Why are churches afraid to talk about the issues people struggle with most?

In this episode, Pastor Mike Novotny—author of Taboo and lead pastor at The Core Church—tackles the uncomfortable truth about why churches often avoid topics like pornography, suicide, abuse, and mental health. With vulnerability and biblical clarity, he explains how fear, shame, and “image management” have silenced the very conversations that could bring healing.

Novotny shares how the church can reclaim its voice by leading with humility, creating safe spaces for confession, and rooting every hard conversation in the identity we have in Christ—not just behavior modification. Whether you're a pastor, parent, or someone quietly struggling, this episode reminds you: Jesus is not afraid of your story.

🔑 In This Episode:

• The 3 reasons churches avoid taboo topics

• How confession breaks shame and brings healing

• Why identity in Christ is the key to lasting change

• The gospel vs. legalism in the hardest conversations

• Real talk on pornography, depression, and trauma

• What healthy repentance looks like in everyday life

🔔 Subscribe and share if you believe the Church should be the safest place to talk about real issues.

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