What if trying to be the hero in your home is actually hurting your kids?
In part four of our From Overwhelmed to Intentional series, Kent and Lawson unpack a subtle but critical distinction every dad needs to understand: the difference between being an example and being a hero.
Many dads feel crushing pressure to be perfect, to have all the answers, and to never mess up. Others check out completely because they feel unqualified. Neither path leads to biblical, healthy fatherhood.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why Scripture calls dads to be examples, not saviors
- How being "the hero" can quietly tether your kids' faith to you instead of Jesus
- Why humility, repentance, and presence matter more than performance
- How to disciple your kids even when you don't feel spiritually equipped
You don't need to be flawless to lead well. You need to be faithful, present, and pointed in the right direction.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure of fatherhood, this conversation will help you breathe, recalibrate, and lead your family with confidence and clarity.
Want to shape the direction of the show this year? Leave us a voicemail and tell us what you're facing as a dad: manhoodjourney.org/podcast Scroll down to "What's Your Story?" and leave us a message!
You're not a father on accident. Go be a father on purpose.
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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
“I listen to the father on purpose podcast and you guys are amazing. Thank you for all you guys do and please keep it up. Us Fathers need this NOW more than ever.”
–Joel C.
“Thank you for the effort and time you put into leading us dads toward the Kingdom of God. I have learned and put to use so much by listening to the podcast.”
–Cole S.
RECENT PODCASTS
Ever feel like you're carrying everything alone and you're not even sure how it got this way? Scripture is clear: wise men don't walk solo. In this episode, Kent and Lawson talk about how to surround yourself with godly counsel, why "I don't have time" is usually a smokescreen, and what's really going on underneath it (apathy, arrogance, or insecurity).
You'll also get a simple, free tool you can use right away: the Iron Circle Worksheet, created with our partners at Man in the Mirror. It helps you identify the growth areas you actually need help with, then connect those needs to real men who can sharpen you.
If you want 2026 to look different, this is a great place to start: build your circle, get wisdom, and stop trying to do life alone.
Download the Iron Circle Worksheet TODAY: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle
Learn more about our new partners here: https://maninthemirror.org/
Here are some of our favorite episodes that hit on the same themes of community and walking through life surrounded by godly counsel:
Episode 214: https://manhoodjourney.org/podcast/whose-shoulders-are-you-standing-on/
Episode 188: https://manhoodjourney.org/podcast/building-stronger-relationships/
Episode 162: https://manhoodjourney.org/podcast/sharing-a-piece-of-yourself-with-others/
We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X0dZgWc37aU
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Are you heading into 2026 feeling like you're supposed to have a big New Year's resolution, yet something about that whole system feels off?
In this episode, Kent and Lawson do something different. They "interview" each other about 2025 and talk honestly about what God taught them, where life was hard, and where God showed up with unexpected strength, healing, provision, and joy. You'll hear stories about 30-year anniversaries, job changes, parenting kids in different seasons, weddings, health scares, and the kind of perspective shift that happens when you stop and remember what God has already done.
This conversation is also a simple template you can use with a brother, a friend, your dad, or your adult son. Sit down, trade notes, and look for God's fingerprints on the year you just lived. As you start a new year, remember this: you're not going to become the dad your family needs by accident. Let's walk into 2026 with gratitude, wisdom, and purpose.
Learn more about our new partners here: https://maninthemirror.org/
Download the Iron Circle worksheet here: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle/
We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QooqOzaa4xs
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What if one five-minute message could strengthen another man's faith, marriage, and fatherhood?
In this unique and unexpected episode of Father On Purpose, Lawson steps out solo (kind of...) to share a heartfelt encouragement rooted in Scripture, brotherhood, and years of walking alongside Kent Evans. You'll also get some behind the scenes experience from producer Alex, Kent's oldest son. If you learn one thing from this episode, we hope it's this: no dad is meant to do life alone. God gave us the gift of community to sharpen, steady, and strengthen us. This episode also serves as a special thank you to Kent Evans, co-founder of Manhood Journey and the mind behind Father On Purpose. From Lawson, Alex, and the countless dads whose lives have been changed by Kent, we are truly grateful.
Lawson introduces the idea of an "Iron Circle," a small group of men who walk with you through fatherhood, marriage, and faith. Drawing from Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4, and 1 Thessalonians 5, he challenges dads to intentionally encourage the men God has placed in their lives, not someday, but now.
You'll hear why encouragement is not optional for Christian men, how Kent's obedience helped shape Manhood Journey, and why Scripture, not personality, must always be the foundation of biblical fatherhood. If you've ever felt isolated as a dad, this episode is for you. You are not meant to father alone, so go hunt for community that helps you on your journey of becoming a Father On Purpose. Merry Christmas from Kent, Lawson, and Alex!
Learn more about the Iron Circle here: https://manhoodjourney.org/iron-circle/
Become an Anger Free Dad today: https://manhoodjourney.org/anger-free-dad/
We've launched video now! Check out the video version of today's episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/P0jtKZaIZPM
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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.
