You're Not Trash to God | Dr. David Pendergrass PhD
I am honored to host Rev. David W. Pendergrass, Ph.D., who is an author, biblical specialist, and pastoral counselor who helps Christians think clearly about their faith. Trained in biblical studies, theology, and pastoral counseling, he has spent more than twenty years walking with people through grief, trauma, addiction, and broken marriages — and writes and teaches on shame, emotional health, and discipleship.
What if more Bible verses aren't the answer — and the unhealed shame underneath is?
Sarah Annie Schneider welcomes her first guest from outside her own community: Rev. David W. Pendergrass, Ph.D. — author, biblical specialist, and pastoral counselor who has spent more than 20 years sitting with people in grief, trauma, addiction, and broken marriages. David twice walked away from the faith intellectually during his studies, and that dark season now fuels his compassion for skeptics and for Christians who still feel like frauds.
What he sees over and over:
- We don't know what to do with distressing emotions — so we stuff, shop, drink, control, or perform.
- Almost everyone carries unresolved grief, usually from childhood.
- Shame whispers that you're flawed, unlovable, discardable. Addiction rides that cycle.
- "I'm a good person" usually means "I'm better than someone." Jesus is the standard, not Hitler.
- Church isn't a club for perfect people. A disciple denies his will, takes up a cross, and comes under Jesus' training (Mark 8:34).
- Your earthly father can warp how you see the Father — and more verses won't heal a wound that still needs grieving.
David walks through an honest path, not a magic one: acknowledge where you actually are. Grieve it. Let one safe, mature believer validate the pain without excusing the sin. Then ask the two questions underneath every compulsive habit — What am I trying to avoid? What am I afraid would happen if I stopped?
He also speaks to betrayal you didn't choose. The betrayed spouse is not to blame. Adultery is biblical grounds for divorce; reconciliation is possible only after real confession, repentance, and the long rebuild of trust — and even then it is grace, not a debt owed.
GUEST — Rev. David W. Pendergrass, Ph.D.
Author | Biblical Specialist | Pastoral Counselor
Website: https://www.DavidPendergrass.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.davidpendergrass
Start there for his books, counseling, and teaching — including the Mathetes discipleship workbook.
CONNECT WITH SARAH & THE ADDICTED TO GOD MOVEMENT
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Be a guest: email addictedtogodpod@gmail.com with your story.
Until next time — choose the better addiction.
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Dr. David W. Pendergrass is a biblical specialist, author, and speaker with a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Baylor University and nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry experience. He helps people understand Scripture in its ancient context and put the teachings of Jesus into practice. His work brings biblical scholarship into conversation with practical insights about emotional health, relationships, and the common obstacles to spiritual growth.
