Fatherhood is a journey filled with challenges, joys, and countless opportunities to shape the next generation. In a recent episode of the Call with Dads podcast, Jonathan Jakubowski—a father, founder of Champions in Action, and advocate for faith and family—shared profound insights that resonate deeply with dads striving to lead their families with purpose. His story, rooted in a mission to serve fatherless children in Guatemala while balancing his own family life, offers valuable lessons for fathers everywhere. Here’s what we can take away from his experience and wisdom.
Jonathan emphasizes the concept of a “well-ordered soul” as the foundation for effective fatherhood. Drawing from both biblical wisdom and classical philosophy, he argues that aligning our lives with universal principles—what he calls “capital T Truth”—sets the stage for flourishing families. For dads, this means prioritizing personal integrity and spiritual growth.
“I have to be a man who follows God,” Jonathan says. “A man who walks with God. I have to be a man of the spirit and a man of the word.” He warns against being “anorexic” (neglecting Scripture) or “bulimic” (reading but not acting on it), urging fathers to embody obedience over mere knowledge. Practically, this translates to daily habits—reading the Bible, praying, and living out those values in front of our kids. When we model a life of purpose, our children see a roadmap to follow.
One of the most counterintuitive yet powerful takeaways from Jonathan’s conversation is the priority of marriage over parenting. In a culture that often chants “put the kids first,” he and the podcast crew—Tom, Mr. Pancakes, and E.A. Maynard—agree that a strong marriage is the bedrock of a thriving family.
“The idea that ‘we just have to put the kids first’ is fundamentally wrong,” Tom asserts. Jonathan echoes this, citing Scripture: “I have a responsibility to present my wife before the Lord, as a spouse washed by the water of the word.” Loving your wife sacrificially, as Christ loved the church, isn’t just a romantic ideal—it’s a practical strategy. When kids witness a united, loving partnership, they gain security and a model for their own future relationships.
Mr. Pancakes adds a relatable twist: “The moment I quit [negative habits], my marriage got inherently better.” Dads, this is a call to ditch distractions—whether it’s excessive drinking, pornography, or anything else—that erode your ability to love your spouse well. A strong marriage isn’t just for you; it’s for your kids too.
Jonathan’s journey with Champions in Action, a nonprofit impacting over 3,500 kids in Guatemala through soccer and mentorship, taught him the art of discernment. “Every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to a thousand other things,” he explains. This principle hit home when he stepped back from political activism in 2020 to focus on his family and business, ensuring he could be present for his pre-adolescent kids.
For dads, this means guarding your time fiercely. Saying “no” to late nights at the office or endless scrolling on your phone opens space for “yes” to coaching your kid’s team, reading bedtime stories, or simply being present. Jonathan ties this to a biblical parable: stewards who invest their talents wisely are entrusted with more. Find God’s assignment for you—your family, your community—and let that guide your choices.
Central to Jonathan’s approach is his unapologetic faith in Christ. Whether mentoring gang members in Guatemala or raising his own children, he sees a relationship with Jesus as the key to transformation. “You can’t have Christian outcomes without a heart that’s transformed into Christianity,” he says, reflecting on a period when Champions in Action drifted from its faith-based roots and saw diminished results.
For dads, this doesn’t mean preaching at your kids 24/7—Mr. Pancakes cautions against turning off TikTok-obsessed teens with heavy-handed evangelism. Instead, it’s about living your faith authentically. Jonathan’s story of a chaotic Guatemala soccer camp, where God’s presence turned moshing gang members into weeping believers, reminds us that transformation often starts with example, not exhortation.
When asked why he focuses on Guatemala rather than solely on America’s fatherlessness crisis (26% of U.S. kids grow up without dads, the highest globally), Jonathan points to a biblical mandate: “Before I pledge allegiance to the flag, I pledge allegiance to Christ.” He sees his calling as multi-layered—family first, then local community, then the world. This balance inspires dads to think beyond their own backyard without neglecting it.
Locally, Jonathan leads a fatherhood program and supports initiatives like LifeWise Academy, bringing faith into schools. Globally, he’s invested over 150,000 hours mentoring kids through Champions in Action. The lesson? Start where you stand—your home, your neighborhood—but don’t shy away from a broader vision if God calls you there.
Takeaways for Dads
Here’s how you can apply Jonathan’s insights today:
- Cultivate Your Soul: Spend time in Scripture and prayer. Your kids need a dad who’s grounded.
- Prioritize Your Wife: Date her, honor her, sacrifice for her. A strong marriage is your kids’ safety net.
- Say “No” Strategically: Protect your time for what matters most—your family’s not a side hustle.
- Live Your Faith: Show your kids what following Christ looks like, not just what it sounds like.
- Think Big, Start Small: Invest in your kids and community first, then see where God leads.
Jonathan’s story is a testament to the ripple effect of fatherhood done with intention. Whether you’re coaching a soccer team in Guatemala or tucking your kids into bed tonight, your role as a dad matters more than you know. As he puts it, “The greatest way to identify your calling is by finding God’s assignment for you.” So, dads—what’s your assignment today?
Find Jonathan on X (@jjakubowski) or LinkedIn, and learn more about his work at Champions in Action. Catch the full Call with Dads episode at callwithdads.com.
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