Today I unpack the gritty, grace-filled realities of planting churches with three faithful men—Ronnie, Travis, and Spencer—who are living it right now. We talk about the surprising slowness of fruit, the wounds of unmet expectations, and the refining power of suffering. We also celebrate the deep friendships, family sacrifices, and the sacred calling of building from scratch. Whether you’re dreaming of planting, deep in the trenches, or a church member wondering how to help—this one will stir your heart and steady your hands.

In This Episode

• Why Church Planting Still Matters
• First-Year Surprises: Slow Growth, Big Work
• Vision Matters More Than You Think
• Heart Maintenance in the Hustle
• Questioning the Call: When Doubt Creeps In
• Family and Friendship on the Frontlines
• When Kids Feel the Cost
• Paper Cuts and Perseverance
• God's Provision in Scarcity
• The Power of Sending Churches
• Preaching and Leading from the Trenches
• A Word for the Weary Planter
• A Call to the Comfortable: Join the Work

Resources Mentioned

Book: Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer - https://a.co/d/dij4kT2 

Organizations & Networks:

• NAMB (North American Mission Board) – namb.net
• Send Network – sendnetwork.com
• Acts 29 Church Planting Network – acts29.com

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

This episode is special to me. I sit down with two of my heroes in the faith—Ray Ortlund and Crawford Loritts. These men have been anchors for me in moments of doubt and discouragement, and I wanted to ask them the questions that most pastors eventually ask themselves: How do you stay faithful for the long haul? How do you finish well when so many don't? We talk about the rhythms that sustained them over decades, the call of ministry that’s far more than a career, and what it looks like to fight pride and pursue humility every single day. We also dive deep into marriage, legacy, and the sacredness of being a pastor. If you're in the trenches—especially in your 20s to 40s—this one's for you. I want to finish well, and I know you do too.

In This Episode

• [02:00] Rhythms That Sustain the Soul
• [05:00] The Call of God vs. a Career in Ministry
• [08:00] Shepherding, Not Hiring: A Vision for Pastoral Ministry
• [13:00] The Crisis of Calling in a Careerist Culture
• [16:00] The Tragedy of Falling Away
• [20:00] Discerning the Dangers in Different Seasons
• [25:00] Kill the Lion: Confronting Sin Early
• [30:00] The Deception of Success
• [33:00] The Call to Vulnerability and Brotherhood
• [36:00] Marriage, Legacy, and Intimacy
• [40:00] Cultivating Lifelong Love with Your Spouse
• [45:00] Final Encouragement: Stay Low, Stay Faithful

Resources

• Finishing Strong by Steve Farrar
• Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp

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Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

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Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

In this episode, I sat down with three close friends—Zack Brown, Kasey Brown, and PJ Kratohvil—all veterans who served overseas in the Army and Marines. We unpack what life in the military gave them, what it took, and how faith became the thread that started to stitch them back together. From life growing up to the trauma of combat, and from isolation to post-traumatic growth, this conversation is raw, redemptive, and real. If you’ve ever wondered how to care well for the veterans in your life—or if you're a veteran yourself looking for hope—this one’s for you.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Meet Zach, Casey, and PJ: Army and Marine Corps Vets
• [03:00] Church Kids with No Relationship: How Faith Rekindled in Combat
• [07:00] Not Called to Be Good Men: Deconstructing Religious Misconceptions
• [10:00] Gold and Shadow: What Military Life Taught Them
• [16:00] Isolation After Return: Why Veterans Struggle in Civilian Life
• [22:00] Surface-Level Friendships and the Mission That’s Missing
• [26:00] War, Guilt, and God’s Grace: Wrestling with Moral Injury
• [31:00] Misconceptions About Vets and What They Really Need
• [36:00] “You're Not Special”: The Lie of Isolation and the Need for Brotherhood
• [41:00] Welcome Home, Not Just Thank You: Honoring Veterans Well
• [44:00] Jobs, Purpose, and the Path to Healing
• [47:00] Faith and Freedom: How Jesus Heals the Warrior’s Heart
• [54:00] Organizations on the Frontlines of Veteran Healing

Resources

Books

• On Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman 
• On Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman 
• On Spiritual Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
• Tribe by Sebastian Junger

Veteran Support Organizations

• TRG (Therapeutic Recreation Group)
• Website 
•  Instagram
• Denton County MVPN (Military Veteran Peer Network)
• Website
• Victory Therapy Center
• Website
• GallantFew (provides free counseling for veterans)
• Website
• Casualties of War (Founded by Zack Brown)
• Website

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Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

In this episode, I sat down with Mason King and Nick Crawford—two of my fellow elders at The Village—to talk about plurality. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s biblical, and because it has been a safeguard in my ministry. Early on, I had all the power, all the control—and I knew it. It was efficient, it was fast, and it was dangerous. So we talk about why one-man leadership is a bad idea, what true elder plurality actually looks like, and how it’s protected us, humbled us, and served the body over the years. If you’re planting a church, rethinking leadership, or just wondering how to build something that lasts—this one’s for you.

