The Overcomers with Matt Chandler

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.

I sat down with artist, writer and friend Josh Nadeau to explore his path from theological precocity to personal crisis and ultimately, redemptive beauty. Josh shares how growing up steeped in Reformed theology didn’t insulate him from a slow descent into apathy, addiction, spiritual numbness, and walking through life “as a ghost”. It was beauty—raw, embodied, soul-stirring beauty—that woke him up. We talk about deconstruction, embodiment, addiction, the love of God, and why aesthetics — embodied faith — might be what Saints are made from. If you’re barely hanging on or wondering what a holy life could look like beyond checklists, I commend his book Room For Good Things to Run Wild to you.In This EpisodeGrowing up “super Christian” and deeply catechizedUniversity: the intellectual wrestling match of faithBurnout, apathy, and alcohol: five years of slow unravelingRock bottom: bourbon at 5am and the call of hidden musicChurchy clichés and the need for something that can bear the weightThe boxing gym: embodied weakness and discipleshipGnosticism, disembodied faith, and hunger for incarnationTheology of the Body & rediscovering the sacred in fleshBecoming a saint: not instant, not easy, but beautifulGod’s love beyond usefulness, the danger of returning to slaveryWhy Josh wrote Room for Good Things to Run WildBeauty as the apologetic for a disenchanted ageSpeaking to the silent middle: the “4 out of 10” Christian lifeGuest Resources Room for Good Things to Run Wild by Josh Nadeau Josh’s InstagramJosh’s SubstackFOLLOW 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 SponsorsOvercoming 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

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.

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.