E125: Matthew La Grange | Leading with Honor

In this powerful episode of The Waypoint Podcast, Dyke McCord and Rebecca Haught welcome back Dr. Matthew LaGrange, a seasoned pastor, counselor, and author with over 30 years of experience in faith-based mental health and church leadership. LaGrange shares his personal journey—from being a small, overlooked high school freshman to becoming a key figure in church planter assessments and relational health. He reflects on a life-altering moment when a friend’s suicide led him to pursue counseling, and how that experience shaped his mission to help others navigate pain, trauma, and relational breakdowns. The conversation centers on his new book, *Rediscover Honor: The Lens That Changes Everything*, where he argues that honor—rooted in love and choice, not earned through behavior—is the biblical foundation for healthy relationships. He contrasts honor with the world’s emphasis on respect, showing how honor allows us to value others, including those who have wronged us, without compromising our boundaries or self-worth. LaGrange emphasizes that honoring God, others, and self are interdependent, and that true honor requires courage, especially in toxic or abusive situations. He offers practical wisdom for church leaders, urging them to prioritize self-care, seek trusted counsel, and lead with integrity—even when no one is watching.