Father's Day at Church 2026: Fresh Ideas

Fresh ideas for Father's Day at church. Fresh ideas for Father's Day at church. Not the same tropes and stereotypes. Not the same tropes and stereotypes. Not the same tropes and stereotypes. Every idea is free and every idea is Every idea is free and every idea is Every idea is free and every idea is designed to be simple enough to designed to be simple enough to designed to be simple enough to integrate into your Sunday service. So, integrate into your Sunday service. So, integrate into your Sunday service. So, whether you're looking for new ideas a whether you're looking for new ideas a whether you're looking for new ideas a few weeks before service, a few days, few weeks before service, a few days, few weeks before service, a few days, hey, even the night before, don't worry. hey, even the night before, don't worry. hey, even the night before, don't worry. We got you. We got you. We got you. Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Well, hey there and welcome to the Pro Church Tools Show. We're here to help Church Tools Show. We're here to help Church Tools Show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Shearer, your host, and I'm joined Brady Shearer, your host, and I'm joined Brady Shearer, your host, and I'm joined as always by my co-host, a father of two as always by my co-host, a father of two as always by my co-host, a father of two sons. It's Alexander Mills. sons. It's Alexander Mills. sons. It's Alexander Mills. >> Hello, hello. So, the guiding principle >> Hello, hello. So, the guiding principle >> Hello, hello. So, the guiding principle that we have for you in this 2026 that we have for you in this 2026 that we have for you in this 2026 Father's Day unique ideas episode is Father's Day unique ideas episode is Father's Day unique ideas episode is don't make dad into a caricature. don't make dad into a caricature. don't make dad into a caricature. We need to think about all the sitcoms We need to think about all the sitcoms We need to think about all the sitcoms and all the shows that have depicted and all the shows that have depicted and all the shows that have depicted dads for a couple decades in the same dads for a couple decades in the same dads for a couple decades in the same way, right? It's the it's the dumb, way, right? It's the it's the dumb, way, right? It's the it's the dumb, bumbling father who can't get his life bumbling father who can't get his life bumbling father who can't get his life together and the mom is the one holding together and the mom is the one holding together and the mom is the one holding the entire household together and dad's the entire household together and dad's the entire household together and dad's just the butt of every joke. just the butt of every joke. just the butt of every joke. That is not how dads typically get That is not how dads typically get That is not how dads typically get depicted in church, but there is kind of depicted in church, but there is kind of depicted in church, but there is kind of that caricature of like monster trucks, that caricature of like monster trucks, that caricature of like monster trucks, bacon, bacon, bacon, >> steak, guns, >> steak, guns, >> steak, guns, >> Yeah, there's that.

>> Yeah, there's that. >> Yeah, there's that. >> God, and dad. And that is a certain type >> God, and dad. And that is a certain type >> God, and dad. And that is a certain type of dad. of dad. of dad. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> But there are lots of types of dads, and >> But there are lots of types of dads, and >> But there are lots of types of dads, and so if you present it in a caricatured so if you present it in a caricatured so if you present it in a caricatured way, way, way, I think you do a disservice to everyone I think you do a disservice to everyone I think you do a disservice to everyone else. We did a Mother's Day episode last else. We did a Mother's Day episode last else. We did a Mother's Day episode last month. Mhm. And in the Mother's Day month. Mhm. And in the Mother's Day month. Mhm. And in the Mother's Day episode, we talked about all the episode, we talked about all the episode, we talked about all the different types of moms and the different types of moms and the different types of moms and the importance of acknowledging them. importance of acknowledging them. importance of acknowledging them. Step-moms and grieving moms, people that Step-moms and grieving moms, people that Step-moms and grieving moms, people that were never able to become moms but have were never able to become moms but have were never able to become moms but have always wanted to. And And there's like a always wanted to. And And there's like a always wanted to. And And there's like a wide gamut of them. wide gamut of them. wide gamut of them. And the reason it's worth acknowledging And the reason it's worth acknowledging And the reason it's worth acknowledging all of them all of them all of them is because it makes everyone feel seen. is because it makes everyone feel seen. is because it makes everyone feel seen. >> Yeah. I think, for me at least, how I >> Yeah. I think, for me at least, how I >> Yeah. I think, for me at least, how I believe that gets applied to dads is not believe that gets applied to dads is not believe that gets applied to dads is not necessarily like we're going to necessarily like we're going to necessarily like we're going to acknowledge the single dads and we're acknowledge the single dads and we're acknowledge the single dads and we're going to acknowledge the people that going to acknowledge the people that going to acknowledge the people that always want to be dads. It's the always want to be dads. It's the always want to be dads. It's the we're not going to allow the idea of dad we're not going to allow the idea of dad we're not going to allow the idea of dad to be distilled and down into this like to be distilled and down into this like to be distilled and down into this like cartoon. cartoon. cartoon. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. I hear some objections already I hear some objections already I hear some objections already to the idea and we've had them on on cuz to the idea and we've had them on on cuz to the idea and we've had them on on cuz we've done these episodes before about we've done these episodes before about we've done these episodes before about Mother's Day. We did one about Father's Mother's Day. We did one about Father's Mother's Day. We did one about Father's Day last year. We've got some fresh Day last year. We've got some fresh Day last year. We've got some fresh ideas this year. I hear the objections ideas this year. I hear the objections ideas this year. I hear the objections of of of why do we have to celebrate Father's Day why do we have to celebrate Father's Day why do we have to celebrate Father's Day in church or what what do what do we in church or what what do what do we in church or what what do what do we have to do what the world's doing in have to do what the world's doing in have to do what the world's doing in church? And I was thinking about it this church? And I was thinking about it this church? And I was thinking about it this week because we're recording this in week because we're recording this in week because we're recording this in real time where Mother's Day is actually real time where Mother's Day is actually real time where Mother's Day is actually just coming up. And I was just thinking just coming up. And I was just thinking just coming up. And I was just thinking in my own pastoral context about that in my own pastoral context about that in my own pastoral context about that objection. Not that I was having it objection. Not that I was having it objection. Not that I was having it internally but I was just kind of internally but I was just kind of internally but I was just kind of playing it out of my head.

playing it out of my head. playing it out of my head. >> And >> And >> And the first thing that occurred to me was the first thing that occurred to me was the first thing that occurred to me was oh, these days which are call them oh, these days which are call them oh, these days which are call them secular holidays, right? They occur on secular holidays, right? They occur on secular holidays, right? They occur on Sunday. Mhm. Every every time they come Sunday. Mhm. Every every time they come Sunday. Mhm. Every every time they come around. And so that's one reason to like around. And so that's one reason to like around. And so that's one reason to like at the very least acknowledge it that at the very least acknowledge it that at the very least acknowledge it that like this is culturally happening today like this is culturally happening today like this is culturally happening today whether we mention Mother's Day or whether we mention Mother's Day or whether we mention Mother's Day or Father's Day today at church or not. Father's Day today at church or not. Father's Day today at church or not. Like you're probably going to have Like you're probably going to have Like you're probably going to have you're probably going to celebrate your you're probably going to celebrate your you're probably going to celebrate your dad at dinner time tonight or your dad at dinner time tonight or your dad at dinner time tonight or your mother at dinner time tonight. So it's mother at dinner time tonight. So it's mother at dinner time tonight. So it's happening today. It's always on a happening today. It's always on a happening today. It's always on a Sunday. And then secondly, Sunday. And then secondly, Sunday. And then secondly, on this show we always talk about um on this show we always talk about um on this show we always talk about um finding the intersection of faith and finding the intersection of faith and finding the intersection of faith and culture. culture. culture. >> That's it. And so this is culturally >> That's it. And so this is culturally >> That's it. And so this is culturally happening today on this Sunday. Yeah. happening today on this Sunday. Yeah. happening today on this Sunday. Yeah. And in the Christian narrative, in the And in the Christian narrative, in the And in the Christian narrative, in the story of the good news of the gospel of story of the good news of the gospel of story of the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the parenting imagery, the Jesus Christ, the parenting imagery, the Jesus Christ, the parenting imagery, the father mother imagery, it's it's baked father mother imagery, it's it's baked father mother imagery, it's it's baked right into the story. It's an important right into the story. It's an important right into the story. It's an important part to the story. And so it's not um part to the story. And so it's not um part to the story. And so it's not um antithetical to the gospel at all to on antithetical to the gospel at all to on antithetical to the gospel at all to on on this Sunday acknowledge fathers. And on this Sunday acknowledge fathers. And on this Sunday acknowledge fathers. And maybe sing you're a good good father. Do maybe sing you're a good good father. Do maybe sing you're a good good father. Do do people still sing that song in do people still sing that song in do people still sing that song in church? Surely. I don't know. Bring it church? Surely. I don't know. Bring it church? Surely. I don't know. Bring it out on this Father's Day or in your out on this Father's Day or in your out on this Father's Day or in your Sunday sermon, you know, like cater it Sunday sermon, you know, like cater it Sunday sermon, you know, like cater it to a fatherly theme. And yeah, maybe try to a fatherly theme. And yeah, maybe try to a fatherly theme. And yeah, maybe try one of these fresh Father's Day Father's one of these fresh Father's Day Father's one of these fresh Father's Day Father's Day ideas to acknowledge the dads in the Day ideas to acknowledge the dads in the Day ideas to acknowledge the dads in the room, celebrate them, honor them, pray room, celebrate them, honor them, pray room, celebrate them, honor them, pray for them. Um I I really don't think it's for them. Um I I really don't think it's for them. Um I I really don't think it's it's taking it too far in the secular uh it's taking it too far in the secular uh it's taking it too far in the secular uh direction to at least acknowledge that direction to at least acknowledge that direction to at least acknowledge that this day is happening today. Where we do this day is happening today. Where we do this day is happening today. Where we do get into trouble is is where we graft get into trouble is is where we graft get into trouble is is where we graft culture onto church in ways that feel culture onto church in ways that feel culture onto church in ways that feel unearned or just kind of random. I feel

