What happens when the people leading us toward Jesus become the very people we're following instead?

In this episode of the With Him Podcast, Raz and Jamie tackle a difficult but important subject: celebrity pastors, unhealthy leadership, spiritual pride, and the danger of putting gifted leaders on a pedestal.

Prompted by another troubling situation involving a church leader, they reflect on how easily influence, recognition, and spiritual gifting can become distractions from Jesus.

Raz shares candid stories from his years in worship ministry, including moments when praise and recognition began feeding his ego. Jamie discusses the subtle ways leaders can create unhealthy dependence, especially when people begin looking to them rather than learning to hear from Jesus themselves.

Together, they explore what genuine servant leadership looks like, why even gifted leaders need humility and accountability, and how to recognize when a spiritual environment is becoming unhealthy.

The central question is one every leader and follower should ask: Are we drawing people closer to ourselves, or closer to Jesus?

Because the best Christian leaders aren't the ones with the biggest platforms. They're the ones who faithfully point people to Christ.

Scripture References:
John 13 | 1 Corinthians 1–3 | Ephesians 4:11–13

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List
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https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes & Resources
https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie's Website & Writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie's book, Friendship with God:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

#WithHim #ChristianLeadership #ServantLeadership #CelebrityPastors #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchLeadership #FollowingJesus #ChristianPodcast #MariemontChurch

What if Jesus expects more from our faith than simply believing He can do miracles?

In this episode of the With Him Podcast, Raz and Jamie explore Jesus' authority over sickness, the spiritual realm, and creation itself, and what it means for His followers to participate in bringing God's Kingdom to earth.

After a recent Sunday at Mariemont Church, where the congregation stepped out in faith to pray for healing, Raz and Jamie share encouraging testimonies, including a young man experiencing relief from shoulder pain and a woman who reported healing while watching the service online!

The conversation turns to Matthew 17, where Jesus challenges His disciples after they fail to heal a young boy. His words about faith the size of a mustard seed lead Raz to a powerful personal realization about what Jesus expects from those who follow Him.

But what about the times we pray and nothing seems to happen? How do we continue trusting God when healing doesn't come?

Together, Raz and Jamie discuss the tension between faith and disappointment, the importance of guarding our hearts, and why following Jesus means learning to live as He lived.

The encouragement is simple: We don't have to manufacture miracles or find the perfect words. We're invited to trust Jesus, step out in faith, and leave the results in His hands.

Scripture References:
Isaiah 61 | Luke 4 | Matthew 17:14–20 | Mark 9:14–29

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes & Resources
https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie's Website & Writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie's book, Friendship with God:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

#WithHim #FaithThatMovesMountains #FaithAndHealing #PowerOfPrayer #HolySpirit #FollowingJesus #KingdomOfGod #ChristianPodcast #MariemontChurch

What happens when life falls apart and you can no longer see what God is doing?

In this episode of the With Him Podcast, Raz and Jamie sit down with Bill Koontz, founder of Divorce and Beyond, for an honest and moving conversation about faith, brokenness, divorce, and discovering God's healing in life's most painful seasons.

Bill shares his journey from an unexpected encounter with Jesus in college to years of ministry and leadership. But when his own marriage ended in divorce, Bill found himself overwhelmed by heartbreak, shame, loneliness, and questions about God's faithfulness.

Through the love of friends, a faithful small group, and a long journey toward healing, Bill began to discover a powerful truth: When you can't trace the hand of God, trust His heart for you.

What began as Bill's personal struggle eventually grew into Divorce and Beyond, a ministry helping people find hope, healing, and growth after divorce through seminars, support groups, and Christian community.

Together, Bill, Raz, and Jamie discuss the lasting effects of shame, the importance of walking alongside hurting people, and how churches can better support those experiencing divorce while continuing to honor marriage.

Bill's story reminds us that God heals the brokenhearted, binds up their wounds, and can bring purpose out of even our deepest pain.

Divorce and Beyond Resources

Ministry Website:
https://divorceandbeyond.org

Online Course, The Divorce & Beyond Journey:
https://learn.relationalpeace.org/courses/the-divorce-beyond-journey

Bill's Book, Divorce and Beyond: Finding Hope, Healing, and Growth:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637463286

Subscribe to the "With Him" Podcast Email List
Get new episodes, bonus content, and more:
https://mailchi.mp/mariemontchurch/sub-to-with-him-podcast

Explore Past Episodes & Resources
https://www.mariemontchurch.org/with-him-podcast

Resources & Contact Info

Email Raz & Jamie:
razwithhim@gmail.com

Mariemont Church (Cincinnati, OH):
https://www.mariemontchurch.org

Jamie's Website & Writing:
https://www.jamiemoore.org

Jamie's book, Friendship with God:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736292609

#WithHim #DivorceRecovery #DivorceAndBeyond #FindingHope #InnerHealing #ChristianCommunity #FollowingJesus #ChristianPodcast #MariemontChurch