Rites of Passage for Boys with Tim Wright

Listen now using the player below, or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Breaker, Overcast, Pocket Casts, RadioPublic, or Google Podcasts.

Even if you've only been a dad for a day, you know that raising kids is one of the most rewarding experiences of humanity. As a dad, raising girls is amazing, and there's a special bond between a father and his little girl. Raising boys, on the other hand, is unique. We're raising future men, and men have a unique place in our society.

Men called to lead. We're called to serve. We're called to be reliable, courageous, and the head of the household. Obviously, women can be all of those things, too. Still, it's undeniable that these are responsibilities that God has placed on the shoulders of men. And as dads, we're responsible for training up our young boys to embrace these ideals. It's our responsibility to ensure our boys are equipped to live them out. For millennia, one of the tools mankind has used to prepare boys for various stages of adolescence and manhood has been the rite of passage.

Tim Wright

Tim Wright

My guest today is Tim Wright, an expert and best-selling author on the topic of rites of passage. Tim is a husband, father, grandfather, and ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since 1984.

Since 2006, Tim has worked with Dr. Michael Gurian on the issues of boys and girls. They have created several rites of passage programs, and they travel the country presenting a one-day seminar called The Helping Boys Thrive Summit.

Key Points:

  • How Tim became interested in rites of passage

  • What is a rite of passage?

  • Why a rite of passage is still important today

  • Ideal ages to initiate rites of passage

  • How to start a rite of passage

  • And much more

Connect with Tim Wright

Tim’s website: timwrightministries.org

Tim and Michael’s website: wonderofparenting.com

The Wonder of Parenting Podcast

Tim on Facebook

Tim on Twitter

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

If you liked today’s message, leave a rating and review in iTunes? This helps people find the show and it gets our message in front of more men like yourself.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

If you’re looking for encouragement, support, guidance, and accountability from other like-minded men, then I’d like to invite you to join our free and private Facebook Group. The men here are doing more than just talking about being better husbands and fathers—they’re actually doing it. And they can help you as well.

OTHER EPISODES
Breaking Free from Addictive Screens // with Doug Smith
Breaking Free from Addictive Screens // with Doug Smith

Most of us are UNINTENTIONAL with screens, but the architects within the tech industry intentionally make their content distracting, manipulative, and addictive. My conversation with Doug Smith, author of the best-selling book [UN]INTENTIONAL, shows how our obsession with screens can take us to places we regret. And in his book, he unpacks a biblical approach to breaking free from our addiction to screens. This conversation, and Doug’s book, are essential tools for men as we strive to lead ourselves and our families with integrity and intentionality.

Read More →
How to Get Unstuck In Life // with Joe Prim
How to Get Unstuck In Life // with Joe Prim

I talk to so many men who feel stuck in life, which seems to be a growing problem in our society. If you feel stuck, for whatever reason, then this episode might be for you. My guest in this episode is Joe Prim, the author of OPEN: Six Life-Changing Principles. In this conversation, Joe unpacks these principles and clarifies why we get stuck and how we can get unstuck utilizing his six life-changing principles.

Read More →
Why Improved Fitness Will Level Up Your Entire Life // with Jordan Miller
Why Improved Fitness Will Level Up Your Entire Life // with Jordan Miller

Men today face many challenges, including depression, apathy, and a general lack of purpose, arguably resulting from the soft lifestyles we have the luxury of living in our modern age. To compensate and reclaim key components of masculinity, men must replace physical work once associated with survival with physical training at home or in the gym. In this episode, my guest, Jordan Miller of Run2Gun, helps me break down the many benefits of physical fitness. We talk about the importance of having a growth mindset, how improved fitness leads to better performance, and how the discipline we develop in the gym bleeds into every area of life because training is a metaphor for life.

Read More →
Talkin' Politics and Religion Without Killin' Each Other // with Corey Nathan
Talkin' Politics and Religion Without Killin' Each Other // with Corey Nathan

Humanity seems to have devolved when it comes to our ability to have difficult conversations. Nowhere is this more apparent than when we talk about politics and religion. Today, my guest is Corey Nathan, host of the podcast Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other. In this episode, Corey shares his experience growing up in a Jewish household and how he navigated difficult conversations with his family when he became a born-again Christian. He also shares insight from his ongoing theological studies and training and discusses how we as Christians can and should approach difficult conversations while exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.

