Ep. 167: Luke Kjolhaug on disrupting fear.
Fear is one of the most common human experiences, yet it's often the one we work hardest to hide. We disguise it as stress, overthinking, perfectionism, or simply "being responsible." For many Christians, fear carries an added burden: the belief that being afraid somehow means we're failing at faith.
In this episode of The Mercycast, Raleigh Sadler sits down with pastor and author Luke Kjolhaug to discuss his new book, Fear Not: How the Gospel Disrupts Our Deepest Anxieties. Together they explore how fear quietly shapes our decisions, relationships, and spiritual lives, and why God's repeated command to "fear not" is less about demanding courage and more about offering comfort.
Luke shares openly about his own struggles with anxiety and depression, his journey from engineering to pastoral ministry, and the ways God met him in seasons of uncertainty. Their conversation challenges the idea that maturity means becoming fearless and instead points to a deeper dependence on Christ.
Whether you're carrying anxiety about your family, finances, future, health, or faith, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: the gospel doesn't require you to conquer your fears before God meets you. He meets you in the middle of them.
Topics Discussed
Why fear is often hidden beneath busyness, perfectionism, and control
Understanding "fear not" as a promise rather than a shame-filled command
The relationship between faith, anxiety, and trust
Luke's journey from civil engineering to pastoral ministry
How fear thrives in uncertainty and the unknown
The difference between conquering fear and having fear disrupted by the gospel
The role of counseling, community, and practical help in addressing anxiety
Spiritual warfare and the lies fear tells us.
The importance of hearing the gospel from outside ourselves
What it means to be clothed in Christ when fear feels overwhelming
Memorable Quotes
"Fear not is less a demand shouted at trembling people and more a promise spoken to them."
"The gospel doesn't always conquer our fears in this life, but it absolutely disrupts them."
"Growth and maturity looked less like standing on my own and more like being willing to accept help."
"Fear is another voice at the table, but it doesn't have to be the loudest one."
"The more we recognize how perfectly loved we are by our Heavenly Father, the less fear gets to define us."
About Luke Kjolhaug
Luke Kjolhaug is a pastor, author, and former civil engineer serving in Minnesota. He is the author of Fear Not: How the Gospel Disrupts Our Deepest Anxieties, a book that explores how Christ's promises speak directly to the fears, anxieties, and uncertainties that shape everyday life.
Resources Mentioned
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For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.