In this special backstage episode of the Built Different Podcast, Dr. Zach and his dad, Dr. Tim, sit down with renowned worship leader and songwriter Chris Tomlin at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA leading up to the sold-out EWomen Mercy & Grace Tour stop, where over 8,000 women gathered to worship God together in a powerful night of praise. TIME Magazine has called Chris “the most often sung artist in the world,” and for good reason. With songs like “How Great Is Our God,” “Good Good Father,” and “Holy Forever,” Chris’s music has been the soundtrack of worship for believers around the globe. But beyond the music, Chris shares a timely reminder that “The King is still the King” no matter what we face. In this conversation, Chris opens up about his journey and calling, the heart behind his new album, and what it means to worship in a fractured culture. He talks about the spiritual hunger he’s seeing across the Church, how worship can be used as a weapon against fear and discouragement, and how God has personally met him in seasons of uncertainty. You’ll hear about his passion for Scripture-infused songs like “How Good It Is,” his role in The Last Supper film, and his hope for those who will join him on his upcoming Fall Tour, that launched September 17th and spans across 20 U.S. cities. This episode is a reminder that worship isn’t just a song…it’s a declaration of truth. The King is still good. The King is still faithful. The King is still on the throne.

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit Chris’s Website: https://christomlin.com/

Listen to Chris’s New Album, The King is Still the King: https://christomlin.com/pages/music

Check Out Chris’s Fall Tour Dates: https://christomlin.com/pages/tour

Join us at EWomen: https://ewomen.net/

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Today on the Built Different Podcast, we’re joined by Pastor Ed Newton, Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas, and author of the new book Why Not You?.

Ed’s story is one of prophetic calling, personal struggle, and God’s relentless pursuit. From a prophetic word at a young age to leading a multi-ethnic, multi-generational church reaching tens of thousands each week, Ed’s journey is marked by God’s hand. In this episode, Ed joins Dr. Zach and Joshua Broome backstage at the Refuel Conference hosted at Thomas Road Baptist Church to talk about the significance of spiritual gatherings like Refuel, the power of emptying ourselves so God can fill us (2 Kings 4), and what it means to walk boldly in our irrevocable calling (Romans 11:29). Ed vulnerably shares about battling imposter syndrome, moments of deep personal pain, and how setbacks have become setups for God’s greater purposes. This conversation is both deeply personal and powerfully practical, equipping listeners to confront lies, embrace their identity in Christ, and step confidently into their purpose.

Pick Up a Copy of Ed’s New Book, Why Not You?: https://www.whynotyoubook.com/

Visit Ed’s Website: https://ednewton.com/

Visit Community Bible Church’s Website: https://www.communitybible.com/

Follow Pastor Ed on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/pastorednewton/

Attend Refuel 2026: https://refuel.org/

Get Clinically Excellent, Christ-Centered Care Today: https://christiancareconnect.com/

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On this episode of the Built Different Podcast, we’re joined by Josh Rutledge, Vice President of Spiritual Development at Liberty University. Josh is passionate about equipping the next generation to live out authentic faith in a culture that constantly challenges it. From his leadership on campus to his preaching in Convocation and Campus Community, Josh has a unique vantage point into what God is doing in the lives of young adults today.

In our conversation, Josh reflects on the sobering cultural moment we’re living in and how tragic events have stirred both grief and a renewed hunger for truth among students. He shares powerful insights on the revival and spiritual awakening taking place across college campuses, highlighting the ways students are pressing in with a genuine desire to follow Jesus. We also talk about the dangers that threaten faith formation in young adults, the importance of discipleship as a “long obedience in the same direction,” and why spiritual formation requires not just learning about Jesus but also living like Him. Josh unpacks the heart behind Liberty’s “Built Different” sermon series, emphasizing holy habits, community, mentorship, and perseverance as essential to cultivating a resilient faith.

Throughout the episode, Josh reminds us that while the challenges of our culture are real, God is at work in extraordinary ways, raising up a generation committed to truth, righteousness, and the gospel. His prayer, and ours, is that students would not only encounter Christ but also embrace a life of deep, lasting formation in Him.

🔗 Next Steps & Resources

• Learn more about Josh Rutledge and the Office of Spiritual Development at Liberty University: https://www.liberty.edu/osd/
• Watch Liberty University Convocation (live and archived): https://www.liberty.edu/osd/lu-stages/convocation/
• Join Campus Community online: https://www.liberty.edu/osd/lu-stages/campus-community/
• Follow Liberty Spiritual Development on Instagram for updates and encouragement: https://www.instagram.com/libertyosd/

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