Read More →
Discovering Jesus as the Standard for Masculinity // with Josh Khachadourian
Discovering Jesus as the Standard for Masculinity // with Josh Khachadourian

As society attempts to redefine manhood, many men grapple with life's challenges, not knowing that Jesus provides a plan for life while also setting the standard for manhood. This episode features Josh Khachadourian, author of the book The Standard: Discovering Jesus as the Standard for Masculinity. In our conversation, we unpack Josh's book and discuss how men can take dominion in life with Jesus as the standard for our masculinity.

Read More →
Being A Solopreneur and Creating the Life You Want // with Gabe Nelson
Being A Solopreneur and Creating the Life You Want // with Gabe Nelson

I know many men who dream about starting their own business, but entrepreneurship—or solopreneurship—comes with many challenges. Today's guest is Gabe Nelson. He specializes in helping people overcome the challenges of business ownership and master their finances along the way, helping them create the life they want for themselves and, potentially, generations to come. If you're hungry to carve out your own path in life, then do not miss this conversation.

Read More →
Learning to Walk On Water One Step At A Time // with Griffin Coiner
Learning to Walk On Water One Step At A Time // with Griffin Coiner

Have you ever felt called to something but found yourself unable to make the leap of faith necessary to make your dream a reality? Perhaps you’ve been unable to discern if your vision aligns with God’s plan for your life? Or, maybe you’re tired of living life on your terms but unsure of how to put God in charge? If you can relate to any of this, then this episode is for you.

Read More →
Change Your Habits & Change Your Life // with Mark Henderson
Change Your Habits & Change Your Life // with Mark Henderson

In this first episode of my fourth year podcasting, I talk about why I needed to take a break from the show, the process of returning, and, more importantly, what I hope you all can learn from my experience.

Read More →
The Purpose and Power of the Holy Spirit // with Bruce Blumer
The Purpose and Power of the Holy Spirit // with Bruce Blumer

There are a lot of misconceptions about the Holy Spirit that can cause us to miss out on experiencing a life of greater purpose. As leaders in our homes, we need to understand who the Spirit is and his role in our families' lives. Join me and my guest, Bruce Blumer, as we unpack his new book Mighty Winds and Gentle Whispers: The Purpose and Power of the Holy Spirit. If you're looking for a practical resource on how to develop a closer relationship with God, based on biblical knowledge and backed with inspirational stories, you'll want to tune in.

Read More →
Inside the Fight Against Human Trafficking // with David Zach
Inside the Fight Against Human Trafficking // with David Zach

There are few things more grotesque and evil than the exploitation of women and children for sexual gain. Sadly, there's an entire industry devoted to it, fueled by the insatiable sexual appetites of men around the world. David Zach, the lead singer/songwriter for the band Remedy Drive, joins the show to talk about his role with The Exodus Road, a counter-trafficking organization committed to cracking down on the criminal networks responsible for trafficking women and teenagers around the world. This is a problem created by men, and it will require good men like David Zach to step up and take action if we hope to bring it to an end.

Read More →
Chasing the God-Given Gift of Masculinity // with Cody Bobay
Chasing the God-Given Gift of Masculinity // with Cody Bobay

Few men have embraced their call to chase God’s gift of masculinity, quite like my guest, Cody Bobay. As the author of the renowned men’s book Soulcon Challenge, Cody is passionate about developing a warrior class of Christ-like men. Today, Cody is the founder and CEO of Gibborim Studios, a film company dedicated to bringing the lives of Old Testament warriors to life. Join us as we dive into all aspects of Biblical masculinity and the dangers of today’s popular (fake) masculinity that so many men are buying into. If you’re serious about further developing yourself as a man of and for God, this is a must-listen.

Read More →
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Political Distractions
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Political Distractions

Between what we see happening overseas, economic unknowns, COVID-related policies that impact our way of life, and much more, there are plenty of things that can consume a man’s thoughts these days, especially when it comes to politics. I’ll be the first to raise my hand that I’ve been guilty. For many months, I have wrestled with an unhealthy amount of anger and frustration about what I see happening in the world around me, and I haven’t been afraid to share my opinions on social media (which is pointless). In fact, I have let my anger and my passionate love of country become an idol in my life, and I see it happening to Christian men everywhere. Join me and my co-host, Jacob Green, as we unpack this topic, what it can mean for your faith life, and some ways to right the ship before it’s too late. I’m committing myself to be better and I would like you to join me.

Read More →
Man's Resilient Warrior Spirit // with Colonel Robert Certain
Man's Resilient Warrior Spirit // with Colonel Robert Certain

My guest today is Colonel Robert Certain. As an Air Force pilot who was shot down over Vietnam and held as a POW until the end of the war, he can speak firsthand about how God works in people's lives during times of pain, what it means to be resilient, and how to develop a warrior spirit. In this episode, we unpack the Colonel's military experiences, his life after the war, what he's learned along the way, and how you can apply these hard-won lessons to your life.

