The Real Jesus Isn't What Most People Expect | Pastor Phill Tague
In this episode of Sheila’s Take, host Sheila Dunbar welcomes Pastor Phill Tague, founding pastor of Ransom Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and author of Jesus Be The Centerfold: Choosing Covenant Faith Over Airbrushed Christianity.
Pastor Phill shares his journey of discovering the real Jesus beyond religion, rules, and appearances. From growing up in a legalistic environment to wrestling with hypocrisy, rebellion, and ultimately surrendering to Jesus’ lordship, Phill opens up about what it means to move from performance-based faith to a true covenant relationship with Christ.
He also shares the powerful story of how he and his wife, Stephanie, were called to plant Ransom Church with a mission to “set captives free.” Together, they built the church around values of worship, freedom from sin, and serving free of self. Sheila and Pastor Phill discuss Wesleyan roots, holiness, grace, church planting through the Awaken Network, and the spiritual hunger rising in younger generations.
This conversation invites listeners to seek Jesus with their whole heart, embrace grace, and place Christ at the center of everything.
Listen now and be encouraged to stop chasing an airbrushed version of Christianity and discover the real Jesus for yourself.
00:00 Welcome and Purpose
00:45 Real Jesus Not Religion
01:28 Hot Take on Christianity
01:58 Show Intro and Guest
04:00 Calling to Plant Ransom
05:11 Set Captives Free Vision
06:59 Growing Up Legalistic
08:59 Running Then Surrender
10:57 Seasons Not Balance
12:58 Wesleyan Roots and Hope
17:01 Why Church Planting Works
18:46 Book Title and Metaphor
20:48 Jesus At The Center
21:17 Called To Write
22:57 Who The Book Is For
24:52 From Searching To Surrender
26:18 Why Grace Feels Hard
27:31 Rhythms That Keep Faith Alive
28:58 Intimacy Fully Known
30:03 Harley The Aussie Doodle
31:19 Lightning Round Favorites
33:05 Lessons From Kids And Ministry
34:17 Grateful For Second Chances
35:04 Where To Find The Book
36:46 Final Charge And Farewell
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