In This Episode

• [03:00] The Biblical Case for Plurality
• [06:00] Why We Avoid Plurality
• [12:00] What Plurality Has Given Us
• [16:00] Shield-to-Shield Leadership
• [21:00] How We Choose Elders
• [30:00] When Plurality Prevents Church Hurt
• [38:00] Signs of Fake Plurality
• [43:00] First Steps Toward Plurality
• [49:00] Final Encouragements to Young Leaders

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Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Man, today’s episode is rich. I’m sitting down with Dr. Michelle Bowman—an educator, leader, and sister in Christ who has walked through the fire and come out on the other side with her joy still. Her story? It’s not the cleaned-up version. It’s real. Ten years of struggle, a marriage that ended in heartbreak, and a journey back into the family of faith, not with shame but with strength.

What you’ll hear in Michelle is the kind of resilience that only comes from walking with Jesus through deep pain. From idolizing marriage to embracing her calling as a spiritual mother, she’s living proof that you can lose everything the world calls secure and still gain something far better—belonging, joy, and purpose in Christ.

If you've ever felt like your story disqualifies you, let this be a holy disruption. There’s healing here, and it starts by stepping into the light. Keep your eyes up.

In This Episode

• [02:00] - Walking Through Divorce & Letting Go of Identity
• [04:30] - Coming Home to TVC: A Story of Community & Welcome
• [08:00] - Serving in Singleness: From Family Legacy to Faithful Presence
• [10:45] - Can You Love Jesus and Not the Church?
• [14:30] - The Cost and Freedom of Being a Single Woman in the Church
• [17:45] - Seeing God's Goodness in Unexpected Seasons
• [21:30] - Spiritual Motherhood & Nurturing the Body of Christ
• [25:45] - Lifelong Encouragers: Family, Faithful Friends & SSR Sisters
• [28:15] - A Heart for Missions: Finding Purpose on the Field
• [30:00] - Rhythms That Keep Her Anchored: Serving, Studying, and Scripture
• [33:00] - To the One Feeling Shame: What Michelle Wants You to Hear
• [40:00] - A Final Word on Grace, Courage, and Coming Home Again

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

In this episode of The Overcomers, I sit down with Colleen Searcy and Ryan Wester for a really honest, meaningful conversation about calling, faith, and what it looks like to lead in the local church as a woman.

Colleen grew up in a home shaped by deep faith. Her grandfather didn’t just teach her the Apostles' Creed—he lived it. From early on, she was being discipled, not just taught. Her story is one of steady formation in the gospel. Ryan’s journey, on the other hand, is very different. She came from a background marked by pain and dysfunction, and yet God broke in with redeeming grace, drawing her out of darkness and into life and ministry.

Their stories are so different, but both are powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness—and of how He calls women into ministry through all kinds of paths. We dig into some of the challenges women face in ministry—especially in places where their gifts haven’t always been recognized or encouraged. Colleen and Ryan talk about how discipleship and spiritual friendship helped them navigate that space and step into their calling with clarity and courage.

I want the Church to be a place that sees the gifts God’s given His daughters and cheers them on as they lead, teach, disciple, and serve the church. Because when women walk in their Spirit-given calling, the whole body flourishes.

This conversation reminded me—again—that the Spirit of God is doing something beautiful in and through the lives of women at The Village and beyond. And I’m grateful I get to witness it.

• (00:14) – How Jesus Found Us and Called Us In
• (09:13) – When Ministry Finds You in the Most Unexpected Places
• (12:53) – Discipled Into a Calling
• (26:03) – Doing Ministry Side by Side Without the Weirdness
• (37:03) – Cheering Her On
• (41:21) – Let Her Teach, Lead, and Build the Church

• Women in Ministry (Condensed)
• Women in Ministry (Full Version)

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

In this episode of The Overcomers, I sit down with Danny Spencer, a long-time member of The Village Church, as he shares his powerful story of healing and hope. Raised in a home marked by addiction and loss, Danny carried deep wounds into adulthood—even as he built a successful banking career. Behind the scenes, alcohol was quietly undoing everything.

