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 - 00:00
Discovering Kinsman - 02:00
The Concept of Harvest and Seasonality - 08:00

The Role of Vulnerability in Community - 15:00

Understanding Seasonality in Life - 22:00
The 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

Have you ever felt like God was trying to get your attention? This week, He spoke to me through a camp full of mentors, a local card shop, and one joy-filled grandpa who reminded me what really matters. In this episode, we reflect on the beauty of slowing down, prioritizing people over projects, and finding God in unexpected places.

--

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

We were created for connection, but somewhere along the way, many of us lost it.

Let's talk about the journey toward healing, vulnerability, and being fully known.

If you're longing for deeper connection with God, your family, or yourself, this one's for you.

--

--

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

You won’t produce what you say.
You’ll produce who you are.

You want kids who love Jesus, walk in truth, and live with character? The call is to be that man yourself.

More smoker. Less microwave.
Actions over words.

--

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

Do you love me enough to wound me? 

Do I love you enough to wound you? 

I'm afraid wounds from a friend are necessary in helping me become all I can be.

Tune in to hear more...

--

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

The man you’re becoming is shaped by the men you surround yourself with.

Every summer, I make a ten-hour drive to sit with three men who remind me of the kind of man I want to be... full of faith, courage, and fire for the Lord.

No sermons. Just stories, prayer, and presence. And somehow, it always changes me. 

Listen to learn more. 

--

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

"Without faith it's impossible to please God."

Here's an encouragement to live a life of faith. One that requires you to depend on the Lord, not yourself.

--

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

I have been thinking a lot about the power of brothers. Of friendship.

Why it is so ridiculously difficult to have friendships?

Being a good friend seems to take just as much work as being a good husband and father.

Is it worth it? 

I think it is. 
--

Tim Keller Sermon: Friends - What Good Are They? - https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/friends-%E2%80%93-what-good-are-they-open-forum/

--

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. 
www.raisingupfathers.com

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. 

www.raisingupfathers.com

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. 

www.raisingupfathers.comwww.raisingupfathers.com

Chapters:
Preston Reece Spoken Word: Starts at 1:21
John Williams Prayer: Starts at 6:32
Steve Allen Share: Starts at 12:10
Michael Birkland Intro: Starts at 15:52
Don Finto Main Session:  Starts at 19:30