✅ Why following Jesus is the most adventurous thing you'll ever do

✅ The often-overlooked power of physical touch with your kids

✅ How to build the deep brotherhood every dad desperately needs

✅ A game-changing challenge: Do for ONE kid outside your family what you do for your own

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SUMMARY

Imagine standing at the edge of a 30-foot-high dive over ice-cold water with your son watching from below. That terrifying moment of decision mirrors what it means to be a risk-taking dad in today's world. In this episode, Peter Ostapko from Kinsman shares the cliff-jumping story that changed how he parents, plus powerful insights on the gift of physical touch with your kids, the critical importance of being present, and why every dad needs deep brotherhood. You'll also hear an unforgettable challenge: do for one kid outside your family what you do for your own kids.

TAKEAWAYS

Following Jesus as a father is meant to be the most adventurous, risk-taking, beautiful journey—not boring or safe
Physical touch with your kids is a powerful gift that communicates love, safety, and connection in ways words cannot
Your presence as a dad matters more than you realize—availability beats ability every time
Deep friendships and brotherhood are essential for the fatherhood journey; isolation is the enemy
Challenge yourself to "do for one more kid" outside your family what you already do for your own kids
Being a sower and planting seeds means showing up consistently without always seeing immediate results
Don't place unrealistic expectations on your kids because you're trying to overcompensate for your own broken past
The Kinsman Journal helps fathers unlock the power of their story and create spaces for authentic connection

GUEST:

Peter Ostapko is a leader with Kinsman, an intentional men's ministry focused on faithfully demonstrating redemptive, Christ-centered brotherhood. Kinsman creates resources including publishing, podcasting, and gatherings to influence men toward authentic connection and purposeful living. Peter is also the creator of the Kinsman Journal, a beautiful resource designed to help men unlock the power of their stories. He's a husband, father, and passionate advocate for helping dads build deep friendships and lead their families with courage and intentionality.

LINKS:

Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome
Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618
Kinsman Ministry
The Kinsman Journal
Fathered by God by John Eldredge

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome & Introduction
02:53 - The Cliff Jumping Story: Taking Risks as a Dad
08:30 - Why Following Jesus Should Be Adventurous
15:45 - The Gift of Physical Touch with Your Kids
23:10 - Being Present: Your Availability Matters Most
30:20 - Deep Brotherhood and Why Dads Need Friendship
37:15 - The Kinsman Journal: Unlocking the Power of Story
42:00 - Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself
44:20 - The "Do for One More Kid" Challenge
46:17 - Peter's Prayer Over Dads
48:00 - Closing Thoughts & Resources

5 TOP QUOTES:

"Following Jesus is to be the most adventurous, risk-taking, frightening, wonderfully beautiful, dependent, abiding thing we'll ever experience in our life."
"The role of a father is the most important title, mantle, role you'll ever have in your entire life outside of being a spouse to your wife."
"Do for one kid outside of your kids what you do for your kids. Be intentional with them. Invite them into dinners and love on them. You never know what some of these kids are going through."
"We talk ourselves out of way too many things. God is on the other side saying, 'Listen, I got an adventure for you. Do you want to do this or not?' He doesn't force us. He invites us into it."
"Your presence matters more than you realize. Just being available for your kid—that's what matters most."

Mira Ungewitter, Pastorin