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