Faith Fatherhood Work

My Ordinary Hero – An essay on fatherhood, by Chris Bryant.

In this episode, we open the Fatherhood section of Kinsmen Journal – Volume 1, with a story about fatherhood, healing, and the power of presence in a boy’s life. Chris Bryant shares about his grandaddy “Mitch,” and the pivotal moments that helped him rebuild his life at 40. Chris’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when we make ourselves available to the lives of others, particularly our children and our grandchildren. Often times the deposits we make as fathers into the lives of our family aren’t fully realized until our children are much older, but this shouldn’t detract us from the value of our consistent presence each day. Our duty, our ongoing responsibility is to show up each and every day. Enjoy this episode and a much needed reminder, the seemingly insignificant moments we share with our kids, compounded over years, will shape the rest of their lives.

Faith – A Reflection and A Commissioning

In this episode, we revisit the Faith themes we’ve explored through the first section of Volume 1.
Peter provides some practical resources and reads for recommendation as well as a reflection on a sermon studying the life of the prophet Jeremiah that was written nearly 30 years ago. Enjoy and be encouraged as Peter commissions the audience to take bold risks for the Gospel and just like Jeremiah bought the field at Anathoth in response to God’s direction, we too can partake in the Kingdom now through obedience and surrender in our own lives.
Books:Life Together
Mere Christianity
Never Give In
The Search for God and Guinness
The 5 Masculine Instincts
Known
After You Believe
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction
 

The Finish Line – An essay by Dick Foth

In this episode, Dick Foth graciously reminds each of us to the importance of faith that endures. Dick has exceeded his 80th trip around the sun, so his words are rich with wisdom and depth. He emphasizes the importance of Friendship, Truth, Story, Belief, and Eternity. Dick’s voice exudes peace and it’s an invitation to pause and listen, settle in as this is an episode worth listening to again and again.

Navigating Life’s Challenges with Honesty and Integrity:– An Essay by Dr. Jim Bradford

Discover the key to maintaining and strengthening your integrity as Dr. Jim Bradford joins us in this powerful episode, sharing his wisdom on character development and personal growth. Together, we tackle the tough questions that help test and solidify our own character, ensuring we remain resilient in the face of life's challenges. 
As we explore the impact of our behavior on those around us, particularly our children, Dr. Bradford emphasizes the importance of accountability, prayer, and the grace of Jesus in preserving and rebuilding our integrity. Listen and be inspired to face life's trials head-on, walking a path of righteousness and leaving a lasting, positive impression on those around you.

Creativity in Faith and Relationships – A Conversation with Master Penman Jake Widemann

I'll never forget the moment I first laid eyes on the stunning work of Master Penman Jake Wideman. It was an experience that would lead us on a journey to collaborate on the Kinsman Journal together. In this heartfelt episode, I'm excited to introduce you to my dear friend Jake, one of only nine Master Penman living today, as we discuss the beautifully intertwined aspects of his life, work, and faith.
Together, we'll dive into his captivating Hymn series, an artistic exploration driven by the profound words and stories of sacred hymns. Join us as we discuss the impact these timeless pieces have had on countless lives and how creating them has been a rewarding and powerful experience for Jake. You'll be encouraged by our conversation about God's love, protection, sacrifice, and the assurance we can find in these beloved hymns.
Finally, we'll touch on the importance of creativity for men and the significant role it plays in our work and home lives. Discover how Jake and his wife, Hannah, have used their creative gifts to deepen their faith and strengthen their marriage.

Men Without Chests, Rediscovering the Possibility of Character – An Essay by Chase Replogle

Chesterton. Lewis. Merton. In this episode, Chase quotes timely passages from well-known theologians to inspire our formation as men, particularly the role of what shapes character in our lives as men.
Chase writes as both a pastor and a father, deeply convinced that character is possible, through Christ.
For additional conversations from Chase, be sure to check out his podcast and most recent published book where he further delves into the subject of masculinity.
Pastorwriter.comThe Five Masculine Instincts

Surrender: An Art of Manhood – An Essay by Stephen Mansfield

There’s something about heroic wartime lore that awakens something within a man.
In this episode, Stephen Mansfield so eloquently challenges each reader to consider the subject of surrender and its place in your development and fulfillment as a man.
Stephen’s written extensively on history and faith, and his award-winning style is on full display in this poignant and timely essay. Additional resources by Stephen worth exploring include:
The Great Man PodcastMen on FireThe Search for God and Guinness

Backyards and Back Gates – As Essay on Community by Paul Harris

We’ve seen the headlines, many men are lonely, and most who are don’t realize it.
In this episode, Paul Harris shares a personal story of what happens we open the door to new friendships, and sometimes it can come in unexpected places.
For additional resources on this subject and others related to men and boys, here are some books / articles worth exploring, particularly from a data and development standpoint, not necessarily for a spiritual or theological position.
Of Boys and Men by Richard ReevesThe Boy Crisis by Warren Farrell

Sonship – An Essay on Identity by Sam DeFord

Where does our identity come from?
In this episode, writer, musician, and friend Sam DeFord writes unpacks the transformational understanding of Sonship. If we know who we are and whose we are, then everything else will ultimately fall into place.
This episode is rich in our understanding of God’s intent for each of us as sons, we’re adopted into the family, by God’s lavish grace and forgiveness.

Manifesto and Publisher’s Letter – An Invitation and a Beginning

What guides the direction you’re going?
Do you know why you believe what you believe?
We unpack the statements that’ve helped frame the direction of Kinsmen Journal. We also tell more of the origin story of how this publication came to be.
If you’re currently in the ideation process, with a vision on the horizon, this is an episode that you’re sure to glean from. Peter tells the story of how the book The Revenge of Analog: Real Things and Why They Matter, by David Sax was the catalyst to this publication.