Recovering Fundamentalist Podcast

Episode 200 - THE END.  I can’t believe I’m even writing those words. What started as three guys with microphones and a shared burden has grown into something far bigger than we could’ve ever imagined — a movement of freedom, healing, and truth for thousands of people who dared to ask, “Is this really what Jesus intended?” And now… this chapter comes to a close. Episode 200 is the final episode of the Recovering Fundamentalist Podcast. This one is raw. It’s honest. It’s filled with stories, gratitude, and reflection on everything God has done over the past 6 years. It hasn’t always been easy. Relationships were tested. Seasons changed. But through it all — grace carried us. To everyone who listened, who shared your story, who supported us, who cried in the car, who finally felt seen… thank you. This is the end of one thing — but the beginning of something new. A new season is coming. A new podcast. A new voice. But the mission stays the same: To walk in truth. To live in freedom. To follow Jesus with everything we’ve got. FollowingTheWayPodcast.com will launch in 2026. Keep checking back for the website to go live soon!  If the RFP meant something to you — this final episode is for you. So one last time… Let’s GO. Episode #200 — streaming now and forever anywhere and everywhere podcast can be downloaded. 

Episode 199 – Leave a Legacy  “Legacy isn’t about what you leave behind. It’s about what you build into others while you’re still here.” As we approach the final chapter of the RFP journey, Episode 199 hits deep. JC Groves sits down with long-time friend and Word of Life missionary Caleb Cody for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to leave a legacy. This episode isn’t about platform, praise, or performance. It’s about presence. It’s about impact. It’s about choosing every day to live with intention, honesty, and grace — and trusting that God is writing something bigger than we can see. Together, JC and Caleb explore:What real legacy looks like — beyond titles and applauseHow deconstruction shaped the legacy they want to leavePractical ways to start building a legacy todayWhy it’s never too late to begin writing a better story This isn’t just another episode. It’s a moment. A pause to reflect. A space to breathe. And a reminder that your story, your influence, and your faithfulness still matter. Episode 200 drops next week, and it’s the final one. — www.recoveringfundamentalist.org Available wherever you listen to podcasts. YOUTUBE Video at the start of the episode

Episode #198: "Narcissism in the name of the Lord - The real church scandal"  Not everyone who says “God told me” is hearing from God. Not every “pastor” is a shepherd. Some are narcissists in church clothes—manipulating, gaslighting, and controlling people in the name of Jesus. In this raw, unfiltered episode, JC breaks down: How to spot narcissists—especially in spiritual leadership What it really means to “mark and avoid” (Romans 16:17) The difference between confidence and control How to start healing if you’ve been spiritually abused If you've ever walked away from a toxic church or been called a narcissist just for standing in confidence… This one's for you. You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. And you don’t have to stay silent. Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

EPISODE #197 — “Sonship” with Lynn Gibson Before you were a husband, a pastor, a provider, a screw-up, or a success… You were a son. And that identity hasn’t changed. In this powerful episode, JC sits down with Lynn Gibson — author of “ENOUGH: One Man’s Search for Adequacy” and founder of Wild Heart Adventures — to talk about what it means to live from a place of sonship, not striving. They explore: • Why so many men feel inadequate • How grace redefines masculinity • The difference between working for God’s love vs. living from it • And how to finally come home to the Father If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, performance, or the deep ache to be seen and accepted — this one’s for you. You are enough — because He says you are. https://recoveringfundamentalist.org/

On this weeks episode, Host JC Groves welcome Daniel Winn to the show and we hear the powerful journey of hope, healing and beloning.  This episode explores Daniel's transition from a rigid religious upbringing to finding true belonging in grace and freedom. Discover how Daniel's story resonates with themes of leaving legalism behind to embrace a deeper understanding of faith and community. This episode promises to inspire and challenge as we explore the transformative power of grace in Daniel's life and in our own journeys. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation that reminds us all of the beauty found in leaving and the belonging that follows.

