Breaking Shame & Finding Freedom: Nick Stumbo on Pornography & Healing in the Church

Sep 24, 2025

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How can the church create safe spaces for healing from pornography and sexual brokenness? In this powerful conversation, Nick Stumbo from Pure Desire Ministry joins hosts Karen Potter and Rob Stoddard to talk about shame, recovery, and the hope of freedom in Christ.

In this episode of The Covenant Eyes Podcast, Karen Potter and Rob Stoddard sit down with Nick Stumbo, Executive Director of Pure Desire Ministry. Together, they explore how the church can respond to pornography and sexual addiction with grace, truth, and community.

Nick shares his personal story of transformation and how Pure Desire provides resources, small groups, and counseling to help men, women, and couples find lasting freedom.

The discussion covers:
• Why shame keeps people silent and how churches can break that barrier
• The importance of shifting our language from “you” to “we” when addressing sexual struggles
• How generational differences impact views on pornography
• Why both men and women need healing from sexual brokenness
• Practical steps for pastors and church leaders to start recovery groups
• How Pure Desire partners with Covenant Eyes to equip families and churches

💡 Whether you’re a church leader, parent, or individual seeking freedom, this conversation offers hope and a clear pathway forward.

🔗 Resources & Links:
Pure Desire: https://puredesire.org
Book: Hope, Healing and Freedom by Nick Stumbo & Ashley Jameson

Learn How Covenant Eyes Works:
https://cvnteyes.co/4gb6xme

#CovenantEyes #PureDesire #PornRecovery #FreedomInChrist #ChurchLeadership #OvercomingShame

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
00:50 – Who is Nick Stumbo and Pure Desire Ministry?
02:30 – How Pure Desire equips churches
05:00 – The power of in-person groups & community
06:50 – Breaking shame in the church
09:10 – Changing the pronouns: from “you” to “we”
12:30 – Generational differences in pornography struggles
16:00 – Stories of healing across generations
18:10 – Key findings from Beyond the Porn Phenomenon study
20:45 – The rise of porn use among women
23:30 – Helping Gen Z return to the church
26:00 – Why silence in the church feeds shame
28:20 – Building safe, structured communities
33:00 – Paradigm shifts for pastors and leaders
35:10 – Easy next steps for starting Pure Desire groups
39:00 – New book: Hope, Healing and Freedom
41:00 – Closing thoughts & resources

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