When Giftedness Outpaces Character | Chuck DeGroat

What if some of the behaviors churches celebrate in their leaders are actually signs of deeper wounds? Chuck DeGroat returns to Future Christian to discuss his new book, Who You're Becoming: The Slow and Courageous Work of Cultivating Character in a Narcissistic Age. Drawing on his experience as a therapist, pastor, and professor, Chuck joins Loren to explore the relationship between spiritual formation, emotional health, and character—and why genuine transformation requires more than managing our behavior. The conversation examines how churches sometimes reward giftedness, productivity, and commitment without recognizing the deeper wounds or unhealthy patterns driving those behaviors. Chuck challenges church leaders to consider whether their expectations are actually forming healthier people or contributing to burnout, anxiety, and unhealthy leadership. Together, they discuss why lasting change requires attention to the stories we carry, the patterns we've developed, and the ways our nervous systems respond to stress. Together they explore: Why spiritual and emotional health resources don't automatically produce Christlike character How churches sometimes mistake woundedness or unhealthy patterns for giftedness and commitment Why character should matter as much as competency in church leadership The challenge of asking gifted leaders and volunteers to step back for their own well-being How calm, differentiated leadership can influence anxious congregations and organizations The six stress responses and how they shape our reactions to difficult situations Why genuine rest differs from withdrawal or emotional shutdown   Chuck DeGroat is a professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he also serves as founding executive director of the clinical mental health counseling program. He is a licensed therapist, spiritual director, author, retreat leader, and founder of the Soul Care Collaborative, a network of practitioners offering spiritually attuned and trauma-informed care. As a therapist, he specializes in navigating issues of abuse and trauma, pastoral (and leadership) health, as well as doubt and dark nights on the faith journey. He and his team also facilitate five-day soul care intensives. He trains clergy in handling issues of abuse and trauma, and conducts pastor/planter assessments. Before transitioning to training pastors, Chuck served as a pastor and counseling center director in Orlando and San Francisco. He and his wife, Sara, have two married daughters.    Mentioned Resources: 📖 His Book: Who You're Becoming 🌐 His Website: chuckdegroat.net 🌐 His Website: soulcarecollaborative.com 📱 Socials: @chuckdegroat 🟧 His Substack: Chuck DeGroat 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Chuck DeGroat 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Steve Cuss 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Katherine Willis Pershey    Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: futurechristianpod 📱 Martha's Instagram: martha_tatarnic 📱 Loren's Instagram: lorenrichmondjr 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now! Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order! Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host &