When you’re an athletic coach, you also function in some ways as a pastor; when you’re a pastor, you also take on the role of a coach. Wren Aaron, who spent 25 years as a coach and public school teacher, and another 17 in ministry, has plenty of experience with the ups and downs of both. Currently the regional director of the Nations of Coaches athletics ministry, Wren talks with Nate Dewberry this week about the lessons he’s learned in both roles. He shares not only the leadership principles that have become guiding lights in his life and career, but also his thoughts on marriage and fatherhood, as well as maintaining bonds with other men that matter, whether we realize it or not.

Segments/chapters

0:00 Intro/Wren’s résumé

4:22 Wren’s history with basketball

10:02 Difficult periods on Wren’s spiritual journey

15:56 When someone you’ve invested a lot in makes the wrong choice

18:23 Reflections on marriage and fatherhood

24:26 Wren’s guiding principles of coaching and leadership

30:11 Maintaining relationships and accountability across different seasons of life

39:21 Closing thoughts

Visit The Redeemed's website for downloadable discussion question sets, show notes, inspirational articles, more resources, or to share your testimony.
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The Redeemed is an organization giving men from all backgrounds a supportive, judgment-free environment, grounded in Christian love without demanding participation in any faith tradition, where they can open up about their challenges, worries, and failures—and celebrate their triumphs over those struggles.

• Have a redemption story? Share your redemption story here.
• Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Email Nate@theredeemed.com

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When we first welcomed Chris and Karla Hines to The Redeemed Man two years ago, Chris, a former pastor and businessman, had just founded the Marriage in Focus ministry in Auburn, Alabama. Since then, Marriage in Focus has grown by leaps and bounds, Karla has joined the ministry full time—and they’ve celebrated 30 years of marriage. Chris and Karla talk with Nate Dewberry this week about what they’ve learned from guiding dozens of marriage retreats and what they share with those couples about communicating openly, “fighting fairly,” encouraging vulnerability—and keeping God at the center of it all.

Segments/chapters

0:00 Intro/A little bit of Chris and Karla’s backstory

4:19 The mission of Marriage in Focus and recent developments in the ministry

11:08 What MIF’s premarital counseling entails

18:34 How their counseling work has helped Chris and Karla’s marriage grow

24:55 Tips on “fighting fairly” and communicating well

31:09 How men can better articulate their true emotions in times of conflict

39:53 How women can encourage their husbands to be honest and vulnerable

48:22 Every couple’s situation is different—but God’s love is universal

53:53 Finding hope on the other side of infidelity and betrayal

Visit The Redeemed's website for downloadable discussion question sets, show notes, inspirational articles, more resources, or to share your testimony.
Join our Exclusive Newsletter: Signup today and be the first to get notified on upcoming podcasts and new resources!

The Redeemed is an organization giving men from all backgrounds a supportive, judgment-free environment, grounded in Christian love without demanding participation in any faith tradition, where they can open up about their challenges, worries, and failures—and celebrate their triumphs over those struggles.

• Have a redemption story? Share your redemption story here.
• Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Email Nate@theredeemed.com

Follow The Redeemed on Social Media:

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As a teenager, Austin Milster remembers that his faith was mainly about following rules and checking boxes. But his time in the Army prompted him to re-evaluate his life and invest in the search for a more meaningful relationship with Christ. This week, Austin covers a variety of topics in conversation with Nate Dewberry, from how our own upbringing can echo in the way we guide, encourage, and discipline our kids to resisting the pressure to put work before family, and what he’s learned as a leader of The Redeemed’s small online groups.

Segments/chapters

0:00 Intro/What does redemption mean to you?

3:02 Austin’s faith journey

6:08 The regular disciplines that have helped Austin find a more meaningful faith

9:58 How athletic activity can help us become mentally and spiritually stronger

14:22 Fatherhood and what it teaches us about ourselves

21:33 Walking the line between encouragement and discipline

27:36 Guiding principles for balancing work, marriage, and parenthood

33:39 What Austin’s learned from leading small groups at The Redeemed

41:35 Creating an environment where men are willing to be vulnerable

45:20 Closing thoughts: Advice for guys who feel lost

Visit The Redeemed's website for downloadable discussion question sets, show notes, inspirational articles, more resources, or to share your testimony.
Join our Exclusive Newsletter: Signup today and be the first to get notified on upcoming podcasts and new resources!

The Redeemed is an organization giving men from all backgrounds a supportive, judgment-free environment, grounded in Christian love without demanding participation in any faith tradition, where they can open up about their challenges, worries, and failures—and celebrate their triumphs over those struggles.

• Have a redemption story? Share your redemption story here.
• Interested in being a guest on our podcast? Email Nate@theredeemed.com

Follow The Redeemed on Social Media:

• Podcast
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Twitter