Resurge with Josh Howerton and Josh McPherson

Should Christians take a stand in the culture war on issues like abortion, gender, and sexuality? Some argue it’s divisive or that we should “just focus on the Gospel.” In this episode, Pastors Josh Howerton and Josh McPherson tackle these objections, unpack why contending for the faith matters, and explore how the church can shape culture rather than be shaped by it.

Is social media helping or hurting the Church? Pastors Josh Howerton and Carlos Erazo tackle common objections and misconceptions about pastors using social media to influence culture. They unpack why church leaders must step into the digital space—not just to contend for truth, but to disciple more effectively. If the church doesn’t disciple people, the world will.

Pastor Josh Howerton and Pastor Joby Martin refute top objections to megachurches, share watch outs for growing churches and unpack practical insights on sermon prep and preaching.Apply to be a part of our 2025 closed-door cohort for pastors as we go a layer deeper on topics like these: https://joshhowerton.com/closed-door-pastors-cohort/

Pastors tackle faith's intersection with politics, exploring how to navigate justice and mercy in immigration debates. They question the moral implications of supporting a leader like Trump while stressing the need for transparency and understanding within congregations. The conversation dives into the importance of guiding church communities through complex cultural shifts, addressing gender identity, and the significance of depth in discipleship. Through effective pastoral care, they challenge leaders to stand firm in biblical truths amid societal changes.

Pastors tackle the challenges of preaching in today's world, advocating for 'brokenhearted apostolic boldness.' They stress the importance of transparency and courage in confronting cultural lies with the gospel. The discussion differentiates preaching styles and their effectiveness, emphasizing authenticity and love. Key topics include navigating ethical beliefs amidst societal shifts, addressing tough subjects like marriage and sexuality, and the shared responsibility of parents and pastors in shaping faith. Clear and strategic communication is highlighted as essential for fostering unity.

In this discussion, Allie Beth Stuckey, author of "Toxic Empathy" and host of the Relatable podcast, dives into the pitfalls of toxic empathy in pastoral care. She emphasizes the need for compassion grounded in biblical truth, particularly regarding cultural issues like gender and marriage. Stuckey critiques emotional narratives around abortion and discusses the church's role in addressing societal lies. She champions truth in discipleship, especially for women, and explores the balance between compassion and truth within the Christian faith.

Russell Johnson, a pastor and guest speaker, dives into the challenges facing pastors today amid cultural hostility. He introduces the concept of 'negative world missiology,' emphasizing the need for renewed boldness in ministry. The discussion highlights the church's response to cultural tensions during COVID-19, maintaining a clear mission while fostering community. Johnson advocates for authentic faith that prioritizes divine approval over societal pressures, urging leaders to courageously convey the gospel amidst a complex cultural landscape.

Church leaders are facing unprecedented challenges in today's cultural climate. They discuss the need for strong, united teams capable of weathering societal pressures. Key topics include navigating emotional challenges amid public scrutiny and the evolving dynamics of Christian orthodoxy. The hosts highlight strategic hiring practices and the importance of unity over diversity in leadership. They emphasize the need for accountability and courageous governance structures that can adapt swiftly to changing circumstances.

Join Jon Tyson, a seasoned pastor who planted a church in NYC and learned from Tim Keller, as he shares insights on fostering a vibrant church culture. They explore innovative sermon prep ideas and the transformative influence of the Holy Spirit in ministry. Tyson emphasizes healing through worship, powerful stories of faith, and the necessity of a strong community. They also tackle the church's relationship with an increasingly skeptical society, encouraging pastors to balance truth with compassion in addressing complex moral issues.

The hosts tackle the urgent need for pastors to reassess their approach to politics in a shifting cultural climate. They explore the challenges of trust in institutions and the moral complexities of foreign aid. The conversation shifts to spiritual revival in Montreal, highlighting the pushback against progressive ideologies. Emphasizing faith's influence on politics, they advocate for moral leadership and proactive church engagement. Historical perspectives reveal the importance of a strong Christian stance in today's political discourse.