The value of restoring a brother

Chris Bolinger Jan. 23, 2025

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

When a Christian leader sins, we expect him to step down and, essentially, disappear.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul instructs us to restore those caught in sin, using a spirit of gentleness. Does restoration mean restoring one to leadership? To the same leadership role?

Joel Hanson experienced that type of restoration. Hear his amazing story in the first half of our interview with him.

Joel is a singer, songwriter, and musician who has won a Dove Award and been nominated for a Grammy. His years fronting the band PFR brought much critical acclaim, and after three decades he is back in the studio with that band. He also has recorded several solo records and produced and assisted with records for other bands and artists. For nearly two decades Joel was the worship pastor at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minnesota; in summer 2022 he left that role to begin the next chapter of his life.

Joel and Kathy have been married for 34 years and have two adult daughters. Connect with Joel on Instagram and Patreon.

This episode originally appeared as The Value of Restoring a Brother — guest: singer/songwriter Joel Hanson on Throwing Mountains.

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Chris Bolinger is the author of three men’s devotionals – 52 Weeks of Strength for Men, Daily Strength for Men, and Fuerzas para Cada Día para el Hombre – and the co-host of the Throwing Mountains podcast. He splits his time between northeast Ohio and southwest Florida. Against the advice of medical professionals, he remains a die-hard fan of Cleveland pro sports teams. Find him at mensdevotionals.com. Learn More »

• Strong in spirit: the kind of leadership the church truly needs (by Mike Bonem)
• Success Unlocked: The Transformative Power of Questions (by Bob Tiede)
• What unforgiveness does to your brain (by Charles Stone)
• Three ways to create a sense of urgency when you communicate (by Carey Nieuwhof)

Free eBook

Success Unlocked: The Transformative Power of Questions

This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s your invitation to discover how Christ-centered questions can transform the way you lead and live. Packed with real stories and timeless wisdom, it shows you how to grow your influence, deepen your faith, and lead with the same life-changing impact Jesus did.

Download Now