Between Sundays with The Chandlers

SummaryI was once again so encouraged by my conversation with the Derdens. There is little about Josh and Domonique’s story that isn’t shocking — from how they met, to Domonique uncovering Josh’s affair the night before their wedding, to how the Lord ultimately mended their hearts and marriage. It’s a gut wrenching story of the damage caused by unrepentant sin but a testament to God’s unrelenting pursuit of us. I pray you are encouraged in the Lord through their story.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show is to help others find it! Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your friends. Thank You.Thank you to our SponsorsDwell is our Presenting Sponsor this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them. I personally have benefited greatly from the Dwell Bible App. It has proven to be a great supplement to my time in the word, whether in studying or in my devotionals. Dwell is offering my listeners 25% off a yearly subscription. Simply visit dwellbible.com/overcomers to get the discount!The Pour Over Trust in media is at an all-time low, and that’s one of the reasons I follow The Pour Over. They provide concise, politically neutral, and entertaining summaries of the world’s biggest news paired with reminders to stay focused on eternity. Subscribe to their podcast here!Christian Healthcare Ministries: Are you feeling pressure to choose an insurance plan that doesn’t fit your family? You’re not alone. This open enrollment, take back freedom over your healthcare decisions with Christian Healthcare Ministries. CHM is the faith-based alternative to insurance that aligns with the values that matter most. Choose a provider you trust with no network restrictions and affordable healthcare programs that work for you. Enroll today at CHMinistries.org –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Aaron and Jill Young’s story is heart wrenching at times.They take us through their difficult experiences, from growing up in a broken family to their struggle to find identity and meaning and how those undealt with wounds led to heartache early in their marriage. While what led to the brokenness in their marriage is all too common today, what’s different is how they navigated the pain and aftermath of infidelity. If you are listening and find yourself in a similar situation or even on the road toward infidelity, I pray that you would heed the warnings of the Young’s and be encouraged by what the Lord did in their Marriage.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show is to help others find it! Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your friends. Thank You.Thank you to our SponsorsDwell is our Presenting Sponsor this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them. I personally have benefited greatly from the Dwell Bible App. It has proven to be a great supplement to my time in the word, whether in studying or in my devotionals. Dwell is offering my listeners 25% off a yearly subscription. Simply visit dwellbible.com/overcomers to get the discount!The Pour Over Trust in media is at an all-time low, and that’s one of the reasons I follow The Pour Over. They provide concise, politically neutral, and entertaining summaries of the world’s biggest news paired with reminders to stay focused on eternity. Subscribe to their podcast here!Christian Healthcare Ministries: Are you feeling pressure to choose an insurance plan that doesn’t fit your family? You’re not alone. This open enrollment, take back freedom over your healthcare decisions with Christian Healthcare Ministries. CHM is the faith-based alternative to insurance that aligns with the values that matter most. Choose a provider you trust with no network restrictions and affordable healthcare programs that work for you. Enroll today at CHMinistries.org –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Despite being raised in a loving Christian household, Boston experienced early battles with intense anxiety and depression, a struggle that escalated into feelings of worthlessness and self-violence during her teenage years. Circumstantial life changes added to her feelings of isolation and deepened her desire to hide the tumult she felt inside. Despite the darkness, Boston held onto the promises of the Bible, with the help of her family and church. My prayer is that Boston's story offers comfort and hope to anyone facing similar battles. And that you are reminded that, in Christ, we are more than conquerors.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Instagram | Youtube | Website | NewsletterIf you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show is to help others find it! Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with your friends. Thank You!Thank you to our SponsorsDwell is our Presenting Sponsor this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them. I personally have benefited greatly from the Dwell Bible App. It has proven to be a great supplement to my time in the word, whether in studying or in my devotionals. Unlike reading apps, Dwell is audio-based. It lets the spoken word be read over you throughout your day. Dwell is offering my listeners 25% off a yearly subscription. Simply visit dwellbible.com/overcomers to get the discount!The Pour Over Trust in media is at an all-time low, and that’s one of the reasons I follow The Pour Over. They provide concise, politically neutral, and entertaining summaries of the world’s biggest news paired with reminders to stay focused on eternity. Subscribe to their podcast here!