The Power of Intentional Parenting: Building Strong Families Together

Fathers In Christ

Jay Cookingham Bio:

I'm Jay Cookingham—an author, speaker, pastor, men’s ministry leader, and podcaster passionate about helping men discover their identity and purpose. I founded Strategic Fathering Ministries, a ministry dedicated to connecting men with a deeper relationship with Father God.

Through Strategic Fathering Ministries, my goal is to encourage, equip, and inspire men by sharing the insights of Scripture and my personal journey with Christ.

I wrote a 31-day devotional called Sonship: Restoring a Man's Identity and Purpose, a guide to understanding the Father-heart of God and embracing our identity as sons of God. In my book Uncaged: Living a Life of Freedom, I explore the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of releasing past hurts and bitterness. Through personal stories and practical insights, I provide tools for breaking free from the cages of unforgiveness and living a life of true freedom. I'm also the author of End of Year & New Beginnings: A 4-Week Reflection Guide and ROAR: Rise – Overcome – Advance – Rejoice, a daily journal for personal reflection. And just for fun, Bad Sheep: The Adventures of Lambo and Chop, a pun filled comic book.

My two-minute podcast, ManUp Moment, offers a quick dose of inspiration and encouragement for men who are looking to grow in their faith and walk in their identity as sons of God. Covering topics like relationships, purpose, and forgiveness, I share practical insights and biblical wisdom that men can apply to their daily lives. I also host The Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and Loss, providing conversations and encouragement for men processing grief.

Since January 2013, I’ve served as a pastor for the wonderful hearts of Bridge Builders Community Church in Hyde Park, NY.

I was born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, about 80 miles north of New York City, and I now live in Hyde Park, the former home of Franklin Roosevelt.

My late wife Christine and I were happily married for 37 years until she passed away in 2019. We have seven (yes, seven) children and one grandson (so far!).

My heart beats to see men grow spiritually and find true restoration, and I’m honored to share resources through my books and podcast to support men seeking to live fully and freely in their God-given identity and purpose.

Summary:

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jay Cookingham as we delve into the profound impact of fatherhood through the lens of faith and healing. Jay shares his journey of overcoming a painful past marked by abuse and the loss of his beloved wife, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness as a crucial first step toward personal growth and reconciliation. He illustrates how embracing one's identity as a child of God can transform lives and empower men to become strong fathers, mentors, and leaders. Throughout the discussion, we explore practical steps for maintaining meaningful connections with children and the significance of being fully present amidst life's distractions. This heartfelt dialogue serves as a reminder that every father matters and that through faith and intentionality, we can break the cycle of fatherlessness and create lasting legacies of love.

Show Notes:

The Fathers in Christ Podcast delves into the profound and often challenging theme of fatherhood through the lens of faith, purpose, and discipleship. Host Rob engages in an enlightening conversation with Jay Cookingham, a pastor and founder of Strategic Fathering Ministries, who shares his personal journey marked by resilience and transformation. The discussion opens with a candid reflection on the issue of fatherlessness—a pressing concern in today's society—and expands into the mission of empowering men to embrace their God-given roles as fathers and mentors. Jay draws from his rich experiences as a father of seven and as someone who has faced significant personal loss, having lost his wife to cancer. His insights emphasize the importance of building strong familial relationships and the necessity of understanding each child’s unique personality and needs, likening it to speaking different languages. Through heartfelt narratives, Jay illustrates how his own struggles with an abusive upbringing have shaped his approach to fatherhood, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness and the deep-rooted belief in one’s identity as a child of God.

As the conversation progresses, Jay elaborates on the concept of spiritual fatherhood, emphasizing that one does not need to have biological children to be a father figure in someone’s life. He recounts how mentors have played a pivotal role in his life, teaching him valuable lessons on manhood and faith. The episode also touches on the challenges fathers face in today’s culture, particularly the pervasive distractions of technology that can detract from meaningful family interactions. Jay encourages fathers to prioritize their relationships with God, their spouses, and their children, sharing practical strategies for creating genuine connections amid the chaos of daily life. By advocating for intentionality and active listening, he inspires men to step into their roles with confidence and compassion, fostering environments where love and faith can thrive.

The episode culminates in a powerful message about the legacies fathers leave behind. Jay shares that the greatest inheritance he wishes to pass on to his children is a deep love for God, coupled with the ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and integrity. Through his personal experiences of loss and redemption, he illustrates that healing is a continuous journey—one that requires courage, vulnerability, and a commitment to faith. This poignant discussion not only addresses the challenges of fatherhood but also affirms the profound impact fathers can have on their families and communities when they embrace their roles with sincerity and dedication. Jay's testimony serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking to break free from the cycles of pain and disappointment, encouraging them to trust in God's goodness as they forge their own paths of fatherhood and mentorship.

Takeaways:

• Fatherhood is a journey that requires intentionality, love, and a deep relationship with God.
• Forgiveness is essential for breaking the cycle of fatherlessness and healing from past trauma.
• Each child has a unique language, and it’s crucial for parents to learn it.
• Spiritual fatherhood can positively impact young people who lack a father figure.
• Investing quality time with children helps maintain strong individual connections with each of them.
• A strong legacy involves demonstrating unconditional love for God and your family.

Links referenced in this episode:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaycookingham/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/strategicfatheringministries/
• X - https://x.com/strategicdad
• Email - [e-mail]
• Website - https://strategicfathering.net/