The Overcomers with Matt Chandler

This episode is special to me. I sit down with two of my heroes in the faith—Ray Ortlund and Crawford Loritts. These men have been anchors for me in moments of doubt and discouragement, and I wanted to ask them the questions that most pastors eventually ask themselves: How do you stay faithful for the long haul? How do you finish well when so many don't? We talk about the rhythms that sustained them over decades, the call of ministry that’s far more than a career, and what it looks like to fight pride and pursue humility every single day. We also dive deep into marriage, legacy, and the sacredness of being a pastor. If you're in the trenches—especially in your 20s to 40s—this one's for you. I want to finish well, and I know you do too.In This Episode[02:00] Rhythms That Sustain the Soul[05:00] The Call of God vs. a Career in Ministry[08:00] Shepherding, Not Hiring: A Vision for Pastoral Ministry[13:00] The Crisis of Calling in a Careerist Culture[16:00] The Tragedy of Falling Away[20:00] Discerning the Dangers in Different Seasons[25:00] Kill the Lion: Confronting Sin Early[30:00] The Deception of Success[33:00] The Call to Vulnerability and Brotherhood[36:00] Marriage, Legacy, and Intimacy[40:00] Cultivating Lifelong Love with Your Spouse[45:00] Final Encouragement: Stay Low, Stay FaithfulResourcesFinishing Strong by Steve FarrarDangerous Calling by Paul David TrippFOLLOW 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 SponsorsCovenant EyesVictory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Zack Brown, an Army veteran and founder of Casualties of War, Kasey Brown, a Marine Corps vet and coordinator for the Military Veteran Peer Network, and PJ Kratohvil, also a Marine Corps veteran active in Therapeutic Recreation, share their powerful stories. They delve into the healing journey post-combat, emphasizing the significance of community and faith in overcoming isolation. Their candid discussions cover moral injury, the importance of genuine connections, and how veterans can find purpose and support in their transitions to civilian life.

Join Mason King and Nick Crawford, both elders at The Village Church, as they dive into the significance of plurality in church leadership. They discuss the biblical foundation for shared authority and why one-man leadership can be perilous. The conversation explores how collective decision-making fosters humility and accountability, enhancing church health. Their personal anecdotes illustrate the strength of camaraderie among elders, while practical insights shed light on choosing and mentoring leaders to prevent harm within the congregation.

In a heartfelt conversation, Michelle Bowman, an educator and spiritual mother, shares her transformative journey through hardship and divorce. She emphasizes the beauty of belonging to a supportive church community after feeling lost. Michelle discusses navigating singlehood while embracing her identity in Christ, the joy of spiritual motherhood, and the healing power of service. Her story reveals how resilience can emerge from pain, encouraging listeners to step into light and find purpose, joy, and connection in unexpected seasons.

Join Colleen Searcy, a dedicated Women's director at The Village Church, and Ryan Wester, a heartfelt Groups home director, as they share their contrasting journeys into ministry. Colleen’s upbringing in a faith-filled family shaped her calling, while Ryan found redemption from a turbulent past. They discuss the unique challenges women face in ministry, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative power of community. Their inspiring conversation advocates for recognizing and empowering women's gifts in the church, highlighting that when women thrive, the whole body flourishes.

In this episode of The Overcomers, I sit down with Danny Spencer, a long-time member of The Village Church, as he shares his powerful story of healing and hope. Raised in a home marked by addiction and loss, Danny carried deep wounds into adulthood—even as he built a successful banking career. Behind the scenes, alcohol was quietly undoing everything.At his lowest point, Danny found his way into a 12-step meeting and soon after, into the community at Highland Village First Baptist Church. It was there that God began a radical work of redemption. Through the support of people like Ida Stump and a faithful home group, Danny’s life began to change—his sobriety took hold, and his faith deepened.In this conversation, we explore the healing power of Gospel community, the beauty of restored relationships, and the truth that no one is ever too far gone. If you or someone you love is struggling, Danny’s story will point you to hope, healing, and the One who breaks every chain.TOPICS DISCUSSEDFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGod’s Faithfulness in the MessBreaking Chains in CommunityHealing That Only Jesus BringsFOLLOW 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 SponsorsCovenant EyesVictory by Covenant Eyes is a powerful tool that helps Christians who are serious and want to quit porn for good or never start. Victory combines industry-leading technology with decades of experience and leadership in recovery content, accountability, and behavior change.The Victory app, with powerful accountability features built in and the optional blocking technology, makes it an unparalleled tool in the fight to live a porn-free life.Anyone can get started on their path to recovery for free by visiting: Covenanteyes.com/overcomers for 30 days free.CommunioCommunio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. Visit: communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. Air DoctorAirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code OVERCOMERS and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using my promo code OVERCOMERS at checkout!–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Pastors Leonce Crump and Joby Martin share their journeys through the pressures of leadership, discussing resilience in the face of burnout and doubt. Leonce reflects on his heartbreak and how nature rejuvenated his spirit, while Joby recalls a moment he nearly quit ministry, nudged back by his wife. They explore the delicate balance of public life and family, advocating for authenticity in leadership and protecting their children from public scrutiny. Together, they emphasize leaning on faith during tough times and the value of community support.

