Advertise on podcast: Brave Men Podcast with Paul Louis Cole

Before ministry is a method or a message, it is brotherhood. Jesus called His disciples friends. Daniel stood with brothers. Strong men are not formed alone—they are forged in relationship with men who love God, love people, and refuse to leave one another behind. When we rescue men, we rescue families, we save the next generation. This episode is a challenge to get cranked up on our purpose and mission. Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). In our walk with the Lord, you don’t choose the mission—the mission chooses you. We speak life to dry bones, call men out of passivity, and help faithful men become disciple-makers who will raise up others. Pressure reveals what is inside a man, and when the Holy Spirit fills him, courage rises. At the center of it all is grace. Jesus pictured grace like a farmer throwing seed everywhere—you never know where it will land or what harvest it will produce. We are still on the mission God gave Adam, to tend the garden ... but today we are gardeners of the hearts of men: breaking hard ground, removing stones, pulling thorns, and cultivating hearts where God’s Word can grow. We work the soil. God brings the harvest. BraveMen is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global movement of men discipling men, serving on the ground in more than 100 nations. We believe strong men build strong families, strong churches, and strong communities. We are men on a mission—and that mission is Jesus. For resources to disciple men and strengthen families, visit CMN.men. 00:00 Introduction: Brotherhood and the Mission of Jesus 00:53 The Process of Discipleship: Becoming Like Christ 07:21 Christ the Center: Colossians 1 and the Power of Jesus 09:07 The Danger of Isolation: Elijah Under the Tree 12:07 From Slaves to Friends: Jesus and the Power of Friendship 14:30 Abraham and Lazarus: The Secret of Friendship with God 19:33 Christ Revealed is God Defined 20:47 The Parable of the Sower: Understanding the Seed 26:27 Our Mission: Tilling the Soil of Men's Hearts 28:40 The Gardener's Call: Making Every Man Good Soil

Mark Matlock is one of the most interesting men I’ve ever met. For decades, he has lived at the intersection of faith, culture, research, and the next generation. He doesn’t just study where culture has been—he pays attention to where it is moving. His groundbreaking work, including Faith for Exiles, has become a trusted sounding board for leaders across the spectrum of Christian ministry. Today on BraveMen, Mark brings that depth of insight into a powerful conversation about discipleship, culture, and what it means to build resilient faith in a rapidly changing world. Mark serves as a Senior Fellow at Barna and was Executive Director of Urbana 2025 for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He is a strategist, researcher, and facilitator who helps leaders turn information into action. Mark understands something every leader must understand: data can tell you where the river is flowing—but wisdom tells you how to cross it. He is also the founder of WisdomWorks, a consultancy helping churches and faith-based organizations uncover the wisdom already present in their people and turn it into innovation, clarity, and impact. His books include Digital Babylon, Faith for Exiles, and Faith for the Curious. This conversation is thoughtful, challenging, practical, and deeply hopeful. BraveMen is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global movement of men discipling men, serving on the ground in more than 100 nations. We believe strong men build strong families, strong churches, and strong communities. We are men on a mission—and that mission is Jesus. For resources to disciple men and strengthen families, visit CMN.men. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction: Mark Matlock on Faith and Culture 00:02:22 Technology Has Outpaced Theology 00:06:38 Digital Babylon: Living as Exiles 00:11:11 The Discipleship Crisis in the Church 00:14:12 The Spirit of a Father: Discipleship Through Relationship 00:17:53 Creating Trust Through Challenge 00:19:53 The Power of Small Groups and Havruta 00:24:23 Urbana and the Global Missions Movement 00:29:12 From Everyone to Everywhere: Modern Missions 00:35:42 Faith for the Curious: The 64 Percent 00:36:55 The Image of God in Broken Pieces 00:38:43 Christians Need to Experience More Too 00:44:02 The Best and Worst Time to Be Alive 00:51:33 Revival-Minded America: 80 Million Strong 00:53:43 Talking to Strangers: Opening Spiritual Conversations 01:06:13 Dunbar's Number and Your Mission Field 01:08:53 The Age of Amplification: Learning to Listen 01:09:50 Closing: Technology Serves the Gospel

