[Podcast] Episode 273: Fear-Based Faith with Brian Zahnd

What does it take to lead for the long haul without losing your soul? In this episode of the AVAIL Podcast, we sit down with pastor and author Brian Zahnd to discuss the inner life of leadership: fear, rejection, spiritual drift, and why formation matters more than platform. If you’re carrying the weight of fear-based leadership and craving a deeper center, this conversation offers clarity and courage.

00:00 Introduction with Brian Zhand

2:06 Discovering his calling

4:27 Unpacking his books

5:58 Most recent book, The Wood Between the Worlds

7:47 The resistance to a poetic approach to books

8:31 Inspiration behind Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God

11:29 How to bridge skepticism about God to belief

15:07 Misunderstandings about atonement

18:40 Favorite parts of being a pastor

22:06 Guidance on prayer

23:59 Concerns about the modern church

24:58 What’s encouraging about the modern church

26:19 Advice for young pastors

28:10 Conversation with young Brian

29:30 What he feared along his journey

29:59 Future plans

32:56 Connection between preaching and writing

33:39 How to connect with Brian

35:24 Final thoughts