Episode 085: Radically Restored: Stephen McWhirter on Addiction, Forgiveness, and the Song That Became a Prayer

This episode is a powerful, honest conversation, Justin and Trisha sit down with worship leader, songwriter, and author Stephen McWhirter to talk about the messy, non-linear road of redemption. Stephen shares what it was like growing up as the son of a traveling evangelist while witnessing abuse behind closed doors, how that pain shaped his view of God, and the destructive path that followed—leading to years of addiction. Then comes the turning point: an unexpected encounter with Jesus in the middle of darkness, sparked by reading The Case for Christ—with drugs still on the nightstand. What happened next is a story of grace, transformation, and a life that’s been marked by worship, healing, and restoration. Stephen also opens up about the long road of forgiving his dad, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and why forgiveness is about releasing a debt that could keep us imprisoned. Finally, Justin and Stephen talk about worship as a “conduit of care,” the story behind the viral prayer-song “Come Jesus Come”, and Stephen’s new book Radically Restored—with a full-circle moment you won’t want to miss.    Links and/or Resources Stephen’s first Book: Radically Restored “Come Jesus Come” on Youtube by Stephen McWhirter The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel (the book God used to spark Stephen’s turning point) Follow Stephen McWhirter on Instagram