Wasn't a huge John Crist fan,...but after seeing his complete honesty and transparency is staggering in this interview, I am a HUGE fan now. Kudos to you John and I sincerely wish nothing but great things for you going forward. Continue showing that we are SINNERS and that's THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF CHRIST'S DEATH...AND RESURRECTION!
Thank you John for your honesty and being vulnerable. I appreciate this entire conversation and even found myself examining my own life. I pray the Lord continues to work in your heart and that you find your strength through Him. God Bless.
I keep thinking of the woman at the well (John 4) as it relates to our need to fill the deep emptiness we each experience in different ways from wounds in our lives. It's refreshing to hear stories like John Crist's where the oppressive shame can be removed through confession and forgiveness in Christ. Thanks John for doing this interview and for your vulnerability. Praise God for his good works and faithfulness to us. God is good and his love endures forever!
I appreciate the fact that John is willing to talk about it, and not defend what he did. He owning his mistakes. This is what happens you go through some counseling, you learn to own your mistakes and why you made those mistakes. No one is good..I read that somewhere. I know the one that wrote that was really smart.
I love your courage. I was a leader in my local recovery community, even ordained as a minister. A year later, I hit a struggle and went back to closet drinking. When I came clean, the pastors helped me get into treatment and now I have a year clean and I'm so much stronger than before. God really does use what the enemy meant for evil and turns it into good.
He keeps saying that he takes responsibility for his actions but in the next sentence he tries to make it sound like it all was gossip by 'tabloid' magaines etc... and that he felt a lot of shame at that time but now it doesnt bother him .... Im so confused. The stuff you did was 100% wrong and you are 100% responsible for it. You felt a lot of shame, and RIGHTFULLY so. Now if you are restored back to Christ, you are set free from the shame because of Christs forgiveness. But dont try to act like all that happened in 2019 was someone else trying to 'condemn/shame' you injustly. No. It was the consequences of your sin catching up wih you. You should be glad that it came out in the open so that you could turn around.
This was powerful. I went through a divorce as a pastor a few years ago. It nearly destroyed me. I felt rejected by everyone. I’m still healing. What helped me is I joined a men’s group and I was able to open up about my pain. They saw me as Mike and not pastor Mike. They said my transparency helped them be honest too. I still have healing to do. A lot of church hurt to heal from but it was also the Body of Christ that I found healing and joy again in. I’m so grateful John did this interview.
For those who have truly experienced grace, we see you the way our Father sees you ❤️ The Pharisees will always be present… but greater is He (and your brothers and sisters in a Christ) who know… “if not for grace” 🥰 Praying you win more for the kingdom with your testimony than ever before ❤️
Hi Mike. Your comment went straight to my heart. I was also a pastor for 20 years and stayed in a horrible marriage for 35 years. When the marriage finally crumbled to nothing, I went through the deepest pain of feeling like a complete failure. Like you, even though several years have passed, I am still healing as well. Blessings on you Brother.
@@miltonperry9135 , I’m sorry you know this pain too. God is still king, even in our darkest moments. Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone in this healing journey.
Something lot of people forget is that Christians are human, and the church is full of humans. They make mistakes. Church hurt kept me out of it for a long long time until I was able to discover that truth and forgive. People expect church goers to act saintly but they sin just like everyone else! They handle situations wrong, they judge, they condemn…. But it shouldn’t stop us from being a part of it!
I think people can forget that pastors are regular people. Regular human beings. So when something happens they say “how could he do that, he is a pastor”. This does not mean God can’t still use you. Remember, what the enemy meant for evil God will use for his good.
This is so touching, I vaguely remember hearing about “the scandalous behavior” and going on about my business. And when I start seeing the comedy again I was glad but what I didn’t realize was the pain John Crist endured. We know all people sin but some especially famous people we don’t give grace, encouragement & prayer. This is my reminder to pray and give grace.
I love the point about looking back and understanding that the message you received as a child is not necessarily the truth or the message purposefully being sent, and as an adult you can understand what your parents were dealing with ... My parents only had 2 kids, and it was just a normal thing that my mom was late picking me up all the time from extra-curricular things as she juggled life and trying to run errands while she had a second. I never took it as anything bad, I liked chilling with my instructors, but I can see why a child would be hurt by that.
Just ordered the book. I'm a senior Pastor and I'm about to celebrate 35 years clean and sober. Thanks John for reminding me where I come from. If you ever need another recovered friend to lean on, I'm here.
Always wanting to blame " legalism" ... Sin is sin . How will they know lest someone teaches them ? But you want to call it legalism. People also tend to use the word shame like it's a terrible thing. Shame is akin to having a conscience. As a Christian , some actions SHOULD bother you ! It's a bunch of psych babble . I love John Crist and pray he grows in the Lord.
