In this episode of the Unseen Leadership Podcast, Chandler Vannoy and Dan Iten are joined by David Platt, who is the Lead Pastor at McLean Bible Church and founder of Radical, who discusses his journey in ministry and the importance of intimacy with God. He emphasizes prioritizing a biblical gospel over an American one that values comfort, power, and politics. Platt’s new book, “Don’t Hold Back: Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully,” explores topics such as unity in the church, justice with the gospel, and the beauty of a multi-ethnic bride of Christ. Platt also shares a pivotal moment in his personal life where his wife’s wake-up call led him to embrace spiritual disciplines such as meditation, prayer, fasting, exercise, and sleep.

QUOTES FROM EPISODE 75

“I don’t think it was just an American dream that was captivating our hearts, I think there’s been an American gospel that’s been consuming our lives.” – David Platt

“A gospel that exchanges the biblical gospel that exalts Jesus above everything in the world for an American version of it prostitutes Jesus for the sake of comfort and power and politics and prosperity in our country. It has ravaged the church in many ways and our witness, not just in our country, but to the ends of the earth.” – David Platt

“What frightens me is how successful in the eyes of the world that I could be in ministry and do it totally apart from intimacy with Jesus.” – David Platt

“Don’t try to manufacture a heart for ministry and miss a heart for Jesus or you’ll miss the whole point.” – David Platt

“Of course, it’s unhelpful if you never act on anything and you’re just always indecisive, but at the same time, be wise in learning and listening before deciding or acting to learn that balance or that tension of when it’s healthy to move forward.” – David Platt

That’s part of what leadership is which is to shepherd people toward where God’s calling you to go and not just telling them to go there and expecting it to happen.” – David Platt

“Be afraid of leading apart from intimacy with Jesus.” – David Platt

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Don’t Hold Back: Breaking Free from the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully by David Platt

For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s Word by D.A. Carson

Waiting on God: A 31-Day Adventure into the Heart of God by Andrew Murray