unearned or just kind of random. I feel unearned or just kind of random. I feel this way every time it's like, "It's this way every time it's like, "It's this way every time it's like, "It's Super Bowl Sunday at church." Oh, yeah, Super Bowl Sunday at church." Oh, yeah, Super Bowl Sunday at church." Oh, yeah, wear your jersey. I'm like, "What the wear your jersey. I'm like, "What the wear your jersey. I'm like, "What the heck? What are we doing here? This is heck? What are we doing here? This is heck? What are we doing here? This is kind of weird, man. Like, I'm going to kind of weird, man. Like, I'm going to kind of weird, man. Like, I'm going to watch the Super Bowl. What is that What watch the Super Bowl. What is that What watch the Super Bowl. What is that What does this have to do with church?" A big does this have to do with church?" A big does this have to do with church?" A big game big game, right? We can't say Super game big game, right? We can't say Super game big game, right? We can't say Super Bowl, of course. Like, this is a crude Bowl, of course. Like, this is a crude Bowl, of course. Like, this is a crude application of scripture, but it is one application of scripture, but it is one application of scripture, but it is one of the commandments, honor your father of the commandments, honor your father of the commandments, honor your father and mother. Well, today's Father's Day. and mother. Well, today's Father's Day. and mother. Well, today's Father's Day. You're not going to honor your father in You're not going to honor your father in You're not going to honor your father in the form of church service? the form of church service? the form of church service? Breaking a commandment maybe. Breaking a commandment maybe. Breaking a commandment maybe. >> Okay, you want to get to the first fresh >> Okay, you want to get to the first fresh >> Okay, you want to get to the first fresh idea for this year? Sure. So, the idea idea for this year? Sure. So, the idea idea for this year? Sure. So, the idea here is called First Father's Day. here is called First Father's Day. here is called First Father's Day. And you can make this as small as an And you can make this as small as an And you can make this as small as an individual gift or acknowledgement, or individual gift or acknowledgement, or individual gift or acknowledgement, or as I'll humbly suggest, as big as the as I'll humbly suggest, as big as the as I'll humbly suggest, as big as the lens through which you see the entire lens through which you see the entire lens through which you see the entire service. And I really do think this is service. And I really do think this is service. And I really do think this is distinct and unlike probably anything distinct and unlike probably anything distinct and unlike probably anything that you've seen before, which doesn't that you've seen before, which doesn't that you've seen before, which doesn't make it good, but make it good, but make it good, but freshness matters because it allows for freshness matters because it allows for freshness matters because it allows for fresh eyes. Like, how often do we pray? fresh eyes. Like, how often do we pray? fresh eyes. Like, how often do we pray? Lord, I've read this passage 150 times. Lord, I've read this passage 150 times. Lord, I've read this passage 150 times. Let me see it with fresh eyes. Why? Let me see it with fresh eyes. Why? Let me see it with fresh eyes. Why? Because I know it's so rewarding and Because I know it's so rewarding and Because I know it's so rewarding and full of wisdom and full of life if I can full of wisdom and full of life if I can full of wisdom and full of life if I can receive it, but if I come to it and just receive it, but if I come to it and just receive it, but if I come to it and just think of it as stale because it's think of it as stale because it's think of it as stale because it's familiar, I've lost what's there for me.

familiar, I've lost what's there for me. familiar, I've lost what's there for me. So, First Father's Day. So, First Father's Day. So, First Father's Day. Small version. A specific gift bag or Small version. A specific gift bag or Small version. A specific gift bag or totem of some kind for dads whose first totem of some kind for dads whose first totem of some kind for dads whose first kid was born in the past 12 months. A kid was born in the past 12 months. A kid was born in the past 12 months. A book on fatherhood, handwritten card book on fatherhood, handwritten card book on fatherhood, handwritten card from the pastor, maybe a Bible. from the pastor, maybe a Bible. from the pastor, maybe a Bible. I think what I like about this is that I think what I like about this is that I think what I like about this is that it acknowledges the right of passage it acknowledges the right of passage it acknowledges the right of passage that I think church probably misses that I think church probably misses that I think church probably misses because because because that would be such like an individual that would be such like an individual that would be such like an individual moment that's fleeting that you wouldn't moment that's fleeting that you wouldn't moment that's fleeting that you wouldn't see. And if and when Alex became a see. And if and when Alex became a see. And if and when Alex became a father, I remember I got him like a father, I remember I got him like a father, I remember I got him like a special gift, special gift, special gift, but like, that was just because we're but like, that was just because we're but like, that was just because we're friends. It wasn't that's happening on friends. It wasn't that's happening on friends. It wasn't that's happening on the church scale. So, the church scale. So, the church scale. So, why might you want to build the entire why might you want to build the entire why might you want to build the entire service around this? Okay, I service around this? Okay, I service around this? Okay, I am not a first-time dad. I know my baby am not a first-time dad. I know my baby am not a first-time dad. I know my baby face might give it away. My eldest is 11 face might give it away. My eldest is 11 face might give it away. My eldest is 11 years old, believe it or not. So, I was years old, believe it or not. So, I was years old, believe it or not. So, I was imagining this through my set of eyes, imagining this through my set of eyes, imagining this through my set of eyes, cuz that's all I can do. cuz that's all I can do. cuz that's all I can do. So, I'm at my church, and we're doing a So, I'm at my church, and we're doing a So, I'm at my church, and we're doing a first Father's Day. And they bring up first Father's Day. And they bring up first Father's Day. And they bring up the 1772 the 1772 the 1772 new dads from the past 12 months. And new dads from the past 12 months. And new dads from the past 12 months. And they're all being honored, and I'm like, they're all being honored, and I'm like, they're all being honored, and I'm like, "Oh man, like "Oh man, like "Oh man, like it immediately reminds me of when I was it immediately reminds me of when I was it immediately reminds me of when I was in those shoes.

in those shoes. in those shoes. >> Yeah. A new dad. And suddenly, I'm >> Yeah. A new dad. And suddenly, I'm >> Yeah. A new dad. And suddenly, I'm looking at it, and I'm remembering all looking at it, and I'm remembering all looking at it, and I'm remembering all the good times and the challenging the good times and the challenging the good times and the challenging times, and I'm reflecting on my own kids times, and I'm reflecting on my own kids times, and I'm reflecting on my own kids and how like they're 11 now and four, and how like they're 11 now and four, and how like they're 11 now and four, but they were once 11 days, they were but they were once 11 days, they were but they were once 11 days, they were once 11 months. And once 11 months. And once 11 months. And now I'm getting fresh eyes for the now I'm getting fresh eyes for the now I'm getting fresh eyes for the season that I'm in. season that I'm in. season that I'm in. >> Yeah. Even though I'm not a first-time >> Yeah. Even though I'm not a first-time >> Yeah. Even though I'm not a first-time dad, dad, dad, and that only would happen because we're and that only would happen because we're and that only would happen because we're focusing on something specific. And this focusing on something specific. And this focusing on something specific. And this is the paradox. is the paradox. is the paradox. The more generic you make something, you The more generic you make something, you The more generic you make something, you think it's inclusive of more people. think it's inclusive of more people. think it's inclusive of more people. >> Sure. Ironically, the more specific you >> Sure. Ironically, the more specific you >> Sure. Ironically, the more specific you make something, make something, make something, the more it becomes personal to the the more it becomes personal to the the more it becomes personal to the person on the other side. This is why person on the other side. This is why person on the other side. This is why Jesus spoke in parables and stories, Jesus spoke in parables and stories, Jesus spoke in parables and stories, because he understood that if I take an because he understood that if I take an because he understood that if I take an abstract idea and I make it specific in abstract idea and I make it specific in abstract idea and I make it specific in a story, in metaphor, every single a story, in metaphor, every single a story, in metaphor, every single person in their unique lived experience person in their unique lived experience person in their unique lived experience will bring that to the table of the will bring that to the table of the will bring that to the table of the story. And the way Alex hears the story story. And the way Alex hears the story story. And the way Alex hears the story of the lost coin will be different from of the lost coin will be different from of the lost coin will be different from the way that I hear the story of the the way that I hear the story of the the way that I hear the story of the lost coin, which will be different from lost coin, which will be different from lost coin, which will be different from the way that you, listener or viewer, the way that you, listener or viewer, the way that you, listener or viewer, would hear that. Yeah.