The book of St. John is so much more than just a letter. It’s the eyewitness account of a man whose life was completely transformed by Jesus. John was a fisherman working the waters of ancient Israel when Jesus suddenly called him: “Follow Me.” John left his nets, stepped into the adventure, and for the next three years witnessed the extraordinary—miracles, confrontations, intimate conversations, the cross, the empty tomb, and the risen Christ. Years later, John wrote down what he had seen. The Gospel of John is deeply personal, rich with eyewitness detail and filled with moments we don’t find in Matthew, Mark, or Luke. John takes us behind the scenes. He lets us hear conversations, see encounters, and experience Jesus through the eyes of someone who knew Him, walked with Him, and loved Him. On this episode of Brave Men, Pastor Brandon Cole joins his father Paul Louis Cole to unpack the depth, beauty, and power of John’s Gospel—and what it reveals about Jesus for us today. Brandon is a gifted communicator and pastor of Gallery Church in Fort Worth, Texas, a vibrant community passionate about building lives full of faith, hope, and love—and presenting Jesus in a fresh and compelling way, on every street and in every heart. This is not simply a discussion about an ancient book. It is an invitation to encounter the Jesus that John could never forget. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men’s Network. CMN is based in Texas and serves men and families in more than 100 nations around the world. For resources to disciple men, strengthen families, and build a generation of courageous followers of Christ, visit https://CMN.men.

Tim Ross was an unsaved pastor's kid on the southside of Los Angeles when God arrested him before the streets could. Today he's a professional podcaster, social media influencer, author, preacher and businessman. His podcast, The Basement, has been seen and heard by millions around the world. This is Tim's story. A powerful, honest and transparent walk through one man's journey from southside to the largest platforms in the world. What does God do in a man's life that takes him from level to new level? How do we deal with the real pressures of loss and temptation and pain and the sense that God has something greater for you? Why did Tim leave a mega-church pulpit to risk the struggle of a daily podcast? All that and more on Brave Men today. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. Brave Men is a production of CMN, which is based in Texas and operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men(00:00) Tim Ross(12:58) Family Secrets and Healing Journeys(22:37) Journey to Faith and Ministry(30:25) Transition to Podcast Ministry(42:41) Vulnerability and Healing Through Podcasting(54:18) Navigating Marriage Challenges and Work-Life Balance(01:06:11) The Next Generation's Search for Truth(01:11:02) Wisdom and Choices for Men(01:23:37) Empowering Men With Brave Men Podcast

It's amazing how this man met Jesus Christ. You'll hear his remarkable story today. Walt Landers is a man who has has dedicated his life to serving God and leading men. But it wasn't always that way. Growing up in the wilds of West Texas, Walt had known hard work since he was a young man on a ranch and in construction. But after meeting Jesus he found his true calling in ministry and education.Dr. Landers serves as Lead Pastor of The Life Church in San Angelo and is the founder of Texas Leadership Public Schools in five major cities across Texas and growing. With over 4,000 students, hundreds of church members and over 500 staff, along with numerous civic and crisis management commitments, Walt is a recognized leader ... and a father in the faith for hundreds of leaders and pastors across the nations. With a deep commitment to improving lives, Walt's goal is to shape and mold the future leaders of tomorrow through quality education and leadership training. This is a global voice we can learn from, be challenged by and grow our lives as men.Brave Men podcast is sponsored by partners of the global Christian Men's Network. Brave Men Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. CMN has regional offices in Texas, Peru, Indonesia, Brazil and Uganda and is operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men(00:07) God's Transformation(12:03) Work as Worship(25:19) Faithful Work, Holy Sweat(38:39) The Rhythm of Work and Life(45:25) Finding Significance in Work and Rest

