Living on Incline
What are we truly capable of? That’s the question Living on Incline sets out to explore.
Hosted by John Eklund, this podcast brings you real conversations with people who have pushed through suffering, setbacks, and challenges — not just to survive, but to grow. From recovery to business, from faith to government, each guest is unlocking their full potential and inviting you to do the same.
The name comes from the Manitou Incline — a steep, grueling hike in Colorado that inspired John to lean into discomfort as a path to growth. This show is about that same mindset: choosing to live on incline, on purpose, every day.
If you’re curious about what you’re capable of — physically, spiritually, emotionally — you’re in the right place.
Living on Incline
#001 Why Religion Nearly Broke This Pastor
Episode 001 – Why Religion Nearly Broke This Pastor
In the premiere episode of Living on Incline, host John Eklund sits down for a powerful and honest conversation with a pastor who nearly walked away from ministry after facing the weight of religion, performance, and legalism.
He opens up about his early struggles with leading through legalistic traditions, the moment he realized his church wasn’t ready for broken people, and how stepping into recovery ministry changed his life and the life of his church forever.
If you’ve ever felt burned out, disillusioned, or like the church was more about image than impact, this episode is for you. It’s raw, redemptive, and a clear call to lead with love.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:24 (Skip intro)Welcome to Living on Incline
03:10 First Episode Kickoff
03:24 Interview with Pastor Rodney Pierce
06:15 Rodney's P ath to Ministry
10:44 Challenges and Growth in Ministry
12:42 Breaking Away from Legalism
19:40 The Start of Recovery Ministry
23:16 Defining Moments and Outreach
30:58 Recovery Ministry and the Journey Begins
31:51 Facing Adversity and Pushback
33:01 Challenges of Creating a New Culture
37:34 The Importance of Perseverance
39:47 Navigating Through Personal and Church Struggles
41:19 The Role of Suffering in Growth
54:49 Support Systems and Vulnerability
57:59 Motivation and Love for People
01:02:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Follow Rodney and Temple City Church
Temple City Church Website: https://www.templecity.church/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyfGMfEuFi9QOVwkCBOT7Kw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/templecitychurch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TempleCityChurch
Listen and Follow Living on Incline
🎧 Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214deb
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQ
RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rss
🌐 Website: https://www.livingonincline.com
Sponsored by Recovery Alive
Living on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery program helping people find hope, healing, and purpose through authentic community and biblical transformation.
🌐 Learn more: https://www.recoveryalive.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveinc
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryalive
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