The Overcomers with Matt Chandler

• A Word for Tired Church Planters

  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 [email protected]

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• Finishing Well with Ray Ortlund and Crawford Loritts

  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 [email protected]

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• Warrior Wounds and Gospel Hope

  In this episode, I sat down with three close friends—Zack Brown, Kasey Brown, and PJ Kratohvil—all veterans who served overseas in the Army and Marines. We unpack what life in the military gave them, what it took, and how faith became the thread that started to stitch them back together. From life growing up to the trauma of combat, and from isolation to post-traumatic growth, this conversation is raw, redemptive, and real. If you’ve ever wondered how to care well for the veterans in your life—or if you're a veteran yourself looking for hope—this one’s for you.In This Episode[00:00] Meet Zach, Casey, and PJ: Army and Marine Corps Vets[03:00] Church Kids with No Relationship: How Faith Rekindled in Combat[07:00] Not Called to Be Good Men: Deconstructing Religious Misconceptions[10:00] Gold and Shadow: What Military Life Taught Them[16:00] Isolation After Return: Why Veterans Struggle in Civilian Life[22:00] Surface-Level Friendships and the Mission That’s Missing[26:00] War, Guilt, and God’s Grace: Wrestling with Moral Injury[31:00] Misconceptions About Vets and What They Really Need[36:00] “You're Not Special”: The Lie of Isolation and the Need for Brotherhood[41:00] Welcome Home, Not Just Thank You: Honoring Veterans Well[44:00] Jobs, Purpose, and the Path to Healing[47:00] Faith and Freedom: How Jesus Heals the Warrior’s Heart[54:00] Organizations on the Frontlines of Veteran HealingResourcesBooksOn Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman On Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman On Spiritual Combat by Lt. Col. Dave GrossmanTribe by Sebastian JungerVeteran Support OrganizationsTRG (Therapeutic Recreation Group) Website  InstagramDenton County MVPN (Military Veteran Peer Network) WebsiteVictory Therapy Center WebsiteGallantFew (provides free counseling for veterans) WebsiteCasualties of War (Founded by Zack Brown) WebsiteFOLLOW 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. –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

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  1:11:50
• Why Elders Matter

  In this episode, I sat down with Mason King and Nick Crawford—two of my fellow elders at The Village—to talk about plurality. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s biblical, and because it has been a safeguard in my ministry. Early on, I had all the power, all the control—and I knew it. It was efficient, it was fast, and it was dangerous. So we talk about why one-man leadership is a bad idea, what true elder plurality actually looks like, and how it’s protected us, humbled us, and served the body over the years. If you’re planting a church, rethinking leadership, or just wondering how to build something that lasts—this one’s for you.In This Episode[03:00] The Biblical Case for Plurality[06:00] Why We Avoid Plurality[12:00] What Plurality Has Given Us[16:00] Shield-to-Shield Leadership[21:00] How We Choose Elders[30:00] When Plurality Prevents Church Hurt[38:00] Signs of Fake Plurality[43:00] First Steps Toward Plurality[49:00] Final Encouragements to Young LeadersFOLLOW 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. –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

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  52:59
• The Beauty of Belonging

  Man, today’s episode is rich. I’m sitting down with Dr. Michelle Bowman—an educator, leader, and sister in Christ who has walked through the fire and come out on the other side with her joy still. Her story? It’s not the cleaned-up version. It’s real. Ten years of struggle, a marriage that ended in heartbreak, and a journey back into the family of faith, not with shame but with strength.What you’ll hear in Michelle is the kind of resilience that only comes from walking with Jesus through deep pain. From idolizing marriage to embracing her calling as a spiritual mother, she’s living proof that you can lose everything the world calls secure and still gain something far better—belonging, joy, and purpose in Christ.If you've ever felt like your story disqualifies you, let this be a holy disruption. There’s healing here, and it starts by stepping into the light. Keep your eyes up.In This Episode[02:00] - Walking Through Divorce & Letting Go of Identity[04:30] - Coming Home to TVC: A Story of Community & Welcome[08:00] - Serving in Singleness: From Family Legacy to Faithful Presence[10:45] - Can You Love Jesus and Not the Church?[14:30] - The Cost and Freedom of Being a Single Woman in the Church[17:45] - Seeing God's Goodness in Unexpected Seasons[21:30] - Spiritual Motherhood & Nurturing the Body of Christ[25:45] - Lifelong Encouragers: Family, Faithful Friends & SSR Sisters[28:15] - A Heart for Missions: Finding Purpose on the Field[30:00] - Rhythms That Keep Her Anchored: Serving, Studying, and Scripture[33:00] - To the One Feeling Shame: What Michelle Wants You to Hear[40:00] - A Final Word on Grace, Courage, and Coming Home AgainFOLLOW 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. –Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

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