the end of problems
03:24 Jehoshaphat's hopeless army
04:32 What "cast your cares" really means
07:13 Don't panic, pray — the conditioned reflex
09:18 Listen to sermons as you fall asleep
11:00 Worship before you petition
14:38 God's timing vs. your timing
15:39 Praying years for my mom's salvation
18:36 The persistent widow and the unjust judge
20:33 Romans 8:28 — what it does NOT mean
24:05 Losing my son Christopher
26:24 Joseph: bad thing, good thing, repeat
31:00 "You meant it for harm, God meant it for good"
33:43 The girl with the Volkswagen van
36:34 What blocks your prayers

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What if reaching the pinnacle of fame and fortune left you feeling emptier than ever? In this episode of The Greg Laurie Show, Pastor Greg Laurie sits down with baseball legend Darryl Strawberry, whose journey from World Series champion to redemption reveals the truth about success, addiction, and the deeper purpose behind it all.

A true sports icon, Darryl Strawberry played for the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers, winning four World Series titles and captivating millions. But behind the glory, Strawberry battled brokenness, substance abuse, and the relentless pressures of fame—ultimately finding hope and healing in a transformative relationship with Christ. This honest, heartfelt conversation uncovers the realities faced by celebrities and everyday people alike: Why does the pursuit of wealth and recognition so often leave us searching for meaning? And what does it take to truly find redemption?

Key moments in this episode include Darryl Strawberry’s revelation about the pain that drove his athletic greatness, the pivotal influence of his late mother’s faith, and the turning point when his wife Tracy’s unwavering example led him back to God. Together, Pastor Greg Laurie and Darryl Strawberry dive into the questions that matter: the emptiness of worldly achievement, the dangers of self-destructive behavior, and the simple but profound steps toward restoration.

If you’ve ever wondered where true fulfillment comes from—or how someone can turn their mess into a message—this episode is for you.

Subscribe for more conversations like this, featuring inspiring personal stories and faith-filled insights with Pastor Greg Laurie and remarkable guests.

Subscribe for more conversations like this, where faith meets life, and real stories lead to real hope.

Want more from Greg Laurie? Visit:  

https://harvest.org/.

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https://www.instagram.com/greglaurie/

https://x.com/greglaurie

https://www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie

 

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 When I Had Nothing, God Was There
02:20 Pain Led Me to Greatness, Pain Is Real
05:05 Handling Fame: Why Getting Booed Matters
09:00 Childhood Inspiration: Pete Rose and Dirty Uniforms
09:34 Mother's Prayers for My Salvation
12:05 The Void Fame and Wealth Cannot Fill
15:19 Tracy Pulled Me from Dope Houses
17:29 Success Impresses, Failure Impacts: True Surrender
18:47 Daily Surrender and Storms of Life
20:34 You Can Pick Sins, Not Consequences
22:15 Proving My Father Wrong by Succeeding
24:18 The Greatest Chapter: Working for the Lord
25:13 Deception of the Enemy and Finding Purpose
27:45 Restoration Requires Doing the Work
28:54 Jesus Rescues, Redeems, and Restores

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Is America’s extraordinary story just luck, or was it divinely orchestrated? In this powerful episode, bestselling author and cultural commentator Eric Metaxas joins for a thought-provoking live interview discussing the true origins of the United States—challenging the narratives you’ve heard and illuminating the faith-driven roots at the core of our nation’s founding.

With wit, warmth, and depth, Eric shares insights from his latest book, Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World, examining what made the American Revolution unique among world history’s revolutions—and why its principles still matter today. You’ll hear about the pivotal influence of figures like George Washington, Samuel Adams, and George Whitefield, and how their deep belief in God’s providence shaped the course of history and the culture of self-governance we often take for granted.

Key moments not to miss:

• The surprising spiritual groundwork of the revolution—including the influence of the Great Awakening and why, as Eric explains, “there has only been one revolution in the history of the world that ever succeeded—and that was the American Revolution”
• A behind-the-scenes conversation about George Washington’s character, humility, and miraculous survival through the chaos of war
• Why the Founding Fathers’ understanding of virtue and self-government offers urgent lessons for today’s political and cultural crossroads

Whether you’re a history buff, a passionate believer, or someone wrestling with where America is headed, this candid dialogue encourages us all to rediscover who we are, why our founding matters, and what it might look like to pursue national—and personal—revival.

Subscribe for more inspiring conversations at the intersection of faith, history, and culture.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 America’s Christian Roots and the Founding Fathers
01:13 President Trump Endorses New Book
02:27 Why “Revolution” Isn’t Just American
03:16 The Uniqueness of the American Revolution
04:10 Returning to the Sinai Covenant: America’s Spiritual Foundation
06:17 George Whitefield and the Great Awakening’s Impact
07:33 “Our Constitution Was Made for a Moral and Religious People”
10:11 Debunking the Founding Fathers as Mere Deists
13:00 Why Washington Was Chosen: The Power of Character
15:28 The Humility of Washington vs. Ambition of His Rivals
16:46 Overlooking John Adams: Restoring a Forgotten Hero
19:56 Broadening the Revolution: Virginia’s Critical Role
22:37 Samuel Adams: The True Father of the Revolution
24:26 The Stamp Act & Seeds of American Resistance
27:17 King George III’s Blindness and the Dangers of Arrogance
33:26 Christian Nationalism vs. American Exceptionalism
35:40 Loving Jesus and Loving Country: Compatible Callings
41:02 America’s Third Existential Crisis
44:36 Cultural Confidence, Truth, and the Fight for America
46:27 Most Impactful Modern Presidents: Trump and Reagan
49:09 “Revival Is America’s Root; We Need Another”
51:27 Signs of a New Spiritual Awakening
52:24 Reaching Young Adults: Patriotism and Faith
54:06 When Did America Lose Its Christian Values?
56:16 What Separation of Church and State Truly Means
58:54 Signing the Declaration: The Founders’ Most Courageous Act
62:03 America’s Hope: Becoming a City on a Hill Again
64:15 Closing Reflections and a Prayer for America

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