John Starke’s Antidote for Performance Faith

The Russell Moore Show

When John Starke, an author and the pastor of Apostles Church Uptown, moved to New York City, he quickly realized that he wasn’t all that impressive to his neighbors. It didn’t feel great at first. But now, he sees the ability to embody seasons of being unimpressive—even being embarrassed and humiliated—as a gift.

On this episode of The Russell Moore Show, Moore and Starke talk about perseverance, suffering, and the power of Jesus’ presence. They discuss the temptation to be performative in ministry, how to embrace our limitations, and what it looks like to heal shame. Starke shares rhythms and practices for growing in understanding ourselves as hidden in Christ, which he writes about in his new book The Secret Place of Thunder.

Moore and Starke’s conversation also includes reflections on their mutual friend, Tim Keller, who passed away recently. Tune in for an episode that looks thoughtfully at the human heart, the character of God, and the encouragement in Scripture to live as those hidden in Christ.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• The Secret Place of Thunder: Trading Our Need to Be Noticed for a Hidden Life with Christ by John Starke
• Tim Keller’s Final Message to Redeemer Churches
• The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves by Curt Thompson
• The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery by David G. Banner
• Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses by Martin Luther
• “Jonathan Haidt Says Social Media Is Making America Stupid”
• “Social Media is a Major Cause of the Mental Illness Epidemic in Teen Girls. Here’s the Evidence.” by Jonathan Haidt
• A Secular Age by Charles Taylor
• “Millennial Burnout Is Being Televised” by Sophie Gilbert

Preorder Russell’s new title, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, here!

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“The Russell Moore Show” is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper

Host: Russell Moore

Producer: Ashley Hales

Associate Producers: Abby Perry and Azurae Phelps

CT Administration: Christine Kolb

Social Media: Kate Lucky

Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens

Production Assistance: coreMEDIA

Audio Engineer: Kevin Duthu

Coordinator: Beth Grabenkort

Video Producer: John Roland

Theme Song: “Dusty Delta Day” by Lennon Hutton

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