would hear that. Yeah. would hear that. Yeah. >> And so now there's all these ventricles >> And so now there's all these ventricles >> And so now there's all these ventricles of truth that we're all getting because of truth that we're all getting because of truth that we're all getting because we're all bringing our unique we're all bringing our unique we're all bringing our unique experiences, and those are intersecting experiences, and those are intersecting experiences, and those are intersecting with the specific story we're with the specific story we're with the specific story we're highlighting. Yeah, I think this is such highlighting. Yeah, I think this is such highlighting. Yeah, I think this is such a beautiful idea. As you kind of painted a beautiful idea. As you kind of painted a beautiful idea. As you kind of painted the picture of you sitting in your seat the picture of you sitting in your seat the picture of you sitting in your seat as a as a dad of two and a season dad of as a as a dad of two and a season dad of as a as a dad of two and a season dad of two, and then a bunch of new dads up on two, and then a bunch of new dads up on two, and then a bunch of new dads up on the stage. Um, know your church, and so the stage. Um, know your church, and so the stage. Um, know your church, and so I I could I could kind of see that image I I could I could kind of see that image I I could I could kind of see that image in my mind when you were painting it. in my mind when you were painting it. in my mind when you were painting it. And what I saw there was like And what I saw there was like And what I saw there was like choosing to facilitate that moment choosing to facilitate that moment choosing to facilitate that moment increases visibility. So, for you as a increases visibility. So, for you as a increases visibility. So, for you as a dad in the room who has 11 years of dad in the room who has 11 years of dad in the room who has 11 years of experience under his belt, all of a experience under his belt, all of a experience under his belt, all of a sudden you're seeing all these men in sudden you're seeing all these men in sudden you're seeing all these men in your community that are first-time dads. your community that are first-time dads. your community that are first-time dads. And for first-time parents, that first And for first-time parents, that first And for first-time parents, that first year brings its own joys, but certainly year brings its own joys, but certainly year brings its own joys, but certainly its own challenges. So, now you've got its own challenges. So, now you've got its own challenges. So, now you've got this new level of visibility where you this new level of visibility where you this new level of visibility where you see people Oh, and you realize, "Oh, you see people Oh, and you realize, "Oh, you see people Oh, and you realize, "Oh, you know what? know what? know what? I I I I know that guy. I don't know him as I know that guy. I don't know him as I know that guy. I don't know him as like as well as I would want to, and like as well as I would want to, and like as well as I would want to, and they're probably really going through it they're probably really going through it they're probably really going through it right now. I'm going to invite them over right now. I'm going to invite them over right now. I'm going to invite them over for dinner." And you're just reminded of for dinner." And you're just reminded of for dinner." And you're just reminded of that because you see them in this that because you see them in this that because you see them in this moment. And then moment. And then moment. And then inversely, for all those men who are inversely, for all those men who are inversely, for all those men who are welcomed up on the stage, welcomed up on the stage, welcomed up on the stage, they have visibility too amongst they have visibility too amongst they have visibility too amongst themselves to see, "Oh, I'm in it with themselves to see, "Oh, I'm in it with themselves to see, "Oh, I'm in it with all these people in this community, and all these people in this community, and all these people in this community, and I'm not in this alone." Being a I'm not in this alone." Being a I'm not in this alone." Being a first-time parent, if your child is not first-time parent, if your child is not first-time parent, if your child is not a good sleeper, that is in those hours a good sleeper, that is in those hours a good sleeper, that is in those hours in the middle of the morning, it's easy in the middle of the morning, it's easy in the middle of the morning, it's easy to feel like, "I'm the only one in the to feel like, "I'm the only one in the to feel like, "I'm the only one in the world who is going through this, and world who is going through this, and world who is going through this, and this is the hardest thing I've ever this is the hardest thing I've ever this is the hardest thing I've ever done." And so, you see those other men done." And so, you see those other men done." And so, you see those other men on the stage and all those kids, and you on the stage and all those kids, and you on the stage and all those kids, and you see all the people out in the see all the people out in the see all the people out in the congregation, and you're reminded, "Oh,

congregation, and you're reminded, "Oh, congregation, and you're reminded, "Oh, I'm I'm not alone. And and when I need I'm I'm not alone. And and when I need I'm I'm not alone. And and when I need to talk to someone about how maybe how to talk to someone about how maybe how to talk to someone about how maybe how difficult this season is for me, I've difficult this season is for me, I've difficult this season is for me, I've got all of these guys that I could text got all of these guys that I could text got all of these guys that I could text or call or whatever." Um, so it really or call or whatever." Um, so it really or call or whatever." Um, so it really has great potential, this moment, this has great potential, this moment, this has great potential, this moment, this kind of curated moment to galvanize the kind of curated moment to galvanize the kind of curated moment to galvanize the entire room, the entire community, and entire room, the entire community, and entire room, the entire community, and and make a whole lot of new connections and make a whole lot of new connections and make a whole lot of new connections both interpersonal interpersonally and both interpersonal interpersonally and both interpersonal interpersonally and like personally within yourself. You like personally within yourself. You like personally within yourself. You mentioned just like having those mentioned just like having those mentioned just like having those memories, reminding yourself what season memories, reminding yourself what season memories, reminding yourself what season you're in. Um, and that's such a great you're in. Um, and that's such a great you're in. Um, and that's such a great image of Christian community to me. What image of Christian community to me. What image of Christian community to me. What do we believe that the church offers do we believe that the church offers do we believe that the church offers that nothing else in culture does? The that nothing else in culture does? The that nothing else in culture does? The ability for people of all different ability for people of all different ability for people of all different walks of life, socioeconomic walks of life, socioeconomic walks of life, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, backgrounds, ethnicities, backgrounds, ethnicities, upbringings, upbringings, upbringings, we're all in the same room together. we're all in the same room together. we're all in the same room together. And the word galvanizing is the word And the word galvanizing is the word And the word galvanizing is the word that really packs the punch for me, that really packs the punch for me, that really packs the punch for me, which is like which is like which is like the same people are on stage often for the same people are on stage often for the same people are on stage often for good reason. You bring these other good reason. You bring these other good reason. You bring these other people on stage, and now you're aware of people on stage, and now you're aware of people on stage, and now you're aware of something about them that maybe you something about them that maybe you something about them that maybe you weren't aware of. Or maybe you were weren't aware of. Or maybe you were weren't aware of. Or maybe you were aware of, but it wasn't top of mind, and aware of, but it wasn't top of mind, and aware of, but it wasn't top of mind, and now it is in a new way. Sometimes all now it is in a new way. Sometimes all now it is in a new way. Sometimes all that does is spark one conversation in that does is spark one conversation in that does is spark one conversation in the lobby afterwards. And you know, guys the lobby afterwards. And you know, guys the lobby afterwards. And you know, guys are famously, to use the trope, good at are famously, to use the trope, good at are famously, to use the trope, good at this, where we can bond over like little this, where we can bond over like little this, where we can bond over like little like sports or the weather, and suddenly like sports or the weather, and suddenly like sports or the weather, and suddenly we're like, "Huh, a kinship."