My friend Michael Bolton has a passion for the presence of God in business, in family life and in empowering leaders who make a difference. His real-world pursuit of God has stirred the hearts of thousands as a speaker, so many as a life-coach and his enthusiasm for following Christ lifts hope in the lives of every man he connects with. After having served for 25 years as a pastor and College instructor, Mike transitioned to full time teaching, coaching and training in the business and church setting and travels around the world. As a certified John Maxwell Executive Director and Coach, Mike utilizes the best proven & tested leadership material, to help individuals and businesses overcome challenges and grow in their impact & success. Mike has advanced degrees in both business and ministry and recently completed training as a certified Professional Director (Pro.Dir.). Mike ministers often alongside his wife Debbie (co-founder of Norwex) and they have three grown sons and five amazing grandchildren.These are the conversations on Brave Men that lift our hearts, help us trust in the Lord stronger and motivate us to love others. We are men on a mission and that mission is Jesus. For the tools and resources you need to disciple your family and the men of your community, go to https://CMN.men Brave Men podcast is sponsored by the worldwide friends of Christian Men's Network.(00:03) Holy Spirit Power and Anointing(12:21) Fire of God in Business Events(26:54) Renewing Minds Through Holy Spirit Power

After his five-year-old son was kicked out pre-school, Chris Harper had a word ... or two. My friend Chris Harper is a storyteller, he builds word pictures that we can touch and see and leads men into truth. Better known as "Harp" he serves as the CEO of BetterMan. A ministry equipping more than 2500+ churches and 300,000+ men across the U.S.So, what do you do when your little boy is told he can't stay in his pre-K classroom, and whatwas the egregious nature of his crime? Harp takes us on a journey that exposes the issues inculture today - one of which is "sociotropy."  This is an extraordinary conversation with a manthat is passionate about biblical manhood. Chris Harper speaks often on topics such as a man’s identity in Christ and the importance of being a gospel-centered husband and father. Chris received his Masters degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and his Doctorate from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Harp hits the issues with clarity today on the Brave Men podcast. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. Brave Men is a production of CMN, which is based in Texas and operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men(00:03) Men's Ministry and Sociotropy Discussion(07:34) Redefining Family and Fatherhood(17:02) Purpose and Identity for Young Men(25:58) Masculinity, Purpose, and Responsibility(37:59) Rediscovering True Masculinity and Conviction

Jeremy Stalnecker was at war. As commander of a counter-mechanized platoon providing navigation and lead security for the First Battalion in Operation Iraqi-Freedom he was in the middle of the action. Today he helps men heal the unseen wounds of combat. As CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, the actions he takes every day bring new life to hundreds of veterans and men who have been sidelined by the trauma and abrasions of battle.Post-traumatic stress has been a huge issue for many veterans and even those in active duty. Jeremy and his team at Mighty Oaks help bring the healing power of the Gospel to the hearts of men and women who have found new life and new direction because of this powerful ministry. After active duty in the Marines, Jeremy served as a pastor for over a decade and then became the CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation. This move brought together both his ministry experience and military background in a way that allows him to serve and minister to many hurting veterans, service members and their families.Brave Men podcast is sponsored by partners of the global Christian Men's Network. Brave Men Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. CMN has regional offices in Texas, Peru, Indonesia, Brazil and Uganda and is operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men(00:05) Personal Reflections on Military Service(14:11) Understanding Trauma and Moral Injury(28:24) Journey to Resilience and Faith(41:59) Global Movement of Christian Men

