Step Up with Chris Kouba cover art

Step Up with Chris Kouba

Step Up with Chris Kouba

Written by: Dunham+Company Podcast Network
Listen for free

The biggest issue in our culture is the passivity of men or men who are stepping up in the wrong things. This has led to confusion, frustration, and brokenness that gets repeated generation after generation. Join Pastor Chris Kouba as he guides you on how to step up in every area of your life.

Copyright Dunham+Company Podcast Network Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Dating with Intention: A Biblical Conversation for Men

    Dating with Intention: A Biblical Conversation for Men
    May 19 2026
    In this episode of the Step Up Podcast, Pastor Chris Kouba and Josh Thomas have a conversation around relationships, dating, and biblical manhood through the lens of the Song of Solomon.

    They talk honestly about singleness, fear of commitment, dating with clarity, and why men should approach relationships with intention instead of ambiguity. Pastor Chris challenges men to stop treating dating casually, to lead with honesty, to pursue holiness before boundaries are tested, and to trust God with their relationship status.

    Whether you are single, dating, engaged, married, or raising sons and daughters, this conversation offers practical and biblical wisdom for honoring God and others in every season.

    To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.


    Show Notes
    Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
    Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
    Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
    More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 – Why Talk About Dating?
    05:30 – Singleness Is Not a Disease
    11:00 – What Is Dating For?
    17:30 – Fear, Ambiguity, and Commitment
    24:30 – Boundaries, Purity, and Honoring God’s Daughter
    34:00 – Know God, Walk with the Church, and Date In Community
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • You’re Not Too Far Gone: Coming Back from Depression

    You’re Not Too Far Gone: Coming Back from Depression
    May 5 2026
    In this continuation of their conversation on depression, Pastor Chris Kouba and Josh Thomas talk about what it looks like to begin coming back from a dark season. Looking at Elijah’s story in 1 Kings 19, they unpack how God meets His people with tenderness, rest, food, presence, community, and eventually renewed purpose.

    Pastor Chris shares more from his own experience recovering from a traumatic burn accident and the depression that followed, reflecting on the friends, mentors, and church community who helped carry him through. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most spiritual next step is to rest, ask for help, let others sit with you, and slowly step back into the work God has given you.

    For any man who feels too far gone, this conversation offers a deeply personal word of encouragement: God is not done with you.To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.


    Show Notes
    Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
    Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
    Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
    More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 – Welcome Back: Continuing the Conversation on Depression
    04:15 – Sometimes the Most Spiritual Thing You Can Do Is Rest
    07:15 – The Ministry of Presence
    12:30 – Asking for Help When You Can’t Muscle Through
    17:20 – Getting Out of the Cave and Changing the Routine
    22:20 – From Avoidance to Purposeful Action
    27:30 – You’re Not Too Far Gone
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Naming the Darkness: A Biblical Conversation on Depression

    Naming the Darkness: A Biblical Conversation on Depression
    Apr 21 2026
    In this honest and deeply personal conversation, Josh Thomas and Pastor Chris Kouba talk about depression, emotional health, and why so many men struggle to admit when they are not okay. Pastor Chris shares his own story of trauma, burnout, fear, and the dark season that followed a life-altering injury, while also pointing listeners to the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19.

    Together, they explore how depression can show up through anxiety, irritability, overwork, isolation, and emotional numbness, and why men often hide it behind phrases like “I’m just tired,” “I’m just stressed,” or “I just need a vacation.” This episode offers biblical encouragement, practical insight, and a reminder that getting help is not weakness. It is wisdom.

    To find out more about Pastor Chris, follow him on all the social platforms (@ckouba) and to connect with the ministry of United City visit https://unitedcity.church.


    Show Notes
    Follow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast
    Follow United City: @untdcitychurch
    Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com
    More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/


    Chapter Markers
    00:00 Why men say “I’m good” when they’re not
    03:07 Why guys struggle to name what they’re feeling
    04:52 Pastor Chris shares his 2016 burn injury and dark season
    12:28 Why men resist calling it depression
    17:36 Elijah’s collapse after victory in 1 Kings 19
    22:12 Physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual causes
    36:22 Get help, say it out loud, and move toward healing
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet