What are you holding onto so tightly that, if Jesus asked you to let it go, you'd walk away sad? In this episode, Kent and Lawson dig into the story of the rich young ruler and why it still hits hard for dads today. This is not just a conversation about money. It is about anything that competes for our trust, identity, security, and obedience. Possessions, status, titles, comfort, control. Anything we grip harder than we cling to Christ can quietly become a problem.
The guys talk about what Jesus was really getting at in this well-known passage, how God's kingdom completely redefines value, and why this story matters for fathers trying to lead their families with open hands.
This episode will challenge you to ask an uncomfortable but necessary question: Do you have your possessions, or do your possessions have you? If you want to follow Jesus more faithfully, lead your kids with greater clarity, and model what real surrender looks like, this conversation is for you.
Read the story of the rich young ruler (all 3 accounts): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%2019%3A13-30%3B%20Mark%2010%3A17-30%3B%20Luke%2018%3A18-30&version=ESV
Listen Now:
Subscribe and Don’t Miss an Episode
Get new episodes delivered wherever you listen to podcasts.
MEET THE HOSTS
Kent Evans is the Executive Director and co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple-makers. After a twenty-year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical fatherhood ministry projects. He’s authored four books. The most recent, Don’t Bench Yourself: How to Stay in the Game Even When You Want to Quit. He and his wife April have been married for three decades and they have five sons.
Lawson Brown married his high school sweetheart, and is a father of two adult daughters. He’s a business leader and a former (always!) Marine. He’s served as a small group leader, helped launch ministries and a church plant where he served as its Men’s Ministry leader. His faith journey has always been centered in a grounding from his wife, Audrey, and supported throughout by many men who’ve been brothers along the way. His family is nearing an empty nest phase and has recently relocated to the Florida Gulf Coast beaches area.
FEATURING GREAT GUESTS
Gary Chapman
Ken Blanchard
Chip Ingram
“Y’all are teaching Godly wisdom in ways that I can understand and put to use raising these 8 kiddos of mine, and to be a more present and respectful husband! Keep it up Brothers! God bless y’all!”
–Cody C.
“I’ve been listening to the Father on Purpose podcast for about 3-4 months or so now and I absolutely love the fathering advice that is discussed. This show has helped be become a better father day after day.”
–Matthew S.
RECENT PODCASTS
When it comes to your identity, do you ever feel the pull to let culture, career, or even past mistakes define who you are? The stakes are high, and not just for you, but for your kids too. This episode will begin a three-part series on Identity, and for today, we’ll start with the foundations we look to on our journey to find out what our identity truly is.
Together we’ll walk through six guiding principles, things like why the Bible must be our source, why God (not those around us or even ourselves) decides who we are, and how our words shape the way our children see themselves. You’ll be reminded that your identity is fixed, your character is (or at least should be!) growing, and your influence as a dad is more powerful than you may realize. This isn’t just theory. It’s biblical, it’s practical, and it’s the kind of conversation that can change the way you parent this week.
Listen Now:
"My greatest lesson in my entire life was that I'm not in control." Wise words from our wonderful guest today, Scott MacLellan. Do you ever feel the pressure to try and be your kids' savior? Like you're responsible for all of their choices, no matter how good or bad they might be? Scott learned the hard way that there's only one person that can fill that role, and it's not you and me. It's only Jesus. Today, Scott shows us what it means to let go of the reins and hand them over to Christ, without being passive or ditching your responsibility to lead your family.
Scott MacLellan has been a CEO for the last 25 years, leading multi-billion-dollar businesses and tens of thousands of employees. He’s written nine books, is the executive producer of an upcoming streaming series in development and has even worked as a celebrity bodyguard. His greatest story is tied to being a follower of Jesus Christ, married for over 40 years, a father of two daughters, and grandfather to three boys. You do not want to miss this episode. Let's dive in to a story of tragedy, fear, hopelessness, but ultimately, one of redemption.
Listen Now:
"You want your kids to see you as a safe space." That's just one of the gold nuggets you'll get from today's guest, Dr. Kim Kimberling. Dr. Kim is a treasure trove of wisdom, and we have the chance to soak some of that up in today's episode. Ever wondered how to parent kids in a culture ruled by social media and cancel culture, what it means to be intentional as a dad, or how to practically cultivate grace in your home? We get into that and much more. Dive in to our conversation with Dr. Kim and be encouraged, challenged, and inspired.
Listen Now:
What’s Your Mission as a Dad?
Being a godly dad is hard work. Challenges abound, and sometimes, we just need some ideas, encouragement, and a little laughter along the way. So, we created the Father On Purpose Podcast to have real, fun, and practical conversations about being dads. Fatherhood is awesome, sacred, and hard all at the same time. We don’t have all the answers, but together as dads, we’ll try to figure it out.