Unlock the power of authentic connection and spiritual restoration with Pastor Jovan Ruff on this episode of the Brave Men podcast. Together, we unpack the timeless parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 and explore how shallow relationships can derail our purpose. As a key voice at Free Chapel Spartanburg, Pastor Jovan brings wisdom and heart to the conversation, offering practical insight for men navigating brokenness, isolation, and spiritual warfare.

We also reflect on my personal journey—from battling addiction to rediscovering faith in Christ through the support of a small discipleship group called the Joshua Men. A defining moment came through the mentorship of Chris Atkins, who challenged me to grow as a husband and man of God. This episode shines a light on the power of godly community, accountability, and brotherhood. At the heart of our conversation is the liberating work of forgiveness. We examine how bitterness can distort identity—and how grace and healing can restore it. Through candid stories and biblical truth, this episode calls men to release the weight of the past, speak life over one another, and embrace the freedom found in God’s grace.

BraveMen is a production of the Christian Men’s Network—a global movement committed to defeating fatherlessness, ending child abuse, and raising up strong men of God. For tools to disciple your family, launch a men’s movement, or become the man God created you to be, visit https://CMN.men

(00:04) Men's Ministry and Fatherhood Discussion
(10:12) Impact of Male Mentors on Life
(23:49) Unleashing Forgiveness and Healing
(37:45) The Power of Words and Forgiveness
(44:50) Building Men Through Mentorship and Forgiveness

What does Noble manhood look like? Will it change things – or just add to the issues? Stephen Mansfield is a best-selling author and influential statesman. His counsel is sought by key leaders across the nations which has taken him from the halls of Washington to the shores of Tripoli. Stephen has answers. They’re not easy – it involves men accepting responsibility.
Stephen has written numerous best-sellers from Lincoln’s Battle With God to Mansfield’s Book of Manly Men. But success came from deep valleys of pain and perseverance. He’s open about what it takes to access great faith from deep hurts.
Mansfield has been in the warzones of the world – so he doesn’t mess around or speak lightly. It’s direct as dirt, but with a passionate desire to see men level up their lives in Christ. In a very open and free convo we discuss the cultural pressures young men face today—including the effects of toxic masculinity and cancel culture—and the urgent need for strong father figures and mentors.
It’s a fascinating time together as we journey from the streets of the American male to the mountains of the Kurdish men. BraveMen is a production of the Christian Men’s Network—a global movement committed to defeating fatherlessness, ending child abuse, and raising up strong men of God. For tools to disciple your family, launch a men’s movement, or become the man God created you to be, visit https://CMN.men

(00:04) Crisis of Manhood and Masculinity
(08:23) Redefining Masculinity for Young Men
(18:29) The Importance of Purpose and Adventure
(26:14) The Importance of Male Friendship
(33:04) The Kurdish Story
(45:56) Navigating the Trump Administration and Education
(52:22) Building a Culture of Noble Manhood

Today a motivating, encouraging conversation with you and host Paul Cole. A powerful word on our identity, purpose and value. The foundational story is from the renaming of Benjamin, Jacob’s son, and later the father of the twelfth tribe of Israel. That’s found near the end of the book of Genesis. When Jacob changed Benjamin’s name – everything in Benjamin’s life changed. It was the affirmation of his father that built the life of a great man – from the day of his birth forward.

In the tapestry of Scripture, names carry deep significance—revealing character, destiny, or God’s purpose. Few stories illustrate this with greater depth than the birth of Jacob’s youngest son, Benjamin. His mother, Rachel, was close to death when he was born. So, she named him Ben-oni or “son of my sorrow.” Later Jacob insisted on changing his name to Benjamin, or “son of my strength.” Rachel had named her son ‘Grief’ at the end of her life … but Jacob, the father, changed his name to ‘Strength’. This is what God does in our lives. Our name, identity, purpose and value are changed in following Jesus Christ.

In Christ we go from grief to strength, from dark to light, from death to life, from slavery to freedom. Jacob changed his son’s destiny by changing his name. This is a powerful time in the word with Paul, “That’s Not My Name!” 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

(00:05) Identity and Devotion in Christian Faith
(13:52) Father's Journey From Grief to Strength
(22:36) Embracing Your Identity in Christ