The Overcomers with Matt Chandler

I got to sit down with Olga Reed, a longtime member of The Village Church and someone I deeply admire. Olga walks us through her story—from battling depression and loneliness as a first-generation college student, to coming to faith in Christ, and then surviving one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history at Virginia Tech.Her testimony is a resounding declaration that the darkness did not win and Christ was at work even in the darkest places. Through pain, trauma, and even survivor's guilt, Olga clung to the Word of God, discovered healing in community, and found that Jesus is better than life. In This EpisodeMeet Olga Reed: First-Gen Faith and Virginia TechDepression, Isolation, and Searching for BelongingSurrender to Jesus: "Fine"Finding Cru and Her First Bible StudyApril 15: The Suicide AttemptApril 16, 2007: Waking to SirensAfter the Shooting: Fear, Grief, and LonelinessHope in Romans 8 and the Power of ScriptureTriggers, Therapy, and Talking About ItEvil Exists, But So Does ResurrectionFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsQava.tvQAVA is a Christian streaming platform that helps you understand the Bible and live out your faith with confidence. Think of it as digital discipleship in your pocket. Visit qava.tv/theovercomers and use code OVERCOME50 for 50% off your first 6 months. That’s only $4.99 a month!Overcoming the Darkness by Nate PickowiczThis book offers biblical wisdom and the stories of faithful saints to help you see God’s faithfulness in the darkest seasons. Grab Overcoming the Darkness today at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold.On Our Way Home by Colleen ChaoThrough Scripture and her own journey of suffering, Colleen Chao reminds us that all our longings point to the joy of our true Home with Christ. Get your copy of On Our Way Home at MoodyPublishers.com or wherever good books are sold. –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Lauren Chandler, a pastor's wife and ministry leader, shares her journey from striving for perfection to embracing God's grace. She reflects on how her upbringing as a 'good girl' shaped her identity and fueled a relentless pursuit of approval. Their conversation reveals the power of surrender during Celebrate Recovery and how acknowledging her weaknesses led to true freedom. Lauren also discusses the importance of setting boundaries in relationships and the challenges of parenting while overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, inspiring listeners to find peace in their imperfections.

In this heartfelt discussion, Josh Turner—a pastor and author—shares his journey through profound suffering, particularly surrounding his daughter Riley's rare condition. He reflects on how these experiences reshaped his understanding of faith and God's sovereignty. Josh addresses the often-overlooked emotional struggles pastors face and introduces the 10Ten Project, designed to help leaders avoid burnout. His powerful insights on suffering and sonship offer hope and encouragement for anyone navigating pain, reminding listeners of God’s greater purpose.

In this engaging discussion, artist and writer Josh Nadeau shares his journey from a deeply catechized Christian upbringing to spiritual numbness and eventual rebirth through beauty. He delves into themes of apathy, addiction, and the struggle against Gnosticism in modern faith. Josh recounts finding hope in embodied discipleship through boxing and emphasizes the importance of the Theology of the Body. His book, Room For Good Things to Run Wild, reflects on using beauty and story to reconnect with the disenfranchised middle of Christianity.

JP and Ashley Graves, longtime members of The Village Church, share their powerful journey of overcoming alcohol dependence. JP recounts how casual drinking spiraled into addiction, affecting both his marriage and family life. Ashley reflects on the challenges of living with addiction, the pain of deception, and the path to forgiveness. The turning point comes with a heartfelt confession before a pivotal baptism. Their story highlights the significance of community support, faith, and the transformative power of recovery.

Will Chung, a pastor focused on discipleship in North Orange County, and Luke Lezon, a young adults pastor in Orlando, dive into the identity challenges faced by Gen Z and Millennials. They discuss the dangers of comfort culture and emphasize the importance of self-denial in the journey of faith. Personal stories reveal struggles with burnout, depression, and the need for authentic ministry. The conversation highlights how transient cities provide unique opportunities for gospel engagement and the role of mentorship in fostering spiritual growth.

Join entrepreneur Marty Bryan, founder of the Christian-themed Marty B’s restaurant chain, and former tech executive Eric Loper, now a consultant launching faith-based ventures. They explore the intersection of faith and business, sharing how to maintain values in the workplace. Marty reveals insights on building a nine-restaurant empire centered on hospitality, while Eric discusses transitioning from tech to purpose-driven companies. The duo emphasizes bold faith, ambition, and integrity in professional environments, advocating for work as a spiritual act.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Adam Paa, a social worker and Director of Redemptive Care at The Village Church, and Summer Vinson Berger, Executive Director of Care, delve into the complexities of pastoral care. They share insights on the importance of owning past failures and rebuilding a care framework focused on humility and healing. Topics include the integration of psychology and gospel, the messy realities of recovery, and how churches can better respond to trauma. Their heartfelt advice encourages both leaders and those seeking care to embrace vulnerability and seek authentic support.

Today I unpack the gritty, grace-filled realities of planting churches with three faithful men—Ronnie, Travis, and Spencer—who are living it right now. We talk about the surprising slowness of fruit, the wounds of unmet expectations, and the refining power of suffering. We also celebrate the deep friendships, family sacrifices, and the sacred calling of building from scratch. Whether you’re dreaming of planting, deep in the trenches, or a church member wondering how to help—this one will stir your heart and steady your hands.In This EpisodeWhy Church Planting Still MattersFirst-Year Surprises: Slow Growth, Big WorkVision Matters More Than You ThinkHeart Maintenance in the HustleQuestioning the Call: When Doubt Creeps InFamily and Friendship on the FrontlinesWhen Kids Feel the CostPaper Cuts and PerseveranceGod's Provision in ScarcityThe Power of Sending ChurchesPreaching and Leading from the TrenchesA Word for the Weary PlanterA Call to the Comfortable: Join the WorkResources MentionedBook: Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer - https://a.co/d/dij4kT2 Organizations & Networks:NAMB (North American Mission Board) – namb.netSend Network – sendnetwork.comActs 29 Church Planting Network – acts29.comFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | Newsletter–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this engaging conversation, Crawford Loritts and Ray Ortlund share their wisdom on navigating a lifelong commitment to ministry. Loritts, an esteemed speaker and author, discusses the struggles of maintaining humility and accountability. Ortlund, a respected pastor and author, emphasizes the sacred nature of pastoral work. They explore crucial topics like the rhythms that sustain faith, the call to vulnerability, and the importance of building strong marriages. Together, they inspire listeners to confront challenges with grace and stay faithful in their calling.