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
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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
If you knew the answer to every question you ever asked, would you still ask them? Probably not. However, we can learn from the model of Jesus who had at least some of (if not all) the answers to every question he ever asked...and yet he still asked them. Why? We believe that at least part of that answer is because Scripture teaches that the heart of the wise is a curious heart (Proverbs 18:15, 20:5).
Asking questions does more than reveal information. It keeps you humble. You have more influence asking good questions than making a bunch of statements. In today's episode, we take a lesson from one of Kent's friends named Blake, who models this lifestyle of asking great questions. Our challenge to you? This week, choose the path of curiosity.
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What does it really mean to be a biblical father? Not just a moral, modern, or “cool” dad, but one who shapes his kids’ hearts for the Lord. In this episode, we break fatherhood down into three essential ingredients—straight from Scripture—so you can parent with purpose. Whether you’re a brand-new dad or a seasoned veteran, you’ll find biblical encouragement, practical wisdom, and even some laughter along the way.
Think of this episode as a distillation of who we are at our core here at Father On Purpose. If you've been along for the ride with us for the last 4 years or so, we owe you our gratitude. We’ve also got a special challenge for you. If you're a dad who's just joining us, welcome aboard. We hope God uses us to "spur you on toward love and good deeds" (Heb 10:24) and that you would fully embrace becoming a Father On Purpose.
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Dad, have you paused lately to think about who has helped you become the father, husband, and man you are today? Chances are, you didn't get here alone. We're all products of past generosity. This episode is all about recognizing and appreciating those who've supported us behind the scenes. We want to celebrate the people who rarely get the spotlight but who play essential roles in our lives and stories. Namely, today we want to honor Lawson Brown. He's co-host extraordinaire, a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and one of the reasons you're able to listen to this show today. Thank you Lawson.
In today's episode, Kent dives into some fascinating examples from history—like the unseen heroes behind the translation of the Bible or the creation of "Amazing Grace"—and shares stories from his own life and ministry. Listen in, be encouraged, and then take the challenge: thank someone who's made a difference in your journey, and help your kids see the value of gratitude in action. Generosity fuels the kingdom, and you probably have a lot more to give than you think.
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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.