In this episode of Fatherhood Field Notes, Ned sits down with Chris McCall—worship leader, missionary, and instructor at YWAM Kona—for a deeply honest and faith-centered conversation about what it means to lead a family without relying on formulas.
Chris shares his unconventional journey from construction work and pastoring to raising support as a missionary, ultimately redefining what it means to provide as a father. Rather than tying provision to income, he reframes it as obedience to God, stewardship, and fruitfulness—trusting that when he follows faithfully, his family will be taken care of.
Throughout the conversation, Ned and Chris explore key tensions every father faces:
- Control vs. surrender — letting go of the need to “figure it all out” and instead walking in daily dependence
- Formulas vs. relationship — rejecting step-by-step parenting systems in favor of truly knowing and studying your wife and each child as individuals
- Protection vs. preparation — gradually giving kids real responsibility in safe ways so they grow into capable, confident adults
Chris offers a powerful framework for fatherhood: “The things I love, I study.” By learning each child’s unique interests and wiring, fathers can connect more deeply and lead more effectively.
The episode also dives into:
- Building emotional awareness in marriage (sometimes your wife needs a hug, not a solution)
- Breaking generational mindsets around money and identity
- Involving kids in your mission so family becomes a shared purpose, not separate lives
- Creating intentional rhythms of connection, both daily and over time
This is a conversation about leadership, humility, and intentional living—challenging fathers to move beyond default patterns and step into a more relational, purposeful, and spiritually grounded approach to raising their families.
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Check out Chris' music profile on Instagram and the web:
@chrismccallmusic
www.chrismccallmusic.com
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An epic experience for boys becoming men: Genesis by Rise Up Kings
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Each week Ned sits down with a dad and asks him to open up his field notes and share with other men who find themselves on the Adventure of Fatherhood. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!
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Rise Up Kings Genesis - a rite of passage experience for young men
This episode was brought to you by Genesis - a rite of passage for boys becoming men - by Rise Up Kings.