This made me cry when John talked about his parents visiting.....We only have 5 children but to get to one in need we would move heaven and earth to get to them. I understand the voice in our head, I'm from an abusive father situation and still in my 60's someone can say something and that voice says "you know you're not really good enough". I remind myself God made me enough.
John, you are free in Christ, and we love you. We all struggle with sin and shame, and I am so thankful that the church was there to catch you. Looking forward to more from you.
As a long time fan of John Crist-literally introduced to him through his Instagram Girl video, it’s so heartwarming to see him so vulnerable and open and sharing his wisdom. Loved this whole interview!
Just met John on Sunday at his show in Alabama. The way he brings both sincerity and laughter is a huge gift. Appreciate this kind of conversation so much.
I once met John Christ in Vegas. It was so random. He was so sweet and kind. I was a big fan before 2019 and I am a bigger fan now. Great show. ❤❤❤ powerful message. God at work. Such a blessing ❤❤❤
Raised as a pastor’s kid that experienced lots of legalism and hurts from running from city to city hiding minister parents sin and failures. You made me laugh and heal through this. Thanks. 😊
I have had my struggles with the church recently. I’m a new widow. My husband the breadwinner. I homeschooled my babies. I thought church was supposed to be the safe place. As I have watched my life fall apart in credit card debt. I have received mostly judgment from the “church”. I have served in ministry with my husband for more than 20 years. I know there is a true, loving, bride of Christ, but modern day church sometimes heaps so much came upon us. But credit card debt is shameful, no matter the circumstances of how you got there. It’s hard for me to think about mega churches and the money they spend.
This was a great interview! As someone in recovery I know there is physical sobriety and then there’s emotional sobriety; John’s humility and vulnerability says he has both 🙏🏻
I am one of the moms that shared you all over social media. When your private life was plastered all over the place my reaction was to pray for you and pray for your restoration. God put you on this planet for a reason. Yeah, the devil made a play for you and being young in faith you fell. What I saw as time went by was a young man owning his choices, taking responsibility for his life. THAT is HUGE. Then, you went and got help and you keep your life wide open. That is called repentance. As far as the shame goes, it's good to remember the pain but shame is a weapon in the hands of the devil and plays no good role at all. The devil wants to keep you limited with shame and I am praying you don't let that happen. You are a very bright light. My and my old lady friends pray for you that the enemy shuts up and you will rise up courageously and don't hold back. Your humility is real. Shame is not part of humility. Shame is nothing but destructive. We love you and we have your back.
If you have a friend who messes up in their marriage relationship, don’t walk away from them. Be there for them. You don’t even have to say anything at times. Don’t let them feel that they’ve lost your friendship too. They already feel miserable enough…they need you.
This was a great interview. I admit that I was a John Crist fan but when I read stuff years ago about how his life was so different than what he portrayed, I stopped watching him for a while. I didn’t know he was working it and it’s nice that he shared this. I’m so glad I watched this and appreciate his honesty and transparency. I wish John all the best.
What an incredible exchange and testimony! I volunteered at one of John’s shows a couple of weeks before things came to light. It’s so encouraging to hear about his recovery and such a positive faith journey.
PETERBOROUGH! I'm a local and stumbled upon this video following watching one of John's videos. It's nice to hear this openness; just because we are Christians, it doesn't mean we have everything all together...it just means we recognize that we need Jesus.
RU-vid recommended this video to me & I am so glad! John, I’m proud of you for getting help and letting the Spirit work through your weaknesses. Had no clue you had a book, but immediately added it to my TBR. Side note, for anyone interested more in dealing with shame, I recommend Dr. Curt Thompson’s “The Soul of Shame” book - and his Being Known Podcast. I’ve used these resources to help me lean into vulnerability.
Thank you for being REAL . I can’t even imagine what the what …. I think you are absolutely a hysterical human being…thank you for being alive and sharing your humanity..God bless you!
I love this guy in general and I teach mental health and how children see and feel differently than adults. I’m so happy he is speaking on this. I never knew anything until this podcast.
I can’t believe I just found John Crist in the last few days!! It’s crazy! I’m SO THANKFUL someone sent me a funny video of him and I’ve been laughing ever since! Lol I can relate to just about every thing he says as I was raised in church and my parents took us every time the doors were open! Love it!! 🙏🏻😂🥰
I love how his story of redemption speaks louder than any fancy sermon. I have learned again the power of your testimony is in sharing. Illuminate your darkness to help others to do the same, so nothing is hiddden and we can all realise we are all imperfect.