we're like, "Huh, a kinship." we're like, "Huh, a kinship." And a friendship can blossom out of And a friendship can blossom out of And a friendship can blossom out of that. Maybe it's like two of the guys on that. Maybe it's like two of the guys on that. Maybe it's like two of the guys on stage who hadn't met each other yet. And stage who hadn't met each other yet. And stage who hadn't met each other yet. And suddenly because they're in the same suddenly because they're in the same suddenly because they're in the same season, they're bonded over something, season, they're bonded over something, season, they're bonded over something, and something comes out of that. Like and something comes out of that. Like and something comes out of that. Like platforming people and their stories, platforming people and their stories, platforming people and their stories, cuz that's what you're doing here, cuz that's what you're doing here, cuz that's what you're doing here, has the potential to galvanize the has the potential to galvanize the has the potential to galvanize the community in ways that Sundays otherwise community in ways that Sundays otherwise community in ways that Sundays otherwise wouldn't if you're just kind of going wouldn't if you're just kind of going wouldn't if you're just kind of going through the normal order of service. Not through the normal order of service. Not through the normal order of service. Not downplaying the normal order of service, downplaying the normal order of service, downplaying the normal order of service, but just that when things are done but just that when things are done but just that when things are done differently, they can produce different differently, they can produce different differently, they can produce different results. So, how can this look through results. So, how can this look through results. So, how can this look through the entire service? the entire service? the entire service? If I'm the preacher, maybe I'm only If I'm the preacher, maybe I'm only If I'm the preacher, maybe I'm only going to tell stories that I recall from going to tell stories that I recall from going to tell stories that I recall from the first year. the first year. the first year. We do a video of a grandfather, and he We do a video of a grandfather, and he We do a video of a grandfather, and he tells stories of what he remembers the tells stories of what he remembers the tells stories of what he remembers the first year he became a dad. And it could first year he became a dad. And it could first year he became a dad. And it could be something as simple as like, "When I be something as simple as like, "When I be something as simple as like, "When I became a dad, became a dad, became a dad, I remember I did not know what I was I remember I did not know what I was I remember I did not know what I was doing, but I was gifted this book." And doing, but I was gifted this book." And doing, but I was gifted this book." And he just talks about like how this one he just talks about like how this one he just talks about like how this one book, or it's one story, right? Like book, or it's one story, right? Like book, or it's one story, right? Like whatever it might be. Um whatever it might be. Um whatever it might be. Um like I I I remember like one of my like I I I remember like one of my like I I I remember like one of my like memories of becoming a dad in the like memories of becoming a dad in the like memories of becoming a dad in the first year was um our we were over at first year was um our we were over at first year was um our we were over at our pastor's house, incidentally, and our pastor's house, incidentally, and our pastor's house, incidentally, and we're driving home, and our daughter we're driving home, and our daughter we're driving home, and our daughter like started choking, like started choking, like started choking, and and and it was one of those moments where you're it was one of those moments where you're it was one of those moments where you're like, "Are you actually choking or just like, "Are you actually choking or just like, "Are you actually choking or just coughing?" Cuz you're always coughing. I coughing?" Cuz you're always coughing. I coughing?" Cuz you're always coughing. I was like, "Oh, this is like a real was like, "Oh, this is like a real was like, "Oh, this is like a real moment." And you like pull over to the moment." And you like pull over to the moment." And you like pull over to the side of the road, and like put the car side of the road, and like put the car side of the road, and like put the car in park, and everything's racing through in park, and everything's racing through in park, and everything's racing through your mind, and I'd seen like a police your mind, and I'd seen like a police your mind, and I'd seen like a police officer ahead. And so I was like, "Okay, officer ahead. And so I was like, "Okay, officer ahead. And so I was like, "Okay, if this doesn't resolve itself in X if this doesn't resolve itself in X if this doesn't resolve itself in X seconds, I'm going to do this." And

seconds, I'm going to do this." And seconds, I'm going to do this." And you're going through all these moments, you're going through all these moments, you're going through all these moments, and you get to the back of the car, and and you get to the back of the car, and and you get to the back of the car, and you open the door, and you take the you open the door, and you take the you open the door, and you take the buckles off, and she swallowed the buckles off, and she swallowed the buckles off, and she swallowed the pineapple. pineapple. pineapple. But like, that was like, "Wow, okay, I But like, that was like, "Wow, okay, I But like, that was like, "Wow, okay, I am responsible for another life." That am responsible for another life." That am responsible for another life." That was baptism by fire. Literally nothing was baptism by fire. Literally nothing was baptism by fire. Literally nothing happened. And that's the great thing happened. And that's the great thing happened. And that's the great thing about kids with choking. I mean, almost about kids with choking. I mean, almost about kids with choking. I mean, almost every time it resolves on its own every time it resolves on its own every time it resolves on its own because the human body is made to not because the human body is made to not because the human body is made to not choke. Um choke. Um choke. Um and uh and uh and uh you're like, "Okay, I'm a dad. That that you're like, "Okay, I'm a dad. That that you're like, "Okay, I'm a dad. That that was real." So you just tell like that was real." So you just tell like that was real." So you just tell like that simple story. Maybe maybe not. Maybe simple story. Maybe maybe not. Maybe simple story. Maybe maybe not. Maybe that was like the scary story. Maybe I that was like the scary story. Maybe I that was like the scary story. Maybe I need to think of one that's a little need to think of one that's a little need to think of one that's a little more more heartwarming, right? Uh you more more heartwarming, right? Uh you more more heartwarming, right? Uh you know, know, know, Alex is mentioning like the the the kids Alex is mentioning like the the the kids Alex is mentioning like the the the kids that don't sleep. Um my kids have both that don't sleep. Um my kids have both that don't sleep. Um my kids have both been been been No, first kid, terrible sleeper. Second No, first kid, terrible sleeper. Second No, first kid, terrible sleeper. Second kid, pretty good sleeper. Um she's kid, pretty good sleeper. Um she's kid, pretty good sleeper. Um she's turning four soon. And uh last night she turning four soon. And uh last night she turning four soon. And uh last night she woke up a couple of times. It was like woke up a couple of times. It was like woke up a couple of times. It was like 3:30 a.m., and I go into the to the 3:30 a.m., and I go into the to the 3:30 a.m., and I go into the to the room, and she's like restless, and she's room, and she's like restless, and she's room, and she's like restless, and she's like, "Dad, Dad." She's like, "There's like, "Dad, Dad." She's like, "There's like, "Dad, Dad." She's like, "There's the bug. You have to stop the bugs." the bug. You have to stop the bugs." the bug. You have to stop the bugs." She's having a bad dream. So I just like She's having a bad dream. So I just like She's having a bad dream. So I just like I take my hands, and I just like run I take my hands, and I just like run I take my hands, and I just like run them down her body. I'm like, "Ah, I've them down her body. I'm like, "Ah, I've them down her body. I'm like, "Ah, I've cleared every bug. They're all gone." cleared every bug. They're all gone." cleared every bug. They're all gone." And I'm checking the whole room. Every And I'm checking the whole room. Every And I'm checking the whole room. Every bug is gone. And she falls back asleep.

bug is gone. And she falls back asleep. bug is gone. And she falls back asleep. And I didn't And I didn't And I didn't And I got to work providing for this And I got to work providing for this And I got to work providing for this family at 3:30 a.m. family at 3:30 a.m. family at 3:30 a.m. All right, moving on. Idea number two. All right, moving on. Idea number two. All right, moving on. Idea number two. Letters from kids sealed for next year. Letters from kids sealed for next year. Letters from kids sealed for next year. Right. So let's future cast this a bit. Right. So let's future cast this a bit. Right. So let's future cast this a bit. Maybe there is a tradition that you Maybe there is a tradition that you Maybe there is a tradition that you would like to create in your church. would like to create in your church. would like to create in your church. Now, Now, Now, the simple idea here is the Sunday the simple idea here is the Sunday the simple idea here is the Sunday before kids before Father's Day in kids before kids before Father's Day in kids before kids before Father's Day in kids ministry, every kid writes a letter to ministry, every kid writes a letter to ministry, every kid writes a letter to their dad. You seal it in an envelope, their dad. You seal it in an envelope, their dad. You seal it in an envelope, and then it's held by the church, and and then it's held by the church, and and then it's held by the church, and then delivered to dads on Father's Day then delivered to dads on Father's Day then delivered to dads on Father's Day next year. And it becomes this next year. And it becomes this next year. And it becomes this year-over-year tradition. Why why why year-over-year tradition. Why why why year-over-year tradition. Why why why might this matter? These are the types might this matter? These are the types might this matter? These are the types of things that compound when they're of things that compound when they're of things that compound when they're given the time to actually given the time to actually given the time to actually simmer. simmer. simmer. And I think what this does for the And I think what this does for the And I think what this does for the person that receives the letter is person that receives the letter is person that receives the letter is it gives you fresh eyes and it gives you fresh eyes and it gives you fresh eyes and contextualizes just how fast kids grow. contextualizes just how fast kids grow. contextualizes just how fast kids grow. I was trying to clean up my iCloud Drive I was trying to clean up my iCloud Drive I was trying to clean up my iCloud Drive yesterday and I realized that for yesterday and I realized that for yesterday and I realized that for whatever reason I had stored a video of whatever reason I had stored a video of whatever reason I had stored a video of my daughter who's now 11 when she was in my daughter who's now 11 when she was in my daughter who's now 11 when she was in kindergarten. And it was like a a video kindergarten. And it was like a a video kindergarten. And it was like a a video that she must have wanted me to take to that she must have wanted me to take to that she must have wanted me to take to send to her teacher. Classic. And I was send to her teacher. Classic. And I was send to her teacher. Classic. And I was like, "Oh my gosh, my child is young like, "Oh my gosh, my child is young like, "Oh my gosh, my child is young here." And it was something I stumbled here." And it was something I stumbled here." And it was something I stumbled upon.

