My Conversation with the Newsboys—And What the Church Needs to Hear (w/ Adam Agee & Jeff Frankenstein) - Ep. 151

Nothing shakes the church—and Christian families—like the shattering fall of a trusted leader. With the recent explosive scandal surrounding the Newsboys and Michael Tait, this episode of Christian Parent/Crazy World tackles the urgent, sobering question: Why do so many Christian leaders keep falling, and how can parents respond and lead their families through the fallout of hypocrisy in the church?

In this must-listen episode, Catherine sat down with Adam Agee and Jeff Frankenstein of the Newsboys for what was meant to be a joyful, lighthearted Father’s Day special on faith, family, and legacy. Just hours after recording, devastating news of one of the biggest scandals in Christian music history broke—bringing the darker reality of double lives and hidden sin to center stage.

The conversation with Adam and Jeff dives into their lives as fathers, their experiences balancing family with the demands of a global touring band, and the multi-generational legacy of the Newsboys. They reflect on the influence of their own fathers, sharing powerful stories of integrity, faith, sacrifice, and steadfastness—qualities now more critical than ever in light of public failures within Christian circles.

Yet, as Catherine points out in her heartfelt message at the end of the episode, the discussion takes on new and poignant meaning: what does it mean to be authentic behind closed doors? How do we raise our children in a world where even spiritual heroes fall? And, ultimately, what must the Western church do to break the cycle of idolizing celebrities instead of worshiping Christ alone?

Episode highlights:

• The candid, behind-the-scenes reality of life in a band famous for its ministry and impact over forty years
• Jeff and Adam’s reflections on fatherhood, work-life balance, and lessons learned from their own dads
• A moving discussion of legacy—what truly matters when all the spotlight fades
• Catherine’s unfiltered, Spirit-led call to the church: a challenge to stop worshipping the gifts and start seeking the Giver, to reject celebrity culture, and to “climb the mountain” into God’s presence and holiness

The episode closes with a stirring reminder from Catherine: “We must rid ourselves of these idols and climb the mountain to worship the one true God.” Every parent, leader, and believer will find encouragement, conviction, and hope in the call to stop seeking our own glory and to, instead, turn our eyes upon Jesus.

Guest Bios:

• Adam Agee is Newsboys’ newest lead singer, formerly part of Audio Adrenaline and Stellar Kart, a veteran musician and devoted dad.
• Jeff Frankenstein has been the Newsboys’ keyboardist for over thirty years, a father of five, and a thoughtful leader both on and off stage.

Takeaways:

• How Christian parents can help their kids process the pain of public scandal and hypocrisy in the church
• Why integrity at home—and in private—is the cornerstone of spiritual legacy
• A biblical reminder that the Western church must stop elevating personalities and start seeking God’s presence above all

For listeners shaken or disillusioned by recent events in the church, this episode delivers both realism and a rallying cry to return to Christ—our only true foundation and fortress.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

EXCLUSIVE: Former Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait Accused of Sexual Assault, Grooming, and Substance Abuse, Dating Back to 2004 by Jessica Morris, The Roys Report

Michael Tait Admits to “Living Two Distinctly Different Lives,” Involving Cocaine and Sexual Assault by Jessica Morris, The Roys Report

K-LOVE Pulls Newsboys and DC Talk From Rotation Following Tait Sex Abuse Allegations by Jessica Morris, The Roys Report

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