How A Few Simple Rules Have Shaped Jake Hartson's Parenting

DescriptionJake Hartson is a husband, father, veteran, and entrepreneur who recently transitioned into full-time ministry with Search Ministries, an organization that helps Christians and their friends give space to work through life’s biggest questionsHe shares the tension of “mission first, people always”—a military value he watched fail in ministry contexts where mission became an excuse to forsake loving people well. He opens up about fatherhood as his greatest challenge, the question “what does love require?” that guides his parenting, and why he wants his kids to inherit his curiosity and his wife Kinsey’s empathy. We discuss navigating transitions by starting with why, the hard work of setting boundaries after the military handed them to him for years, and how he’s learning that submission in marriage starts with leading well, not demanding compliance.Enjoy.Lessons from Jake Hartson“I’m willing to go, so why not me?” (9:18)The military gave him the discipline his chaotic mind needed. (13:29)Lead by influence when you can’t lead by authority. (14:17)Collaboration builds better plans—and better teams. (16:36)Training to think like the enemy makes you better at your mission. (21:16)“Mission first, people always” only works if people actually come first. (27:48)In most contexts, it should be “people first, mission always.” (31:05)Fatherhood is his greatest challenge because there’s no playbook. (32:13)“What does love require?” cuts through the complexity. (35:03)The early years are more formational than we realize. (35:52)Your parenting reveals itself in your kids—but you can’t always tell what’s you and what’s them. (37:12)The goal is a relationship that lasts beyond childhood. (38:48)Eye contact is the most important thing you can give young kids. (42:44)He wants his kids to have his curiosity and Kinsey’s empathy. (45:17)Start with why, then say no to everything else. (50:29) Get full access to Matt Heisler at mattheisler.substack.com/subscribe