When he said 2k people came to the funeral, what if we knew someone who felt suicidal and we brought them to a "wake", a celebration of THEIR life and let them listen to and hear what everyone came to the podium to share about "the despairing", would that help them? Would it be enough to flip that thought they had about themselves inside out? Bring them out of that desperate mindset?
I've been a huge fan of John for ages now, and I am so proud of how he's handled his situation, his cancelation, rehab, etc. As an ADD person, it is extremely rare for me to sit and listen to 90 minute podcast but there were soooo many relatable moments in this, and I was so captured by his vulnerability and raw, open dialogue. John's comments about the message he received being different from the messages he was given came from such a place of humility and grace and couldn't be achieved without all the work he's done! Also, the comments on shame...whoa. So true. The thoughts on private vs public criticism...so powerful. "They're not rooting for your recovery or even your change. They're looking for you to fail." So incredible and true and something that can change the world! I also really appreciate the interviewer's willingness to allow John to work through what he wanted to share. It is very rare to see an interviewer who isn't afraid of the silence. Often, they feel the need to feel the space, and we miss the raw, true feelings of a person working out to articulate what they're feeling. Incredibly well done! I'm picking up John's book today!
A long time @johncrist fan. This is the BEST interview. It makes me realize I’m not as abnormal & crazy as my boyfriend says I am😊 When my mind won’t turn off and is running rabbit wholes, I feel so alone & iscolated. At a point when I wish I could turn it off and quiet the storm, I dig into Bible, prayer & some laughter to keep the light on. Thank you John for exposing that these things happen & can be productive. I appreciate your honesty & vulnerability.
I like John Crist so much. Not only is he funny, but now his vulnerability and healing will help many within the church in darkness and pain. We are all broken. Keep running John!
I really appreciate this interview. Great questions. Love the answers. I do have one question though. Why is avoiding sexual sin and drunkenness considered legalistic? Maybe you guys mean that John couldn't talk about it and everyone was judging him. Shouldn't we encourage everyone towards following Jesus which includes sexual purity and sobriety? Not to merit salvation, but because Jesus has delivered us from that? Honest question.
I think they were referring to the idea that has spread that there are levels of sins, and as long as you’re avoiding the “big” sins of drunkenness and immorality, then you’re doing okay. The Bible says the opposite of that though. God doesn’t like any sin, and speaks out against it all. Thank goodness for Jesus! I love how they stated “we’re all moral failures.” Because we are. That’s the whole reason for Jesus’ sacrifice, and the grace God showed us through Jesus. So, you’re right in that just as we want other believers to hold us accountable for drunkenness or immorality, we want them to also hold us accountable for gossip, anger, greed, seeking approval from people, etc. I could be wrong, but I think that’s what they were talking about. ❤
Thank you for mentioning that we all have some type of trauma Which I believe it takes us to addictions if some kind. The light of God brings light to our souls ⭐️❤️🙏🕊
So far in the video, I haven't heard a very important point. They have not mentioned the part that the enemy plays in these situations. The evil spirits whisper lies, tempt, drive, and condemn.
Realizing there's something to be said for being around people who are working on themselves so you CAN have conversations about how you are really feeling.
I feel like the piece missing from johns story, that shows in the part where he talks about his cousins suicide, is the lies of the enemy. He literally tells us lies, and if we aren’t feeding our souls with the truth of God daily, then we can start to believe those lies. And we have to be so actively fighting against him all the time in order to make sure we aren’t believing his lies.
This reminds me that darkness cannot dispel light, but Light CAN dispel darkness. Praise God for God’s Forgiveness and Love… Thanks for keepin’ it real John!🙌
I have to say ELEPHANT in the room! Why no discussion about the inappropriate sexual conduct? Hearing a heartfelt apology from him would have some meaning as opposed to the canned statement he issued before. Did he make any kind of amends to those he harmed? Some say No. Of course it's ultimately between him and God. But if your talking about the substance abuse and leaving out the rest of the story it's not an accurate picture. I hope this can be received in the spirit with which it was intended... Not pointing fingers just puzzled snd curious as to why the whole situation was not addressed. I think John is a truly brilliant comedian and love the interactions with the crowds. Glad he's back in action
I think being from a large family you did not get enough indiviual attention to make you feel validated. My father was from a family of ten. That happened to him also. Also mans opinion of us should not define us. Living for Christ will fill our lonelyness.
