Josh Howerton on Staying Faithful When the World Pushes Back - Deepen with Pastor Joby Martin

Pastor Josh Howerton and Pastor Joby Martin sat down for a wide-ranging conversation about the unique moment they are seeing in their massive churches—both men are pastoring congregations seeing thousands of baptisms, but also experiencing unprecedented online opposition. The discussion is less about church growth tactics and more about the spiritual dynamics underneath revival, the mechanics of leading a household well, and how pastors should navigate a world where lies travel faster than truth.

The pattern of revival and riot

Howerton and Martin both observe that their churches are simultaneously seeing more salvations and more vicious attacks. This is not a contradiction; it is the biblical pattern. Martin walked through the book of Acts, noting that the outline is essentially "revival, riot, revival, riot." Whenever the Holy Spirit moves, there is a corresponding reaction from unholy spirits. Howerton has begun warning his team: after a massive baptism weekend, they should expect opposition the following week. He has never been wrong, not because he is prophetic, but because the Bible told him so.