Episode 195: “Just Be Normal, Bro” with Christiana Miller In this episode of the Recovering Fundamentalist Podcast, JC is joined by the hilarious and deeply insightful Christiana Miller — singer, songwriter, comedian, and social media influencer — who’s using her platforms to help people break free from the chains of legalism… one reel at a time. Christiana’s message is simple: “Just be normal, bro.” You don’t have to go to extremes to follow Jesus. You don’t have to live in fear to be faithful. And no, you don’t have to give up your personality to be holy. We talk about: Life after legalism and what “normal” faith looks like How humor and music help in the healing process The mental toll of performance-based religion Why it’s 100% possible to have a thriving life and a healthy relationship with Jesus — without all the rules Whether you're fresh out of fundamentalism or just realizing how deep it went, this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even breathe a little easier. Because freedom isn’t just theological — it’s personal. https://www.youtube.com/@christianamillermusic https://recoveringfundamentalist.org/ https://hopechurchcatoosa.com/

In this episode of the Recovering Fundamentalist Podcast, Host, JC Groves sits down with Dr. Marcus Merritt, Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Luther Rice Theological Seminary, for an honest and eye-opening conversation about accreditation in Christian education. Whether you’re considering Bible college, seminary, or guiding the next generation of church leaders, this episode dives into the practical, theological, and ministry-related implications of choosing an accredited vs. unaccredited institution. We talk about: What accreditation actually is—and why it matters The real-world consequences of unaccredited degrees How credibility in education supports the credibility of ministry The balance between spiritual formation and academic rigor With humor, honesty, and insight, this conversation challenges some deeply held assumptions and offers clarity for anyone navigating the world of Christian higher ed. Grab your coffee, light up that cigar, and join us for a conversation every pastor, student, and parent needs to hear. Website: https://www.lutherrice.edu   Request Info Page: https://www.lutherrice.edu/requestinfo/     Doctor of Ministry Page: https://www.lutherrice.edu/degree-programs/doctor_of_ministrys   Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lutherrice_official https://recoveringfundamentalist.org/ https://www.patreon.com/c/RecoveringFundamentalistPodcastJC?redirect=true https://hopechurchcatoosa.com/

EPISODE 193: The Power of Prayer (with Danny Hesterly of Pray Chattanooga) What if prayer isn’t about performance—but about presence? In this episode of the Recovering Fundamentalist Podcast, host JC Groves sits down with Danny Hesterly, founder of Pray Chattanooga, to talk about reclaiming the beauty, honesty, and power of prayer. For many recovering from religious trauma or legalism, prayer can feel like a painful memory or a forgotten practice. But what if prayer is actually the path back to healing, peace, and connection with God? Danny shares stories from the grassroots prayer movement sweeping through Chattanooga, along with practical encouragement for anyone who feels distant from God—or just doesn’t know where to start again. If prayer has ever felt confusing, heavy, or fake, this conversation will remind you of one powerful truth: God isn’t impressed with your performance—He just wants your presence.Billy Graham Video from episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wrvqVnFrkM&t=141s https://recoveringfundamentalist.org/ HopeChurchCatoosa.com

Episode #192 we dive deep into the topic of "Healthy Churches - What to Look For." Our special guest, Chris Goeppner, pastor of Riverbank Church in Vermont.  Chris brings invaluable insights on identifying signs of health and vitality in church communities. From leadership transparency to genuine community engagement, we explore practical markers that define a thriving church. Whether you're a church leader, member, or simply curious about church health, this episode offers wisdom and inspiration for cultivating vibrant spiritual communities. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on what truly makes a church thrive! https://riverbankchurch.com/ https://hopechurchcatoosa.com/ https://recoveringfundamentalist.org/ https://www.patreon.com/c/RecoveringFundamentalistPodcastJC?redirect=true

Episode 191: The Weight of Perfectionism in the IFB and Legalistic Churches In this powerful episode, Host JC Groves is joined by Sarah Vick, founder of A-mom-logetics—a ministry dedicated to equipping moms to defend a rock-solid faith in a shifting-sand culture and communicate deep truths to their kids in age-appropriate ways. Together, we unpack the silent burden of perfectionism that so many of us carried in the IFB and other legalistic church environments. From personal stories to practical insights, we explore how performance-based faith distorts the gospel, impacts parenting, and damages our view of God. Sarah shares her journey of healing, and how moms (and all believers) can begin breaking the cycle of fear, shame, and spiritual burnout—and instead embrace grace, honesty, and freedom in Christ. If you've ever felt like you had to be perfect to be loved by God, this episode is for you.  

