Faith Fatherhood Work

In this episode, Peter shares the importance of taking risks. Our faith should be the foundation for adventure and intimacy with God, but our often risk-averse lives slowly dulls our desire to take a step into the unknown. Whether through our faith, our vocation, or with our family, taking appropriate risks, with God, can lead to flourishing and fulfillment in ways we'd not experience otherwise.

Why is testimony such an important part of our faith? In this episode, Peter shares three specific examples speaking to the power of testimony in our lives, including a recently published essay titled Walking The Long Way Home by David Maywald. With dozens of gatherings hosted by KINSMEN over the past couple of years, Peter emphasizes how our need for testimony in community can be a catalyst for s...

In this episode, we continue our series on what we need as men. Today's emphasis is on prayer. It may sound obvious, but the reality is many of us shy away from deeper, and more intimate prayer life. Whether you're looking to kickstart a more frequent and consistent prayer time, or you're compelled to invite others regularly to join you in prayer. This episode will encourage you to take action in...

In this episode, Peter gives various exciting updates on the organization and the future. We also further our series on need, speaking to the place of belonging with a reading of an essay on formation and discipleship.

In this episode, Peter talks about the importance of solitude in our life and shares a few simple, practical ways for us as men to quiet the noise. We also read Psalm 23 and Psalm 46 to help us usher in this necessary spiritual practice in our everyday lives.

What role do elders play in our lives, and why do we need them? In this episode, we explore the value of having older men who are full of wisdom and experience to guide us through life. While mentors are important, there’s something uniquely powerful about learning from elders—those who have walked many seasons and still live with faith, generosity, and passion. We dive into how their stories, pre...

In this episode, we’ll hear from Peter as we close out the final essay in Vol I of Kinsmen Journal written by Morgan Snyder of Wild at Heart. Morgan invites us to ask the hard questions of ourselves. What will be remembered about us when we’re gone? What will our family and closest friends say?   Also, Peter shares about upcoming events for KINSMEN, including in SW Missouri, as well as elsewhere....

In this episode we hear from Peter on the subject of Courage, as well as an essay on Worship from Kinsmen Journal – Volume I. At a recent gathering, Peter spoke on the importance of pursuing what is hard and difficult, and that it often takes courage from each of us to do what’s necessary. He presents an alternative definition for the word, not one based on heroics, but one that’s a response from...

In this episode, Peter reads a timely letter written for the church about men. The letter is rooted in the Gospel and expounds on three observations regarding men, society, and the church. This is one of the most important episodes to date, so please share it and discuss with others.

In this episode, Peter gives some exciting updates on KINSMEN as we head into the new year. Also, we continue our plumblines series with two essays as we hear from Jon Carlos Velez through his words on the subject of expression as well as Lee Domingue as he writes and speaks on Legacy. Enjoy this rich episode as we near the end of reading through Kinsmen Journal Vol I.

Plumblines: An essay on Holy vs. Worldly Ambition   In this essay, we continue our plumbline series as we measure ourselves as men to what God’s word intends. Today’s episode centers on the subject of Ambition. What is it? How do we use it for good or for self? We hear from Brian Tome, pastor of Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, OH and founder of Man Camp. We also share the opening pages of the cha...

In this episode, we kickoff our Plumblines section of Kinsmen Journal with an original essay from author and psychotherapist Jay Stringer on the subject of desire. This topic is one that can quickly lead to discussions about shame and what men shouldn’t be doing. Instead though, Jay invites us to explore the subject further and consider desire through a different lens. Jay’s book, Unwanted: How Se...

In this episode, Peter shares some timely thoughts and encouragement surrounding the political and divisive state where we find ourselves in America. First though, we look to scripture for wisdom and truth as we read Jesus’ words from The Sermon on the Mount.

In this two-essay episode, we wrap up the Work section of Kinsmen Journal, Vol I with two rich essays on revisiting what can be essential in carrying out the assignment and work before us. The topics: consistent friendship with others, and a strategy to balance the demands of work and everyday life. Hal Easley shares about the simple, yet profoundly impactful weekly breakfast he’s been attending f...

In this episode, we hear from our friend Dave Hataj. Dave is a second-generation machinist and owner of Edgerton Gear in Edgerton, WI. Dave’s story is a common one, leaving town to pursue something bigger and better, only to end up back in his hometown, leading the family business. The journey has certainly had considerable heartache, but Dave’s faithfulness and grit has led to a life more fulfill...

In this episode, we gain a better understanding of how God is using men who are led by His Spirit to accomplish His work. To quote the essay, “God does not anoint who you pretend to be or who people perceive you to be. God anoints who you were hand-crafted to be.” This is a glimpse into the richness of this essay that will quickly encourage you as you grow in your faith.  

In this episode we hear from Tom Nelson, pastor, and founder of Made to Flourish, an organization that empowers pastors and their churches to integrate faith, work, and economic wisdom for the flourishing of their communities. Tom eloquently shares why the work we do is both holy and an essential form of worship. This essay is a necessary reminder of what each of us carry as salt and light in the...

In this episode, Ashton Owens, tells some of his story through his essay. Ashton is a serial entrepreneur and marketing executive. His pursuits are extensive, but his leadership of Triple Threat Creative is his primary focus. From designing and launching brands, to developing the creative through videography, design and story-telling. Triple Threat is made up of designers, film makers, and markete...

In this episode, we open the Work section of Kinsmen Journal Vol I with an essay on who we are, and in particular, who we are in our work. Jeremy Wells is a brand strategist on hotelier headquartered in the Midwest. His words are timely as we consider the brand we’re building in the marketplace, starting with the most frequent question we ask of others, “What do you do?”   Jeremy challenges us to...

In this episode, we continue our discussion on the importance of words in our Words to Live By section of Kinsmen Journal. Likewise to last week, we ask the same four questions geared towards men. This week we have the five remaining words from Vol I: Grace, Heart, Meek, Steadfast and Sabbath. Scripture has much to say about the words we speak and the context for their importance. This episode is...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of words in our Words to Live By section of Kinsmen Journal. We ask the same four questions geared towards men for each of the following words: Abide, Consecrate, Covenant and Exalt. Scripture has much to say about the words we speak and the context for their importance. This episode is not to be missed and is a perfect companion to Volume I in print and...

In this episode we briefly wrap up our commentary on the Fatherhood section of Volume I. In doing so, we provide some timely resources for you to explore in the new year. Also, we introduce an essay on desire by Jay Stringer. Jay is a psychotherapist and challenges each of us on the way in which we think about the subject of desire in our lives. This is a powerful essay and an episode that’s not t...

In this episode, we hear a poignant essay by Dr. Jon Spence. Jon writes about the legacy of his late father, Dr. Robert Spence, who was an anchor in the Springfield, MO community for nearly five decades. Jon’s words are rich with wisdom as we learn about the importance of transitioning well, setting a proper goal, seeing people for their uniqueness and value, as well as why it’s essential we invit...

In this episode, we combine two essays into one. Starting with a conversation on America’s pastime, and why fun and joy with our kids can be found in unexpected places. We close the episode with a timely essay by Dr. Tim Elmore, who’s known as one of the foremost leaders on the study generational differences and communication. Tim provides wisdom to us as parents, reminding us of some important to...

In this episode, we wrap up the mini-series on the essay Redeeming Fatherhood. In it, Peter shares more of his personal story as well as some practical ways to engage in the dialogue of forgiveness, as well as he recites writings from Jon Tyson’s Intentional Father that can be a helpful tool in honoring the men in our lives.