–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode, we talk about our journey with the Holy Spirit. We both grew up in church contexts where He wasn’t ignored—but He wasn’t really known either. Over time, through Scripture, ministry, and seasons of stretching, we’ve learned that the Spirit isn’t just a doctrine to understand or gifts to experience. He is God with us.We share what it looks like for us to walk with Him between Sundays—asking Him to illuminate the Word, guide our steps, soften our hearts, and provide power where our strength runs out. More than anything, we’ve learned that the Holy Spirit loves to make much of Jesus, and life with Him is marked not just by power, but by tenderness.Our hope is simple: that you’d open your Bible, ask the Spirit to speak, and begin growing in friendship with Him.ORDER MY LATEST BOOKBecoming Like Jesus is a book about “progressive sanctification” that takes it beyond church words into the honest conversation so many Christians have navigated. Rooted in the Beatitudes, this book unpacks the lifelong series of highs and lows that the Holy Spirit uses to shape us into a person who looks like Jesus.If you Pre-Order the book now, you will get access to some bonus content, including access to a 2 hour long conversation we got to have with our friends, Ali Parsons, Philip Anthony Mitchell, Joel Muddamalle, and Jonathan Pokluda. You can Pre-Order here.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Follow Lauren | Follow Matt | 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 SponsorsGlobal Christian ReliefGCR comes alongside persecuted Christians with prayer, Bibles, and real help so the church can endure and shine as a light for the Gospel. Stand with the persecuted Church and be a lifeline of prayer and support. — visit  https://bit.ly/GCRMatt  to learn more.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode of Between Sundays, Lauren and I talk about something that’s foundational to life in Christ but often overlooked: friendship. God made us for connection. You and I were not designed to walk this life alone, and yet so many of us are doing just that. We unpack the epidemic of loneliness, how real transformation happens in community, how to pursue meaningful friendships, and how to discern who is safe to be vulnerable with. It’s not easy. It takes time. It takes risk. But it is also worth it. Our hope is that this conversation gives you vision and practical tools to form the kind of deep, gospel-centered friendships we all need.In This Episode[00:00] Lauren’s Dad Joke[02:00] The "At the Table" Series and the Loneliness Epidemic[04:49] Transformation Happens in Community[06:00] What Real Friendship Looks Like (and Why It’s Hard to Find)[09:02] Risk, Vulnerability, and the Role of Wisdom[10:00] How to Spot a Fool (and Why You Shouldn’t Be Friends with One)[13:10] Wise vs. Simple vs. Foolish: Who Can You Trust?[15:00] Belonging Deficits and Misreading Social Cues[18:00] Hurt, Healing, and How We Grow in Relationships[21:00] You Are Becoming Like Your Closest Friends[23:00] Inside Lauren’s Closest Friendships: A 20-Year Story[31:00] Evaluating Your Current Friendships[34:00] Inviting Friends Into the Journey (Without Breaking Up With Them)Resources and MentionsProverbs 13:20, Proverbs 22:24–25 – On choosing friends wiselyU.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 report on loneliness as an epidemicThe Overcomers: The King's Table episode - On Male FriendshipsBecoming Like Jesus - Matt’s Forthcoming BookFOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Follow Lauren | Follow Matt | 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 SponsorsGlobal Christian ReliefGCR comes alongside persecuted Christians with prayer, Bibles, and real help so the church can endure and shine as a light for the Gospel. Stand with the persecuted Church and be a lifeline of prayer and support. — visit Globalchristianrelief.org to learn more.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Hey friends—Matt Chandler here. If you’ve followed The Overcomers, you know I’ve spent years telling stories of God’s grace amidst unimaginable pain. But we’re starting a new chapter doing something Lauren and I have desired to do for awhile now. We are pulling up two chairs and inviting you into the kinds of conversations we’ve had over two decades of marriage—some tender, some funny, all rooted in grace and truth.In this first episode, we walk through our first seven years of marriage. We talk about unmet expectations, brokenness, and the power of covenant love. We dig into how God met us—not with quick fixes, but with the slow, steady work of transformation. If you’re married, want to be, or walking with someone who is, our prayer is this gives you some practical steps for building a strong marriage and reminds you we are all in need of God’s work in our lives.