Twenty minutes into this video John mentions his cousin who committed suicide. He wonders why his cousin did it because he had 2,000 people come to his funeral. He said he was loved and valued but, somehow couldn’t see it. I think that’s part of the reason why people commit suicide. I think another reason could be that people can be in so much emotional pain they just want the pain to end. Maybe that’s why his cousin died. Either way it’s still heartbreaking. 😢
A very revealing, real discussion. Because of this video, I’m going to buy the book as a Christmas gift for my husband. He goes to a men’s Bible study and talks about the value of being able to open up and share with the men who attend.
Well said! We receive a different message than what was given. A lot of hurting people in this world. Many of them are truly loved, but can’t receive that love.😢
This was fantastic. Thank you for asking such thoughtful questions & letting John be vulnerable in a safe space. Congrats to John on 4 years! Wishing him all the best on his continued work on himself. I am glad he is back sharing his comedic talents with the world. His live shows now include a small, inspiring chat on mental health & I love that he shares it with his fans.
😬 Wish the host and John showed a little more empathy for the impact on the women he victimized. This isn’t “normal behavior for a guy in his thirties” as he said… he admits that he took advantage of his fame and their vulnerability to get them to do things sexually. He admits to lying , deceiving and using them… he seems more concerned with his cancellation than the trail (at least 7 years) of hurt women he left behind. 👎
He mentions many times to owning up to his own actions. He has been willing to express it on multiple streaming stations he has or is a part of. When are women going to be held accountable to their actions as well. There are women who really experience trauma because of rape that was completely unwarranted and not their fault, and women who play a role in their own demise water down the severity of real rape victims.
Victimized? Flirting with women is now an offense? Groupies are a real thing, ya know? These women probably knew who John was and knew exactly what they were doing.
1:04 - ABSOLUTE TRUTH. Thank you for saying this out loud. It's wrecking the Church. Cheering you on as you grow, John. 1:33:30: Also, thank you for this statement about private v. public calling out.
I really felt it when he talked about his parents forgetting him at the park, and being unimportant, overlooked and excluded. I think being a parent is difficult, but our kids will tell us what they like and don't like, if we don't get mad. They can teach us how to parent better.
Thank you for sharing your story John. I also had a secret life with sex addiction. The shame and fear of being rejected if people knew the truth helps to feed the secret. I came out in 2016. Jesus saved me. I’m forever grateful. Spent the past 7.5 years on a healing journey. It’s still hard walking in purity, yet God holds me close every day. I’m thankful for my freedom. So glad I don’t have a secret life to go back to. I’m a believer and sat in church for decades broken and chained to sex addiction. Keep talking John and bringing light to this battle. So many need to be reminded there is hope on the other side. With Jesus change and freedom is possible ❤️🙌🏼
Redemption is a powerful gift. I’ve seen John’s stand up twice. Once pre cancellation in church & just recently at a regular venue. Also read his book & huge fan of his pod. His Self awareness & transparency is commendable. He also doesn’t intentionally wanna hurt ppl .. even in his comedy he pushes the line but still cares about ppl.
I really appreciate the time and space you gave him to find his words, thoughts and feelings, and just talk through his process. It communicated to him and your viewers that valued his process and dignified his journey. Thank you.
I love your honesty! I can’t tell you how many times in the church I tried to be honest and was smacked down for being transparent. I’m not so courageous anymore.
Thank you so much to you both.. I believe the church is dying in shame.. recovery from any issue is lifelong.. thank you for being real.. God is good.. and it was good to hear again.. I am fully known and loved!! We need this message
"what about grace for the one who has caused it?" so much grace. i love that you brought this up - shame on the Church for not extending grace quickly and abundantly for those hurting after hurting others
God never wastes a hurt. He will "use" our greatest pain to help others. John, keep your head up. You are not alone in your battles. Your transparency will be your healing. Weird, eh?
I wasn’t really aware of John Crist before the cancellation. So glad he got help and is doing well. Fully know and fully loved. 🙏🏼 God’s Grace is new every morning. Secrets make people sick.
We all have made mistakes, as long as we have learned our lessons thru the mistakes and asked for Forgiveness from the Lord, He will Wash our slate white as snow!! We can use our testimony to help others!
John we have loved and supported you all along the way. As parents with grown kids it’s so refreshing to have these talks of perception & things our kids took way off from how it was meant. Heartbreaking as a parent but having been a child before we do get it and talking about it is so freeing! Thank you! Keep us laughing all along this healing life journey!
I got harassed all through grade school for being fat and poor. It wrecked my whole life. I'm now in my 40s and finally have the strength to ignore the voices telling me how inferior i will always be. I'm a beautiful image of God and that's all that's important ❤
I'm so so so sorry. The money that you have should NOT determine how worthy you are, and look, we know it doesn't. 40 is young.... I'm thankful you are more free now 🙌🏿✝️🧎🏽
