If you’ve been paying attention to headlines lately — whether political scandals, abuse of power stories, financial corruption, or sexual sin in ministry — you know the pattern. Leaders rise. Influence grows. Power increases. And then, sometimes suddenly, everything collapses.

Why does this keep happening?

We don’t think it’s because Christianity “doesn’t work.” And we don’t think it’s because leadership is inherently evil. Trent Emmack joins us for a discussion as we wrestle with this tough reality: We are still sinful people. And power multiplies whatever is already there.

What We Talk About

• Why Christians shouldn’t be surprised that leaders fall
• How rapid rises to influence often create spiritual vulnerability
• Why “sin makes you stupid” — and shortens your time horizon
• Why leaders must consciously place themselves under authority
• The role of accountability, objectivity, and wise counselors
• Why systems matter — even if they aren’t foolproof
• The difference between leadership and personal value
• How cultural narratives about power quietly fuel arrogance
• Sabbath, rest, and the link between burnout and moral collapse

It’s easy to think, “If we just had more power, we could fix everything.” But power doesn’t sanctify you. It amplifies you. The real issue isn’t influence. It’s formation. And formation happens slowly — through accountability, repentance, rest, community, and daily obedience long before anyone is watching.

Maybe you’re listening and thinking, “I’m not a CEO, pastor, or politician. What does this have to do with me?”

Two things:

First, you may be someday. Character is built long before influence arrives.

Second, even if you never hold a visible leadership position, you will almost certainly be close to someone who does. Being the friend who asks hard questions, the spouse who notices patterns, the board member who insists on accountability, or the church member who speaks truth gently but firmly — that’s not glamorous work. But it might be the difference between faithfulness and collapse for someone else.

If you want to be part of a community that takes formation seriously — that values accountability, relationships, and meaningful responsibility — we’d love for you to explore what we’re building at beunbound.us.

We just returned from Ridgeline, and the wrap-up video will be live soon on the Be Unbound YouTube channel. It was an incredible reminder that real leadership is forged in community, responsibility, and shared mission — not spotlight and applause.

Thanks for thinking with us. As always, Be Unbound.

Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/

Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer

Producer: Kyle Hill