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Follow Lauren | Follow Matt | 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 SponsorsGlobal Christian ReliefGCR comes alongside persecuted Christians with prayer, Bibles, and real help so the church can endure and shine as a light for the Gospel. Stand with the persecuted Church and be a lifeline of prayer and support. — visit Globalchristianrelief.org to learn more.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Between Sundays with the Chandlers is a candid podcast hosted by Matt and Lauren Chandler that invites listeners into the everyday conversations that happen between church services and busy weeks. With warmth, honesty, and humor, the Chandlers talk about real life, marriage, parenting, faith, leadership, suffering, joy, and the ordinary moments that shape who we’re becoming.Rather than polished answers or Sunday morning soundbites, Between Sundays offers thoughtful reflections rooted in Scripture and lived experience. Matt and Lauren share openly about the challenges and blessings of walking with Jesus in the middle of work, family life, and personal growth, creating space for listeners to feel seen, encouraged, and grounded.This podcast is for anyone who wants faith to connect to real life, not just on Sundays, but in the in-between moments where discipleship is actually lived.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Matt | Lauren | 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 Sponsors!Global Christian Relief: We’re grateful for partners like Global Christian Relief. They are on the front lines supporting our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world — delivering food, shelter, Bibles, and hope where it’s needed most, and calling the Church to pray boldly and stand faithfully with them.Visit GlobalChristianRelief.org to learn how you can pray, give, and stand with believers who are a light for Jesus in the darkest places. Global Christian Relief is helping faithful believers stand firm for the Gospel.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

SummaryKatie and Matt share their decade-long journey of battling with endometriosis, Lyme disease, multiple physical ailments and surgeries– not to mention the emotional toll of losing a loved one in the midst of it all. They've faced wave after wave or trials with courage – leaning on each other, their community, and an unshaken faith in who God says He is.If you find yourself in similar circumstances, my prayer is that you would be encouraged – knowing that you are not alone. There is not only a God who sees and will sustain you, but a community of support available to you in the Church. Press into it.FOLLOW 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 SponsorsDwell is our Presenting Sponsor this year and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them. I personally have benefited greatly from the Dwell Bible App. It has proven to be a great supplement to my time in the word, whether in studying or in my devotionals. Dwell is offering my listeners 25% off a yearly subscription. Simply visit dwellbible.com/overcomers to get the discount!The Pour Over Trust in media is at an all-time low, and that’s one of the reasons I follow The Pour Over. They provide concise, politically neutral, and entertaining summaries of the world’s biggest news paired with reminders to stay focused on eternity. Subscribe to their podcast here!Christian Healthcare Ministries Are you feeling pressure to choose an insurance plan that doesn’t fit your family? You’re not alone. This open enrollment, take back freedom over your healthcare decisions with Christian Healthcare Ministries. CHM is the faith-based alternative to insurance that aligns with the values that matter most. Choose a provider you trust with no network restrictions and affordable healthcare programs that work for you. Enroll today at CHMinistries.org  –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

What happens when life throws you curveballs like a struggling marriage and a brain cancer diagnosis? In this inspiring episode, my wife Lauren and I are joined by our good friend, Josh Patterson, as we candidly discuss our journey through marriage and the season of brain cancer. We open up about the struggles we faced during the first seven years of our marriage and how our expectations and desires were misguided and misplaced. Through leaning in, pressing in, and trusting in the sufficiency and grace of the Lord, we've been able to see true relational intimacy blossom in our marriage.We will also walk through the day I experienced a grand mal seizure on Thanksgiving morning in 2009, which led to a brain tumor diagnosis and a new chapter in our lives. We share our experience of coping with loss, making difficult decisions, and fighting to trust God in the face of a very bleak diagnosis. Our story serves as a testament to the reality of faith, and we pray that it inspires you to lean into God's grace and embrace the highs and lows of life with courage and hope.EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:07) - Intro to The Overcomers(0:12:26) - Overcoming Rejection and Perfectionism in Marriage(0:23:59) - Overcoming Struggles in Marriage(0:37:50) - Fighting for Your Marriage(0:42:09) - Thanksgiving Seizure and Brain Tumor Diagnosis(0:57:27) - Coping With Loss and Difficult Decisions(1:12:34) - Finding Gold in Dark Days(1:18:48) - The Reality of FaithFOLLOW:InstagramIf 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!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