At his lowest point, Danny found his way into a 12-step meeting and soon after, into the community at Highland Village First Baptist Church. It was there that God began a radical work of redemption. Through the support of people like Ida Stump and a faithful home group, Danny’s life began to change—his sobriety took hold, and his faith deepened.

In this conversation, we explore the healing power of Gospel community, the beauty of restored relationships, and the truth that no one is ever too far gone. If you or someone you love is struggling, Danny’s story will point you to hope, healing, and the One who breaks every chain.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• From Rock Bottom to Redemption
• God’s Faithfulness in the Mess
• Breaking Chains in Community
• Healing That Only Jesus Brings

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

Air Doctor

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–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Leadership under pressure is no joke. Pastors Leonce Crump and Joby Martin open up about the weight of responsibility—when betrayal, exhaustion, and doubt threaten to take you out. Leonce shares about seasons of heartbreak that nearly broke him, and Joby talks about burnout, even in a thriving ministry. This isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about leaning into Jesus when you’re running on empty.

What keeps you in the fight? Joby almost walked away from ministry, ready to sell caskets instead—until his wife nudged him to give it one more shot. Matt shares about hitting a wall, realizing he was leading from fumes instead of fresh conviction. And Leonce? He found renewal not just in faith, but in reconnecting with the outdoors and rediscovering the things that replenish his soul.

How do you stay grounded in public life? These guys talk about balancing leadership with raising kids, protecting their families from unfair expectations, and keeping their faith real. If you’re feeling worn out or wondering how to keep going, this conversation is for you.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Pastoral Leaders Discuss Resilience and Overcoming
• Leaders Embrace Growth and Restoration
• Navigating Public Life and Family Pressure
• Balancing Ministry and Family Life
• Ministry Shift

GUEST RESOURCES

Joby Martin

Leonce Crump

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Covenant Eyes

Victory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.

The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life

Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

Air Doctor

AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code OVERCOMERS and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using my promo code OVERCOMERS at checkout!

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Family life is messy—loud, exhausting, and often overwhelming. But the everyday moments—car rides, meals, bedtime—can be sacred opportunities to point our kids to Jesus.

This week on the Overcomers Podcast, I sit down with Adam Griffin, author and host of the Family Discipleship Podcast, to talk about leading our families in grace, not perfection. Adam shares his struggles with impatience and how embracing our weaknesses can deepen our parenting.

We unpack simple but powerful practices—like the driveway prayer to reset before stepping inside, the sacredness of family meals, and the importance of consistency in shaping faith. And in a world where screens are discipling our kids faster than we are, Adam offers wisdom on keeping them engaged, guarding their hearts, and staying united as parents.

You don’t have to be a perfect parent—just present, humble, and faithful.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Parenting Challenges and Cultivating Humility
• Serving and Loving Imperfectly
• Home Formation Through Routines and Milestones
• Fostering Family Connection Through Communication
• Navigating Different Parenting Philosophies
• Navigating Technological Challenges in Parenting
• Parenting with Community

GUEST RESOURCES

Family Discipleship Podcast

Family Discipleship Book

Adam's Forthcoming Book

Follow Adam

Follow Family Discipleship Podcast

FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:

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If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!

Thank you to our Sponsors

Communio

Communio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. 

Visit communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. 

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–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Overcomers. In this episode, I’m joined by Kim Zember, whose journey with Jesus shows the messy, beautiful reality of sanctification. Growing up in a Christian home in Southern California, Kim had some transformative encounters with Jesus, but her path hasn’t always been straightforward.

We dive into the challenges Kim faced growing up—especially her early view of God as this authoritative figure, which led to a legalistic way of thinking. There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to understanding who we are in Christ, and for Kim, the journey wasn’t a straight line. We talk about the moments that shook her understanding of herself, her faith, and her sexuality—especially navigating feelings and desires she had that seemed counter to who she believed she truly was.

This episode is a reminder that God’s love and grace are bigger than our struggles, and no matter where we are, we can always turn toward Him. Join us for an honest, powerful conversation about faith, identity, and transformation.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Navigating Gender Identity and Relationships
• The Struggle With Self-Identity and Faith
• Encountering God's Healing and Love
• Embracing Imperfection and God’s Grace Through Relational Faith
• Finding Grace and Growth

GUEST RESOURCES

Kim Zember’s Website

Follow Kim

Buy Kim’s Book

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AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code OVERCOMERS and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using my promo code OVERCOMERS at checkout!

–

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. 

For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]