upon. upon. And it was a gift because again you're And it was a gift because again you're And it was a gift because again you're just so in the moment with parenting. just so in the moment with parenting. just so in the moment with parenting. The best way I've heard it described is The best way I've heard it described is The best way I've heard it described is like it's the longest shortest time. like it's the longest shortest time. like it's the longest shortest time. It's like in the moment it never ends. It's like in the moment it never ends. It's like in the moment it never ends. And then you look back and you're like, And then you look back and you're like, And then you look back and you're like, "Where did it go?" Right? We all know "Where did it go?" Right? We all know "Where did it go?" Right? We all know that feeling if we've if we've been if that feeling if we've if we've been if that feeling if we've if we've been if we are parents um in some respect. And we are parents um in some respect. And we are parents um in some respect. And so this basically breaks that time curse so this basically breaks that time curse so this basically breaks that time curse in a way where you break out of it. And in a way where you break out of it. And in a way where you break out of it. And I'm not sure speaking honestly I'm not sure speaking honestly I'm not sure speaking honestly how transcendent this is in a church how transcendent this is in a church how transcendent this is in a church service relative to like if they wrote service relative to like if they wrote service relative to like if they wrote the letters the week before. Sure. the letters the week before. Sure. the letters the week before. Sure. >> And read them the week later, right? But >> And read them the week later, right? But >> And read them the week later, right? But the idea of like a time capsule, even if the idea of like a time capsule, even if the idea of like a time capsule, even if it is just a year, has some type of it is just a year, has some type of it is just a year, has some type of potency that is unique potency that is unique potency that is unique the longer that time horizon grows. the longer that time horizon grows. the longer that time horizon grows. >> Yeah, and it gives your children's >> Yeah, and it gives your children's >> Yeah, and it gives your children's ministry ministry ministry leaders a free activity to do. leaders a free activity to do. leaders a free activity to do. And you can force attendance by saying And you can force attendance by saying And you can force attendance by saying you won't get this letter you won't get this letter you won't get this letter unless you come to Father's Day next unless you come to Father's Day next unless you come to Father's Day next year. year. year. All right, idea number three. We've got All right, idea number three. We've got All right, idea number three. We've got one story in multiple parts. We're all one story in multiple parts. We're all one story in multiple parts. We're all familiar with the idea of like testimony familiar with the idea of like testimony familiar with the idea of like testimony videos, right? So, let's imagine it's videos, right? So, let's imagine it's videos, right? So, let's imagine it's Father's Day and Alex records a Father's Day and Alex records a Father's Day and Alex records a 60-second video. What's a rewarding time 60-second video. What's a rewarding time 60-second video. What's a rewarding time you've had as a dad? And he's like, "All you've had as a dad? And he's like, "All you've had as a dad? And he's like, "All right, I got 60 seconds." And he tells right, I got 60 seconds." And he tells right, I got 60 seconds." And he tells his story and I tell my story and you his story and I tell my story and you his story and I tell my story and you the listener you tell your story and we the listener you tell your story and we the listener you tell your story and we play these sprinkled throughout the play these sprinkled throughout the play these sprinkled throughout the service.

service. service. I was like, "What if we took a different I was like, "What if we took a different I was like, "What if we took a different approach? approach? approach? We're going to tell just the listener's We're going to tell just the listener's We're going to tell just the listener's story." Okay? There's someone listening, story." Okay? There's someone listening, story." Okay? There's someone listening, their name's Caleb. We're going to tell their name's Caleb. We're going to tell their name's Caleb. We're going to tell just Caleb's story. just Caleb's story. just Caleb's story. And we're going to tell it in multiple And we're going to tell it in multiple And we're going to tell it in multiple parts. And so like every good story, parts. And so like every good story, parts. And so like every good story, it's going to have, let's say, three it's going to have, let's say, three it's going to have, let's say, three acts. There's going to be the opening acts. There's going to be the opening acts. There's going to be the opening incident, there's going to be the incident, there's going to be the incident, there's going to be the problem that cannot be overcome, and problem that cannot be overcome, and problem that cannot be overcome, and then there's going to be the resolution. then there's going to be the resolution. then there's going to be the resolution. And the way that this is going to be And the way that this is going to be And the way that this is going to be sewn through the service is that we're sewn through the service is that we're sewn through the service is that we're going to kick off, and we're going to going to kick off, and we're going to going to kick off, and we're going to hear Caleb's story, and he's going to hear Caleb's story, and he's going to hear Caleb's story, and he's going to talk about it on video. talk about it on video. talk about it on video. And then we're going to go to the second And then we're going to go to the second And then we're going to go to the second act, and maybe someone is telling the act, and maybe someone is telling the act, and maybe someone is telling the story on Caleb's behalf, or back in story on Caleb's behalf, or back in story on Caleb's behalf, or back in video again. video again. video again. And then the third act, Caleb comes on And then the third act, Caleb comes on And then the third act, Caleb comes on stage, and he like shares the final bit stage, and he like shares the final bit stage, and he like shares the final bit of the story. of the story. of the story. I think if you do this with an older I think if you do this with an older I think if you do this with an older individual, it has even potentially individual, it has even potentially individual, it has even potentially greater relevance, because the older greater relevance, because the older greater relevance, because the older individual who has been seasoned in the individual who has been seasoned in the individual who has been seasoned in the faith and has weathered life's storms faith and has weathered life's storms faith and has weathered life's storms has a greater vantage point and has a greater vantage point and has a greater vantage point and authority to speak to, like, yes, that authority to speak to, like, yes, that authority to speak to, like, yes, that was a difficult season. Yes, this was a difficult season. Yes, this was a difficult season. Yes, this problem seemed insurmountable at the problem seemed insurmountable at the problem seemed insurmountable at the time. Yes, here I am.

time. Yes, here I am. time. Yes, here I am. I am a testament to God's faithfulness. I am a testament to God's faithfulness. I am a testament to God's faithfulness. What it allows us to do, what it allows What it allows us to do, what it allows What it allows us to do, what it allows you to do when you break it up into you to do when you break it up into you to do when you break it up into multiple parts, multiple parts, multiple parts, is that you don't extinguish the feeling is that you don't extinguish the feeling is that you don't extinguish the feeling of the difficult season and immediately of the difficult season and immediately of the difficult season and immediately relieve it with victory, relieve it with victory, relieve it with victory, the way that you do if you compress the the way that you do if you compress the the way that you do if you compress the story. story. story. So, if Alex tells the story from stage, So, if Alex tells the story from stage, So, if Alex tells the story from stage, he's probably going to tell all three he's probably going to tell all three he's probably going to tell all three acts, like, do do do. Sure. But if we acts, like, do do do. Sure. But if we acts, like, do do do. Sure. But if we break it up, break it up, break it up, you end that inciting incident with you end that inciting incident with you end that inciting incident with well, what are you going to do? Like, if well, what are you going to do? Like, if well, what are you going to do? Like, if I ended the story and I was like, I ended the story and I was like, I ended the story and I was like, and I took my daughter out, and she was and I took my daughter out, and she was and I took my daughter out, and she was choking, and I saw the police officer, choking, and I saw the police officer, choking, and I saw the police officer, and and and to be continued. Like, you're like, to be continued. Like, you're like, to be continued. Like, you're like, okay, like, how does that resolve? okay, like, how does that resolve? okay, like, how does that resolve? And so, And so, And so, for the person sitting in the pews for the person sitting in the pews for the person sitting in the pews who has not had their difficult season who has not had their difficult season who has not had their difficult season resolved yet, resolved yet, resolved yet, it allows them to be seen in ways, it allows them to be seen in ways, it allows them to be seen in ways, and I think when it eventually and I think when it eventually and I think when it eventually crescendos into God's faithfulness, crescendos into God's faithfulness, crescendos into God's faithfulness, it allows you to believe that for it allows you to believe that for it allows you to believe that for yourself in a more, yourself in a more, yourself in a more, I'd say, like, genuine way, I'd say, like, genuine way, I'd say, like, genuine way, because because because it wasn't resolved instantly. Yeah.