What does the journey of faith look like when it's tested by the darkness of a sin-broken world? Logan and Katy Thomson can attest, there is always hope and healing to be found in Christ.Together, Logan and Katy walk us through their struggles with difficult family dynamics, Katy's haunting experiences of sexual assault, her battle with PTSD, and even demonic oppression. Through it all, they reveal how leaning on their faith in Jesus Christ has helped them find healing, redemption, and the strength to face each day. Logan and Katy offer a testament to the transformative power of God's love amidst suffering and pain.We also explore Logan's role as Katy's support system, and how their marriage has evolved as they work through trauma and healing. This conversation sheds light on the role vulnerability, seeking help, and clinging to Christ plays in overcoming.EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:07) - Intro to the Thomsons(0:07:35) - Living Two Lives(0:21:59) - Trauma, Hope, Faith(0:27:08) - Journey of Healing (0:35:39) - Self-Worth and Coping Mechanisms(0:42:58) - Navigating Trauma in Engagement and Marriage(0:56:33) - Overcoming Suicidal Ideation Through Prayer(1:08:22) - Finding Hope in Suffering(1:18:41) - Keep Getting UpFOLLOW:InstagramIf 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!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Growing up as the child of Vietnamese refugees, Jonathan faced struggles with identity, shame, and belonging. In this conversation, he opens up about his journey of same-sex attraction as a Christian and how his faith in Jesus has been both a battle and a gift. He shares his experience of discovering that God's grace is big enough to hold our doubts and fears, even in our darkest moments.Throughout the episode, we explore the importance of creating a safe space for those wrestling with their faith and how the church can provide courage and support. From his first exposure to pornography to his experience with suicidal thoughts, Jonathan's story is a testament to the power of Jesus' grace and the significance of finding a community that will hold a safe space for us and battle alongside us.So, tune in and be encouraged in your own journey of sanctification as we reflect on how God's love moves towards us even when we aren’t looking for Him. EPISODE CHAPTERS(00:07) - Intro to Jonathan(09:32) - Finding Jesus Far from Home(20:11) - Navigating Faith and Struggles in Life(32:01) - Sanctification and Same-Sex Attraction(39:50) - Creating Safe Space(44:57) - Finding Grace and CommunityFOLLOW:InstagramIf 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!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

How can faith in Christ help us overcome the darkest moments in our lives? Join me for an honest and vulnerable conversation with my dear friends, Ben and Lindsey Eenigenburg, as they share their journey of overcoming alcohol addiction. Ben opens up about his personal battle with alcoholism, anxiety, and hiding while Lindsey offers her perspective as a wounded wife struggling with anger and resentment.We discuss the impact of addiction on their marriage, the journey to forgiveness, and the importance of seeking help and opening up about one's struggles. Through their testimonies, we explore the role that prayer and faith played in both Ben and Lindsey's journey to recovery and reconciliation. Their honest conversation serves as a testament to the power of Jesus to sustain and rescue us, even in our darkest moments.So, whether you are personally struggling with addiction or know someone who is, I hope that this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that in Christ we are overcomers.EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:06) - Intro to the Eenigenburgs(0:05:22) - Alcohol Addiction(0:16:28) - Navigating Marriage and Alcoholism(0:26:46) - Overcoming Addiction and Trauma(0:35:06) - The Journey to Forgiveness(0:40:41) - Rebuilding Marriage(0:46:36) - Reconciliation and Recovery (0:50:55) - From Addiction to Faith(0:57:13) - Advice for Others and Supporting Loved Ones(1:09:53) - Celebrating Sobriety and HealingFOLLOW:InstagramIf 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!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

What if you could face your deepest shame and find God’s grace meets you there? Join me as I welcome Emma, who shares her emotional journey of navigating life after a heartbreaking abortion. In this candid conversation, Emma opens up about her search for identity and love amidst her parents' divorce, leading to an unexpected pregnancy and the difficult decision she made to end it.Together, we explore the complexities of shame, how it comes in waves, and how it shapes our relationship with God and others. Emma shares how her shame as a young Christian hindered her journey to healing for years. Through her sister's spiritual transformation and her own growing curiosity about the gospel, Emma found hope in Christ and the ability to grieve her trauma and the loss of her child, nearly a decade later. Listen in to Emma’s struggle to overcome shame and find grace, reminding us all of the transformative power of Christ's love.EPISODE CHAPTERS(00:07) - Introducing Emma(04:16) - An Eighteen-Year-Old's Abortion Decision(18:08) - From Darkness to Light(27:28) - Overcoming Shame and Finding Grace(36:31) - Grieving After AbortionFOLLOW:InstagramIf 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!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