Joel Brooks is a contemporary philosopher and Christian practitioner. He deals with the hard issues of the streets and men's hearts. How do we reconcile compassion and security? Is the church sick or just in transition? Why is government and the church often at odds? Why is the world and much of the church so focused on style? In a fascinating and far-reaching conversation with Joel Brooks we hit on this and more.Joel states, "What determines wisdom is the success of the outcomes." Our friend Pastor Joel Brooks is a nationally known speaker, author, and the Senior Pastor of Stones Church, in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also the founder of Romantic Warrior Ministries. He is on the ministry board of CMN.Joel hits the issues with clarity today on the Brave Men podcast. Brave Men is hosted by Paul Louis Cole, president of Christian Men's Network. Brave Men is a production of CMN, which is based in Texas and operating on the ground in over 100 nations. For tools to disciple men and families go to https://CMN.men (00:03) Reconciling Compassion and Cultural Values(04:00) Identifying Antichrist Systems and Bondage(10:56) Maintaining Cultural Values and Wisdom(25:07) Kingdom Agendas and Covenant Communities(31:11) The Cup vs Substance Concept(42:51) The Power and Influence of Music(50:50) Shaping Culture Through Music and Faith

A powerful principle for successful men is, "Know your season." Success is not about the clock but organizing and controlling your participation in the events and seasons of life. It is about having a focus for the purpose of each minute. This is what we'll cover in-depth today on the Brave Men podcast. Jesus taught religious men in the synagogue, "You can tell the season on earth, you know when the rain is coming, but the true dimension you must have is the discernment to know the seasons of the spiritual." Join host Paul Cole for a revealing look at what it means to know your season. How to bring success into every season. When to plant, harvest and multiply.   Brave Men is produced by the Christian Men's Network. A global movement of men committed to defeating fatherlessness and raising up strong men of God. You can find tools for discipling men and your family at https://CMN.men (00:05) Navigating Seasons With Purpose(12:33) Seasons of Purpose and Wisdom(24:41) Navigating Life's Seasons With Purpose

Nick Caine is a modern-day abolitionist. He is the co-founder, with his wife Chris Caine, of the global anti-trafficking organization A21. With tremendous efficiency A21 is attacking the scourge of human slavery – an evil more prevalent today than at any time in human history. Through education, prevention, restoration and relocation they have saved the lives of thousands of victims. This is a brilliant conversation with a man who is changing the world through love and compassion.Nick’s wife Chris Caine has preached the gospel in front of millions of people around the world through their Equip and Empower ministry and acts as the Lead Advocate for A21. Nick manages the large-scale operations as the CEO and directs field operations in regions from Ukraine to Thailand and Greece to Cambodia. A21 is one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated solely to abolish slavery.Nick takes us through the gut-wrenching stories and the success stories – but also helps us discover how to handle the day-to-day pressure of high stress work. How to keep your edge amid chaotic environments.Someone you know needs to hear this story … please share it and subscribe. BraveMen is sponsored by the brothers and partners of the Christian Men’s Network worldwide. Now in over 100 nations CMN is relentless in the pursuit of training good fathers, building strong men and raising up a Godly next generation. For tools and resources to mentor men go to https://CMN.men (00:01) Faithly Stories Podcast With Rev. Johnson(10:06) Faith and Purpose in Various Spaces(20:58) Leadership Reflection

Demario Davis is one of the leading players in the National Football League. He’s a fierce and focused perennial All-pro linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. Now in his 14th year of playing football at the highest level, Demario is the quintessential professional – hard working and hard hitting.Demario is also hitting fatherlessness and urban issues in our culture with the same ferocity. He is the founder of Devoted Dreamers Foundation that inspires young men to live the life God intended for them. Davis grew up in one of the poorest regions of Mississippi, but he had a dream … play in the NFL. With tenacious hard work that dream came to pass. Today as a father and community leader Demario has a passion for young men to meet Jesus and to fulfill their destiny. This is a fascinating conversation with a remarkable man.Someone you know needs to hear this story … please share it and subscribe. BraveMen is sponsored by the brothers and partners of the Christian Men’s Network worldwide. Now in over 100 nations CMN is relentless in the pursuit of training good fathers, building strong men and raising up a Godly next generation. For tools and resources to mentor men go to https://CMN.men (00:02) From Troubled Past to NFL(06:40) Surrender and Transformation in the NFL(18:31) Faith, Family, and Resilience(25:36) Mentoring Youth for Future Success(34:46) Inspirational Journey to Success(41:17) Devoted Dreamers(50:31) Podcast Production and Inspiration

