In this episode, Nick Stumbo (Executive Director of Pure Desire Ministries) shares his personal story of battling pornography addiction while serving as a pastor—and how it nearly cost him his marriage. Nick and Jerrad unpack the cycle of shame, hidden habits, emotional coping, and why true healing for Christian men requires more than confession.

If you've ever felt stuck in sin, numb to your marriage, or spiritually ashamed, this conversation offers a hopeful path toward recovery and freedom in Christ.

What You’ll Learn:

Why many Christian men deny the severity of their porn use
The real difference between struggle and addiction
How shame and secrecy keep men stuck
Understanding your middle circle behaviors (the warning signs)
Why confession alone doesn’t lead to freedom
How to identify your escape patterns
What wives need to know (and how to avoid trauma-based confessions)

Episode Resources and Links :

Pure Desire Ministries: puredesire.org
Book: Setting Us Free by Nick Stumbo
Recovery groups: Seven Pillars of Freedom (for men), Betrayal & Beyond (for wives)
The “Three Questions” that define addiction
Tools: Inner/Middle/Outer Circle framework, HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)
Sponsor: Dwell Bible App – dwellbible.com/dadtired
Invite Jerrad to speak: https://www.jerradlopes.com
Read The Dad Tired Book: https://amzn.to/3YTz4GB

Setting Us Free

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