When Vince and Katie Dang found out they were expecting their son Charlie, they never could've imagined the journey that lay ahead. Their story is marked by unimaginable pain, doubt, resilience and hope. Vince and Katie share their experience of navigating the loss of their beloved son, who was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and how it affected their marriage, faith, and family.In the midst of the loneliness of Charlie's medical journey, and the deep grief following his passing, the Dang’s share how they found God’s grace to be sufficient for each day as they look toward the day that they will be reunited with their son, Charlie.EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:07) - Intro to the Vince and Katie Dang(0:05:03) - A Father's Experience With HLH Disease(0:18:30) - Hope and Faith in Medical Crisis(0:23:22) - Navigating Life With a Sick Child(0:38:02) - Rare Disease Struggle and Faith(0:42:32) - Charlie's Medical Journey(0:48:56) - Fighting for Charlie's Life(0:58:26) - Finding Hope in Difficult Seasons(1:02:50) - Navigating Grief and Hope(1:07:29) - Grief, Identity, and Healing(1:13:01) - Grieving and Finding Strength to Overcome(1:26:05) - Finding Hope in a Broken WorldFOLLOW:InstagramIf 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!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Anne Lincoln Holibaugh’s story is marked by a curiosity about God, overcoming fears, challenges, and loss by a relentless pursuit of Jesus. From her early years, haunted by the fear of her parents' death, to her transformative encounter with Jesus at a church camp, Anne Lincoln’s resilience and pursuit of God in times of struggle is at the heart of what it means to be an overcomer.Anne Lincoln’s transition from her chaotic and abusive childhood home to the Christian bubble of Abilene, Texas, was a time of major disorientation for her. She faced the responsibility of caring for her parents, and the guilt of finding safety and happiness away from them. Despite these challenges, her faith provided solace and safety, and her community showed her kindness and grace. As we discuss her experiences, we also delve into the delicate balance of managing family relationships and personal growth.In this conversation, we explore Anne Lincoln’s journey of healing and the impact of loss on her faith, relationships, and ministry. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of knowing God's love toward you and the importance of trusting Him during times of uncertainty. EPISODE CHAPTERS(0:00:06) - Ann Lincoln's Journey to Faith(0:11:08) - Finding Safety in Faith(0:25:25) - A Child's Burden of Responsibility(0:30:28) - Parentification and Overcoming Guilt(0:42:16) - Disorientation, Reorientation, and Grief(0:48:15) - Navigating Life and Loss After College(0:54:46) - Navigating Transitions and Healing in Ministry(1:06:36) - Grace in Struggle and Loss(1:19:52) - Loss and Transition in LifeFOLLOW:InstagramIf 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!Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Over my 20 years as a pastor at The Village Church, I've witnessed countless journeys towards maturity. Along the way, I've learned to appreciate the beauty of watching men and women being sustained through the dark night of the soul. That's what The Overcomers podcast is all about. Join me as I sit down with men and women who have endured unimaginable hardships, yet have emerged on the other side with their faith intact and often more vibrant than before.I will be releasing all of Season 1 next week. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode.—Editing and Support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode, we talk honestly about perfectionism—what it looks like when your identity is built on performance, and how exhausting that kind of striving can become. Lauren shares how, from childhood, she felt driven to succeed: getting the best grades, being first chair in band, doing everything “right,” and eventually trying to be the perfect Christian, worship leader, and mom.But underneath all that achievement was a deeper desire for glory—her own glory. And that pursuit can quietly shape the way we see ourselves, our failures, and even the people around us.We discuss how God began to expose that in Lauren’s life through music, ministry, and eventually Celebrate Recovery. What looked like success on the outside was actually fueled by fear, shame, and the pressure to prove she was enough. The turning point came through rediscovering the gospel—not just that Jesus died for our sins, but that He also lived the perfect life we couldn’t live and gives us His righteousness.That realization changes everything. It frees us to admit weakness, ask forgiveness, and stop