Read More →
Five Essentials Every Man Must Possess to Change His World // with Jim Ramos
Five Essentials Every Man Must Possess to Change His World // with Jim Ramos

Our culture has redefined manhood, squeezing men into boxes that God never intended. But there is still honor in masculinity when we live life with integrity, caring, passion, courage, and strength—like God intended. These are the five essentials every man must possess to change his world, and the topic of Strong Men Dangerous Times, the latest book from Amazon #1 bestselling author, Jim Ramos.

Read More →
From Victim to Victor // with Victor Marx
From Victim to Victor // with Victor Marx

When life doesn't go your way, the worst thing you can do is feel down and develop a false victim mentality. In this brand new episode, I speak with Victor Marx, who knows firsthand what it's like to be an actual victim. Abused and tortured as a child, plagued by drugs and crime as a teen, he overcame through the discipline of military life and his faith in Jesus Christ. Today, he leads high-risk humanitarian efforts in some of the most dangerous corners of the world. Victor's message of faith, resilience, and overcoming incredible hardship should challenge everyone who hears his story to be better Christians, neighbors, parents, and people.

Read More →
Principles for Pursuing Your God-Given Potential // with Vaughn Kohler
Principles for Pursuing Your God-Given Potential // with Vaughn Kohler

Most men want to succeed, yet this desire can be fueled by our selfish ego or holy ambition. My guest today is Vaugh Kohler, and in his new book titled Sacred Drive, he explores the age-old question of Christian men: is it okay to be ambitious? This episode is packed with great insight and practical advice to pursue your God-given potential, not just for your gain but for God's glory and the good of the world.

Read More →
Tending the Fire of A Man's Heart // with Mike Yarbrough
Tending the Fire of A Man's Heart // with Mike Yarbrough

Society is in a downward spiral, and it's largely due to the lack of manhood found in our culture, but my guest today is working to change that. Today, I welcome back Mike Yarbrough, host of the Wolf & Iron Podcast and author of the new book Tending the Fire. In his book, Mike points out the problems we face as a society, and he provides fundamental principles every man needs to live by to feel alive and rekindle traditional manhood.

Read More →
Multi-Gen Family Teams - Part 2 // with Jacob Green
Multi-Gen Family Teams - Part 2 // with Jacob Green

In this episode, Jacob and I continue our discussion around multi-generational family teams, with an emphasis on developing a vision for not only your immediate family but also grandchildren. We also touch on the importance of marriage, the opportunities that are given to grandparents, and the implications of retirement on multi-generational family teams.

Read More →
Multi-Gen Family Teams - Part 1 // with Jacob Green
Multi-Gen Family Teams - Part 1 // with Jacob Green

Multi-generational families are not new. It's an ancient concept, yet much of Western society has abandoned the idea despite its clear benefits. Today's episode is an introductory conversation around this topic and features my son-in-law, Jacob Green.

Read More →
Leading Yourself & Your Family // with Dr. Anthony Randall
Leading Yourself & Your Family // with Dr. Anthony Randall

Most men strive to make an impact on the world around them, especially when it comes to leading our families. However, we must first be able to lead ourselves before we can expect to effectively lead anyone else. My guest today is Dr. Anthony Randall, a former Army Ranger and Special Forces chaplain turned executive leadership coach. He has extensive leadership experience, especially through the lens of faith and family. You do not want to miss this powerful episode!

Read More →
Men & Discipleship // with Dr. Jeremy Kimble
Men & Discipleship // with Dr. Jeremy Kimble

Men play a pivotal role in making disciples in the world, our inner circles, and most importantly, at home. This episode unpacks the call of discipleship and breaks down how we can create a disciple-making movement amongst men to impact our families, the church, and our communities.

Read More →
6 Things A Boy Needs from His Dad
6 Things A Boy Needs from His Dad

Our culture is facing some serious challenges, but we have an opportunity to get things back on track by raising a generation of boys who will grow to be strong, God-fearing men. This episode covers six things that our sons need from us today to become men capable of leading themselves, their families, churches, communities, and culture back to the things of God.

Read More →
GUT CHECK: 4 Steps to Improved Relationships
GUT CHECK: 4 Steps to Improved Relationships

Relationships are what we often struggle with most in life. If you find yourself with a strained or estranged relationship—whatever the reason—here are four ways to help you experience the kinds of relationships God has planned for your life.

Read More →