Raising Up Ten Thousand Fathers

Zach Garza

Welcome to the Raising Up Fathers Podcast. We are here to champion men to thrive in their four main roles: son, husband, father, and brother. Through testimonies and best practices. Our goal is to help you look a little more like Jesus in the areas that matter the most. Our vision is to raise up ten thousand fathers in the name of Jesus. You can find out more at raisingupfathers.com If what you heard today encouraged you, please share it with a friend.

  1. Feb 17

    Summit 2026: As For Me and My House, We Will Serve the Lord // Michael Birkland // Sonship

    In today’s episode, you’re going to hear a message that cuts straight to the foundation of everything we’re trying to build as men. We talk a lot about the four roles—son, husband, father, and brother—but underneath all of them is one question that determines whether we thrive or slowly fall apart: Who are you serving? Michael Birkland, brings a word that is both deeply personal and deeply prophetic. It starts with a simple declaration from Joshua 24: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” But it doesn’t stay theoretical. Michael takes us on a journey through legacy, family lines, and the quiet power of one person saying “yes” to Jesus—and how that single decision can redeem an entire lineage. Then the message turns inward. Because the greatest battles most of us will face are not “out there.” They are within. You’ll hear a striking picture of the world inside you—your mind, your strength, your emotions, and your heart—and what happens when the well meant for the Lord becomes crowded with other desires, pressures, and distractions. This episode is about spiritual warfare, but not the loud kind. It’s about the slow drift toward burnout, compromise, and trusting false promises of guidance, protection, and prosperity. It’s about reclaiming your heart as holy ground and learning how to rule the inner world before it rules you. And ultimately, it’s a call to respond. A line in the sand.A return to first love.A decision that says: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a hundred directions, spiritually tired, or hungry for deeper freedom and clarity, this episode is for you.

    43 min
  2. 08/22/2025

    12. Harvest, Seasonality, and Soil with Sam DeFord

    Join Zach Garza and Sam DeFord on the "Raising Up Fathers" podcast as they explore the profound themes of seasonality, soil, and spiritual growth. Discover how the concept of the Holy Gardener can transform your understanding of life's seasons and the importance of vulnerability and community in personal development. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that delves into the heart of what it means to live an integrated life, balancing faith, family, and personal growth. -- https://www.iamresolute.org/https://kinsmen.org/ --Sam DeFord is a pastor, biblical counselor, and spiritual formation leader bringing nearly two decades of ministry experience to Resolute BC. He earned a degree in Biblical Studies from Southwestern AG University and is currently completing his Master of Divinity at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Sam was one of three founding pastors of a church plant launched in 2010 in McKinney TX, where he spent over twelve years helping shape the church’s vision, spiritual formation, and discipleship culture. Throughout his years in pastoral ministry, Sam encountered the deep and complex needs of individuals navigating spiritual, emotional, and relational challenges. This experience led him to recognize the vital role of biblical counseling in the life of the Church—a form of soul care that speaks to the whole person. Out of this conviction, Sam has stepped more intentionally into the counseling arm of pastoral ministry, combining theology, spiritual formation, and emotional health into his work with individuals and families. Sam lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with his wife, Audrey, and their five young children—Flora, Freya, Winifred, Whitaker, and Ira. In the middle of raising kids, Sam continues to pastor, counsel, write songs and sermons, and invest deeply in the life of the local church. Sam speaks with a pastoral heart and a deep desire to see men formed in the love of Christ. --Introduction and Welcome - 00:00Discovering Kinsman - 02:00The Concept of Harvest and Seasonality - 08:00 The Role of Vulnerability in Community - 15:00 Understanding Seasonality in Life - 22:00The C.S. Lewis "Me Too" Moment - 30:00 Closing Thoughts and Poem - 38:00 -- Our hope is this gives you a vision for our Summit, and gives you a little taste of what to expect from Raising Up Ten Thousand Fathers. To learn more, or to facilitate a gathering like this in your community, please contact us.  For more information about Ten Thousand Fathers, please visit www.raisingupfathers.com Find us on instagram @raisingupfathers

    48 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Raising Up Fathers Podcast. We are here to champion men to thrive in their four main roles: son, husband, father, and brother. Through testimonies and best practices. Our goal is to help you look a little more like Jesus in the areas that matter the most. Our vision is to raise up ten thousand fathers in the name of Jesus. You can find out more at raisingupfathers.com If what you heard today encouraged you, please share it with a friend.