Step Up with Chris Kouba

4.9 (98)
CHRISTIANITY
BIWEEKLY SERIES

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.

EPISODE 1

The Value of a Coach [Part 1]

Behind every win is someone who believed in you, challenged you, and walked with you. Today we dive into the value of coaches in life, leadership, and faith—and why having one might just be the breakthrough you need. Join Pastor Chris Kouba and host Josh Thomas as we dive deep on the value of having coaches in our lives. 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 Subscribe on YouTube: The Step Up Podcast Connect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.com More About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

27 min
EPISODE 2

The Value of a Coach [Part 2]

In this episode of Step Up, Pastor Chris and host Josh Thomas dive into the universal need for coaching—especially spiritual coaching—and how it's often overlooked in everyday life. They explore the transformational impact of having a coach and being one for others, share practical ways to seek out and offer coaching, and highlight how everyday, ordinary relationships can foster extraordinary growth. Whether you’re mentoring your kids, leading a team, or just trying to grow spiritually, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take your next intentional step to grow. 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 The Primal Path by Jon Tyson: https://primalpath.co/Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel EarleyDay One Journaling AppFollow on Instagram: @stepup.podcast Follow United City: @untdcitychurchConnect with Pastor Chris: http://chriskouba.comMore About United City: https://unitedcity.church/

28 min
EPISODE 3

The Temptations That Take Down Men: Gold, Girls, and Glory

In this powerful episode, Pastor Chris and Host Josh Thomas unpack a time-tested warning that has echoed across generations of men—and particularly those in leadership and ministry: beware of gold, girls, and glory. Through honest dialogue, biblical insight, and personal stories, they explore how money, relationships, and pride continue to derail even the most well-intentioned men. Drawing from Deuteronomy 17, the conversation reveals how these three temptations manifest subtly through social media, comparison, identity, and unchecked ambition. This episode lays the foundation for a deeper dive into each of these topics in upcoming episodes. 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/

35 min
EPISODE 4

The Gold Trap: The Temptations That Take Down Men

In this powerful and practical episode, Pastor Chris and Host Josh Thomas dive deep into one of the biggest stressors for men today—money. But this isn’t just a budgeting seminar, it’s a spiritual challenge. From biblical foundations of tithing to the modern-day lies men believe about provision and worth, this conversation calls men to live in God’s economy, not the world’s. Whether you're struggling to make ends meet or just starting to build wealth, this episode is your wake-up call to flip the script and escape the Gold Trap. 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/

36 min
EPISODE 5

Gold’s Grip: The Temptations That Take Down Men

In this week’s powerful episode of Step Up, Pastor Chris and Host Josh Thomas continue to talk about one of the biggest temptations that take down men: gold. From Disney vacations to Starbucks habits, they explore how easily money can shift from being a tool we use to a master that uses us. With practical advice, biblical wisdom, and honest personal stories, they’ll help you identify warning signs that money is controlling you, and offer clear steps to break free. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or thriving financially, this conversation will challenge your perspective and equip you to live with financial freedom, generosity, and integrity. 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/ YNAB Budgeting App: https://www.ynab.com/ Every Dollar Budgeting App by Dave Ramsey: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar?srsltid=AfmBOoqjPmlQJCyREu1NTK8DBdlSPymZOnjKKNkUtlUQGUMJqVHCNcvv

34 min
EPISODE 6

The Girls Trap: The Temptations That Take Down Men

Pornography isn’t just a private struggle—it’s a cultural epidemic that is destroying marriages, distorting relationships, and stealing purpose from men at every age. In this raw and practical conversation, Pastor Chris and Host Josh Thomas tackle one of the hardest but most necessary topics in the series: porn. They reveal why porn is more than a “bad habit,” how it hijacks God’s design for sexuality, and how men can fight back with a three-phase game plan—defense, offense, and special teams. With statistics that will shock you, stories that will convict you, and strategies that will equip you, this episode is a battle plan for any man who wants freedom. 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/ Covenant Eyes: https://www.covenanteyes.com/ Accountable2You: https://accountable2you.com/ VidAngel: https://www.vidangel.com/ Celebrate Recovery: https://celebraterecovery.com/