striving to prove ourselves. We talk about Martin Luther’s idea of the “theology of glory” versus the “theology of the cross,” and how learning to embrace weakness has actually opened the door to deeper joy, healthier relationships, and more freedom in parenting, ministry, and everyday life.ORDER MY LATEST BOOKBecoming Like Jesus is a book about “progressive sanctification” that takes it beyond church words into the honest conversation so many Christians have navigated. Rooted in the Beatitudes, this book unpacks the lifelong series of highs and lows that the Holy Spirit uses to shape us into a person who looks like Jesus.If you Pre-Order the book now, you will get access to some bonus content, including access to a 2 hour long conversation we got to have with our friends, Ali Parsons, Philip Anthony Mitchell, Joel Muddamalle, and Jonathan Pokluda. You can Pre-Order here.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Follow Lauren | Follow Matt | 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 SponsorsGlobal Christian ReliefGCR comes alongside persecuted Christians with prayer, Bibles, and real help so the church can endure and shine as a light for the Gospel. Stand with the persecuted Church and be a lifeline of prayer and support. — visit  https://bit.ly/GCRMatt  to learn more.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode, we walk through what it looks like to do a “drain audit.” What drains us emotionally? Physically? Spiritually? Relationally? We talk honestly about how tragedy, busyness, sickness, loud rooms, traffic, and even good ministry can leave us thin.We also talk about rhythms—daily, weekly, and seasonal—that help us build a replenishment cycle. Not as indulgence. Not as an escape. But as obedience. Because running empty isn’t holy. And exhaustion isn’t a mystery—it’s a pattern.If you’ve been chasing rest but still feel weary, we hope this conversation encourages you &  helps you build your own rhythms of replenishment.In This Episode[01:00] Lauren’s Ice Cream Jackpot & Cricked Neck[04:00] Rest vs. Replenishment – What’s the Difference?[06:00] The Drain Audit: What Empties Your Cup?[10:00] Emotional Drain: Tragedy, Busyness & Feeling “Thin”[16:00] Physical Drain: Sickness, Sleep & Human Limits[18:00] Spiritual Drain: When We Can’t Hear the Lord[21:30] Longing, Ecclesiastes & Living Life Backwards[23:30] Stop Treating Exhaustion Like a Mystery[25:00] Check Engine Lights[27:00] What Actually Replenishes Us[32:00] Building Daily, Weekly & Seasonal Rhythms[38:00] Replenishment Is Not Indulgence — It’s Obedience[41:00] Seasons Change the Strategy[45:00] Doing the Replenishment Audit TogetherResources and MentionsLiving Life Backwards by David GibsonORDER MY LATEST BOOKBecoming Like Jesus is a book about “progressive sanctification” that takes it beyond church words into the honest conversation so many Christians have navigated. Rooted in the Beatitudes, this book unpacks the lifelong series of highs and lows that the Holy Spirit uses to shape us into a person who looks like Jesus.If you Pre-Order the book now, you will get access to some bonus content, including access to a 2 hour long conversation we got to have with our friends, Ali Parsons, Philip Anthony Mitchell, Joel Muddamalle, and Jonathan Pokluda. You can Pre-Order here.FOLLOW and SUBSCRIBE:Follow Lauren | Follow Matt | 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 SponsorsGlobal Christian ReliefGCR comes alongside persecuted Christians with prayer, Bibles, and real help so the church can endure and shine as a light for the Gospel. Stand with the persecuted Church and be a lifeline of prayer and support. — visit  https://bit.ly/GCRMatt  to learn more.–Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

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

In this episode, I sit down with my lovely wife Lauren to explore her story. She shares about growing up as a “good girl,” always chasing approval, achievement, and the A+. But beneath that pursuit was a deeper struggle: the fear of being weak, broken, or not enough. We talk about how that mindset shaped our marriage, her ministry, and her identity—and the powerful moment when she finally laid it all down at Recovery. This conversation is filled with the kind of grace that sets people free. If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or performance-driven faith, I believe this episode will offer truth and healing to where you are.In This EpisodeChildhood roots of perfectionism and people-pleasingHow "being good" can become a way to avoid needing GodMarriage as the first wake-up call to graceHitting the idol of achievement in music ministryThe surrender chip moment: Letting go of controlEmbracing powerlessness and understanding graceHow fixed mindset stifled creativity and risk-takingMoving toward a growth mindset in songwritingLearning to say “no” and disappoint people with peaceParenting and people-pleasing under the spotlightShame, criticism, and trusting God with your reputationRemaining vigilant: How perfectionism tries to sneak back inFinal encouragement for those stuck in performanceResources Beth Moore's Bible Study: Believing GodTVC Recovery MinistryFollow LaurenFOLLOW 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