We recently connected with Chuck Tate and have shared our conversation below.

Chuck, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I had always dreamed of writing and publishing a book. Several years ago my friend invited me to a writers conference in Austin, Texas. The conference was hosted by a well established literary agency called The Fedd Agency. At the end of the conference I approached rockstar agent, Esther Fedorkevich. She has agented for more than 80 New York Times bestselling authors. My risk was asking her if I could have 60 seconds to pitch my book idea. She crossed her arms, smiled, and said, “Go!” I did. She loved my idea and encouraged me to enter a writers contest at the next conference she was hosting. Not only did I enter a year and a half later, I won. By winning the contest, I won a publishing contract with Tyndale House Publishers and representation from her as my agent. I published my book, 41 Will Come, in 2016. Not too long ago I had Esther on my podcast and we shared this story. What she told me then floored me: There were 1,500 entries in the national contest that I won. Not only that, Esther just landed me my second publishing contract and I recently submitted my manuscript. That book will release in 2025. Since being awarded my first publishing contract, I have been on multiple podcasts and radio shows, and multiple international television shows. I’ve also had the opportunity to publish several articles and even did a book tour. All of the above were directly related to one simple risk of approaching Esther Fedorkevich, but it wouldn’t have happened without my friend who invited me. We need people in our lives who believe in us…and we must also believe in ourself. What risk do you need to take?

Chuck, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am award-winning author of 41 Will Come (Tyndale Momentum) and the founder and senior pastor of RockChurch—a thriving congregation in the heart of Illinois that I have led for over 25 years. Prior to planting RockChurch, I worked for a national youth ministry in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In that role, I managed and spoke at conventions across the United States and Canada, and co-produced a national television program that aired on Trinity Broadcasting Network. I am also the cohost of a weekly podcast called Revival Town Podcast—a podcast that was named “one of the best 8 Christian podcasts to listen to in 2022” by The Christian Post. I have been featured on the international television how 100 Huntley Street and multiple national radio shows and podcasts, including In The Market With Janet Parshall (Moody Radio). I am a regular contributor for Think Eternity and have been a guest contributor for YouVersion Bible App, CharismaMag.com, North Central University Magazine, and multiple blogs. I am getting ready to relaunch my weekly LIVE Bible study on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, where I have a combined audience of more than 100,000 followers.

All of the above is result of seeking God’s help through prayer and studying the Bible, and being willing to work hard, fight through opposition, shake off fear and doubt, and remain positive in the face of adversity.

How did you build your audience on social media?

During the Covid-19 pandemic I began messing around on TikTok. The main reason at the time was due to the fact that my kids were on TikTok. As I began posting videos, the key for me was finding my niche. I posted a wide variety of content that included everything from comedy to cooking to sharing Bible verses in a relevant way. Over time I found that people responded most to me sharing positive messages of hope by using encouraging Bible verses. I determined a couple years ago that I would be intentional about speaking to people’s pain and it really seemed to resonated. My platform grew pretty quickly and currently has plateaued at 96,000 followers. For me, the key has been consistently. The majority of my TikTok success is linked to posting every day, sticking to my niche, and going LIVE often.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a writer and content creator is simply helping people. Everyone needs hope and encouragement!

Contact Info:

• Website: chucketate.com
• Instagram: @chucketate
• Facebook: @chucketate
• Linkedin: @chucketate
• Twitter: @chucketate
• Youtube: @chucketate
• Other: TikTok – @chucketate Podcast website – RevivalTownPodcast.com All socials in one hub – linktr.ee/chucketate

Image Credits
Hannah Anderson – Always Flourishing Photography (all photos except two outdoor shots) Seth Lowe (two outdoor shots)