it wasn't resolved instantly. Yeah. it wasn't resolved instantly. Yeah. Because you know, it's not being Because you know, it's not being Because you know, it's not being resolved instantly in my life. And I resolved instantly in my life. And I resolved instantly in my life. And I know that the the the compression of know that the the the compression of know that the the the compression of like 60 seconds to 60 minutes like like 60 seconds to 60 minutes like like 60 seconds to 60 minutes like doesn't seem like much, but doesn't seem like much, but doesn't seem like much, but when the real person walks on stage and when the real person walks on stage and when the real person walks on stage and they say yes, that that season was they say yes, that that season was they say yes, that that season was challenging and it lasted for x amount challenging and it lasted for x amount challenging and it lasted for x amount of time, but like God was faithful. I of time, but like God was faithful. I of time, but like God was faithful. I think that builds faith in a way that is think that builds faith in a way that is think that builds faith in a way that is distinct from a compressed story where distinct from a compressed story where distinct from a compressed story where it's bad to good it's bad to good it's bad to good in a minute. Totally. I think that's in a minute. Totally. I think that's in a minute. Totally. I think that's wonderful and I I think I'm thinking wonderful and I I think I'm thinking wonderful and I I think I'm thinking about kind of the broader context of about kind of the broader context of about kind of the broader context of curating a worship service from curating a worship service from curating a worship service from beginning to end. And in most churches beginning to end. And in most churches beginning to end. And in most churches on any given Sunday from the worship to on any given Sunday from the worship to on any given Sunday from the worship to maybe the announcements, the sermon, and maybe the announcements, the sermon, and maybe the announcements, the sermon, and then maybe if you meet for communion then maybe if you meet for communion then maybe if you meet for communion monthly or weekly or whatever, monthly or weekly or whatever, monthly or weekly or whatever, throughout the entire service you're throughout the entire service you're throughout the entire service you're kind of trying to kind of trying to kind of trying to thread the story of the gospel, right? thread the story of the gospel, right? thread the story of the gospel, right? You're trying to tell the story of the You're trying to tell the story of the You're trying to tell the story of the good news from beginning to end of your good news from beginning to end of your good news from beginning to end of your service. And by taking somebody's story, service. And by taking somebody's story, service. And by taking somebody's story, Caleb for example, Caleb for example, Caleb for example, and letting that be the thread and letting that be the thread and letting that be the thread throughout your service and linking throughout your service and linking throughout your service and linking maybe the theme of your your worship or maybe the theme of your your worship or maybe the theme of your your worship or uh one of the stories in your uh one of the stories in your uh one of the stories in your announcements or certainly the theme of announcements or certainly the theme of announcements or certainly the theme of your sermon, intermingling it with that your sermon, intermingling it with that your sermon, intermingling it with that story, not only do you get told and story, not only do you get told and story, not only do you get told and shown the story of the gospel, but you shown the story of the gospel, but you shown the story of the gospel, but you get to see get to see get to see the good news, the gospel story of Jesus the good news, the gospel story of Jesus the good news, the gospel story of Jesus in the life of somebody that you know in in the life of somebody that you know in in the life of somebody that you know in your community. It's not just holding up your community. It's not just holding up your community. It's not just holding up the scriptures and saying, "Here's the the scriptures and saying, "Here's the the scriptures and saying, "Here's the story of God." It's doing that and by story of God." It's doing that and by story of God." It's doing that and by weaving someone in your community, by weaving someone in your community, by weaving someone in your community, by weaving their real life story, their weaving their real life story, their weaving their real life story, their lived experience into that greater

lived experience into that greater lived experience into that greater telling, you get to see, "Oh, and in telling, you get to see, "Oh, and in telling, you get to see, "Oh, and in Caleb's life, and in your life, and in Caleb's life, and in your life, and in Caleb's life, and in your life, and in my life the story of God is also being my life the story of God is also being my life the story of God is also being written." So, I think there's great written." So, I think there's great written." So, I think there's great potential there. And I hope what you can potential there. And I hope what you can potential there. And I hope what you can see in all of these examples so far is see in all of these examples so far is see in all of these examples so far is how in a non-verbal way in a non-verbal way they are dismantling the idea of a they are dismantling the idea of a they are dismantling the idea of a caricature. Mhm. caricature. Mhm. caricature. Mhm. >> There's nothing about these that is >> There's nothing about these that is >> There's nothing about these that is cartoonish or uh trope-based. cartoonish or uh trope-based. cartoonish or uh trope-based. But we're also not calling that out in But we're also not calling that out in But we're also not calling that out in any way. It doesn't have to be text. any way. It doesn't have to be text. any way. It doesn't have to be text. It can be subtext that's being basically It can be subtext that's being basically It can be subtext that's being basically said via said via said via the ways that you're the ways that you're the ways that you're Yes. putting this on display. Yes. putting this on display. Yes. putting this on display. >> Yeah. Okay, here's our fourth fresh >> Yeah. Okay, here's our fourth fresh >> Yeah. Okay, here's our fourth fresh idea. It's a post-service steak barbe- idea. It's a post-service steak barbe- idea. It's a post-service steak barbe- No, no, no. It's the great No, no, no. It's the great No, no, no. It's the great >> The monster trucks are outside. >> The monster trucks are outside. >> The monster trucks are outside. Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. Sunday, Sunday, Sunday. >> the grandfather's blessing. >> the grandfather's blessing. >> the grandfather's blessing. Okay, so you know, you could do this in Okay, so you know, you could do this in Okay, so you know, you could do this in a number of different ways. Invite every a number of different ways. Invite every a number of different ways. Invite every grandfather to stand, pray a blessing grandfather to stand, pray a blessing grandfather to stand, pray a blessing over the dads. Again, this is an over the dads. Again, this is an over the dads. Again, this is an inversion of maybe what we normally do.

inversion of maybe what we normally do. inversion of maybe what we normally do. And anytime you invert something, what And anytime you invert something, what And anytime you invert something, what is this? This is the creative curveball is this? This is the creative curveball is this? This is the creative curveball in action. You do something a bit in action. You do something a bit in action. You do something a bit different and it allows people to see different and it allows people to see different and it allows people to see things differently because of it. things differently because of it. things differently because of it. We always honor dads. Here, we're We always honor dads. Here, we're We always honor dads. Here, we're allowing dads of dads to do the honoring allowing dads of dads to do the honoring allowing dads of dads to do the honoring and to do the blessing. What is such a and to do the blessing. What is such a and to do the blessing. What is such a common through-line of scripture? common through-line of scripture? common through-line of scripture? There's that generational blessing or There's that generational blessing or There's that generational blessing or the your generation and the generation the your generation and the generation the your generation and the generation after and the generation after. God's after and the generation after. God's after and the generation after. God's faithfulness seen through that and the faithfulness seen through that and the faithfulness seen through that and the faithfulness of the followers of Jesus faithfulness of the followers of Jesus faithfulness of the followers of Jesus that are walking that narrow path and that are walking that narrow path and that are walking that narrow path and then passing that on to their children then passing that on to their children then passing that on to their children who then themselves walk the narrow path who then themselves walk the narrow path who then themselves walk the narrow path and pass it on to their children and and pass it on to their children and and pass it on to their children and just the richness that comes from that. just the richness that comes from that. just the richness that comes from that. I think that this also allows every dad I think that this also allows every dad I think that this also allows every dad to see their future to see their future to see their future in a way where they can almost like in a way where they can almost like in a way where they can almost like forecast, okay, well done good and forecast, okay, well done good and forecast, okay, well done good and faithful servant looks a lot closer to faithful servant looks a lot closer to faithful servant looks a lot closer to that than where I am right now. that than where I am right now. that than where I am right now. The grandfathers are alive. Yeah, so The grandfathers are alive. Yeah, so The grandfathers are alive. Yeah, so they haven't reached that point. they haven't reached that point. they haven't reached that point. But you're seeing, okay, look, But you're seeing, okay, look, But you're seeing, okay, look, if I put if I put if I put in the work now to stay close to Jesus in the work now to stay close to Jesus in the work now to stay close to Jesus and to live the life that I know he's and to live the life that I know he's and to live the life that I know he's calling me to live, on the other side I calling me to live, on the other side I calling me to live, on the other side I can get to that.

can get to that. can get to that. And that can be encouraging in and of And that can be encouraging in and of And that can be encouraging in and of itself in a moment where things are a itself in a moment where things are a itself in a moment where things are a little bit trickier. I I don't know if little bit trickier. I I don't know if little bit trickier. I I don't know if this is like just my my circle. I have this is like just my my circle. I have this is like just my my circle. I have like seven friends. So, I don't always like seven friends. So, I don't always like seven friends. So, I don't always get maybe the broadest sample size of get maybe the broadest sample size of get maybe the broadest sample size of things. But, like virtually every one of things. But, like virtually every one of things. But, like virtually every one of my friends is in a place with young my friends is in a place with young my friends is in a place with young kids. And I distinctly remember kids. And I distinctly remember kids. And I distinctly remember them before that and now with that. And them before that and now with that. And them before that and now with that. And I'm like slightly different because I I'm like slightly different because I I'm like slightly different because I had a kid like way before them, but I had a kid like way before them, but I had a kid like way before them, but I also didn't have a second kid when all also didn't have a second kid when all also didn't have a second kid when all they did. So, like I'm kind of in it and they did. So, like I'm kind of in it and they did. So, like I'm kind of in it and I'm kind of not because I've only ever I'm kind of not because I've only ever I'm kind of not because I've only ever had like one young kid and they all had had like one young kid and they all had had like one young kid and they all had like two or more. like two or more. like two or more. And just like And just like And just like the weight on the shoulders of these the weight on the shoulders of these the weight on the shoulders of these guys and and the women as well, 100%. guys and and the women as well, 100%. guys and and the women as well, 100%. Um Um Um this is a Father's Day episode. The this is a Father's Day episode. The this is a Father's Day episode. The weight on like the brothers that I see weight on like the brothers that I see weight on like the brothers that I see that is distinct from 10 years ago. that is distinct from 10 years ago. that is distinct from 10 years ago. And even as I'm in it, the 3:30 wake-up And even as I'm in it, the 3:30 wake-up And even as I'm in it, the 3:30 wake-up call today, like understanding that this call today, like understanding that this call today, like understanding that this is a temporary season is a temporary season is a temporary season and I might feel tired and I might feel and I might feel tired and I might feel and I might feel tired and I might feel like a little bit less optimistic about like a little bit less optimistic about like a little bit less optimistic about what's possible. I might have less what's possible. I might have less what's possible. I might have less bandwidth because I have other needs in bandwidth because I have other needs in bandwidth because I have other needs in my life that have to be met.

