Raising Up Ten Thousand Fathers

About Raising Up Ten Thousand Fathers

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.

Publisher

Zach Garza

Category

religion & spirituality · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Feb 2025

Latest episode

17 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Summit 2026: Attention is the Currency of Fatherhood // Brett Henry

   Today’s episode from Brett Henry is raw, holy, and deeply practical in the kind of way that sticks with you long after the audio ends. You’re going to hear a room full of men pursuing the heart of God together. You’ll hear prayer that honors legacy and calls out faithfulness. You’ll hear testimonies from men who have walked through the hardest seasons of their lives—near loss, financial stress, sin and confession, separation, and redemption—and you’ll hear what it looks like when brothers refuse to let another man walk alone. At the center of this episode is a simple, confrontational idea: attention is the currency of fatherhood. What you give your face to, you give your life to. In a world that is constantly bidding for your attention—your phone, work, noise, distraction—this conversation is a call back to presence. To turn your face toward God, toward your wife, toward your kids, and toward your brothers. If you’re tired, distracted, or carrying the weight of fatherhood and wondering how to do it well, this one is for you. Let’s jump in.

2. 

   17 Feb 2026

   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.

3. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Summit 2026: Our Days are Numbered // Brotherhood // Ben DuBose

   In today’s episode, you’re going to hear a message that is both sobering and deeply hopeful—because it starts with a reality we all feel: our days are numbered, and most of us won’t see every God-sized dream fully completed in our lifetime. You’ll hear reflections on the legacy of Steve Allen, the power of rest in spiritual warfare, and the call to finish well even when the story feels unfinished. Then the conversation turns to what may be one of the most overlooked keys to thriving in this generation: brotherhood. As the darkness grows darker, God is also maturing His people—raising up men who will shine brighter. And one of the most practical, biblical, time-tested ways to endure, heal, stay faithful, and step into your calling is to walk closely with brothers: men who pull you out of the foxhole, challenge you with truth, stand in the gap when you’re weak, and help you become who God created you to be. This episode isn’t just teaching. It’s an invitation. An invitation to stop doing life alone, to build the kind of relationships that keep you in the fight, and to believe that God can still launch you into the next season of your life—chosen, empowered, and commissioned.

4. 

   16 Feb 2026

   Summit 2026: Ten Things I Learned Through Being a Husband // Zach Garza

   From the 2026 Ten Thousand Fathers Summit. Today’s episode comes straight from the trenches of real life and real marriage. We’re talking about what it actually looks like to become a godly husband, not from a place of perfection, but from honesty, repentance, growth, and God’s faithfulness. You’ll hear powerful truths about dying to self, serving your wife like Jesus served the church, breaking fear and control, rebuilding connection, apologizing quickly, having fun again, and trusting God to do the work in your marriage that you never could on your own. This is a conversation for every man who wants a marriage that thrives, not just survives. Whether your relationship is strong, struggling, or somewhere in between, our prayer is that this episode challenges you, encourages you, and calls you higher in the most important relationship of your life.

5. 

   4 Dec 2025

   In Memory of Steve Allen

   Our good friend Steve Allen passed away on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025. We hope this podcast gives you a little encouragement as we honor the memory of this Man of God. Services are at 2pm on Jan. 3rd, 2026 @ Belmont Church off Music Square in Nashville, TN.

6. 

   25 Nov 2025

   13. What is Sonship? with Ben DuBose

   In this episode, we unpack the heart of Sonship—what it is, why it matters, and how it transforms every part of our lives as fathers and followers of Jesus. Sonship isn’t about performance, striving, or control—it’s about relationship, peace, security, and walking hand-in-hand with God as our Father. Zach and Ben discuss shares how their upbringing impacted his identity, and how discovering Sonship reoriented everything. We explore the contrast between living like a son versus living like an orphan—marked by fear, striving, and self-reliance. Through personal stories, biblical examples, and honest reflections, we’re invited to grow in Sonship through time with the Father, spiritual friendships, and learning to rest in His love—not for what we do, but for who we are. Sonship frees us. It reminds us who we are and whose we are. It changes how we lead, parent, serve, and live. -- 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

7. 

   10 Sept 2025

   13. Friendship and Brotherhood with Dr. Michael Boone

   On today’s episode of the You Can Mentor Podcast, we got Dr. Michael Boone of Waco, Texas and we’re talking about friendship—the real kind. The kind that takes intentionality, vulnerability, and a willingness to show up. You’ll hear how one man became known as a great friend, why he believes God designed us to need each other, and how a simple habit like sending a morning text turned into a lifeline for his community. We’ll unpack what Scripture says about brotherhood, the power of encouragement and accountability, and why so many men struggle to pursue meaningful friendships. If you’ve ever felt lonely or unsure how to build real connection, this episode will give you hope—and a few practical steps to get started. You weren’t meant to do life alone. Let’s talk about how to pursue the kind of friendship your soul is craving. -- 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

8. 

   22 Aug 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 - 00:00 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

9. 

   28 Jul 2025

   11. When People Matter More

   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

10. 

    17 Jul 2025

    10. The Journey Towards Connection

    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

11. 

    8 Jul 2025

    9. You Will Produce Who You Are

    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

12. 

    20 Jun 2025

    8. Wounds From a Friend

    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

13. 

    11 Jun 2025

    7. Surrounded by Godliness

    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

14. 

    2 Jun 2025

    6. How Do You Spell Faith?

    "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

15. 

    15 May 2025

    5. A Charge to Initiate, Build, and Engage with Your Band of Brothers

    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

16. 

    14 Feb 2025

    Summit 2024: Ben DuBose // Husband & Father

    www.raisingupfathers.com

17. 

    14 Feb 2025

    Summit 2024: Don Finto // Sonship + Preston Reece Spoken Word + Steve Allen

    www.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 Talk:  Starts at 19:30

18. 

    14 Feb 2025

    Summit 2024: Zach Garza // The Importance of Brothers

    www.raisingupfathers.com

19. 

    14 Feb 2025

    Summit 2024: Welcome // Ben DuBose, Zach Garza, Michael Allen, & Erik Presley

    www.raisingupfathers.com

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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