Resurge with Josh Howerton and Josh McPherson

In this episode, Pastors Josh Howerton and Andy Wood dive into church succession—drawing from their own leadership transitions at Lakepointe Church and Saddleback Church. They share practical strategies for navigating pastoral change and how to honor a church’s legacy while stepping into a new vision. The conversation also explores how churches can pursue revival through repentance, prayer, and intentional events, offering wisdom and encouragement to fellow church leaders. Plus, they tackle how to preach boldly and biblically in a progressive culture.  If this podcast is interesting and helpful to you, 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 Josh Howerton and Noah Herrin dive into the highs and lows of church planting and pastoring with a heart for the next generation. From growing as preachers and learning from seasoned mentors to handling critics with prayer, they unpack challenges of ministry today. If this podcast is interesting and helpful to you, 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 Josh Howerton, Josh McPherson, Ryan Visconti & Landon Schott share things they previously could not about their meeting at the White House and respond to objections to going. They react and gently respond to David French's concerns about them going. They talk about associating with Paula White, how pastors should relate to politics and much more. 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/

In the absence of Christian theology, secularism rushes in. Pastors Josh Howerton, Josh McPherson, and Ryan Visconti debate how Christians can engage in the culture war boldly and faithfully. They unpack how the Church is called to be salt and light in the world—especially in our nation. Together, they encourage believers to proactively advocate for truth and righteousness in a rapidly changing culture, seeking the peace and prosperity of our country.

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.