my life that have to be met. my life that have to be met. But, this is also temporary and But, this is also temporary and But, this is also temporary and irrespective of all of those things, I irrespective of all of those things, I irrespective of all of those things, I am called to be faithful to the mantle am called to be faithful to the mantle am called to be faithful to the mantle and the responsibilities in front of me. and the responsibilities in front of me. and the responsibilities in front of me. And sometimes just like seeing that in And sometimes just like seeing that in And sometimes just like seeing that in somebody else who's walked that and gone somebody else who's walked that and gone somebody else who's walked that and gone ahead of you ahead of you ahead of you is the example. is the example. is the example. Crazy thing happened not too recently. A Crazy thing happened not too recently. A Crazy thing happened not too recently. A human ran under 2 hours in a marathon. human ran under 2 hours in a marathon. human ran under 2 hours in a marathon. Crazier thing happened. Another human Crazier thing happened. Another human Crazier thing happened. Another human did it in the exact same race. So, all did it in the exact same race. So, all did it in the exact same race. So, all of human history, no one has ever broken of human history, no one has ever broken of human history, no one has ever broken it. it. it. And then in one race, it was broken by And then in one race, it was broken by And then in one race, it was broken by two guys. And the guy that finished two guys. And the guy that finished two guys. And the guy that finished third, if I don't have this incorrectly, third, if I don't have this incorrectly, third, if I don't have this incorrectly, broke the world record himself. Didn't broke the world record himself. Didn't broke the world record himself. Didn't break 2 hours, but he would have had the break 2 hours, but he would have had the break 2 hours, but he would have had the world record 2 hours before. world record 2 hours before. world record 2 hours before. Why? Because and this was the same with Why? Because and this was the same with Why? Because and this was the same with the 4-minute mile. When you see someone the 4-minute mile. When you see someone the 4-minute mile. When you see someone do it, you're like, "Okay, it can be do it, you're like, "Okay, it can be do it, you're like, "Okay, it can be done." When no one had done it, the done." When no one had done it, the done." When no one had done it, the prevailing wisdom was it cannot be done. prevailing wisdom was it cannot be done. prevailing wisdom was it cannot be done. And that's the craziest thing. I think And that's the craziest thing. I think And that's the craziest thing. I think it was Henry Ford who was attributed it was Henry Ford who was attributed it was Henry Ford who was attributed with this quote like whether you believe with this quote like whether you believe with this quote like whether you believe it or not, it's true. Like, whether you it or not, it's true. Like, whether you it or not, it's true. Like, whether you believe you can do it or believe you believe you can do it or believe you believe you can do it or believe you cannot do it, it's true. Um and this cannot do it, it's true. Um and this cannot do it, it's true. Um and this isn't about self-belief. This is about isn't about self-belief. This is about isn't about self-belief. This is about seeing the faithfulness of others and seeing the faithfulness of others and seeing the faithfulness of others and then letting that build faith in then letting that build faith in then letting that build faith in yourself to fulfill what you were called yourself to fulfill what you were called yourself to fulfill what you were called to do.

to do. to do. >> Totally. And we we cite the um Fuller >> Totally. And we we cite the um Fuller >> Totally. And we we cite the um Fuller Youth Institute a lot on this show Youth Institute a lot on this show Youth Institute a lot on this show talking about their research on growing talking about their research on growing talking about their research on growing young and how churches that are growing young and how churches that are growing young and how churches that are growing are disproportionately prioritizing are disproportionately prioritizing are disproportionately prioritizing young people and that's good and that's young people and that's good and that's young people and that's good and that's true. What an opportunity here for you true. What an opportunity here for you true. What an opportunity here for you to acknowledge the elders in your to acknowledge the elders in your to acknowledge the elders in your community. It's good and right and it's community. It's good and right and it's community. It's good and right and it's good for your church, the growth of your good for your church, the growth of your good for your church, the growth of your church, the health of your church to church, the health of your church to church, the health of your church to disproportionately prioritize young disproportionately prioritize young disproportionately prioritize young people. That cannot come at the expense people. That cannot come at the expense people. That cannot come at the expense of neglecting or forgetting the older of neglecting or forgetting the older of neglecting or forgetting the older folks in your community. So, what an folks in your community. So, what an folks in your community. So, what an opportunity to have them stand? Again, opportunity to have them stand? Again, opportunity to have them stand? Again, the visibility thing to for the room to the visibility thing to for the room to the visibility thing to for the room to see them and acknowledge them and see see them and acknowledge them and see see them and acknowledge them and see the what it looks like to be on the last the what it looks like to be on the last the what it looks like to be on the last leg of a really successful race. leg of a really successful race. leg of a really successful race. Acknowledge them, honor them, let them Acknowledge them, honor them, let them Acknowledge them, honor them, let them pray for you, you pray for them. You pray for you, you pray for them. You pray for you, you pray for them. You know what song to sing if you're doing know what song to sing if you're doing know what song to sing if you're doing this. It's the blessing by Kari Jobe. this. It's the blessing by Kari Jobe. this. It's the blessing by Kari Jobe. And um Your children. And um Your children. And um Your children. >> E- Exactly. >> E- Exactly. >> E- Exactly. >> Your children. >> Your children. >> Your children. >> Just Just know we don't need um batons >> Just Just know we don't need um batons >> Just Just know we don't need um batons for props. Just keep the batons. We for props. Just keep the batons. We for props. Just keep the batons. We don't need to simulate passing the don't need to simulate passing the don't need to simulate passing the baton.

baton. baton. >> proverbial baton, but it's actually not >> proverbial baton, but it's actually not >> proverbial baton, but it's actually not proverbial, it's physical. proverbial, it's physical. proverbial, it's physical. Leave the props at home lest you end up Leave the props at home lest you end up Leave the props at home lest you end up on that Instagram account, Pastors with on that Instagram account, Pastors with on that Instagram account, Pastors with Props. Props. Props. >> of track and field metaphors today. >> of track and field metaphors today. >> of track and field metaphors today. Marathon, the 4 by 1. Marathon, the 4 by 1. Marathon, the 4 by 1. All right, this last fresh idea is All right, this last fresh idea is All right, this last fresh idea is pretty risky. Mm. Can be risky. The pretty risky. Mm. Can be risky. The pretty risky. Mm. Can be risky. The anonymous dad survey. So, 2 weeks before anonymous dad survey. So, 2 weeks before anonymous dad survey. So, 2 weeks before Father's Day, you can send a Father's Day, you can send a Father's Day, you can send a one-question anonymous survey. Every one-question anonymous survey. Every one-question anonymous survey. Every dad, simple question, what's one thing dad, simple question, what's one thing dad, simple question, what's one thing you wish you wish you wish our church understood about being a dad our church understood about being a dad our church understood about being a dad in this season. You can read whatever in this season. You can read whatever in this season. You can read whatever ones you like. ones you like. ones you like. >> isn't what's one thing that you wish the >> isn't what's one thing that you wish the >> isn't what's one thing that you wish the church could be doing better, okay? church could be doing better, okay? church could be doing better, okay? That's where it would be risky. We're welcoming your feedback, dads. We're welcoming your feedback, dads. More steak. OH MY GOSH. More steak. OH MY GOSH. More steak. OH MY GOSH. SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY. SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY. SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY. UH I think that this is valuable because UH I think that this is valuable because UH I think that this is valuable because it provides an outlet for dads to share it provides an outlet for dads to share it provides an outlet for dads to share something. Anonymous is is key here something. Anonymous is is key here something. Anonymous is is key here because because because I think a burden a lot of dads feel, not I think a burden a lot of dads feel, not I think a burden a lot of dads feel, not saying it's a bad one by the way, is saying it's a bad one by the way, is saying it's a bad one by the way, is that hey, that hey, that hey, my voice should be heard last. Mhm.