31 min
EPISODE 7

Girls, Purity, and God’s Better Way: The Temptations That Take Down Men

In this episode of Step Up, Pastor Chris and Host Josh Thomas tackle one of the most overlooked yet destructive areas of a man’s life—sexual sin. From pornography to infidelity, they uncover the myths men believe: “It’s not that big of a deal,” “I can stop anytime,” and “I’ll never change.” Through scripture, raw honesty, and practical wisdom, they show how sexual compromise doesn’t just stay hidden—it bleeds into money, pride, relationships, and legacy. More importantly, they point to the hope and freedom found in Christ, reminding men that purity is possible and powerful. If you’ve ever felt trapped, this conversation will equip you with tools to fight temptation, honor women, and build the kind of legacy your family can stand on for generations. 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/ Covenant Eyes: https://www.covenanteyes.com/ Accountable2You: https://accountable2you.com/ VidAngel: https://www.vidangel.com/ Celebrate Recovery: https://celebraterecovery.com/

36 min
EPISODE 8

The Chase of Glory: The Temptations That Take Down Men

Success can be a gift, but pride can turn it into a curse. In this episode, Pastor Chris Kouba and host Josh Thomas unpack the “glory trap”—how pride creeps into our identity, blinds us to wisdom, and sets us up for a fall. Through Scripture, stories from real life, and practical steps, they explore how men can recognize the dangers of self-reliance and instead walk in humility, receiving God’s favor instead of His opposition. 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/

35 min

See All Season 2 (8)

4.9

out of 5

98 Ratings

Truth

Jan 21

Nolan McClosky

Chris has an unusual ability to tell men exactly what they need to hear. Even if it may not be what they want to hear, he has the courage and conviction to say what needs to be said.
The 70/30 principal

08/05/2024

Keva57

I finally got a chance to listened to Chris and Dave’s podcast and totally enjoyed every one!! God is doing an amazing work through Chris at UCC and lives are being transformed every week. These podcast have helped me to know the heart of the man that “rescued” my wife and I during one of the darkest seasons of our life with his preaching and teaching. Thank you Chris Kouba for allowing God to speak through you in such a powerful manner! All of these episodes should be required listening material for every father! 🙏
Become a God Led Leader

06/14/2024

ExtremelyMe

Pastor Chris has a deep passion for and commitment to growing leaders through their relationship with the Lord. He has profoundly impacted my husband's spiritual journey by leading him to be in the word daily and step up to the role God prepared for him. Chris's weekly sermons have convicted me to refine my spiritual habits and encouraged me in ways I've not previously experienced. I have no doubt that this Step Up podcast will help you experience abundant spiritual growth as well. Listen up then take your next step!
Needs to be Stronger in Christ

07/21/2024

The_Real_Skeet

I made it through the first 3 episodes, and episode 1 seemed to have some promise. Still weak, and nothing with Christ in focus. Episode 2 talked of “raising men”, but nothing Biblical at all in the episode. The episode focused around a “man trip” for a boy who was turning 13; going from boy to man. Sounded great, and I was anxious to listen. The “man trip” was about the child’s idol basketball player and front row tickets purchased for him. Now the speakers have a passion for this basketball player and he’s not such a bad guy. So, we have a episode dialing in on idolatry and sports, not Jesus! Episode 3, the commentators speak of decision making and no longer being passive. Again, sounds promising. The passivity of Adam is alive more so now than ever. The talk was over new vehicle purchasing and new TV purchasing. A desire to have a flashy new sporty SUV, and a new TV. Again, idolatry. Unfortunate that we see a podcast with a preacher, enticing men to listen with all the things the worldly-man is already consumed with: sports, cars, TVs. Shame. You should bring men in with preaching of Jesus and how Jesus teaches us how to be a man; not the world. Unsubscribed and done listening.

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.