WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Summary:

How can Christians remain faithful in a culture that increasingly pulls them away from biblical truth? In this episode of Michael Easley inContext, Michael sits down with pastor, author, and Portland Trail Blazers chaplain Mike Tatlock to discuss his book A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture.

Mike challenges believers to reject two common extremes: compromising truth to fit culture or becoming combative and losing relationships. Instead, he presents a biblical third way—living a compelling faith that embodies both truth and grace. The conversation explores why many Christians feel unequipped to share the gospel, the church’s responsibility to make disciples rather than merely attract attendees, and the growing need for believers to engage culture through everyday relationships.

The discussion also dives into the dangers of modern idolatry, showing how even good things like family, work, comfort, and success can become idols when elevated above God. Mike unpacks the biblical concepts of abiding in Christ, walking in the Spirit, and cultivating daily dependence on God amid busy schedules.

Together, Michael and Mike offer practical encouragement for men, families, church leaders, and everyday believers seeking spiritual growth. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that true discipleship requires dying to self, pursuing intimacy with Christ, and living with a faith compelling enough to influence a compromising culture.

Takeaways:

• Christians must avoid both compromising truth and becoming combative by embodying the gospel with grace and conviction.
• The church is called to equip believers to make disciples, not simply invite people to church.
• Every idol offers a false promise that competes with our trust and dependence on God.
• Abiding in Christ is less about religious performance and more about daily dependence, trust, and fellowship with Him.
• Spiritual transformation comes through walking in the Spirit rather than relying on willpower alone.
• Following Jesus requires dying to self, embracing sacrifice, and putting others before personal comfort.

ABOUT MIKE TATLOCK

Mike Tatlock is the lead pastor at Grace Chapel church in Portland, Oregon. He is Chaplain for the Portland Trail Blazers and the founder of Vertical Pursuit, a discipleship equipping resource and podcast. A frequent teacher at workshops, seminaries, and churches around the world, his pastoral experience includes leading within urban, inner-city, and suburban churches.

Links Mentioned:

A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture by Mike Tatlock

Watch the highlights and full version of this interview on our Youtube channel.

For more inContext interviews, click here.