Gradually, Then Suddenly | Mark Batterson

The Jon Gordon Podcast

Jon Gordon

Leadership, Teamwork, Success, Positiveuniversity, Jongordon, Health & Fitness, Positivity, Education, Positiveu, Happiness, Teambuilding

4.8 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 21 November 2025

⏱️ 28 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

On this episode, I sit down with Mark Batterson, my friend, best-selling author, and pastor of National Community Church, for a heartfelt conversation about his inspiring new book, Gradually, Then Suddenly.

Together, we unpack powerful themes from Mark Batterson's life and writing, including the importance of embracing gradual growth, the value of long obedience, and trusting that God works through seasons of waiting just as much as in breakthrough moments. You'll hear real stories of dreaming big, failing and starting over, giving generously, and staying humble and hungry, no matter where you are on your journey.

Whether you're feeling stuck, facing adversity, or struggling to see the fruit of your hard work, this conversation is a reminder that progress often comes "gradually, then suddenly." You'll walk away encouraged to stay faithful, keep growing, and believe that your own breakthrough might be closer than you think.

About Mark,

Mark Batterson is the New York Times bestselling author of two dozen adult and children's books including Win the Day, Chase the Lion and A Million Little Miracles. His newest book is Gradually Then Suddenly, How to Dream Bigger, Decide Better, and Leave a Lasting Legacy.

More than 10 million of his books are in print in dozens of languages. Mark is also the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. One church with multiple campuses, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, the DC Dream Center and the Capital Turnaround—a 100,000-square-foot city block that includes an event venue and child development center. Mark holds a doctor of ministry degree from Regent University. He and his wife, Lora, have been married for 30 years, have three adult children and reside on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit markbatterson.com and Instagram.com/markbatterson & https://twitter.com/markbatterson

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to the John Gordon podcast, where we share John's interviews with guests, as well as key strategies and lessons from his keynotes, coaching, and more.
0:09.3	We want to encourage you to check out Johngordoncertified.com if you're interested in growing as a leader, coach, speaker, or trainer.
0:15.6	When you get certified, you'll be able to teach, coach, and train others on John's most impactful mindset, leadership, and teamwork principles.
0:22.5	For more information, visit john gordoncertified.com. That's J-O-N-Gordoncertified.com. Now let's jump
0:29.0	into today's episode. Hey, this is John Gordon with the John Gordon podcast. And today I have as my guest,
0:36.8	he's a repeat guest. I think he might be the most repeated guest on the John Gordon podcast. And today I have as my guest, he's a repeat guest.
0:38.3	I think he might be the most repeated guest on the John Gordon podcast.
0:42.3	And his name is Mark Badderson. Mark, how you doing?
0:45.3	Hey, doing great, John. Great to be with you.
0:48.3	Well, I love having you on.
0:49.3	That event we did, maybe about six, eight months ago.
0:52.3	That was so much fun, just doing it together.
0:57.6	It's fun. And it's so great seeing you now. You're wearing a shirt that says,
1:04.8	gradually, then suddenly, which is the name of the new book, which I like. I love that. Hey,
1:10.0	you didn't write the book to sit on the shelf. You wrote it because people need to read it and they're going to benefit from it.
1:11.5	What do you mean gradually then settling?
1:14.4	Well, John, you know, as an author, you always look for a great metaphor, a great story.
1:20.8	And this is a 1926 Ernest Hemingway novel.
1:25.0	One of the characters asked a question, how did you go bankrupt?
1:28.4	And the rather famous reply is two ways, gradually, then suddenly. And that's not just how you go
1:36.6	bankrupt. You know it's how you get out of debt. It's how you write a book, run a marathon,
1:41.5	start a business, do a thousand other things.
	...

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