Stacking Chairs #86 - The Gateway Drug to Deconstruction: Legalism and the Gospel

New episodes drop on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month!

Episode Summary:
What happens when church culture replaces the Gospel with rules? Pastor and podcaster JC Groves joins the show to talk about growing up in a legalistic system—where modesty meant swimming in jeans and salvation meant constant fear.

This isn’t just JC’s story. It’s the story of students sitting in your youth group, quietly wondering if they’ll ever be “enough.” And if we’re not careful, legalism becomes the gateway drug to deconstruction.

This week on Stacking Chairs, we get honest about spiritual trauma, identity crises, and how Jesus sets us free—not through rebellion, but through real discipleship.

Key Talking Points:

• The hidden harm of man-made religion 🎭

• Why legalism leaves students feeling afraid and fake 🧱

• Deconstruction vs. Gospel reconstruction 🛠️

• What it means to actually disciple students 🧑‍🏫

• The freedom found in grace, not performance 🙌

Great Youth Ministry Resources:
📚 Curriculum & Tools – Everything you need to lead well

Let’s Talk:
Ever watched a student walk away from church because of legalism? You’re not alone. Jump into the conversation on the Stacking Chairs Facebook group or DM us on Instagram.

🎧 Find everything here → linktr.ee/StackingChairsPod

About Stacking Chairs:
Stacking Chairs is the Multiply Youth Ministry Podcast. We celebrate the leaders who show up early, stay late, and live to see every student grow in Christ. With real stories, practical wisdom, and honest conversations, we’re here to help you build deep and engaging youth ministries.

Special Thanks:
Powered by Word of Life Youth Ministries—on mission to help every student, everywhere, grow in their walk with Christ.