Episode 390 - Mark Batterson, "Gradually Then Suddenly"

Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick
Episode 390 - Mark Batterson, "Gradually Then Suddenly"
Mar 16, 2026 Season 16 Episode 390
Michael John Cusick

Welcome to another episode of Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick. In this conversation, Michael sits down with Mark Batterson, the celebrated pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., and multi-time New York Times bestselling author. Together, they dive deep into the inspiration and lessons behind Mark’s latest book, "Gradually Then Suddenly: How to Dream Bigger, Decide Better, and Leave a Lasting Legacy."

Drawing from three decades of ministry, Mark Batterson shares stories of setbacks, perseverance, and the long, often unseen journey toward meaningful transformation. The episode explores the power of slow growth in a world obsessed with quick fixes, the value of legacy and "cathedral thinking," and the importance of staying humble and hungry over the long haul.

With candid reflections, practical wisdom, and a few memorable one-liners, this episode offers rich encouragement for anyone seeking to influence others, live with deep conviction, and play the long game of faith and leadership. So grab a cup of coffee and join us for a heartfelt discussion on dreaming, deciding, and leaving a legacy that lasts.


Mark Batterson serves as the Lead Visionary of National Community Church (NCC) in Washington, DC. NCC also owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, the DC Dream Center, the Capital Turnaround, and Culture House as gathering places for the community and funding for Kingdom causes. Mark also serves as Lead Visionary for The Dream Collective, which equips and supports dreamers who long for revival in the church, reformation in the kingdom, and renaissance in culture.

Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the author of 25 books including the New York Times bestselling The Circle Maker as well as In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, Double Blessing, Whisper, and, most recently, A Million Little Miracles and The Best Worst Day Ever, a children’s book he wrote with his daughter, Summer. Mark is married to Lora, and they live on Capitol Hill. They have three children: Parker, Summer (married to Austin), and Josiah.

Support the show


ENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:
- Follow us on YouTube
- Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter
- Follow Michael on Twitter
- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com

Thanks for listening!

Episode Artwork Episode 390 - Mark Batterson, "Gradually Then Suddenly" 36:09 Episode Artwork Episode 389 - Jay Stringer, "The Civil War of Desire: Exploring Longings, Growth, and Healing" 44:39 Episode Artwork Episode 388 - Michael John Cusick, "Exploring Sacred Attachment: Parenting, Healing, and Connection" 34:46 Episode Artwork Episode 387 - Michael John Cusick, "Exploring Sacred Attachment: Seen, Soothed, Safe, and Secure" 34:30 Episode Artwork Episode 386 - Michael John Cusick, "Exploring Sacred Attachment: The Trinity, Neuroscience, and Experiencing Divine Love" 30:51 Episode Artwork Episode 385 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Navigating Trauma and Healing in Neurodiverse Relationships" 30:20 Episode Artwork Episode 384 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "A Deeper Look Into Neurodiverse Marriages" 33:36 Episode Artwork Episode 383 - Christine Wolf Hoover, "Soul Adventuring: Embracing Bravery, Joy, and Healing" 35:03 Episode Artwork Episode 382 - "Transformational Weekend for Men" 33:13 Episode Artwork Episode 381 - Alan Fadling, "A Non-Anxious Life: Experiencing the Peace of God's Presence" 36:37 Episode Artwork Episode 380 - Michael & Julianne Cusick, "Deep Dive Into Intensive Counseling" 42:48 Episode Artwork Episode 379 - Dr. J.R. Briggs, "The Art of Asking Better Questions" 42:06 Episode Artwork Episode 378 - Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, "Finding Hope Through Brokenness" 28:21 Episode Artwork Episode 377 - Bette Dickinson, "The Art of Vinemaking" 47:12 Episode Artwork Episode 376 - Michael John Cusick & Ian Morgan Cron, "The 12 Steps for Everyone" 43:45 Episode Artwork Episode 375 - Tony Kriz, "From Trauma to Triumph: Literacy's Role in Healing" 41:28 Episode Artwork Episode 374 - Dr. Alison Cook, "Boundaries for Your Soul" 43:32 Episode Artwork Episode 373 - Dr. Camden Morgante, "Recovering from Purity Culture" 35:16 Episode Artwork Episode 372 - Drew Boa, "Outgrow Porn: Lasting Freedom from Sexual Compulsion" 45:47 Episode Artwork Episode 371 - "Belonging to Become: Exploring the Deepest Longing of the Human Heart" 50:02 Episode Artwork Episode 370 - Julianne & Michael John Cusick, "Exploring Neurodiversity in Marriage" 28:11 Episode Artwork Episode 369 - John Eldredge, "Experience Jesus. Really." 48:50 Episode Artwork Episode 368 - Discovering Lectio Divina: Ancient Practices for a Modern Spiritual Journey, Part 2 22:53 Episode Artwork Episode 367 - Discovering Lectio Divina: Ancient Practices for a Modern Spiritual Journey 24:30 Episode Artwork Episode 366 - James Bryan Smith, "Integrating Faith and Psychology" 47:38