One of the most underrated men in the Bible is a man named Barnabas. He’s the man who believed in the terrorist Paul after his radical conversion, believed in John Mark after his failure and walked beside men to encourage their best life. He’s rarely mentioned ... but he helped change the world. Paul Andrew centers us on what it means to live a life that is truly selfless. Paul Andrew and his wife, the noted author and speaker Andi Andrew, moved from Australia almost 20 years ago to plant Liberty Church, New York City. It was always about helping people find Jesus. Today, having built a great team at Liberty, Paul has launched the Barnabas Network, bringing together a community of men in leadership. He is focused on helping Christian leaders deal with adversity, pressure and the need for brotherhood. Paul Andrew is a courageous man who will encourage your heart and give you stronger energy to go after your dreams as you help others find theirs. This is about becoming a Barnabas. Brave Men is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. CMN is a global brotherhood committed to defeating fatherlessness, ending child abuse and building valiant men. For tools to disciple men and your family – find them at https://CMN.men (00:00) Pioneering Churches and Hunting Adventures(06:21) Transitioning and Founding Beyond Pastoral Roles(12:36) Leadership Transition and Soul Care(24:17) Leadership and Soul Care(34:30) Fatherhood, Connection, and Leadership Transitions(41:32) Family Faith Legacy and Gratitude

Lt. Col. Oliver North (ret.) is a combat decorated U.S. Marine, #1 best-selling author, business owner, holder of three U.S. patents and well-known statesman. For seventeen years he was a syndicated columnist and host of “War Stories” on FOX.The only friend of Brave Men podcast that was targeted for assassination by Abu Nidal, Col. North is a man of courage and hope. He’s coordinated hostage rescues, headed up counter-terrorism teams, been wounded in war and leads men’s Bible studies in his hometown. He is a stalwart man.With all his accomplishments he says his greatest achievement is being “the God-fearing husband of one, father of four, and grandfather of eighteen.” Our powerful conversation was originally aired in 2020. We air it again now during the Fourth of July celebrations – because this is what a hero looks like.BraveMen podcast is a production of the Christian Men’s Network, based in Dallas, Texas. For resources to mentor your family or work in a men’s group – go to https://CMN.men (00:00) Honoring a Brave Marine Veteran(06:07) Empowering Men for Spiritual Growth(09:40) Navigating Life's Seasons(24:54) Serving and Honoring American Heroes(37:14) Transformative Encounter With Faith(51:46) Manhood, Leadership, and Faith(59:39) Inspiring Men to Live Biblically(01:06:46) Discovering Resources at CMNMen

Invest some time in an inspiring conversation with CMN President Paul Cole. Start cranking the fundamentals of becoming a champion. It’s doing the basics and doing them well over and over that creates a successful season … and a successful life in Christ.Building a life that overcomes adversity doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of determination and purpose and discipline. Using Maximized Manhood, the global best-selling book written by Paul’s father Dr. Ed Cole, as a guide we dive in to the basics of manhood. Read by over thirty million men in fifty languages MaxMan is the Biblically based fundamental roadmap to a resilient life.When a seed is put in the ground you don’t expect it to become dirt … and a man that is mentored in Christ, when he is put into culture, doesn’t become the culture. That’s why we’re passionate about discipling men. BraveMen is a production of the Christian Men’s Network. CMN is active in over 100 nations in the fight against fatherlessness and apathy - building strong men, strong families and strong churches. CMN resources help pastors and leaders disciple men. Access those resources at CMN.men(00:04) Back to Basics(12:24) The Pursuit of God's Presence(17:43) Path to Maturity and Maximized Manhood(22:50) Internal Battles and Heart Issues