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 ...
Jul 17, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 199
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 star...
Jul 10, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 198
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 wor...
Jun 19, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 197
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 ...
Jun 12, 2025•49 min•Season 4Ep. 196
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....
Jun 05, 2025•59 min•Season 4Ep. 195
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. unaccr...
May 29, 2025•55 min•Season 4Ep. 194
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...
May 22, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 193
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...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 192
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 practica...
May 08, 2025•59 min•Season 4Ep. 191
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...
May 01, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 190
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 m...
Apr 21, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 189
"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 te...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 4Ep. 188
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 reminde...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 187
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 ht...
Mar 31, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 186
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 r...
Mar 19, 2025•57 min•Season 4Ep. 185
JC, Matt, and Nate are all back together for a new episode in a new year! This episode focuses on the Peace of God which passes all understanding. Peace is the fruit of the Spirit that defines the life of the believer. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is leading His church into His will for us and He gives His peace to those who follow Him. Is our local church a place of peace? Is our home a place of Peace? Do I have peace in the storm? What does the future of the RFP look like? We deal with all of t...
Mar 06, 2025•46 min•Ep. 184
Join host JC Groves and Matt Dudley for our RFP 6th anual Christmas Eve speial. Special Music by Chosen Road.
Dec 24, 2024•20 min•Ep. 183
Our friend, brother and co host of the Recovering Fundamentalist Podcast, Nathan Cravatt, recently returned home from a mission trip to the country of Nepal. Several days after returning home he became very ill. He has only gotten worse. Many of you have asked how you can help. Right now, other than prayer for Nathans healing, financial support to cover the incoming medical bills is the greatest need.
Nov 10, 2024•45 min•Ep. 182
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 no...
Oct 12, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 181
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.
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 4Ep. 180
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...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 179
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!
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 178
JC, Nate, Matt Dudley, and Mark Milioni have a conversation about discipleship and Jesus' command in John 13:34-35 for His disciples to love one another as He had loved them. Many things have become the defining mark of churches and movements throughout history that Jesus never intended to be the identity of His church. https://mission.edu/ https://www.sullivanridgechurch.com/
May 27, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 4Ep. 177
Dr. Dave Douglass is the former president of Hyles Anderson College. He joins JC, Brian, and Nate on the RFP to discuss legalism, his grace awakening, and his time serving as a student and then the president of the flagship IFB Bible College.
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Season 4Ep. 176
Missions has always been a focus of the Fundamentalist Movement in America. JC, Brian, and Nathan talk about missions in and out of the IFB and what it should look like according to Scripture.
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 4Ep. 175
JC, Brian, and Nate continue the conversation about Discipleship with Dr. Steve Pettit. Dr. Pettit got his M.A. in Pastoral Studies at Bob Jones University. He went on to become the President of Bob Jones University where he served from 2014 - 2023. Steve also served as the director of Northland Camp and Conference Center from 2002 to 2011. In recognition of his contributions, Bob Jones University, Northland Baptist Bible College, and Ambassador Baptist College all awarded him an honorary Doctor...
Feb 29, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 174
Robby Gallaty is the pastor of Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. He and his wife, Kandi, started "Replicate", a ministry with the vision to empower churches to activate their unique disciple-making movement. He is passionate about Discipleship because of the powerful change it made in his life. Robby does not have a squeaky clean background, but his story is a powerful example of the change the gospel makes in the lives of those who believe and follow Jesus. https://replicate.org/...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Season 4Ep. 173
JC, Brian, and Nathan are joined by a few special guests. Be sure to stay tuned until the end for a big announcement. Merry Christmas! Christ is born! https://www.chosenroadmusic.com/ https://marklowry.com/ https://rfpnetwork.org/ Background Music by Leigh Robinson from Pixabay
Dec 25, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 172
Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Wheaton College. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has contributed to "The Washington Post," "Religion News Service," "World," and "Christianity Today," which named him one of 33 millennials shaping the next generation of evangelicals. Some of his books are Rethink Your Self, This Is Our Time, and Gospel-Centered...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 171
Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals examines the pain of survivors of the IFB. Former members Ruthy Heiler, Kathy Durbin, Rachel Peach, and Amanda Householder tell their stories of abuse at the hands of church leaders and the violence, manipulation, and cover-ups by their pastors and other members. https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/show/let-us-prey-a-ministry-of-scandals-investigation-discovery-atve-us Nathan and JC respond to the Documentary and discuss the importance of exposing the abuse...
Dec 01, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 170