Like Like my spouse has needs, my children have my spouse has needs, my children have my spouse has needs, my children have needs, needs, needs, my church has needs, my church has needs, my church has needs, my community has needs. my community has needs. my community has needs. I have needs. I'm not pretending they I have needs. I'm not pretending they I have needs. I'm not pretending they don't exist, but my needs should come don't exist, but my needs should come don't exist, but my needs should come last. That is part of what being a dad last. That is part of what being a dad last. That is part of what being a dad and being a man is all about. and being a man is all about. and being a man is all about. The amount of times I have had to stifle The amount of times I have had to stifle The amount of times I have had to stifle tears on this freaking episode. Like I tears on this freaking episode. Like I tears on this freaking episode. Like I did not expect it to be so emotional. did not expect it to be so emotional. did not expect it to be so emotional. So, this is like just like a rare time So, this is like just like a rare time So, this is like just like a rare time to have an outlet to be like, you know to have an outlet to be like, you know to have an outlet to be like, you know what? Yeah, it is hard. And here's what? Yeah, it is hard. And here's what? Yeah, it is hard. And here's something that like I didn't expect. And something that like I didn't expect. And something that like I didn't expect. And here's something I don't think a lot of here's something I don't think a lot of here's something I don't think a lot of people see because part of your needs people see because part of your needs people see because part of your needs going like being taken care of last, and going like being taken care of last, and going like being taken care of last, and this is why having like a close group of this is why having like a close group of this is why having like a close group of friends and people that are trusted is friends and people that are trusted is friends and people that are trusted is so good because there's something so good because there's something so good because there's something honorable about like putting the needs honorable about like putting the needs honorable about like putting the needs of others ahead of your own of others ahead of your own of others ahead of your own as long as your needs are being like as long as your needs are being like as long as your needs are being like well taken care of because if they're well taken care of because if they're well taken care of because if they're not, you can neglect them for a certain not, you can neglect them for a certain not, you can neglect them for a certain amount of time, but eventually that amount of time, but eventually that amount of time, but eventually that neglect will turn into something neglect will turn into something neglect will turn into something destructive. That's not honorable. destructive. That's not honorable. destructive. That's not honorable. That's not like, oh, I'm just like, you That's not like, oh, I'm just like, you That's not like, oh, I'm just like, you know, suffering well. Like well, no, know, suffering well. Like well, no, know, suffering well. Like well, no, that's not fully true.

that's not fully true. that's not fully true. So, this provides that outlet. So, this provides that outlet. So, this provides that outlet. What does it do from stage? What does it do from stage? What does it do from stage? A story that maybe almost never gets A story that maybe almost never gets A story that maybe almost never gets heard heard heard gets heard. gets heard. gets heard. And for the dads that are doing this and And for the dads that are doing this and And for the dads that are doing this and are trying to do it honorably, are trying to do it honorably, are trying to do it honorably, they get that just bit of relief of they get that just bit of relief of they get that just bit of relief of like, hey, you are seen. We understand like, hey, you are seen. We understand like, hey, you are seen. We understand that this is what it means to be in this that this is what it means to be in this that this is what it means to be in this season. season. season. And And And praise God for you. praise God for you. praise God for you. And maybe that becomes the sprinkler And maybe that becomes the sprinkler And maybe that becomes the sprinkler promo at the end. By the way, if you're promo at the end. By the way, if you're promo at the end. By the way, if you're not in community as a dad, here are all not in community as a dad, here are all not in community as a dad, here are all the different ways that you can be in the different ways that you can be in the different ways that you can be in our church. our church. our church. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. There is There is There is something about something about something about you know, as the pastor and the you know, as the pastor and the you know, as the pastor and the preacher, the person who predominantly preacher, the person who predominantly preacher, the person who predominantly has the microphone, has the microphone, has the microphone, any good pastor or preacher is often any good pastor or preacher is often any good pastor or preacher is often telling stories, anecdotes, and there's telling stories, anecdotes, and there's telling stories, anecdotes, and there's there's a there's a there's a a very sensible kind of temptation to a very sensible kind of temptation to a very sensible kind of temptation to tell stories that position yourself as tell stories that position yourself as tell stories that position yourself as the protagonist, the protagonist, the protagonist, you know, and you know, and you know, and >> We're all the hero in our own stories.

>> We're all the hero in our own stories. >> We're all the hero in our own stories. Sure, and you want to make a good Sure, and you want to make a good Sure, and you want to make a good illustration, you don't want to get up illustration, you don't want to get up illustration, you don't want to get up there and talk about all the times there and talk about all the times there and talk about all the times you're missing the mark all the time. you're missing the mark all the time. you're missing the mark all the time. That does That's not a good That's not a That does That's not a good That's not a That does That's not a good That's not a good sermon illustration. good sermon illustration. good sermon illustration. >> Well, I did it again, church. >> Well, I did it again, church. >> Well, I did it again, church. But there's something But there's something But there's something so powerful here so powerful here so powerful here about the idea about the idea about the idea that someone's someone else's story can that someone's someone else's story can that someone's someone else's story can be shared be shared be shared um that is outside of the the kind of um that is outside of the the kind of um that is outside of the the kind of framework of like me sharing my story framework of like me sharing my story framework of like me sharing my story with you as the pastor trying to make an with you as the pastor trying to make an with you as the pastor trying to make an illustration about connecting it to the illustration about connecting it to the illustration about connecting it to the scripture we're talking about today, but scripture we're talking about today, but scripture we're talking about today, but taking this anonymous taking this anonymous taking this anonymous feedback, these anonymous um sentiments feedback, these anonymous um sentiments feedback, these anonymous um sentiments and stories, and giving visibility, and stories, and giving visibility, and stories, and giving visibility, giving giving voice to those in the giving giving voice to those in the giving giving voice to those in the context of like the church community. Um context of like the church community. Um context of like the church community. Um I I think I've I've said it multiple I I think I've I've said it multiple I I think I've I've said it multiple times on this episode today, but I times on this episode today, but I times on this episode today, but I again, I think there's like really great again, I think there's like really great again, I think there's like really great potential with that simple act of like potential with that simple act of like potential with that simple act of like telling somebody else's story, and telling somebody else's story, and telling somebody else's story, and because it's anonymous, it's a story because it's anonymous, it's a story because it's anonymous, it's a story that very likely wouldn't get told any that very likely wouldn't get told any that very likely wouldn't get told any under any other circumstance from the under any other circumstance from the under any other circumstance from the stage. Maybe peer-to-peer, someone's stage. Maybe peer-to-peer, someone's stage. Maybe peer-to-peer, someone's best friend may maybe they'd have the best friend may maybe they'd have the best friend may maybe they'd have the courage to share that, but because it's courage to share that, but because it's courage to share that, but because it's anonymous, anonymous, anonymous, that story may may under no other that story may may under no other that story may may under no other circumstance get shared, and so to be circumstance get shared, and so to be circumstance get shared, and so to be able to open that up to the room able to open that up to the room able to open that up to the room and amplify that story, that voice, and amplify that story, that voice, and amplify that story, that voice, those stories, those voices, those stories, those voices, those stories, those voices, um yeah, I think there's great potential um yeah, I think there's great potential um yeah, I think there's great potential there for there for there for the story of Jesus to do the the grace the story of Jesus to do the the grace the story of Jesus to do the the grace of God to do its work, to meet people of God to do its work, to meet people of God to do its work, to meet people where they're at um for the other men, where they're at um for the other men, where they're at um for the other men, the other parents in the room who find

the other parents in the room who find the other parents in the room who find you know, camaraderie with that story you know, camaraderie with that story you know, camaraderie with that story and receive the grace of God through and receive the grace of God through and receive the grace of God through that story being told. I like that's that story being told. I like that's that story being told. I like that's that's that's that's that feels really meaningful to me as a that feels really meaningful to me as a that feels really meaningful to me as a as a pastor who's looking to take care as a pastor who's looking to take care as a pastor who's looking to take care of everyone in the room. of everyone in the room. of everyone in the room. To all the dads listening, stay To all the dads listening, stay To all the dads listening, stay faithful, man. faithful, man. faithful, man. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. Stay faithful. Stay faithful. Stay faithful. When it's not easy, When it's not easy, When it's not easy, when it is easy, when it is easy, when it is easy, stay faithful. It's going to be worth stay faithful. It's going to be worth stay faithful. It's going to be worth it. it. it. >> Thank you for your time, attention, and >> Thank you for your time, attention, and >> Thank you for your time, attention, and trust trust trust before I break into tears. We'll talk to before I break into tears. We'll talk to before I break into tears. We'll talk to you next week. Comment fresh and we'll you next week. Comment fresh and we'll you next week. Comment fresh and we'll send you a coupon for 10 free HelloFresh send you a coupon for 10 free HelloFresh send you a coupon for 10 free HelloFresh meals. The kicker is you have to meals. The kicker is you have to meals. The kicker is you have to subscribe for 13 years for HelloFresh to subscribe for 13 years for HelloFresh to subscribe for 13 years for HelloFresh to get your free meals.