Family life is messy—loud, exhausting, and often overwhelming. But the everyday moments—car rides, meals, bedtime—can be sacred opportunities to point our kids to Jesus.This week on the Overcomers Podcast, I sit down with Adam Griffin, author and host of the Family Discipleship Podcast, to talk about leading our families in grace, not perfection. Adam shares his struggles with impatience and how embracing our weaknesses can deepen our parenting.We unpack simple but powerful practices—like the driveway prayer to reset before stepping inside, the sacredness of family meals, and the importance of consistency in shaping faith. And in a world where screens are discipling our kids faster than we are, Adam offers wisdom on keeping them engaged, guarding their hearts, and staying united as parents.You don’t have to be a perfect parent—just present, humble, and faithful.TOPICS DISCUSSEDParenting Challenges and Cultivating HumilityServing and Loving ImperfectlyHome Formation Through Routines and MilestonesFostering Family Connection Through CommunicationNavigating Different Parenting PhilosophiesNavigating Technological Challenges in ParentingParenting with CommunityGUEST RESOURCESFamily Discipleship PodcastFamily Discipleship BookAdam's Forthcoming BookFollow AdamFollow Family Discipleship PodcastFOLLOW 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 SponsorsCommunioCommunio is not another program. It’s a non-profit organization that comes alongside churches, training and equipping them to evangelize through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. Family structure is key for passing on faith to children, yet 72 percent of churches lack significant relationship ministry. That’s where Communio comes in. Communio has worked with hundreds of churches across the country. These churches have seen divorce rates drop – attendance rise – weekly generosity increase – and marriage and family bonds restored. Visit communio.org/overcomers to learn more about the Communio impact and how Communio can come alongside your church. Aqua TruHaving safe, clean water is the last thing you want to worry about, but unfortunately, According to extensive research by the Environmental Working Group, virtually every home in America has harmful contaminants in its tap water. That's why we love our AquaTru water filter. AquaTru purifiers use a 4-stage reverse osmosis purification process, and their countertop purifiers work with NO installation or plumbing.The Overcomers listeners can receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com and enter code “OVERCOMERS“ at checkout. AquaTru comes with a 30-day Money-Back Guarantee.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Thanks for tuning in to another episode of The Overcomers. In this episode, I’m joined by Kim Zember, whose journey with Jesus shows the messy, beautiful reality of sanctification. Growing up in a Christian home in Southern California, Kim had some transformative encounters with Jesus, but her path hasn’t always been straightforward.We dive into the challenges Kim faced growing up—especially her early view of God as this authoritative figure, which led to a legalistic way of thinking. There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to understanding who we are in Christ, and for Kim, the journey wasn’t a straight line. We talk about the moments that shook her understanding of herself, her faith, and her sexuality—especially navigating feelings and desires she had that seemed counter to who she believed she truly was.This episode is a reminder that God’s love and grace are bigger than our struggles, and no matter where we are, we can always turn toward Him. Join us for an honest, powerful conversation about faith, identity, and transformation.TOPICS DISCUSSEDNavigating Gender Identity and RelationshipsThe Struggle With Self-Identity and FaithEncountering God's Healing and LoveEmbracing Imperfection and God’s Grace Through Relational FaithFinding Grace and GrowthGUEST RESOURCESKim Zember’s WebsiteFollow KimBuy Kim’s BookFOLLOW 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 SponsorsAmericans take about 20,000 breaths a day and spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. The indoor air that we breathe can be up to 100 times MORE polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. AirDoctor is the air purifier that filters out 99.99% of dangerous contaminants so your lungs don’t have to.AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping! Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code OVERCOMERS and you’ll receive up to $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value! Lock this special offer by using my promo code OVERCOMERS at checkout!–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In a heartfelt conversation, Lauren Chandler, co-host and wife of Matt Chandler, discusses Matt's transformative healing journey. They delve into his realization of needing help in 2015 and the pivotal counseling experience with Jack that helped him confront inner struggles. Matt shares how humor masked his emotional challenges and the shift from problem-solving to fostering genuine connections. This episode emphasizes embracing vulnerability, personal growth, and the importance of deep relationships in one’s healing and ministry.