On this episode we dive into all things Word Of Life with our special guest Jonathan Bubar. Whether you're familiar with their ministry or new to their impact, this episode is packed with insights and stories that will inspire and challenge. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! wol.org recoveringfundamentalist.org hopechurchcatoosa.com

In this episode Host JC Groves welcomes Joey Presutti — a church planter and pastor who’s helping reshape the way we think about starting new churches in a post-COVID world.   As two new church planters ( Joey @ the Gather Church - 4 months old. Me @ Hope Church - 2 years old) we talk about the new challenges, the unexpected opportunities, and what’s still worth fighting for as we move forward.   If you’re thinking about planting a church, leading one, or just wondering how to engage this cultural moment post-pandemic — this episode is for you.   Hope Church Resedency: JC@hopechurchcatoosa.com  HopeChurchCatoosa.com  Sponsors Mission.edu    barzonDESIGN.com   Tyndale.com   

"REDEEMED FROM A BROKEN IDENTITY - GODS REDEMPTION STORY”  Because for so many of us, recovery isn’t just about what we’ve walked away from—it’s about what we’re walking toward. Healing. Wholeness. Freedom. And not just living in recovery, but moving forward as someone who’s been recovered.   I’m joined today by Sam Jones—a longtime listener of the show who’s now stepping behind the mic to share his story.(His voice however should come as no surprise. As He is the voice of our intro)  And let me tell you—it’s powerful. It’s honest. And it’s proof that even after the damage of fundamentalism, there’s hope on the other side. So wherever you are on your own road to recovery, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone… and that there is life ahead.

Episode Title: The Pain of Betrayal / The Power of Redemption – Part 2 (with Jacob Kesling) In Part 2 of our conversation, Jacob Kesling joins host JC Groves to unpack the deep wounds of betrayal and the relentless hope found in redemption. From the raw realities of failure to the beauty of restoration, Jacob shares his journey with honesty, grace, and hard-won wisdom. Whether you're walking through your own season of brokenness or standing on the other side of healing, this episode is a reminder that no story is beyond the reach of grace. Listen in as we explore what it means to be truly known, deeply hurt, and ultimately, fully redeemed. RecoveringFundamentalist.org

Episode #186 we’re diving into a topic that’s at the core of what we do here—the power of storytelling. We all know that stories have a way of breaking down barriers, making truth relatable, and reminding us that we’re not alone in our experiences. And we’ve got a great guest with us today—Tommy from This is My Story. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact a personal testimony can have, this episode is for you!  Miracle Matt Film https://thisismystory.org/films/miracle-matt/Donate to TIMS https://thisismystory.org/support/This Is My Story Website https://thisismystory.org/This Is My Story Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsMyStoryPODCASTAlternative Halftime Show Website https://www.althalftimeshow.com/  

Episode #185: The Pain of Betrayal This is part one of a two part conversation. Part one is a deeply personal episode, as we explore the profound impact of betrayal on our lives. Through candid story and heartfelt reflections, JC takes us on a journey of his life and ministry over the last 20 years. Together we delve into the raw emotions and challenges faced when trust is broken. But also how to not stay there and allow bitters and hurt to hinder us from moving forward! In this epiosde we are reminded that God is always at work. Many times when we can't see it... But one day we benifit from it!  Join us as we navigate the complexities of forgiveness, healing, and finding hope after betrayal. 

Disclaimer: There is a lot of sensitive information in this episode that is not suitable for young children.  In this episode, the guys confront a very sinister attack against the ministry God has called them to do. Sometimes all you have to do is wait and those who oppose the truth of Scripture will fall into their own traps. We should never celebrate when men fall, but we do not need to fail to observe what led them to their fate. Legalism is an old attack against the Gospel and it just does not work. This episode is a powerful illustration of that fact. 

JC, Matt, and Nathan discuss the division in our country that comes from politics. It's Election Year and we are called to live in a way that extends grace and displays the love of Christ for our enemies without sacrificing the truth. Join us for an honest look at the difficulty of navigating the political conversation in 2024.

This month, JC, Matt, and Nate interview Shane Pruitt. Shane serves as the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB). He and his wife, Kasi reside in Texas, with their five children. He has been in ministry for over 20 years as a church planter, lead pastor, and student pastor. Shane is also a traveling communicator, evangelist, and Bible teacher. Every year he speaks to over a hundred thousand people about the good news of Jesus Christ. He is the author of two books and a bible study, 9 Common Lies Christians Believe: And Why God’s Truth Is Infinitely Better, Calling Out the Called: Discipling Those Called to Ministry Leadership, and Revival Generation: Awakening to a Movement of God. He is also one of the hosts of The Gensend Podcast. 

Big announcement in this episode dealing with the future of the RFP. Also, there is a surprise guest and some huge truth bombs toward the end of the episode!