In this episode, we navigate the emotional journey of fatherhood, from the initial excitement of expecting a child to the overwhelming sense of responsibility that comes with it. I share my personal story of preparing for the birth of my first child, reflecting on my own upbringing without a father figure and the anxiety that ensued. My friends Ben and Duce also share their own experiences — both the good and the difficult.
Reflecting on our fathers' influence, we discuss the balance of discipline and love that shaped our upbringing and how it has informed how we father our own children. We also explore the elements of fatherhood and parenting that are needed to raise a godly generation.
There is a critical importance of understanding fatherhood through scripture rather than cultural norms so we highlight how earthly fatherhood reflects God's design — we, as earthly fathers, have the privilege and responsibility to mirror God’s fatherhood. And by God’s grace we will be faithful to model that incredible reality.
Chapters
Navigating Fatherhood
Reflections and Legacy
Guiding Children With Discipline and Wisdom
Divine Model of Fatherhood
About the Hosts
Shai Linne (@shailinne) (Host) is an author and recording artist who has released numerous acclaimed Christian hip-hop albums. After completing a pastoral internship at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C., Shai co-founded Risen Christ Fellowship, an inner-city church in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA. As an author, Shai’s most recent book is The New Reformation: Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity (published in May 2021). Shai has been married to his wife Blair for 13 years. They have three children and live in Portland, OR.
Ben Otero (@benotero) (Co-host) is a senior web developer for a Church Plant Media, an organization that serves churches and missions organizations. Ben grew up in Tampa, Florida before moving to Philadelphia to study at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a degree in economics. In addition to being a student of hip-hop culture, Ben is an elder at Crown and Joy Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, where He lives with Jeraldine, his wife of 18 years, and their 8 children.
William “Duce” Branch (@ambassador215) (a.k.a. The Ambassador) (Co-host) is a pioneering Christian Hip-hop artist and professor. Duce served for over a decade as a co-founder and leader, and primary spokesperson for the nationally acclaimed Christian rap ministry, The Cross Movement. He also co-planted and co-pastored an urban church in North Philadelphia from 2004-2009. Duce is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where he also serves as an adjunct professor for the College at Southeastern. He and his wife Michelle have been married for 26 years. They live in Wake Forest, NC and have four children
Credits
Executive Producer - Thomas J Terry
Recorded By - Humble Beast
Additional Production Elements - Miguel A. Iniesta
Editing and Mixing by - The Good Podcast Co.
This season is brought to you by Brilliance Labs
